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France Awards Raytheon Contract For Enhanced Paveway II
Tucson AZ (SPX) Feb 07, 2008 The government of France awarded Raytheon a direct commercial sales contract Jan. 18 worth $22 million for the combat-proven Enhanced Paveway II (EP2) dual- mode GPS/laser-guided precision munition and weapons integration for the French Air Force's Mirage 2000D fighter aircraft. Raytheon's Paveway II (P2) laser-guided smart bombs already equip the Mirage 2000D, which supports U.S. and other NATO forces in Afghanistan. EP2 first achieved initial operational capability on the French Navy's Super Etendard fighter aircraft in 2007, which also benefited the French Air Force. The contract calls for Raytheon to provide the French Air Force with upgrade kits to convert 500-pound P2 laser-guided bombs into the more capable dual-mode GBU-49 and includes additional options for more EP2 systems. The GBU-49 is a precision weapon that has been extensively employed by U.S. and allied forces in both Afghanistan and Iraq. EP2 is already in operational use on several other U.S. and NATO military aircraft including the French Navy's Super Etendard. "EP2 gives our French operators a true all-weather precision-attack capability," said Commander Yann de Champsavin, French Navy program officer. "EP2 matches real affordability with unrivalled standoff range, accuracy and reliability. That is why EP2 is a clear weapon of choice for our Air Forces." "France is a highly valued member of a rapidly growing number of global partners in the Enhanced Paveway program," said Ricky Freibert, director of Raytheon's Paveway program. "Raytheon's international investments continue to drive down cost for future and existing customers while greatly enhancing interoperability between militaries." Enhanced Paveway II is an affordable all-weather dual mode GPS/laser- guided precision munition that has successfully been used in combat by the U. K.'s Royal Air Force during Operation Southern Watch and Operation Enduring Freedom. Related Links The latest in Military Technology for the 21st century at SpaceWar.com
Production Begins On First F/A-18F Super Hornet For Royal Australian Air Force
Amityville NY (SPX) Feb 07, 2008Northrop Grumman has begun production of major structural components for the first F/A-18F Super Hornet strike fighter aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). On Feb. 5, GKN Aerospace-Monitor, a premier supplier to Northrop Grumman, began machining the first wing bulkhead, one of three titanium bulkheads that hold the F/A-18 wings in place. The government of Australia is purchasing 24 F/A-18Fs from the United States in the first international procurement of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. |
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