Raytheon and L-3 complete second successful firing of TALON Rocket Remote Weapon System

Raytheon Company and L-3 demonstrated a second successful test of the TALON Rocket Remote Weapon System (TALON RRWS), an innovative and cost-effective defense solution for small vessel protection.

Raytheon's booth at EURONAVAL 2014

During the test, Raytheon and L-3 successfully launched a Raytheon TALON laser-guided rocket after the TALON RRWS received positioning information from a remote sensor. Illuminated by a laser designator on the weapon system, the TALON guided to a direct hit of a target. The test, held this summer, followed a proof-of-principal test in January.

The TALON was fired from a LAU-68 launcher fitted to L-3’s Advanced Remote Weapon Station, using the company’s O•N•E 360™ situational awareness imaging system, and Sonoma 1205MD™ turret for laser designation. TALON RRWS has equipment from L-3’s Integrated Optical Systems, Sonoma EO and KEO business units.

“This system represents an affordable and effective solution to the increasing demand for small ship protection from swarming surface threats,” said Rick Nelson, vice president of Raytheon’s Naval and Area Mission Defense product line. “Raytheon’s TALON, combined with L-3’s sensors and Advanced Remote Weapon Station, provides digital, semi-active laser accuracy that is available today.”

Designed to carry up to seven TALONs, the self-contained RRWS incorporates an electro-optical sensor and laser designator, together weighing about 500 pounds. It requires only a target queue to engage on-mount target tracking and can be integrated on ships ranging in size from riverine to major surface combatants.

“L-3 and Raytheon recognized that small ships need an affordable self-defense capability that also provides enhanced fire power,” said Dave Wessing, vice president and general manager of L-3 Integrated Optical Systems’ Brashear facility. “This innovative combination provides a cost-effective, lightweight solution that can be installed on the majority of small ships today.”

TALON is a cooperative development program between Raytheon and the United Arab Emirates. Its digital semi-active laser technology provides precision accuracy at low cost for 2.75-inch/Hydra-70mm rockets. TALON’s versatility allows for sea, air and ground launch applications. The compact and highly modular design of the optronic mast system 110 ensures ease of installation, integration and logistic maintainability. It distinguishes itself through its unique capability to conduct a 360° quick look around (QLR) in merely three seconds with a resultant panoramic view.
The OMS 200 sets itself apart through an enhanced stealth (visual, IR and radar) technology in a highly integrated compact design. Its optronics comprise an integrated sensor system made up of an HDTV day camera, a short wave infrared (SWIR) camera and an eye-safe laser range finder on a single line of sight.