The United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has selected Raytheon to develop a sensing and targeting system to help defend commercial shipping and naval logistics vessels against emerging threats.
Raytheon’s Advanced Technology team will design, build and demonstrate a system that consists of Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors, detection software and command and control capabilities to enhance situational awareness and threat response.
The system, which is being developed for DARPA’s Pulling Guard programme, will deploy the sensors via a tethered drone connected to a semi-autonomous unmanned platform that is towed by commercial and naval logistics vessels. The sensors will provide real-time target tracking data to remote operators.
Phase one of the programme will focus on simulated engagements to evaluate system performance and operator workflows. In phase two, the system will transition to integrating operational launchers and effectors for live operations.
Beyond its primary focus of vessel protection, Raytheon says the technology has the potential to deliver broader capabilities across a wide range of naval and security operations.
For more information
Image: DARPA / Colie Wertz
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