Raytheon Awarded $23 Million for Ship Self-Defense System

TEWKSBURY, Mass. --- Raytheon Company received a $23 million U.S. Navy contract to serve as the platform systems engineering agent for the Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS). This is the first step toward a base year with options years through fiscal year 2012 platform systems engineering agent contract.>> As PSEA, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems will manage the integration of capability upgrades into various aircraft carrier and amphibious ship combat systems while providing continued support for fielded systems. Services will include platform systems engineering, configuration control, testing, training, and logistics.>> This contract will expand SSDS open architecture installations to include CVN 78, America's next-generation aircraft carrier; the newest Tarawa-class ship (LHA 6); and the Whidbey Island class (LSD). Raytheon will also integrate the Zumwalt-class destroyer's Dual Band Radar onboard CVN 78.>> "SSDS is an open architecture solution that leverages our expertise and advanced technologies to provide critical situational awareness and proven self-defense capabilities to the U.S. Navy," said Raytheon IDS' Robert Martin, vice president and deputy of Seapower Capability Systems. "With this contract, we will expand our role and support to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of the Navy's surface fleet.">> Raytheon's Ship Self-Defense System is an open, distributed combat management system for carriers and expeditionary warfare ships. It is designed to expedite the detect-to-engage sequence to defend against anti-ship cruise missiles. SSDS links and automates standalone sensors and weapon systems to provide the required combat reaction.