US Navy Completes Raytheon Laser-guided Maverick Testing

Wednesday, Jan 25, 2012

The U.S. Navy completed developmental and operational testing (DT/OT) of the newest variant of the Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) laser-guided Maverick missile. This brings U.S. Sailors and Marines one step closer to conducting airborne precision engagements of rapidly moving targets in urban environments.

"In numerous conflicts, Maverick has proven its effectiveness against ships, tanks, fast moving vehicles and fortified personnel," said Harry Schulte, vice president of Raytheon Missile Systems' Air Warfare Systems product line. "With the completion of DT/OT, Raytheon can begin producing and delivering this highly accurate weapon to the U.S. and coalition warfighter."

During four DT/OT tests, Navy and Marine Corps aviators fired four AGM-65E2 laser-guided Maverick missiles at moving and stationary targets from F/A-18C/D Hornets, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and AV-8B Harriers. During one particularly challenging test, an AGM-65E2 was fired from a Harrier and accurately guided to a rapidly moving target via the laser designator of an AH-1Z Viper helicopter.

Source: Raytheon