The Naval Air Systems Command awarded Raytheon a $14.8 million contract to produce dual pod countermeasures dispensers for U.S. Marine Corps CH-53 heavy-lift helicopters. Raytheon Technical Services Company LLC (RTSC) will manufacture the units at its Indianapolis operation.
Aircrews will use the pods to dispense chaff and flares to counter incoming missiles. The dual pods will replace current single-pod dispenser systems on the aircraft, enhancing the protection provided to crews and passengers, Raytheon said.
"The CH-53 dual pod system will improve survivability of the aircraft in the combat zone," said Wayne Iurillo, RTSC vice president of customized engineering and depot support. "But most important, it will save lives of our warfighters."
Raytheon Company, with 2009 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 88 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 75,000 people worldwide.