Raytheon Tests Excalibur's Ti OBR

SOCORRO, N.M., July 21, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) tested a new low-cost titanium base (Ti) and on-board recorder (OBR) for the Excalibur precision-guided artillery projectile during a June 13 test firing. The test firings are part of Raytheon Missile Systems' pre-contract preparation for the Excalibur Ib development award. The firings demonstrated the effectiveness of the low-cost Ti design and validated the use of an OBR and telemetry unit. "The Ti base was a key element in the proposal Raytheon submitted to the U.S. Army on May 7 because it lowers the cost of gun-fired precision projectiles," said Steve Bennett, director of Raytheon's Excalibur program. "A Ti base offers increased reliability with fewer parts, simpler manufacturing, and compatibility with the Army's 155 mm Excalibur projectile."... [read full story]