Raytheon Company will serve as weapons integrator for Italian aircraft manufacturer Alenia Aermacchi, providing 31 months of engineering services support for integration of MK 54 and MK 46 torpedoes onto the Alenia Aermacchi ATR-72-600ASW maritime patrol aircraft.
Raytheon received a $5.7 million contract to support Alenia Aermacchi’s test, integration and qualification for the external carriage and tactical employment of the lightweight torpedoes. Alenia Aermacchi is the prime contractor on the Meltem III contract under which it is obligated to provide ATR-72-600ASW aircraft to the Turkish Navy.
“This international partnership takes advantage of Raytheon’s deep knowledge of aircraft weapons integration, including the Raytheon-designed MK 54 and MK 46 torpedoes,” said Dr. Thomas R. Bussing, vice president of Advanced Missile Systems at Raytheon Missile Systems. “Raytheon engineers are known worldwide for their expertise and will strive to be valuable team members on this co-development effort.”
The MK 54 and MK 46 can be deployed from a surface ship, helicopter or fixed wing aircraft to track, classify and attack underwater targets. The ATR-72-600ASW is designed for patrolling, rescue, sea and coastline protection from security and environmental threats.