Raytheon to develop telemetry system for US Navy’s new Range Support Aircraft

The US Navy has contracted Raytheon to develop a new advanced telemetry system for the US Navy’s new Range Support Aircraft.

The high-tech plane is replacing the Navy’s aging telemetry test aircraft, which has been in service since the 1970s.

Under a $79 million contract, Raytheon will develop a system which will offer multi-role capabilities in telemetry data collection, range safety and surveillance, and communications relay for the aircraft which is based within the Gulfstream G550 airborne early warning airframe.

“It’s like replacing your old eight-track tapes with streaming digital music – there’s simply no comparison,” said Todd Callahan, Raytheon Naval and Area Mission Defense vice president. “Our new Range Support Aircraft will use the latest technology to support advanced weapons testing and other missions for the next 25 years.”

Once operational, the Range Support Aircraft will collect and process telemetry data from missiles, aircraft, UAVs and ships.

Raytheon will perform system design, fabrication and aircraft integration. Once integration is complete, the company will conduct flight testing, training and mission operations with the Navy team before delivering the asset.