Photo credit © US Navy
The U.S. Navy has awarded Raytheon Company a $49.5 million contract for production of new laser-guided Maverick missiles (AGM-65E2/L). The Navy also intends to exercise a contract option to purchase additional units bringing the total contract value to $54.9 million.
The Maverick weapon system, a U.S. Air Force (USAF)-led joint service program, is a forward firing, precision-guided, close air support missile. Maverick is effective against a wide variety of fixed, stationary, moving and maneuvering land and sea targets.
« The Navy has an operational need for increasing its inventory of this lethal and combat proven weapon, » said Capt. Albert Mousseau Jr., U.S. Navy program manager, PMA-242. « Enhanced Laser Maverick enables warfighters to engage today’s fast-moving, agile targets. »
The new Laser Maverick (AGM-65E2/L) includes these enhancements :
- Digital laser seeker
- New software that reduces the risk of collateral damage and is upgradable based on customer needs
- Ability to precisely engage land and sea-based high speed moving targets
- Advanced flight algorithms to boost performance in a variety of operational situations
- Proven compatibility with existing F/A-18, AV-8B, F-16 & A-10C operational flight program integration
- Self, buddy and ground-based lasing capability for all platforms
« The enhanced Laser Maverick provides the U.S. warfighter with even greater capabilities that will meet today’s and tomorrow’s threats, » said Mike Jarrett, Raytheon Air Warfare Systems vice president. « This is the latest step for this impressive weapon as we continue to work to ensure that future requirements are met. »
The enhanced Laser Maverick is a result of a comprehensive USAF and USN Developmental Testing/Operational Testing program that was completed in 2011.
