The Raytheon-Lockheed Martin Javelin Joint Venture achieved success in qualification flight tests of the Block 1 Javelin missile at Redstone Arsenal, in Huntsville, Ala.

The Block 1 missile features an improved rocket motor that will reduce the missile's time of flight; improvements to the command launch unit (CLU); software enhancements and an enhanced performance warhead that increases Javelin's lethality against a wider range of target sets. The successful flight tests build on Javelin's combat-proven performance of greater than 95 percent mission success including more than 1,000 rounds fired in ongoing operations worldwide.

The U.S. Army continues to field the Javelin missile and has already contracted for Block 1 missiles as part of its fiscal year 2005 contract. Production is well underway at suppliers and began in Troy, Ala., in the fourth quarter of calendar year 2006.

"With its light weight and two-component design, the Javelin is a tactically superior system that enables the soldier to take the weapon forward into the fight where it is needed," said Duane Gooden, president, Javelin Joint Venture. "The Block 1 configuration of the Javelin missile enables our soldiers to bring the system's unprecedented advantage to the forefront against a wider range of targets and missions. This gives the ground commander additional flexibility and reliable firepower when and where he needs it."

"Javelin is the world's most versatile, lethal, man-portable medium-range close combat and anti-armor weapon system," said Howard Weaver, Javelin Joint Venture vice president. "Javelin is optimized for close combat and has been successfully employed to not only defeat armor targets, but also other vehicles and urban targets. Proven in combat in the global war on terrorism, Javelin is the weapon of choice for rapid reaction, special operations, and light and mechanized infantry forces."

Javelin is in service with the U.S. Army and Marine Corps and has been deployed by the U.S. and Australia in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Coalition forces also are employing the CLU effectively in surveillance.

Javelin has been selected by the armed forces of 10 nations: the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Norway, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Taiwan, Jordan, and the Sultanate of Oman.

Raytheon Company provides system engineering management and support for the Javelin Joint Venture and produces the command launch unit, missile guidance electronic unit and system software. Work is performed primarily at Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, Ariz., and at other Raytheon facilities in Texas, Massachusetts and California.

Lockheed Martin provides missile engineering and production support for the Javelin Joint Venture in Orlando, Fla., produces the missile seeker and the electronic safe, arm and fire electronic module in Ocala, Fla., and performs missile all-up-round assembly in Troy, Ala.

Raytheon Company , with 2005 sales of $21.9 billion, is an industry leader in defense and government electronics, space, information technology, technical services, and business and special mission aircraft. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 80,000 people worldwide.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

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SOURCE: Raytheon-Lockheed Martin Javelin Joint Venture