Raytheon Company and Emirates Advanced Investments (EAI) Group completed an operational demonstration of the TALON Laser-Guided Rocket from AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters in the United Arab Emirates. The demonstration in Abu Dhabi met all objectives and marked the final step leading to production of TALON LGRs in the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates.
During the demonstration, pilots fired TALON Laser-Guided Rockets at stationary and moving targets. All shots during the demonstration were successful, further verifying the operational performance of the TALON Laser-Guided Rocket.
“This successful demonstration shows that our cooperative design efforts have resulted in a precision system that is now ready to produce for customers worldwide,” said Hussain Al Hammadi, Chairman of EAI Group.
TALON has been tested to the very edge of its performance requirements, including short range (1.2 kilometers) and long range (6 kilometers). It has also been launched from both moving and stationary platforms, and employed against both moving and stationary targets.
“Our goal has always been to develop the best possible laser-guided rocket solution with our trusted partners in the United Arab Emirates,” said Dr. Taylor Lawrence, president of Raytheon Missile Systems. “We are ready for fielding, and this demonstration and the recent completion of our qualification program prove it. This program establishes a cornerstone for our future business development cooperation.”
The TALON LGR is an affordable, semi-active laser guidance and control kit that connects directly to the front of 2.75-inch unguided rockets currently in U.S. and international inventories. The TALON LGR is fully compatible with existing airborne and ground laser designators and requires no modifications to the launch platform. It fills the critical operational capability gap between unguided rockets and expensive heavy guided missiles.
Emirates Advanced Investments Group continues to be the region’s leader in providing modernized defense capabilities to the United Arab Emirates.
Raytheon Company, with 2010 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide.
