Engine success extends missile range

Raytheon announced today that it has successfully demonstrated the engine of Joint Standoff Weapon Extended Range (JSOW ER), a new low-cost extended-range missile.

The engine ground test of JSOW ER successfully evaluated a flush inlet design and overall engine performance and showed that engine performance matched simulation results.

Hamilton Sundstrand manufactures the JSOW ER 150-pound thrust engine that Raytheon says will significantly increase the range of the glide weapon.

Continued prototype design and testing will continue in 2007. A free flight is planned in 2008 with the potential for production in 2011.

‘The objective of the JSOW ER program is to provide United States and international warfighters with a low-cost, extended-range missile,’ said Harry Schulte, vice president of Strike Weapons at Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson. ‘We plan to offer the warfighter a 300 nautical mile weapon with a price goal of $350,000, far less expensive than similar capability weapons currently in the warfighter's inventory.’