Raytheon focuses on JLENS

has negotiated a contract modification with the

for system development and demonstration of the Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defence Elevated Netted Sensor System (JLENS).

Raytheon Integrated Defence Systems' (IDS) JLENS provides a long-duration, wide-area cruise missile defence capability while also providing elevated communications capabilities. JLENS also supports situational awareness for the battlefield commander.

The system provides over-the-horizon detection and tracking of incoming cruise missiles with sufficient warning to enable air defence systems to engage and defeat the threat. Each JLENS consists of a long-range surveillance radar and a high-performance fire control radar, each integrated onto a large aerostat connected via tether to a ground-based processing station. System testing is scheduled to begin in 2010 with program completion in 2012.

Work on the program will be performed at Raytheon sites in Massachusetts, California, Texas and Maryland. Raytheon IDS will develop the fire control radar and processing station. TCOM LP, based in Maryland, will develop the aerostat and associated ground equipment.