KVH Awarded $3.2 M Raytheon Order for Torpedo's Fiber Optic Gyro

MIDDLETOWN, R.I., Sept. 15 -- KVH Industries Inc., a manufacturer of fiber optic products with communication, navigation and industrial applications, announced that it has received a $3.2 million production order for its fiber optic gyro (FOG)-based TG-6000 precision inertial measurement unit (IMU) from Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, a Tewksbury, Mass.-based provider of integrated air and missile defense and naval warfighting solutions. The contract could ultimately be worth as much as $15.8 million.

Raytheon, the sole contractor for the Navy's next-generation MK54 lightweight torpedo, selected the TG-6000 IMU following engineering and performance testing during 2004 and 2005. The MK54 torpedo is deployed from surface ships, helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to track, classify and attack underwater targets such as submarines. The TG-6000 will serve as a key component within the MK54 guidance system, with delivery of the initial contract order beginning by the end of the year and continuing through 2007. If three follow-on options are exercised, the total order could reach more than $15.8 million between 2005 and 2009.

KVH's fiber optic gyro-based measurement units are a key component in the guidance system of the US Navy's MK54 lightweight torpedoes. (Photo: KVH Industries Inc.)

Officials say the KVH TG-6000 IMU measures rate and acceleration in three dimensions, critical for the navigation of a torpedo or other smart munitions. The IMU employs a three-axis configuration of KVH's FOGs, which offer an all-fiber design, patented digital signal processing and three accelerometers. Together, the integrated IMU can be used in applications including manned vehicle navigation and guidance systems for autonomous aerial and underwater vehicles.

For more information, visit: www.kvh.com