Raytheon Co. has been awarded a $50 million contract to deliver 50 AAS-44C(V) multispectral targeting systems for use on the US Navy’s MH-60R and MH-60S helicopters. The airborne forward-looking IR targeting system provides video imagery that helps soldiers, intelligence analysts and commanders make critical operating decisions while in the field. Deliveries of the new systems are expected to begin later this year and end in 2012. “This system provides critical information to US and coalition forces,” said Captain Dean Peters, US Navy program executive officer for PMA-299. “The quality of its day and night environment imagery is making a difference in the lives of our troops.” The AAS-44C(V) uses a full-motion video camera for long-range surveillance and high-altitude acquisition, tracking and laser designation from a manned or unmanned aircraft. In October 2008, C4ISR Journal ranked the sensor among the top 25 devices making “the biggest difference on the battlefield.” “This electro-optical infrared system offers proven reliability and capability that support the warfighter in operations around the world,” said Tim Carey, the company’s vice president of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems. For more information, visit: www.raytheon.com