New ship protection system demonstrated

A new ship protection system that uses TALON laser guided rockets has been demonstrated by Raytheon and L-3, as part of a programme to develop a potential solution to the swarming boat threat.

The protection system incorporates the Raytheon TALON rockets fired from an L-3 remote weapon station using an LAU-68 launcher.

The self-contained remote rocket weapon system has been designed to carry up to seven TALONS, and requires only a target queue to engage on-mount target tracking. The system can be integrated on ships ranging in size from riverine to major surface combatants.

Rick Nelson, vice president, Naval and Area Mission Defense, Raytheon, said: ‘With the increase in swarming-boat threats, navies worldwide have an urgent need to protect their smaller ships. Combining our proven TALON LGR with L-3’s Advanced Remote Weapon Station provides an affordable, effective and available solution. It also demonstrates our ability to reach across Raytheon’s wide portfolio of products and team with companies around the globe to develop new solutions.’

TALON’s digital semi-active laser technology provides precision accuracy for 2.75-inch/70mm rockets. The L-3 remote weapon station is a lightweight, small footprint mount requiring no deck penetration; and is easily configurable for medium calibre weapons or 2.75-inch rockets. It has multiple sensor options for detection, tracking and targeting.

The LAU-68 launcher is a seven round, battle-tested 2.75-inch guided and unguided rocket launcher, and has been integrated and field tested with TALON missiles.