The US Navy has awarded a contract to Raytheon to procure 200 full-rate production lot 10 AGM-154C-1 unitary joint stand-off weapon missiles (JSOW).

Under the $80.5m contract modification, which follows previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract, Raytheon will also provide associated support equipment and one performance characterisation test.

The all-weather, day or night, launch-and-leave JSOW C-1 variant provides upgraded capabilities to strike moving maritime targets, while the datalink allows the aircraft to relay targeting information to the weapon.

Increasing anti-surface warfare mission capabilities, the JSOW C-1 will enable fleet forces to engage moving maritime targets and provide robust capabilities against stationary land targets.

Offering forces with improved effectiveness at sea, the JSOW family of low-cost, air-to-ground, medium-range, precision-guided glide weapons, featuring an integrated GPS-inertial navigation system and terminal imaging infrared seeker to guide the weapon to the target.

"The JSOW C-1 will enable fleet forces to engage moving maritime targets and provide robust capabilities against stationary land targets."

The JSOW C-1 will be installed on the F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft to provide an advanced anti-surface warfare solution.

The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a combat-proven strike fighter designed to provide enhanced interoperability, total force support for the combatant commander and for the troops on the ground.

Scheduled to be completed in August 2016, work under the contract will be conducted in Texas, Iowa, Arizona and Oklahoma, US.

The US Naval Air Systems Command will serve as the contracting activity.

Defence Technology