Raytheon unveils next-gen TOW EagleFire launcher

TUCSON, Ariz., Oct. 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has introduced its TOW® EagleFire™ launcher, an evolutionary development designed to bridge the capabilities of existing launchers and eliminate obsolescence issues.

Designed to fire both the wire-guided and wireless radio frequency missiles, TOW EagleFire provides increased capabilities over the TOW 2 launcher at a lower cost.

"We improved target acquisition and engagement found in the older TOW 2 launcher system," said Duane Gooden, vice president of Raytheon's Land Warfare Systems. "TOW EagleFire is simpler to maintain and more reliable, thanks to built-in test equipment and a significant reduction in system subassemblies."

Other improvements include:

• Integrated day-and-night sight with range-finding capability
• Ergonomic handgrips
• Extensive Built-in-Test capability

TOW EagleFire's lithium-ion power source allows for a nine-hour silent watch capability, when a vehicle's engine is off, along with built-in AC and on-vehicle charging capability.

"Because the new system is less complex, we can provide superior performance in a reduced package," said Gooden. "By planning today for tomorrow's upgrades, TOW EagleFire will accommodate future missile evolution."

About TOW The tube-launched, optically-tracked, wireless-guided (TOW) weapon system, with the multimission TOW 2A, TOW 2B Aero and TOW Bunker Buster missiles, is the premier long-range, precision, anti-armor, anti-fortification weapon system used throughout the world today. TOW is in service in more than 40 international armed forces and integrated on more than 15,000 ground, vehicle and helicopter platforms worldwide. Raytheon has delivered more than 690,000 TOW missiles to U.S. and allied warfighters. The TOW weapon system will be in service with the U.S. military beyond 2025.

About Raytheon Raytheon Company, with 2014 sales of $23 billion and 61,000 employees worldwide, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 93 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as cybersecurity and a broad range of mission support services. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. For more about Raytheon, visit us at www.raytheon.com and follow us on Twitter @raytheon. 

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SOURCE Raytheon Company