Tucson tech: Raytheon readies to start production of ($89,000) Excalibur Ib

http://azstarnet.com/business/local/tucson-tech-raytheon-readies-to-start-production-of-excalibur-ib/article_fe29de4e-09fb-536a-b222-3bc7c0c82793.html


Tucson tech: Raytheon readies to start production of Excalibur Ib
March 05, 2013 12:00 am • David Wichner Arizona Daily Star

Even as deep defense budget cuts loom, Tucson-based Raytheon Missile Systems is poised to start a new production line for precision-guided artillery shells.

Raytheon recently announced it will start low-rate-initial production of the Excalibur Ib precision-guided artillery projectile, a 155mm, GPS satellite-guided shell that can strike within about 13 feet of its target at a range of more than 20 miles.

The Army awarded Raytheon a $56.6 million fiscal year 2012 production contract for the projectile in December. Contract options through fiscal year 2016 include an undetermined number of additional shells to support U.S. forces' requirements, training and foreign military sales, Raytheon said.

The award followed a competition to develop the next generation of the Excalibur, which was originally developed by Raytheon and rushed into combat in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2007.



unhappycamper comment: Read on about the $89 grand Excalibur 155mm round:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M982_Excalibur