Neel Mehta
Raytheon will work to develop and produce a Joint Precision Approach and Landing System for integration with the Lockheed Martin-built F-35 aircraft and unmanned aerial systems under the potential six-year, $255 million contract with the U.S. Navy.
The company said Wednesday the contract could reach $270 million in total value if the service branch exercises all options.
JPALSÂ works to provide landing guidance for unmanned and manned aerial systems through the use of a GPS satellite navigation platform.
Dave Wajsgras, president of Raytheon‘s intelligence, information and services business segment and inductee into Executive Mosaic’s Wash100 for 2016, said the JPALS platform is designed to help aviators land in various weather conditions and environments.
The company noted that the Navy and Marine Corps plan to use JPALS onboard F-35B and F-35C fighter jets as well as on the MQ-25A unmanned vehicle once the landing platform becomes operational in 2018.
