Raytheon Conducts First Demo of Land-Based Joint Precision Approach, Landing System

Raytheon showcased a land-based expeditionary variant of its Joint Precision Approach and Landing System to U.S. military officials at a proof-of-concept event earlier this year.

Officials from the Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy observed how F-35B pilots used the ground-based JPALS during the demonstration held at Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, Ariz., the company said Monday. 

The military currently uses the system to guide F-35B aircraft onto ships. The company showed that the system can be reconfigured into a mobile version for landings in a traditional airport setting.

"JPALS can help any fixed or rotary-wing aircraft land in rugged, low-visibility environments at austere bases worldwide," said Matt Gilligan, vice president at Raytheon's intelligence, information and services business. 

During the demonstration in Yuma, the new JPALS variant helped fighter pilots to connect with the expeditionary system on the ground and guided the crew to a landing point on the runway.

JPALS is designed to fit in five transit cases and be repackageable into small transit vehicles. Raytheon noted that operators can set up the system in less than 90 minutes.

The company developed the variant as the Air Force looks to perform flying missions in more austere, bare-base locations.