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December 7, 2018 | Local, C4ISR

Raytheon building Canadian radar to test effects of Aurora Borealis

Project could lead to a new polar radar system to monitor the Canadian north

CALGARY, Alberta, Dec. 4, 2018 /CNW/ -- Raytheon Canada Limited (RCL), a subsidiary of Raytheon Company (NYSE:RTN), will design, build and install two over-the-horizon radar sites in Canada's polar region to determine what effects, if any, the Aurora Borealis has on target detection along the Canadian north.

These two contracts, totaling $30 million, resulted from a competitive solicitation posted on BuyandSell.gc.ca by Public Services & Procurement Canada on behalf of the Department of National Defence. These contracts will enable Defence Research and Development Canada to conduct a feasibility study of using sky-wave Over-The-Horizon Radar technology, in the arctic, to determine the effect of the Aurora Borealis on target detection beyond line-of-site.

Working with Raytheon Intelligence, Information and Services, RCL will build two test sites to gauge how the Northern Lights may impact operations. Should those tests prove successful, Canada may decide to build additional radar sites to monitor its increasingly accessible arctic waterways.

"Raytheon built and operates a similar radar system in the U.S. which has been key to defending America's borders," said David Appel, director for mission systems at Raytheon IIS. "A full over-the-horizon radar will monitor the arctic, as those waters have become more accessible to shipping traffic."

Raytheon also will work with local companies to design and build the system.

"We will be working with Canadian suppliers to secure the Canadian north," said Terry Manion, RCL vice president and general manager. "We understand the environment and can provide crucial technologies which may lead to significant long term economic growth."

About Raytheon Canada Limited

Raytheon Canada Limited (RCL) is a subsidiary of Raytheon Company. RCL is a leader in high technology solutions, engineering services, surveillance and navigation systems including air traffic control radars, highway traffic management systems, maritime surveillance radars and systems, and precision optics.

About Raytheon

Raytheon Company, with 2017 sales of $25 billion and 64,000 employees, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions. With a history of innovation spanning 96 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration, C5I™ products and services, sensing, effects, and mission support for customers in more than 80 countries. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. Follow us on Twitter.

Media Contact
Chris Johnson
+1-571-250-3418
Chris.Johnson@raytheon.com

SOURCE Raytheon Company

https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/raytheon-building-canadian-radar-to-test-effects-of-aurora-borealis-701865451.html

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