Raytheon and Emirates Advanced Investments (EAI) completed four ground-based guided flight tests of the TALON Laser-Guided Rocket. The TALON LGR is an affordable, semi-active laser guidance and control kit that connects directly to the front of 2.75-inch unguided rockets currently in U.S. and international inventories.

"The Raytheon-EAI team has a proven, production-ready laser-guided rocket," said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, Raytheon Missile Systems president.

"These tests affirm we are on track to deliver an affordable, fully qualified precision weapon for attack helicopters in 2010."

The tests, using rockets built on the Raytheon-EAI production line, verified the production configuration of the TALON LGR. During the tests, the team also demonstrated TALON LGR's precision lethality with a tactical warhead flight. The rounds used during the test were preconditioned at extreme temperatures.

The tests pave the way for airborne testing of the TALON LGR including a series of live firings from the AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter.

The TALON LGR program is part of a cooperative development agreement between Raytheon and EAI of the United Arab Emirates, which includes a follow-on production proposal to begin manufacturing TALON in 2010.

"Because of these critical successes, we are now entering the final phase of the program," said Hussain Al Hammadi, EAI's chief executive officer.

"EAI national engineers are working closely with Raytheon engineers to set high standards and deliver quality products in the global aerospace industry through rapid design and production processes. We expect that fielding for TALON LGR will begin this year."

The TALON LGR is fully compatible with existing airborne and ground laser designators and requires no modifications to rocket launchers currently in the inventory. TALON LGR also fills the critical operational capability gap between unguided rockets and guided heavy anti-tank missiles.

EAI continues to be the region's leader in providing modernized defense capabilities to the United Arab Emirates.