The Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin Joint Venture in Tucson, AZ was awarded a $6.2 million modification to a sole-source, firm-fixed-price contract for Javelin Weapon Systems Hardware for the U.S. Navy.
The FGM-148 Javelin has two major components: a reusable Command Launch Unit (CLU) and an anti-armor missile sealed in a disposable Launch Tube Assembly. The CLU cost is around $125,000 and the missile cost is about $75,000. The CLU incorporates an integrated day/night sight and provides target engagement capability in adverse weather and countermeasure environments. The launch unit also may be used in the stand-alone mode for battlefield surveillance and target detection.
The Javelin is a man-portable antitank missile employed by dismounted infantry to defeat armored combat vehicles. Javelin using an imaging infrared “fire-and-forget” system for guidance, with a small thermal imaging TV camera in the nose and a computer that lets it follow locked-on targets on its own. The missile is designed to attack the topside of a tank where the armor is thinner. The warhead is a tandem shaped-charge for penetrating explosive reactive armor, and the missile has secondary capabilities against helicopters and bunkers. Its “soft launch” allows employment from within buildings and enclosed fighting positions. Javelin weighs 49.5 pounds and has a range of 2000 meters, more than twice that of its predecessor, the M47 Dragon.
The Javelin weapons system is currently in service with or on order for the U.S. Army and U.S. Marines, Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Jordan, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Taiwan, the UK, and the United Arab Emirates.
Work on this contract for the U.S. Navy/Marines will be performed in Tucson, AZ (60%), and Orlando, FL (40%), and is expected to be complete by Feb. 28, 2008. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command in Huntsville, AL issued the contract (W31P4Q-04-C-0136).
Additional Sources and Readings
* Army-Technology.com: Javelin – Anti-Armor Missile
* Raytheon: The Battle of Debecka Pass, Iraq. Story of Javelins in front-line use.
* Aviation Week (May 6, 2003): Navy Plans To Adapt Spike Missile To Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. Gives Javelin cost figures.