12:31 GMT, October 3, 2008 MCKINNEY, Texas | Raytheon Company has delivered the first U.S. Army Common Sensor Payload for the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter.

The first of 28 system design and development units awarded under an indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract, the AN/AAS-53 electro-optical/infrared and laser sensor was shipped September 10 to Rockwell Collins to begin software integration.

"Raytheon's CSP team delivered the first sensor on time per the original contract, and we are currently tracking for early program performance overall to get this important situational awareness asset to Army aviation sooner than required," said Paul Shofner, program manager for the AN/AAS-53. "This new sensor will provide improved capabilities to support the Army's reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition mission demands."

The turreted EO/IR sensor will include image intensified TV, a laser spot tracker, a laser designator, an eye-safe laser range finder, and a laser pointer. The AN/AAS-53 will also be electro-optical counter-countermeasures compliant.

CSP is expected to flight test on ARH SDD-A surrogate aircraft in the first quarter of 2009. The sensor payload is also intended to outfit the Army's new Sky Warrior unmanned aircraft and other aviation platforms.

"The CSP program delivers RSTA mission efficiency and effectiveness through sensor commonality" said Shofner. "Beginning with common acquisition, CSP provides common training, operation, display, and lifecycle support."

Raytheon could produce as many as 875 units under the CSP IDIQ contract let by the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command in November 2007, with options valued up to $1.2 billion. CSP is manufactured at Raytheon's McKinney, Texas site.

Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems is a leading provider of sensor systems giving military forces the most accurate and timely actionable information available for the network-centric battlefield. With 2007 revenues of $4.3 billion and 12,000 employees, SAS is headquartered in El Segundo, Calif. Additional facilities are in Goleta, Calif.; Forest, Miss.; Dallas, McKinney and Plano, Texas; and several international locations.