French Air Force Mirage 2000D to Get Enhanced Paveway II Bombs

TUCSON, Ariz., Feb. 6, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- The government of France

awarded Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) a direct commercial sales contract

Jan. 18 worth $22 million for the combat-proven Enhanced Paveway(TM) II

(EP2) dual- mode GPS/laser-guided precision munition and weapons

integration for the French Air Force's Mirage 2000D fighter aircraft.

Raytheon's Paveway II (P2) laser-guided smart bombs already equip the

Mirage 2000D, which supports U.S. and other NATO forces in Afghanistan. EP2

first achieved initial operational capability on the French Navy's Super

Etendard fighter aircraft in 2007, which also benefited the French Air

Force.

The contract calls for Raytheon to provide the French Air Force with

upgrade kits to convert 500-pound P2 laser-guided bombs into the more

capable dual-mode GBU-49 and includes additional options for more EP2

systems. The GBU-49 is a precision weapon that has been extensively

employed by U.S. and allied forces in both Afghanistan and Iraq. EP2 is

already in operational use on several other U.S. and NATO military aircraft

including the French Navy's Super Etendard.

"EP2 gives our French operators a true all-weather precision-attack

capability," said Commander Yann de Champsavin, French Navy program

officer. "EP2 matches real affordability with unrivalled standoff range,

accuracy and reliability. That is why EP2 is a clear weapon of choice for

our Air Forces."

"France is a highly valued member of a rapidly growing number of global

partners in the Enhanced Paveway program," said Ricky Freibert, director of

Raytheon's Paveway program. "Raytheon's international investments continue

to drive down cost for future and existing customers while greatly

enhancing interoperability between militaries."

Source: France Awards Raytheon $22 Million for Enhanced Paveway(TM) II

Resources

EP2 - Enhanced Paveway II
GBU - Guided Bomb Unit
GPS - Global Positioning System
NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organization

Weapons : GBU-12 Paveway II
Weapons : GBU-49 Paveway II
Aerospace Forces : Mirage 2000D
Aerospace Forces : Super Etendard

France