Raytheon Technologies has announced the launch of RAIVEN, an electro-optical intelligent-sensing capability enabling pilots to have faster and more precise threat identification.
RAIVEN can identify objects optically and spectrally simultaneously in real-time — something which the company claims a single electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) system has never been able to do before.
RAIVEN’s ‘intelligent-sensing’ capability uses artificial intelligence, hyperspectral imaging, and light detection and ranging, or LiDAR, to enable operators to reportedly see up to five times farther and clearer than traditional optical imaging. This helps increase platform survivability and gives the warfighter decision advantage over peer threats, Raytheon says.
"The future battlespace will consist of a myriad of threats from all directions evolving at an unprecedented pace," said Torrey Cady, vice president of Surveillance and Targeting Systems at Raytheon Intelligence & Space. "RAIVEN improves platform survivability and keeps the warfighter safe by providing accurate, persistent target observation coupled with accelerated information sharing. This combination enables a decision-making process that simultaneously reduces pilot workload while accelerating engagement decisions to prosecute targets much faster than adversaries.”
Paired with AI, RAIVEN synthesises reams of data into a detailed picture of the battlespace and the threats within it. The AI automatically detects and identifies threats, delivering a level of automation for the operator to choose what decisions need to be made – providing a critical capability while reducing operator workload.
RAIVEN is a modular, open system that builds upon Raytheon Technologies’ Multi-Spectral Targeting System family of sensors. RAIVEN provides more mission versatility and capability within the same size, weight and power specifications.
Raytheon says the first version of RAIVEN, RT-1000, can support a wide array of missions, including the US Army’s Future Vertical Lift modernisation effort, with the first flight test being conducted in 2024.
Work for this program is being done in McKinney, Texas.