RTX's Raytheon completes Ground-Launched StormBreaker® test

Rhea-AI Summary

RTX (NYSE: RTX) subsidiary Raytheon has successfully completed testing of a ground-launched variant of their StormBreaker® smart weapon. The prototype was developed and tested in just 50 days at a Mojave Desert test range, reaching an altitude of approximately 20,000 feet.

The ground-launched StormBreaker maintains the air-launched version's capabilities of engaging moving and stationary targets in various weather conditions, both on land and at sea. The weapon is currently approved for use on F-15E and F/A-18-E/F Super Hornet aircraft, with ongoing integration for F-35A/B/C variants. Additional testing is scheduled throughout 2025.

Positive

• Rapid development and testing completed in just 50 days
• Successful prototype test reaching 20,000 feet altitude
• Weapon operates in GPS-contested areas and adverse weather conditions
• Extended range and expanded offensive capabilities compared to air-launched version

Negative

• Additional testing still required throughout 2025
• Significant investment needed in research, development, and facilities

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Prototype developed and tested in 50 days

TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, has completed a test for a ground-launched variant of the StormBreaker^® smart weapon. The business designed, developed and tested the new variant in 50 days.

The test was held this spring at a private test range in the Mojave Desert. A prototype of the new StormBreaker was launched using a commercial off-the-shelf rocket motor. It achieved key milestones including reaching approximately 20,000 feet of altitude.

"Recent global conflicts have highlighted the need for a smart, ground-launched, precision strike weapon that can perform in GPS-contested areas," said Sam Deneke, president of Air & Space Defense Systems at Raytheon. "StormBreaker is a composable weapon, which allows it to be customized to meet mission demands. Using the foundational components of air-launched StormBreaker allowed us to move faster than ever before, going from concept to test flight in under two months."

StormBreaker is the only fielded, network-enabled smart weapon that can engage moving and stationary targets in fair and adverse weather conditions, at land or at sea. It is approved for use on the F-15E and the F/A-18-E/F Super Hornet and is currently being integrated on the F-35A/B/C.

Raytheon has invested significantly in independent research and development, capital assets and facilities, and the acquisition of subject matter experts to accelerate the development of Ground-Launched StormBreaker. The new variant covers the same target set as air-launched StormBreaker with extended range and expanded offensive capabilities. Additional tests will be held throughout 2025.

About Raytheon
Raytheon, an RTX business, is a leading provider of defense solutions to help the U.S. government, our allies and partners defend their national sovereignty and ensure their security. For more than 100 years, Raytheon has developed new technologies and enhanced existing capabilities in integrated air and missile defense, smart weapons, missiles, advanced sensors and radars, interceptors, space-based systems, hypersonics and missile defense across land, air, sea and space.

About RTX
RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defense company. With more than 185,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems for operational success, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2024 sales of more than $80 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rtxs-raytheon-completes-ground-launched-stormbreaker-test-302565080.html

SOURCE RTX

FAQ

What is the significance of RTX's ground-launched StormBreaker test?

The test demonstrates RTX's ability to rapidly develop and deploy a ground-launched variant of StormBreaker in just 50 days, reaching 20,000 feet altitude and operating in GPS-contested areas.

Which aircraft are currently approved to use the StormBreaker weapon system?

StormBreaker is approved for use on the F-15E and F/A-18-E/F Super Hornet, with ongoing integration for F-35A/B/C variants.

What are the key capabilities of RTX's StormBreaker weapon system?

StormBreaker is a network-enabled smart weapon that can engage both moving and stationary targets in fair and adverse weather conditions, on land or at sea, with GPS-contested operation capability.

When will RTX complete additional testing of the ground-launched StormBreaker?

RTX has scheduled additional testing throughout 2025 to further validate the ground-launched StormBreaker's capabilities.

How does the ground-launched StormBreaker differ from the air-launched version?

The ground-launched variant covers the same target set as the air-launched version but features extended range and expanded offensive capabilities.