September 14 - KVH Industries Inc. has received a production order from Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems for the company's fiber optic gyro (FOG)-based TG-6000 precision inertial measurement unit (IMU). The TG-6000 will serve as a key component within the guidance system of the U.S. Navy's next-generation MK54 lightweight torpedoes.

MK45 Torpedo. Photo courtesy KVH Industries, copyright 2004

The order is valued at $3.2 million. Delivery will begin later in 2005 and continue through 2007. If three follow-on options are exercised, the total order is potentially valued at more than $15.8 million between 2005 and 2009, KVH said.

"The TG-6000 IMU is the most technically advanced guidance product that KVH has ever created and to have it selected for use in the MK54 torpedo is extraordinarily gratifying," said Martin Kits van Heyningen, KVH's president and chief executive officer.

"Raytheon's selection of the TG-6000 IMU after a series of grueling qualification tests is a major validation of our strategic decision to apply our fiber optic technology for use in high-performance, integrated systems for smart munitions and other applications," Heyningen said, adding that "this opportunity could also yield additional sales in the future to foreign navies. With the TG-6000 IMU, we are now able to offer a fully integrated precision navigation unit with potential applications throughout the military and commercial marketplaces."

The MK54 lightweight torpedo is the next-generation Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) weapon. Deployed from surface ships, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft to track, classify, and attack underwater targets, it is intended as the replacement for the U.S. Navy's existing MK46 torpedo. The MK46 has been in use since 1969 and is currently fielded by all U.S. Navy surface and air ASW platforms, as well as being in the inventory of 25 foreign navies.

In 2004, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems was awarded a sole source contract from the U.S. Navy for the MK54 torpedo.

KVH Industries Inc. designs and manufactures products that enable mobile communication, navigation, and precision pointing through the use of its proprietary mobile satellite antenna and fiber optic technologies.

An ISO 9001-certified company, KVH has headquarters in Middletown, R.I., with a fiber optic and military navigation product manufacturing facility in Tinley Park, Ill., and a European sales, marketing and support office in Kokkedal, Denmark.