Raytheon unveils ‘next-gen’ electro-optical intelligent-sensing system

25 Apr 2023

Technology captures spectral and optical data simultaneously using lidar-hyperspectral-AI combination.

Raytheon Technologies has announced the launch of RAIVEN, which it describes as “a revolutionary electro-optical intelligent-sensing capability, which will enable pilots to have faster and more precise threat identification.”

RAIVEN can identify objects optically and spectrally simultaneously in real-time. Raytheon comments that “a single electro-optical/infrared, or EO/IR, system has never been able to do this before.”

The system’s “intelligent-sensing” capability uses artificial intelligence, hyperspectral imaging, and lidar, to enable operators to see up to five times farther and clearer than traditional optical imaging.

“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.

‘Keeping the warfighter safe’

Cady added, “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 can synthesize what Raytheon calls “reams of data into a detailed picture of the battlespace and the threats within”. The AI automatically detects and identifies threats, delivering a level of automation for the operator to choose what decisions need to be made.

It is a modular, open system that builds upon Raytheon’s previous combat-proven Multi-Spectral Targeting System family of sensors. The first version of RAIVEN, RT-1000, is specified to support a wide array of missions, including the U.S. Army's Future Vertical Lift modernization effort, with the first flight test being conducted in 2024. Work for this program is being done in McKinney, Texas.