U. S. Marines in Iraq will have enhanced ability to detect hostile troop movements thanks to Raytheon's Ground Based Operational Surveillance System (GBOSS). Raytheon has been awarded a $60 million contract option to provide the U.S. Marine Corps with GBOSS elevated sensor systems with networked remote operational capability.

"These systems save lives," said Pete Franklin, vice president, National and Theater Security Programs for Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (IDS). "GBOSS provides the warfighter with the capability to detect the enemy's movements at great distances, allowing for rapid response to threats."

GBOSS is an enhancement of the popular Rapid Aerostat Initial Deployment (RAID) system currently in wide use in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. GBOSS provides persistent surveillance using infrared sensors elevated on a stationary platform. Earlier versions of the RAID system employed an aerostat to elevate the sensors. The current tower-based systems provide an enhanced capability with fewer logistics concerns.

Enhancements unique to GBOSS include the addition of a second electro-optical infrared sensor and ground-based radar networked into a single remote ground control station. The enhanced system provides the warfighter increased situational awareness.

RAID was developed to respond to the U.S. military's critical need for persistent surveillance in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

Work will be performed at Raytheon IDS' Integrated Air Defense Center, Andover, Mass., and Warfighter Protection Center, Huntsville, Ala.