US Navy helicopters getting precision boost with Raytheon’s next-gen visual targeting upgrade
July 29, 2025
Raytheon (part of RTX) is working to deliver next-generation visual enhancements for United States maritime helicopters. The upgrade may soon start rolling out across the Seahawk family of helicopters of the US Navy and various export customers.
What is Raytheon’s next-gen Multispectral Targeting System?
Raytheon announced on 28 July that it has launched its newest Multispectral Targeting System variant, MTS-A HD, for US Navy helicopters. The company added that it is working with industry and commercial partners to accelerate the production of the new variant.
According to Raytheon, MTS-A HD represents the next-generation variant, which will deliver “improved targeting precision, imaging clarity, and expanded operational flexibility for naval helicopter platforms.”
The modular architecture of the upgrade allows for a “seamless integration and a cost-effective upgrade path for existing MTS users while providing enhanced capabilities.”
The aerospace defence contractor says the MTS-A HD “builds on Raytheon’s proven MTS family of sensors, which are already in use on over 400 U.S. Navy helicopters.” It asserts the upgrade will help Navy helicopter pilots have a clearer view while flying in hostile areas. This will assist the pilots in making faster and more informed decisions.
Enhancing the US Navy SH-60 Seahawk
Raytheon did not explicitly specify which US Navy helicopters the MTS-A HD system is intended for, although it will almost certainly include the Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk. The US Navy’s Seahawk is based on the United States Army UH-60 Black Hawk.
The backbone of US Navy helicopters is the Seahawk multi-mission helicopter, which comes in two main variants, MH-60S Seahawk “Knighthawk” and MH-60R Seahawk “Romeo”.
Raytheon says the new MTS-A HD has attracted export interest from a wide range of Seahawk operators, including Australia, Denmark, India, and Saudi Arabia.
Each of these named countries also operates the SH-60 Seahawk, especially the MH-60R Seahawk “Romeo” variant. For example, Australia operates 23 MH-60R Seahawks with another 13 on order, India is expected to receive the last of its order of 24 examples to be delivered in 2025, and Norway has half a dozen Seahawks on order.
By far the largest operator of the SH-60 Seahawk is the US Navy. In its 2025 report, FlightGlobal lists the Navy as having 452 SH-60s in service of all variants.
Raytheon: Part of the RTX defence contractor giant
Raytheon is part of RTX Corporation, which is one of the world’s leading aerospace giants. While the company doesn’t design and build any aircraft like Airbus, Boeing, or Lockheed Martin, its systems can be found in almost any commercial or US-built warplane.
RTX has three units: Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Collins produces a diverse range of aircraft systems, from life support systems to ejection seats to avionics. Pratt & Whitney is one of two leading US aircraft manufacturers alongside GE Aerospace.
Raytheon is particularly focused on defence contracts and is the largest producer of guided missiles in the world. It is a leader in interceptors and hypersonic missiles. It is expected to take a central role in the new Golden Dome missile defence system that the United States is preparing to construct.
Raytheon is also a leader in radars, smart weapons, sensors, and satellite sensors, among other things. Meanwhile, at the 2025 Paris Air Show, RTX unveiled a series of green technologies aimed at sustainable aviation and reduced-emission propulsion technologies.
