RTX’s Raytheon completes installation of first SPY-6(V)4 array at Wallops Island test site

WALLOPS ISLAND, Va., Aug. 3, 2026 — Raytheon, a business unit of RTX (NYSE: RTX), has successfully delivered and installed the first SPY-6(V)4 radar array at the Surface Combat Systems Center in Wallops Island, Virginia. This installation marks a significant milestone in the U.S. Navy’s Flight IIA Destroyer modernization initiative and the SPY-6 backfit program.

The Wallops site, a land-based test facility located over an open-water environment, is set to support extensive testing of the radar alongside its power and combat system interfaces prior to installation on the USS Pinckney (DDG 91), which will be the inaugural ship to receive the SPY-6(V)4 upgrade. The SPY-6(V)4 is one of four variants within the SPY-6 radar family, specifically designed for integration into Flight IIA Destroyers. Initial testing of this radar variant is slated to commence later this year and is expected to extend through mid-2028.

Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon, stated, “By leveraging the Wallops test site, we’ll be able to integrate SPY-6(V)4 with its dedicated power system before it reaches the ship, which reduces the amount of testing needed on DDG 91. That means less time in the shipyard, more time dedicated to the mission, and a smoother path for future backfit ships.”

The DDG 91 is projected to be available for the SPY-6(V)4 upgrade from late 2026 to 2028. The collaborative efforts between the Navy, the NASA Wallops team, and industry partners at the Wallops site are crucial to meeting this demanding schedule, ensuring a smooth transition from maritime environment testing to shipboard installation and operational readiness.

Additional SPY-6 radar variants are already deployed on two commissioned U.S. Navy ships and have been fitted to 11 more vessels currently undergoing testing in preparation for their commissioning. Over the next decade, SPY-6 is anticipated to be deployed on more than 50 U.S. Navy vessels, significantly enhancing defenses against air, surface, ballistic, and electronic warfare threats.

Raytheon’s SPY-6 family of radars is built on over a decade of design, testing, and manufacturing expertise, which has been validated through successful at-sea performance. The company has invested $800 million to modernize its radar manufacturing facilities and expand production capacity. With these improvements, Raytheon is poised to double its SPY-6 output by 2028, ensuring long-term availability while reducing costs for the Navy.

Raytheon is actively seeking talent to support this critical program, offering opportunities for emerging professionals, experienced experts, and veterans. To explore available roles, please visit our website and apply today.

About Raytheon
Raytheon, a business of RTX, is a premier provider of defense solutions aimed at assisting the U.S. government, allied nations, and partners in defending national sovereignty and ensuring security. For more than 100 years, Raytheon has pioneered new technologies while enhancing existing capabilities in areas such as integrated air and missile defense, smart weapons, missiles, advanced sensors and radars, interceptors, and space-based systems.

About RTX
With over 180,000 employees worldwide, RTX is committed to pushing the boundaries of technology and science to redefine connectivity and protection for our world. The company, which boasts sales exceeding $88 billion in 2025, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact [email protected].

Source: RTX (Raytheon) (2026-08-03 12:00:00)