Raytheon UK Leads Digital Transformation in Weapons

Engineers innovate weapons systems with revolutionary digital techniques

Inside a high-tech laboratory filled with the hum of computers and the glow of digital screens, engineers at Raytheon UK are forging the future of defence. This is where digital engineering meets innovation, setting the stage for a revolution in weapons development.

Raytheon UK’s innovative approach could redefine the defence sector, ensuring Britain maintains a competitive edge in the global battlespace. The integration of digital twins allows for early testing and validation, significantly cutting down risks and costs associated with traditional methods.

“Through digital modelling and advanced technologies, our Technical Demonstrator Programme (TDP) has shown the potential for significant cost savings, addressing the urgent demand for the faster delivery of air-launched weapon qualification programmes,” elaborates Jack, Programme Engineering Lead at Raytheon UK.

Digital engineering emphasises using modelling and simulation throughout the systems engineering lifecycle. The TDP has demonstrated how these techniques can make the weapon qualification process more efficient.

 

“Digital twinning is key to this. It involves creating a virtual copy of the weapon system, enabling early testing and validation and reducing the risks ahead of physical large-scale validation tests,” said Nick, Future Systems lead, Raytheon UK. “This Agile method saves time and money by allowing ongoing testing and adjustments during development, making the process more efficient and effective than relying solely on physical tests.”

Raytheon UK’s strategy includes providing the UK’s test facilities with a digital twin to demonstrate how innovative techniques can enhance weapons qualification processes. “We’re offering regulators a more comprehensive evidence-base to inform their assessments; however, it will require courage to shift from established testing methods,” Nick notes.

While physical testing remains essential, the team found that digital simulations allowed for rapid design iterations, streamlining the initial phase of weapon system development, and cutting programme delivery time and costs. Billy, a mechanical engineer who led the mechanical design, describes these digital techniques as “revolutionary,” highlighting the cost and time savings built into Raytheon UK’s model validation approach.

“During the TDP, we demonstrated across several areas of weapons qualification cost-effective methods to build confidence in our digital models,” said Billy.

These approaches have emphasised the use of the UK’s testing facilities and have delivered strategies that can redefine the traditional go/no-go decisions made during traditional testing programmes. This flexibility enabled the team to refine methodologies without immediate programme pressures. Having digital techniques planned in from the beginning of programmes will enable the UK to truly realise the benefits of the approaches.

“By leveraging model-based design and qualification techniques, Raytheon UK can deliver superior defence solutions with unmatched speed and cost efficiency,” said Hannah, programme manager, Weapons.

 

“We have strategically used the TDP to mitigate risks inherent in future projects, making us better positioned to implement processes that enhance overall project execution,” said Jack. This has inspired the MOD’s technical community to consider whether such initiatives could benefit other programmes. If TDP innovations match or surpass traditional approaches to compliance generation and gain regulatory approval, the defence sector impact would be profound.

The TDP is also breaking new ground in regulatory collaboration. Through collaboration with MOD subject matter experts and regulatory communities, the TDP team is paving the way for new standards, guidance, and practices within the defence sector that address emerging technologies.

Early in the programme, Raytheon UK identified the absence of standards or guidance for the use of models in the qualification of weapons. Whilst the Military Aviation Authority has existing regulations that address the use of modelling and simulation for qualification activities, the Defence Ordnance Safety Regulator (DOSR), who supports weapon development, has not yet adopted similar regulatory frameworks.

“We are now writing the documentation to plug this gap,” says Tom, a Raytheon UK systems architect tasked with this addressing this important task. “To achieve this, we are trying to follow successful examples outside of the MOD and the defence industry to assist with the qualification of weapons.”

As the programme has progressed, its impact on both internal processes and broader industry standards is increasingly evident, marking a significant step forward in defence innovation.

 

“Gaining a deep understanding of the MOD’s specific challenges, organisational structure, and data presentation preferences has been incredibly valuable,” Jack remarked. “Their constructive feedback has been instrumental in refining our approaches and ensuring that our solutions align with the evolving needs of the defence sector.”

By aligning its digital engineering strategy with the MOD’s operational needs, Raytheon UK can deliver targeted, sovereign defence capabilities at ‘the pace of relevance’.

“Our goal is to streamline weapons qualification while maintaining rigorous safety and performance standards, positioning our defence capabilities for the future,” Hannah concludes.

Back in the lab, where it all began, the digital transformation led by Raytheon UK continues to signify a monumental shift in how defence systems are developed and deployed. Each keystroke and digital model brings the future of defence one step closer, ensuring that the UK Armed Forces remain at the forefront of technological advancement.