Raytheon Company (NYSE:RTN) delivered the first Electronic Modular Enclosure (EME) for the Zumwalt-class destroyer (DDG 1000) to the U.S. Navy. EMEs are large subsystem assemblies that efficiently package the shock mitigation, electromagnetic interference protection, thermal conditioning, security and vibration isolation for commercial off-the-shelf electronics integrated inside.
The EME unit, which houses ruggedized and commercial electronic equipment for the ship's external communications, was shipped from Raytheon's facility in Largo, Fla., to Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Miss. The EME will be integrated into DDG 1000's advanced composite deckhouse.
There are 16 EMEs on each Zumwalt destroyer, and each unit contains more than 235 individual electronics cabinets. In addition to allowing the ship's equipment to withstand the most rigorous battle conditions, EMEs also lower the ship integration costs by streamlining shipboard combat system installation, integration and testing. A fully populated EME weighs up to 18 tons and measures close to 35-ft long, eight-ft high and 12-ft wide.
Electronics integration and testing of the EMEs are performed at several Raytheon facilities, including IDS' Seapower Capability Center, Portsmouth, R.I.; IDS' Integrated Air Defense Center, Andover, Mass.; and Network Centric Systems, Largo, Fla. The EME shelters are provided by Gichner Shelter Systems, Dallastown, Penn.