Original Date: 09/14/1998
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

Raytheon Missile Systems Company’s (RMSC’s) ESSM program must satisfy the requirements of a 13-country North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) consortium. To accomplish this task, the company formed an International Integrated Product Team (IPT) to manage the overall development of this missile program. The International IPT consists of 21 companies in 10 countries which share the design and production responsibilities for the ESSM program. Several secondary IPTs have also been formed to manage the development and production of the missile’s individual sections. To establish a flow of hardware between IPT members, the International IPT setup importing/exporting licenses and developed transportation plans.

Two major enablers of the International IPT are electronic communications and risk management tools. All relevant information (e.g., technical data, presentations) is stored in an electronic database developed by RMSC. RMSC personnel as well as IPT member companies, customers, and suppliers can access this information via a website. By employing electronic communications, the International IPT can use a single technical data package, and keep everyone informed of any changes and progress. RMSC’s risk management tools, also accessible via website, allow the International IPT to identify and quantify risks early in the development process. As risks are identified, the priorities for a program can be identified, and the secondary IPTs can be tasked to eliminate or reduce the risk. Since few risks are associated with a single product, the risk management process also facilitates open communication and trust among the IPT members.

RMSC’s use of an International IPT fosters technology transfer among the IPT members, and increases the industrial base of the participating countries. The costs associated with the development and procurement of new products and systems are shared among the participants. By using an International IPT, all participating companies/countries are able to field the ESSM program. Due to fiscal constraints, no single company/country could accomplish this task alone. The Navy has recognized RMSC’s International IPT for the ESSM program as a model for other international cooperative ventures.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.