RTX · News · 20261103N

Product / Technology Development

RTX Corp · 2026-11-03 · Importance 34 · Surprise 42 · In source text

Raytheon won a phase one DARPA contract to develop an all-optical signal-processing system for the PICASSO program (Photonic Integrated Circuit Architectures for Scalable System Objectives). The technology uses light rather than electricity to process signals, aiming to speed threat detection and response and improve situational awareness in contested environments. Raytheon is collaborating with Synopsys on design and simulation tools for the photonic circuit technology.

Key facts

• RTX's Raytheon business was awarded a phase one DARPA contract to develop an all-optical processing system for the PICASSO program. source
• The report stated that RTX had a record US$289 billion order book and described converting it into high-quality earnings as part of RTX's strategy. source
• Raytheon's Advanced Technology team will design and demonstrate photonic circuit technology that processes signals using light rather than electricity. source
• A report stated that Raytheon is collaborating with Synopsys for design and simulation tools for its DARPA PICASSO all-optical signal-processing system. source
• The same report stated Raytheon is actively hiring to support the PICASSO project and other critical military programs. source
• The report stated that RTX's push into photonics adds engineering spend and execution risk for the company. source
• The all-optical processing technology is intended to help operators detect threats sooner, respond more quickly and maintain better situational awareness in contested environments. source
• A report stated that Raytheon’s all-optical system aims to eliminate optical-to-electrical signal conversion so operators can detect and respond to threats more quickly. source

Impact estimates