Raytheon installs frost protection system in Canadian vineyard

A Canadian horticulture research center has contracted with Raytheon Company to install a prototype microwave frost protection system at its Ontario vineyard.

Tempwave is a Raytheon-developed system that uses low-level microwave radiant heat to prevent frost damage to crops. Microwave energy is transmitted from towers located in an orchard or vineyard changing the energy balance that slows cooling to prevent freeze damage.

"The agreement leverages Raytheon's expertise in radio frequency applications with the Canadian research center's mandate to introduce innovative horticulture technologies," said Lee Silvestre, vice president for Mission Innovation at Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems. Mission Innovation is charged with exploring and applying Raytheon technical expertise to address global challenges outside Raytheon's traditional core business interests in defense, homeland security and other government markets.  

The Vineland Research and Innovation Centre in Ontario, Canada, is a center for horticultural research and innovation whose charter includes commercializing and delivering new technologies to market.

"This new prototype technology will help ensure Ontario vineyards and orchards are protected when temperatures fall below freezing and jeopardize tender fruit and grape production," said Dr. Jim Brandle, the center's chief executive. "Our partnership with Raytheon is a new chapter in Vineland's on-going research to protect Canada's food supply."

The contract calls for Raytheon to install a prototype system in the center's vineyard, prepare it for operation, and support initial testing during a four-month period. It is part of a working agreement for each party to contribute its expertise to test and market the system worldwide.

Raytheon Company, with 2009 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 88 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 75,000 people worldwide.