TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 18, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has been awarded a $10 million Missile Defense Agency contract to continue research and development of the Network Centric Airborne Defense Element.

NCADE is an air-launched weapon system designed to engage short- and medium-range ballistic missiles in the boost and ascent phase of flight.

"NCADE fills a critical niche in the Ballistic Missile Defense system and provides a revolutionary, low-cost approach to interceptor development and acquisition," said Mike Booen, Raytheon Missile Systems vice president of Advanced Missile Defense. "The ballistic missile threat is increasing rapidly. Raytheon is committed to getting NCADE to the warfighter as quickly as possible."

The NCADE interceptor leverages many proven components and technologies, including the aerodynamic design, aircraft interface and flight control system of Raytheon's Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile. The commonality with AMRAAM enables the warfighter to launch NCADE from a wide variety of aircraft, including smaller unmanned aerial vehicles.

NCADE also leverages proven imaging infrared seeker components from existing Raytheon production programs, which enables a potentially rapid development and fielding path.

Raytheon Company, with 2007 sales of $21.3 billion, is a technology leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning more than 86 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 72,000 people worldwide.

Note to Editors:

On Dec. 3, 2007, Raytheon Company flight tested a key component of the NCADE missile defense system with the intercept of a test ballistic missile. The test at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., demonstrated the NCADE infrared seeker's ability to acquire and track a ballistic missile target in the boost phase of flight.

  Contact:
  John Patterson
  520.794.4559
  john_b_patterson@raytheon.com

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

CONTACT: John Patterson of Raytheon Company, +1-520-794-4559,
john_b_patterson@raytheon.com

Web site: http://www.raytheon.com/