FALLS CHURCH, Va., Nov. 19, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) achieved a key milestone for the U.S. Navy as the Tactical Control System (TCS) was deployed recently on the USS McInerney to support a counternarcotics mission in Central America as part of the MQ-8B Fire Scout program.

"This truly is a critical milestone on our road to success toward a full fleet introduction on Littoral Combat Ships," said Capt. Tim Dunigan, U.S. Navy. "Deploying Fire Scout aboard the USS McInerney will allow for the continued maturation of our system while increasing the warfighting effectiveness of the ship."

The U.S. Navy TCS system provides an opportunity to develop a low-risk, low-cost and effective common ground control system for full range of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) across multiple agencies. TCS is the only system that exhibits key enablers such as common system framework, open documented interfaces and air-certified software, while giving the government unlimited rights necessary to develop UAS control across the spectrum of missions, applications and air vehicles.

"This is a huge step for the TCS program," said Ravindra Nirgudkar, program manager for Raytheon's Tactical Control System. "This deployment solidifies TCS' position as the future ground control system not only for the U.S. Navy but also with other services."

Raytheon Intelligence and Information Systems is a leading provider of intelligence and information solutions, specializing in ground processing, unmanned ground systems, cybersecurity solutions, homeland security and other markets to resolve the most complex problems for its customers worldwide. IIS had 2008 revenues of $3.1 billion and employs more than 9,000 engineering and technical professionals worldwide.

Raytheon Company with 2008 sales of $23.2 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 87 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 73,000 people worldwide.

    Contact:
    Keith Little
    703.849.1675

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

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

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