TUCSON, Ariz., July 19, 2006 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company's Missile Systems in partnership with the U.S. Air Force 40th Test Squadron successfully conducted the 100th live fire of an AIM-9X Sidewinder missile at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

The flight test involved two unmanned QF-4 target drones and was the second in a series of test launches for the next operational release of the missile's software. The test confirmed the missile's ability to function as a "node in the battlespace network" in future air battles and confirmed the missile's ability to cue to previously impossible off-bore sight angles.

"Reaching the 100th live fire milestone for AIM-9X so quickly in the AIM-9X's young operational life is truly a remarkable achievement," said Brock McCaman, vice president of Raytheon Missile Systems Air-to-Air program. "The U.S. government-Raytheon Missile Systems team has put this weapon through a rigorous development program, and the AIM-9X continues to meet all expectations."

The AIM-9X is the newest member of the AIM-9 Sidewinder short-range missile family currently in use by more than 40 nations around the world. It is a joint U.S. Navy and Air Force program that was approved for full rate production in May 2004. The AIM-9X program delivers evolutionary improvements to the AIM-9 missile series through revolutionary advancements.

Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), with 2005 sales of $21.9 billion, is an industry leader in defense and government electronics, space, information technology, technical services, and business and special mission aircraft. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 80,000 people worldwide.

  Contact:                                 At Farnborough Air Show:
  Chandra Stewart                          Sara Hammond
  520.794.8580                             + 44 (0)7894 072841

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

CONTACT: Chandra Stewart, +1-520-794-8580, or Sara Hammond (At
Farnborough Air Show), + 44 (0)7894 072841, both of Raytheon Company

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