WHITE SANDS, N.M., June 24, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Navy successfully conducted the first test of the Standard Missile 6 extended range anti-air warfare missile produced by Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN).

The missile, launched from the Navy's Desert Ship at the White Sands Missile Range, successfully intercepted a BQM-74 aerial drone using the newly developed SM-6 active seeker. The active seeker autonomously acquired and engaged the target using the Navy's legacy command system, resulting in a direct hit. This launch demonstrates the first successful integration of the Navy's active missile technology into the weapon system to provide for both near-term advanced anti-air warfare and future over-the-horizon capability.

Standard Missile 6 is being developed by Raytheon to meet the Navy's requirement for an extended range anti-air warfare missile. Expected to deploy in 2011, it provides capability against fixed and rotary wing aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles and delivers a transformational over-the-horizon counter to the ever-evolving cruise missile threat. Employing the Standard Missile-2 Block IVA airframe and the newly developed active sensor, Standard Missile 6 will also have an inherent capability to fulfill the Navy's sea-based terminal ballistic missile defense requirement.

"Standard Missile 6 is the latest advance in Raytheon's ongoing commitment to the Navy and its allies," said Frank Wyatt, Raytheon Missile Systems' vice president of the Naval Weapons Systems product line. "This test proves that Raytheon is on track to deliver this solution to the Navy as scheduled."

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 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.

   Contact:
   Heather Uberuaga
   520.665.5594
   Uberuaga@raytheon.com

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

CONTACT: Heather Uberuaga of Raytheon Company, +1-520-665-5594,
Uberuaga@raytheon.com

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