EL SEGUNDO, Calif., July 1, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has delivered its 100th APG-79 active electronically scanned array radar system to Boeing and the U.S. Navy for use on F/A-18 and EA-18G aircraft.

The company marked the occasion with a ceremony July 1 that attracted senior customers and local dignitaries to its Consolidated Manufacturing Center in Forest, Miss.

"Our 100th delivery of this remarkable system testifies eloquently to the confluence of teamwork and dedication to operational excellence that the program team and our customers committed to more than a year ago," said Dr. Tom Kennedy, vice president for Tactical Airborne Systems. "This milestone proves the importance not only of developing a revolutionary and viable solution but of teaming closely with our customers to ensure they receive exactly what they need to keep our aviators safe."

The first operational deployment of an APG-79-equipped F/A-18 Super Hornet Block II squadron is in progress. The first EA-18G Growler to sport the radar was delivered to the Navy June 3.

"The outstanding performance of our APG-79 systems in the fleet continues to exceed expectations," said Capt. Mark Darrah, F/A-18 program manager. "Boeing and Raytheon have provided warfighters with a cutting-edge radar that is already demonstrating phenomenal performance along with unprecedented levels of reliability, which is critical for combat operations. This sensor backbone of the F/A-18 and EA-18G helps take the aircraft to the next level of capability we need at home and abroad."

Raytheon is under contract to deliver 437 of the systems to the Navy. The company's sophisticated multi-role APG-79 is the radar of choice for the F-15C, F-15E, F/A-18E/F and EA-18G. It is approved for export to such international customers as Singapore and Australia and is a candidate for the F/A-18 entry in India's fighter competition.

"The AESA radar is a critical element in the integrated sensor fusion on the Super Hornet and ensures the Block II Super Hornet and Growler deliver unmatched combat capability today and over the coming decades," said Bob Gower, Boeing's vice president for F/A-18 programs. "Everyone on the team is dedicated to delivering on the promise to provide warfighters with the most advanced weapons system available and maintain the proven track record of 100 percent on-time delivery that's always within budget."

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:
   Faith Jennings
   310.334.2553
   Cell: 310.977.1963
   Faith_jennings@raytheon.com

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

CONTACT: Faith Jennings of Raytheon Company, +1-310-334-2553,
Cell: +1-310-977-1963, Faith_jennings@raytheon.com

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