EL SEGUNDO, Calif., July 14, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- A new version of its revolutionary active electronically scanned array radar technology positions Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) to broaden the market substantially with a product designed to fit numerous fighter aircraft requiring AESA capabilities.

The new Raytheon Advanced Combat Radar is a smaller, scalable version of the company's highly successful AESA systems currently in production for U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F and Air Force F-15C and E aircraft. The company is focusing the new system, which incorporates recent innovations, at customers in the worldwide fighter market, particularly those with F-16 and F/A-18A+/C/D aircraft. The technology also is adaptable for a wide range of other fighter aircraft.

Raytheon has several decades of experience in integrating radar systems on fighter and other aircraft. The company's AESA radars are under contract to Singapore and Australia. The technology is also part of several other international competitive procurements, such as the India fighter competition.

"Raytheon continues to lead the field in its ongoing development of AESA radar technology," said Dr. Tom Kennedy, vice president for Tactical Airborne Systems. "This focus ensures our domestic and international customers have access to new capabilities that will keep their aircraft and force structure combat relevant."

Raytheon's AESA radars rank among the most advanced sensor systems in the world. The ground-breaking technology provides rapid, actionable information and unparalleled situational awareness to aviators. Raytheon designed, developed and fielded the world's first operational AESA for fighter aircraft for the Air Force and has delivered more than 100 APG-79 AESA systems to the Navy, which has ordered 437.

Raytheon is also a leading provider of airborne processors and electronic warfare equipment for F-16 aircraft, including the ALE-50 towed decoy, the ALR-69A radar warning receiver, the ALQ-184 electronic countermeasure pod, an infrared missile warning sensor, and the Advanced Self-Protection Integrated Suite.

Design work on the new AESA radar is in progress at Raytheon's Tactical Airborne Systems organization in El Segundo, Calif.

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 (office)
   310.977.1963 (cell)

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

CONTACT: Faith Jennings of Raytheon Company, +1-310-334-2553, cell,
+1-310-977-1963

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