RESTON, Va., June 7  /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Technical Services Company
LLC (RTSC), a subsidiary of Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), has been awarded a
$16 million U.S. Navy contract for the production of LAU-115 and LAU-116
missile launchers. Both launchers are required to support the Navy's F/A-18E/F
aircraft production deliveries that are scheduled through 2012.

    In addition to providing engineering support, Raytheon will produce,
assemble, integrate, test and ship the launchers, with the first deliveries
scheduled for 2005. Work will be performed in Indianapolis.

    "The LAU-115 and LAU-116 provide the structural and electrical interfaces
that allow the F/A-18 aircraft to carry and launch missiles such as Sparrow,
Sidewinder and Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM)," said Donna
Chastain, director of engineering for Engineering and Production Support
(EPS), RTSC's business unit in Indianapolis, and former program manager for
aircraft auxiliary systems at RTSC. "Because of its increased performance
benefits over prior F/A-18 models, meeting the schedules to get the F/A-18E/F
with these launchers into the fleet as quickly as possible is a priority. With
an experienced team dedicated to launcher work, efficient processes, and long-
standing relationships with best-value suppliers, Raytheon has the capability
to meet the schedules required for the aircraft delivery dates."

    During the past several years, Raytheon has been performing repairs and
upgrades on a significant percentage of the missile launchers and bomb racks
used by the U.S. Navy. In these efforts, Raytheon has provided development of
engineering solutions; integration of state-of-the-art technologies into the
bomb racks and launchers; and manufacturing, logistics and technical support.

    "Our long history with our NAVAIR launcher customers demonstrates their
level of confidence in Raytheon," added Robert Butcher, general manager, EPS.
"That history has also provided us significant insight into the customers'
needs and the environment in which these launchers operate, allowing us to
continually develop better solutions. This award gives us the opportunity to
further prove that Raytheon has the experience to successfully meet the U.S.
Navy's launcher requirements."

    Raytheon Technical Services Company LLC provides technology solutions for
defense, federal and commercial customers worldwide. It specializes in
customized engineering services; logistics and supply chain management;
training; and science, research and technology.

    Raytheon Company, with 2003 sales of $18.1 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 78,000 people worldwide.

    Note to Editors: Additional Technical Information

    The Sparrow Missile, AMRAAM, and AIM-9 Sidewinder are all developed by
Raytheon Missile Systems. The Sparrow Missile is a medium-range, all-weather,
all-aspect, semi-active guided missile used in multiple roles. AMRAAM provides
operational flexibility and multishot capability, and can be launched at an
enemy aircraft day or night and in all weather. The AIM-9 Sidewinder is an
advanced infrared-tracking, short-range, air-to-air missile.


  Contact:
   Kristen Giddens
   703.295.2535


SOURCE: Raytheon Company

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