TEWKSBURY, Mass., Jan. 13, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company received a $23 million U.S. Navy contract to serve as the platform systems engineering agent for the Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS). This is the first step toward a base year with options years through fiscal year 2012 platform systems engineering agent contract.

As PSEA, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems will manage the integration of capability upgrades into various aircraft carrier and amphibious ship combat systems while providing continued support for fielded systems. Services will include platform systems engineering, configuration control, testing, training, and logistics.

This contract will expand SSDS open architecture installations to include CVN 78, America's next-generation aircraft carrier; the newest Tarawa-class ship (LHA 6); and the Whidbey Island class (LSD). Raytheon will also integrate the Zumwalt-class destroyer's Dual Band Radar onboard CVN 78.

"SSDS is an open architecture solution that leverages our expertise and advanced technologies to provide critical situational awareness and proven self-defense capabilities to the U.S. Navy," said Raytheon IDS' Robert Martin, vice president and deputy of Seapower Capability Systems. "With this contract, we will expand our role and support to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of the Navy's surface fleet."

Raytheon's Ship Self-Defense System is an open, distributed combat management system for carriers and expeditionary warfare ships. It is designed to expedite the detect-to-engage sequence to defend against anti-ship cruise missiles. SSDS links and automates standalone sensors and weapon systems to provide the required combat reaction.

Designed to meet the Navy's Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems Open Architecture Computing Environment standards, Raytheon's SSDS MK 2 is the first fleet use of this open architecture computing environment software that includes selected software components from the Total Ship Computing Environment Infrastructure developed for the Zumwalt-class destroyer. The open architecture design adds a new level of flexibility and commercial standards to support the Navy's goal for open, modular and interoperable combat management systems for the fleet.

SSDS is currently fielded on four classes of aircraft carriers and expeditionary ships: LSD, CVN 68, LPD 17 and LHD class.

Work will be performed at Raytheon IDS' Expeditionary Warfare Center, San Diego, Calif., and Seapower Capability Center, Portsmouth, R.I.

Integrated Defense Systems is Raytheon's leader in Global Capabilities Integration providing affordable, integrated solutions to a broad international and domestic customer base, including the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the U.S. Armed Forces and the Department of Homeland Security.

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:
    Carolyn Beaudry
    401.842.3550

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

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