SOCORRO, N.M., Feb. 16, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company fired its 45th low-cost titanium base as part of design testing for the Excalibur 1b precision-guided artillery projectile.

The Excalibur 1b design is based on Raytheon's combat-proven Excalibur 1a. It uses fewer parts and requires simpler manufacturing, resulting in lower costs and increased reliability. Excalibur's proven six-meter (19.7 feet) accuracy reduces collateral damage, which saves warfighter lives and reduces the chance of civilian casualties.

"Raytheon is the industry leader in the production of precision-guided projectiles," said Jim Riley, Raytheon Missile Systems' vice president of Land Combat. "We started testing the new base in July 2008, and we have consistently met all our testing objectives."

The projectiles were stable during flight, and the stowed fins deployed after clearing the gun. The tests also demonstrated the fins' structural integrity and ability to synchronously deploy and lock. Component testing of the new base design will continue through May 2009.

"During these test flights, we've integrated base bleed into the fin extension. That's an important step on the road to delivering Excalibur 1b to the U.S. Army," said Steve Bennett, Raytheon Missile Systems' Excalibur program director. "We feel confident Excalibur 1b will meet the U.S. Army's cost objectives and exceed the incredible performance expectations established by Excalibur 1a."

Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 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 73,000 people worldwide.

Note to Editors:

Raytheon's Excalibur 1a program provides nearly 100 jobs in Tucson, Ariz., Farmington, N.M., and Tyler, Texas.

Scores of Raytheon suppliers associated with the Excalibur program provide employment to hundreds of people across the U.S.

Major suppliers include: GD-OTS Anniston, Anniston, Ala.; L3-IEC, Anaheim, Calif.; GD-OTS Healdsburg, Healdsburg, Calif.; AIS, Cheshire, Conn.; GD-OTS Niceville, Niceville, Fla.; Rockwell Collins International, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; M/A Com-Tyco Electronics, Lowell, Mass.; Minco, Minneapolis; Honeywell, Minneapolis; L3-KDI, Cincinnati; McAlester, McAlester, Okla.; and Primus, Williamsport, Penn.

    Contact:
    Heather Uberuaga
    520.665.5594
    uberuaga@raytheon.com

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

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

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