TUCSON, Ariz., April 2, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Air Force awarded Raytheon Company a contract to upgrade guidance and control sections for the air-to-ground Maverick missile.

"The military is successfully employing laser-guided Mavericks against moving targets and in urban environments," said Harry Schulte, Raytheon Missile Systems vice president of Air Warfare Systems. "This contract is a win for the warfighters, because it gives them a reliable combat-proven weapon they can take to war almost immediately."

The contract initiates engineering efforts required to restart the laser-guided Maverick production line and will incorporate state-of-the-art laser-seeker technology. The contract will result in the upgrade of up to 450 laser Maverick guidance sections for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy.

Raytheon plans to deliver the first upgraded guidance sections to the U.S. Air Force in 20 to 24 months. The contract uses funds from a General Services Administration exchange program. The program provides the latest technology to the U.S. Air Force without affecting normal weapon procurement budgets.

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:

Under the General Services Administration exchange program, Raytheon upgrades and refurbishes earlier model Maverick guidance and control sections and airframes for international sale. A portion of the proceeds creates credits for the U.S. Air Force to buy new or upgraded Maverick missiles.

    Contact:
    Mike Nachshen
    520.794.4088
    520.269.5697 -- mobile
    Michael_nachshen@raytheon.com

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

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