EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla., April 28, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company launched its first GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb II as a control test vehicle (CTV) flight.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E fighter aircraft released the GBU-53/B in flight. After safely separating from the aircraft, the weapon deployed its wings, performed a series of preprogrammed maneuvers and flew to a predesignated position. The mission met all primary test objectives.

"The success of the CTV flight proves Raytheon's GBU-53/B is on track to demonstrate our low-risk entry into engineering manufacturing development," said Harry Schulte, Raytheon Missile Systems vice president of Air Warfare Systems. "GBU-53/B's improved tri-mode seeker represents the most cost-effective, low-risk and highly capable solution for the warfighter to eliminate moving targets in adverse weather."

The seeker on Raytheon's GBU-53/B leverages the company's experience with the proven Non Line-of-Sight-Launch System Precision Attack Missile.

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.

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

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

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

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