PARIS, June 12, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- In a first-of-its-kind test, Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) fired four Excalibur Ib projectiles from a Swedish Archer gun system, demonstrating Excalibur Ib's compatibility with the system and meeting all test objectives.

"These outstanding results prove Raytheon's Excalibur Ib is meeting crucial design parameters, which guarantees exceptional weapon system performance," said Steve Bennett, director of Raytheon's Excalibur program. "With Excalibur Ib, Raytheon will provide the warfighter with a more affordable and reliable guided projectile."

The test enabled engineers to evaluate controlled flight and safe muzzle exit and validate the simulation used to predict Excalibur Ib performance.

The Excalibur Ib design is based on Raytheon's combat-proven Excalibur Ia. Raytheon's Excalibur Ib features a titanium base, uses fewer parts and requires simpler manufacturing. The result is increased reliability and a significantly reduced cost to deliver precision projectiles. Excalibur Ib is expected to reach full rate production in 2014.

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.

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SOURCE: Raytheon Company

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