PARIS, June 12, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- The Canadian military and Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) have completed a joint venture that integrated the combat-proven Enhanced Paveway II 500-pound GBU-49 on Canada's CF-18 Hornet strike aircraft.

The effort took less than 90 days and culminated in the successful employment of four weapons, which were dropped during the U.S. Air Force's Weapon System Evaluation program. This marked the first time a GPS-guided weapon was employed by a Canadian CF-18.

"EP II will provide a much needed capability to the fighter force by providing a precise and flexible option to meet the challenges of the modern battlespace," said Maj. Paul Frigault, officer commanding of the Canadian operational test and evaluation effort responsible for evaluating the GBU-49. "This is a milestone for the Canadian Forces in demonstrating the ability to deliver precision munitions through clouds."

Enhanced Paveway II is an affordable, all-weather, dual mode GPS/laser-guided precision munition that has successfully been used in combat by the U.K.'s Royal Air Force during Operation Southern Watch and Operation Enduring Freedom.

"With this employment under our belts, Raytheon's EP II is now integrated on 18 aircraft," said Harry Schulte, vice president of Raytheon Missile System's Air Warfare Systems. "EP II is the ideal weapon for counter-insurgency operations, providing a critical capability to the Canadian military."

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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During the test, three weapons were released through a cloud deck at 10,000 feet and guided via GPS to impact with a high degree of accuracy. The fourth weapon initially guided to the target by GPS but used laser energy for the last 15 seconds of flight, resulting in a precise impact on the target.

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    Mike Nachshen                             J. Nicole Stewart
    +1.520.269.5697                           520.794.7810
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SOURCE: Raytheon Company

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

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