PARIS, June 12, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) is testing key components that will be used in the AGM-65E2, the U.S. Air Force's newest variant of the laser-guided Maverick missile.

The laser-guided Maverick missile is a direct-attack, air-to-ground precision munition used extensively by the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps in ongoing combat operations.

The newest variant of the missile, the AGM-65E2, will have an enhanced-laser seeker and new software, reducing the risk of collateral damage and enabling aircraft to use their onboard lasers to designate a target.

"In my opinion, the warfighter needs this weapon, because it is ideally suited for urban combat and high-speed maneuvering targets," said Col. Michael Holbert, commander of the U.S. Air Force's 84th Combat Sustainment Wing. "We look forward to putting this very capable weapon into the hands of U.S. warfighters and also into the hands of our international partners."

The AGM-65 Maverick family of precision-attack missiles is used by the air, naval and marine forces of 33 countries. More than 69,000 missiles have been produced to date, and more than 6,000 have been used in combat with a 93 percent kill rate.

"Maverick has a long history of on-time deliveries with proven performance," said Darryl Kreitman, Raytheon's Maverick program director. "Because Maverick is integrated on more than 25 aircraft and is combat proven, it offers a best-value solution for the warfighter who needs a direct-attack weapon."

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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