INDIANAPOLIS, June 22, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and Ultra Electronics Precision Air Systems have teamed to pursue the BRU-69/A Multi-Purpose Bomb Rack (MPBR) program for the U.S. Navy's Naval Air Systems Command.

MPBR is a twin-store, non-pyrotechnic carriage system that will replace several legacy bomb racks currently deployed on the F/A-18 E/F. Advanced on-board avionics will ensure that MPBR is compatible with current and future "smart weapons." Use of a common, non-pyrotechnic bomb rack will provide substantial life-cycle cost savings.

Raytheon Technical Services Company LLC (RTSC), with a nearly 40-year history of bomb rack and missile launcher design, manufacture, and in-service engineering and support, will lead the pursuit as the prime contractor. Ultra will provide the pneumatic energy source that powers this next-generation stores carriage and non-pyrotechnic ejection system. The team has worked together for more than a year to craft a competitive MPBR solution that offers the Navy the best combination of systems engineering, design and production expertise, mature and proven technology, and a track record of delivering cost-effective solutions that meet demanding operational needs.

"With more than 5,500 units in service, Ultra is the only company in the world with pneumatic and compressor technology that is certified, in service and deployed on multiple platforms," said Wayne Iurillo, vice president of RTSC's Customized Engineering and Depot Support business unit. "Ultra's superior performance on the F-35 and Small Diameter Bomb BRU-61 programs is unique and makes the company our partner of choice for MPBR."

Raytheon's operation at Indianapolis has designed, manufactured and provided in-service support for bomb racks and missile launchers since 1971. The current Mil-Std-1760 smart weapon interface had its roots at the Indianapolis facility with the initial design of the AWW-13 weapon data link pod in the late 1980s.

Ultra has demonstrated more than 12 years of on-budget and on-time success with highly reliable, high-performance pneumatic products for the Navy. The company's High Pressure Pure Air Generator (HiPPAG) products have distinguished Ultra as the world leader for reliability and ease of maintenance. This has been repeatedly demonstrated during current operational deployments and the accumulation of more than 3 million flight hours.

Raytheon and Ultra have worked together previously on several successful programs for the U.S. Navy. In 1994, the companies integrated the first HiPPAG system onto Navy F-18 and AV-8 aircraft launchers to provide cryogenic cooling for the AIM-9M Sidewinder missile.

Ultra Electronics is a defense and aerospace company specializing in the design, manufacture and support of electronic and electromechanical systems, subsystems and products. Ultra's products are used on aircraft, ships, submarines, armored vehicles, surveillance systems, airports and transport systems around the world.

Ultra Electronics Precision Air Systems is a leading manufacturer of compact on-board gas solutions and pneumatic systems for mission- and safety-critical defense and aerospace applications, including cryogenic cooling and stores ejection systems.

Raytheon Technical Services Company provides technical, scientific and professional services, as well as a full spectrum of training services and outsourcing for defense, federal and commercial customers worldwide. It specializes in Mission Support, training, counter-proliferation and counter-terrorism, range operations, product support, homeland security solutions and customized engineering services.

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:

MIL-STD 1760 provides a common electrical and digital interface between weapons and aircraft.

    Contact:
    Gerald L. Petrie
    317.306.7066 (office)
    972.834.4472 (mobile)
    Gerald_L_Petrie@raytheon.com

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

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

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