EAST CAMDEN, Ark., Aug. 25, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) delivered the 1000th Evolved SeaSparrow Missile to a multinational consortium during a ceremony at the Raytheon Missile Systems Weapon Integration Center - Camden.

Deployed by the U.S. Navy and nine international fleets, ESSM defends the battlespace by delivering ship self-defense firepower against high-G maneuvering anti-ship cruise missiles as well as surface and low-velocity air threats.

"ESSM's increased speed coupled with its improved guidance system allows for engagements at extended ranges," said Capt. Mike Anderson, the U.S. Navy's ESSM project manager. "The hallmarks of the missile are its international design, combat system flexibility and performance edge."

As a tail-controlled missile, ESSM utilizes recent enhancements to its guidance system to take advantage of improved seeker sensitivity, increased propulsion and greater weapon accuracy. Combined, these features result in ESSM arriving at the intercept point with more endgame speed and agility to counter the threat.

"Raytheon leads an international team of 18 world-class companies in developing and producing ESSM," said Ed Roesly, Raytheon's ESSM program director. "Our team develops the industrial bases of all participating countries, uses the expertise and technological skills of each participant and provides every country with a return on investment."

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

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

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

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