TEWKSBURY, Mass., Sept. 8, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has developed a new naval radar -- AN/SPY-5, a multitracking, target-illuminating system for surface combatants that can simultaneously search, detect and precisely track multiple surface and air threats.

The Raytheon-developed SPY-5 is an open architecture, phased-array radar system, providing an advanced and affordable self-defense solution for small and large surface ships operating in the littorals and other maritime environments.

"SPY-5 is an affordable, effective and reliable radar system that provides critical capabilities for naval forces around the globe," said Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems' Charles "Tom" Bush, vice president of Seapower Capability Systems. "The radar delivers the capabilities of multiple radar systems to counter a broad range of threats in a single, cost-effective solution."

SPY-5's mission capabilities include low-altitude horizon search; focused volume search; surface search; missile and surface gunfire control; simultaneous threat illumination; and missile midcourse guidance and terminal homing -- capabilities previously only achievable through multiple radar solutions. These tasks can be performed simultaneously with an innovative advanced radio frequency phase shifter phased-array system technology.

An open architecture system, SPY-5 is compatible with all digital combat management systems, and the radar's range, accuracy and beam agility enable the full performance of the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile. The radar's high level of compatibility with existing combat systems maximizes the ship's firepower with minimal alterations or added costs.

The radar delivers all of the performance benefits of larger, heavier and more costly active array systems while providing full 360-degree azimuth coverage via three 120-degree beam faces. SPY-5's size, weight and overall self-defense capabilities make it equally well suited for smaller navy ships with a displacement of less than 1,000 tons as well as large-deck aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships.

SPY-5's X-band energy is generated by the proven and widely deployed MK 73 solid-state transmitter system. Because the system uses transmitters that are already installed, upgrading and modernizing many existing systems is greatly simplified and can be accomplished at a relatively low cost. In addition, SPY-5 is designed for continuous operation for extended mission periods.

Integrated Defense Systems is Raytheon's leader in Global Capabilities Integration, providing affordable, integrated solutions to a broad international and domestic customer base, including the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the U.S. Armed Forces and the Department of Homeland Security.

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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    U.S. Contact:
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    401.842.3550

SOURCE Raytheon Company

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

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

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