TUCSON, Ariz., Jan. 13, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Air Force and Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) completed the first free-flight test of the Miniature Air Launched Decoy-Jammer. The completion of this flight test sets the stage for a critical design review in 2010 and the conclusion of Phase II risk reduction.

The MALD-J™ adds radar-jamming capability to the basic MALD platform. MALD is a state-of-the-art, low-cost flight vehicle that is modular, air-launched and programmable. It weighs less than 300 pounds and has a range of approximately 500 nautical miles (about 575 statute miles).

"Achieving this milestone proves MALD-J has a technology readiness level 7 and sets the stage for the system to enter engineering and manufacturing development," said Ken Watson, the U.S. Air Force's MALD program manager.

MALD-J recently completed numerous captive carry test missions and a milestone C decision - the decision to go into production - is expected in early 2011.

"The modular MALD-J gives the warfighter expendable, stand-in jamming capability," said Scott Muse, Raytheon's MALD program director. "MALD-J will eliminate or reduce the need to send aircrews into danger to conduct suppression of enemy air defense missions."

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:

More than 125 Raytheon employees design and build the MALD and MALD-J in Tucson, Ariz.; Goleta, Calif.; and El Segundo, Calif.

Hundreds of employees in scores of businesses across the U.S. design and manufacture MALD and MALD-J components. Major suppliers include: AML Communications, Camarillo, Calif.; AUSCO, Port Washington, N.Y.; BAE, Berthoud, Colo.; CEI, Sacramento, Calif.; Celestica, Austin, Texas; Eagle Pitcher, Joplin, Mo.; EDO, Bohemia, N.Y.; Enser, Pinellas Park, Fla.; Engineered Fabrics Corp, Rockmart, Ga.; GDOTS, Redmond, Wash.; Hamilton-Sundstrand, Rockford, Ill.; Hamilton-Sundstrand, San Diego, Calif.; LaBarge, Joplin, Mo.; Moog, East Aurora, N.Y.; Tecom, Westlake Village, Calif.

    Contact:
    Mike Nachshen
    520.269.5697 (mobile)
    Michael_Nachshen@raytheon.com

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

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

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