ORLANDO, Fla., Feb 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) AGM-65E2/L, the newest variant of the laser-guided Maverick missile, is on track to enter developmental and operational testing.

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.

"Raytheon, the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy just finished a critical design review, and the team is now in the process of building hardware needed to begin rigorous design verification and qualification testing of key subsystems," said Darryl Kreitman, director of Raytheon's Maverick program. "Raytheon is working with key suppliers to ensure production begins as soon as the operational testing phase of the program concludes."

The AGM-65E2/L will have an enhanced laser seeker and new software, reducing the risk of collateral damage and enabling aircraft to use onboard lasers to designate targets.

"In my opinion, the laser-guided Maverick is an ideal weapon for urban combat and high-speed maneuvering targets," said Col. Perry Oaks, commander of the U.S. Air Force's 784th Combat Sustainment Group. "Maverick is widely integrated and combat proven and offers our nation's allies a best-value precision solution."

Raytheon Company, with 2009 sales of $25 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 88 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 75,000 people worldwide.

Note to Editors:

Raytheon's family of Maverick missiles provides more than 250 jobs in Tucson, Ariz., Goleta, Calif., and Farmington, N.M.

The AGM-65E2 is the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps' variant of the laser-guided Maverick; the AGM-65L is the U.S. Air Force variant.

Scores of Raytheon suppliers associated with the Maverick program provide employment to hundreds of people across the U.S.

Major suppliers include: Alliant Tech Systems, Rocket Center, W. Va.; BAE Systems, Lexington, Mass.; Eagle Picher, Joplin, Mo.; Ensign Bickford, Simsbury, Conn.; Kaman Aerospace, Middletown, Conn.; MOOG, Inc., Salt Lake City; MOOG, Inc., East Aurora, N.Y.; Primus Technologies, Williamsport, Pa.; Reynolds Systems, Middletown, Calif.; Woven Electronics, Greenville, S.C. and Analog Modules Incorporated, Longwood, Fla.

SOURCE Raytheon Company