MARLBOROUGH, Mass., March 30, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has delivered the first of the KIV-77 Mode 4/5 crypto applique computers to the U.S. Air Force more than 60 days ahead of contract schedule.

The delivery was the first of a five-year, indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity agreement. The KIV-77 Mode 4/5 crypto applique computers for Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) equipment will provide the warfighter with the latest technology in secure air, land and surface combat-identification capability.  

"The partnership between Raytheon and the Air Force allowed for the successful delivery of the KIV-77 ahead of contract schedule," said Brian McKeon, vice president, Integrated Communications Systems for Raytheon Network Centric Systems. "Achieving this early milestone demonstrates Raytheon's ability to deliver on our commitments to our customers. Our work helps protect the warfighter by safeguarding combat-identification transmissions."

The KIV-77 is Type 1 certified by the National Security Agency and provides information assurance for both legacy Mode 4 and new Mode 5 IFF equipment. Mode 5 IFF is the next-generation encrypted data link between interrogators and transponders to confirm an aircraft is friendly.

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:

Type 1 certification authorizes equipment for handling classified data.

SOURCE Raytheon Company