TUCSON, Ariz., May 24, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) SeaRAM Anti-ship Missile Defense System completed two blast test vehicle launches aboard the USS Independence (LCS 2).

Designed to validate the structural integrity of both the weapon system and the ship, the launches clear the way for SeaRAM's live-fire testing on LCS 2 later this year.

"SeaRAM met all test objectives and demonstrated the system's critical at-sea firing capabilities," said Al Steichen, Raytheon's SeaRAM program manager. "SeaRAM is fully integrated with the Independence's combat management system and will provide a proven, highly lethal self-defense capability."

SeaRAM is a low-cost spiral development of Raytheon's combat-proven Phalanx Block 1B radar and Rolling Airframe Missile, the latter produced jointly by Raytheon and RAMSYS of Germany. Intended to enlarge a ship's self-defense keep-out range against anti-ship missiles and fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, SeaRAM replaces Phalanx's M61A1 20 mm gun with an 11-round RAM launcher.

"SeaRAM's self-contained defense capability leverages Phalanx's reliable multispectral sensors and weapon control capability with the demonstrated lethality of RAM," said Steichen. "It marks the beginning of the next generation of close-in weapon systems."

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.

SOURCE Raytheon Company