MCKINNEY, Texas,  Sept. 15, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has received a $9 million contract option award from the U.S. Navy to retrofit new infrared technology on Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared pod systems for use on F/A-18C-F aircraft.

"This capability insertion advances system technology and mission capabilities ensuring that ATFLIR will continue to play a critical role in the U.S. Navy's operations around the world," said Capt. Mark Darrah, Navy program manager for the F/A-18 and E/A-18G aircraft.

The retrofit enables Navy aircrews to mark a target with a common visual reference that can be positively identified by both the aircrew and ground troops using night vision goggles.

"These pod upgrades keep warfighters on the cutting edge of technology as they locate, identify and track potential threats to the U.S. and its allies," said Tim Carey, vice president for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Systems.

ATFLIR provides the Navy with the most advanced targeting system available for F/A-18 aircraft, featuring a common optical path with continuous auto-boresight alignment. The electro-optical sensor, targeting FLIR and high-power laser work together to deliver unmatched targeting pod accuracy, increasing mission success.

Raytheon will retrofit the targeting pods in McKinney, Texas, and El Segundo, Calif.

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