MCKINNEY, Texas, Oct. 21, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) airborne Multi-Spectral Targeting System, whose video imagery helps soldiers, intelligence analysts and commanders in the field make critical operating decisions, recently exceeded 1 million flight hours.

"This system provides critical information to U.S. and coalition forces," said Col Daryl Hauck, U.S. Air Force program executive officer for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Special Operations Forces. "The day and night environment image quality that the targeting system provides to the warfighter is making a difference in the lives of our troops."

The targeting system also employs a full-motion video camera for long-range surveillance and high-altitude acquisition, tracking and laser designation from a manned or unmanned aircraft.

"Our solid partnership with the U.S. Air Force has enabled us to develop this unique system to meet demanding defense requirements," said Tim Carey, vice president for Raytheon's Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance business. "With 1 million operational flight hours, the MTS delivers proven reliability and capability to the warfighter in operations around the world."

Raytheon developed the electro-optical infrared system for use by the U.S. Air Force on the Predator unmanned aircraft. The company also supplies it to military forces throughout the world. MTS sensor solutions have been integrated on more than 16 platforms representing all DoD branches and Department of Homeland Security assets. Numerous MTS family sensors are flying aboard U.S. Air Force unmanned air systems, on helicopters in the Navy and special operations fleets.

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