HUNTSVILLE, Ala., March 1, 2005  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- A command and
control system designed by Raytheon Company for the U.S. Army, recently
demonstrated its ability to support the Army National Guard's homeland defense
mission.

    Called Army Airborne Command and Control System (A2C2S), the flying
tactical operations center has logged more than two thousand hours in support
of combat and peacekeeping missions in the Middle East.  On February 24th,
during a Homeland Defense Communications Module concept demonstration, the
system proved that it could track and control first responder vehicles,
retransmit video and "crossband" otherwise incompatible communications
systems.

    "In crisis situations, every second counts," said Brian McKeon, Raytheon
vice president of Command and Control Systems.  "A2C2S gives emergency
responders new capabilities that increase their ability to help people, while
reducing the time it takes to deliver that help."

    Using a scenario that replicated Huntsville's 1989 tornado, the U.S. Army
and Raytheon showed government dignitaries and the news media how the system
might have helped emergency responders involved in that disaster recovery
effort.  The A2C2S demonstration was a first step in developing-and ultimately
fielding-the new homeland defense system.

    A2C2S is a mission equipment package that transforms selected helicopters
into airborne command posts.  When installed on Army UH-60L Black Hawks, the
system allows commanders and their staffs -- at brigade, division and above --
to maintain digital command, control and communication while moving through
the battle space at more than 200 kilometers per hour.  The same airborne
command and control (C2) capability allows emergency responders to maintain
uninterrupted C2, no matter where they go to respond to a disaster or defend
America's homeland.  When equipped with the Homeland Defense Communications
Module, A2C2S can connect civilian emergency first responders with National
Guard and active military units in a C2 network that enables all of them to
support the mission.

    Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), with 2004 sales of $20.2 billion, is an
industry leader in defense and government electronics, space, information
technology, technical services, and business and special mission aircraft.
With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 80,000 people worldwide.

    Note to editors:

    A2C2S supported the 4th Infantry Division during 18 months of combat in
Iraq.  The system served with distinction, exceeded its mission requirements
and delivered better than predicted reliability.

    In 2004, the United States Congress appropriated funds to demonstrate
A2C2S's capability to support the Army National Guard.

    UH-60L helicopters with A-kit equipment (antennas, structural supports and
attachment points) are designated EUH-60L.  The B-kit -- consisting of
integrated racks, cables, radios, computer, and networking equipment -- is
designated the AN/ASC-38.

    The system is designed and produced by Raytheon employees in Huntsville,
Ala. and Ft. Wayne, Ind.

  Contact:
   Patricia Perlini
   972.952.4033


SOURCE: Raytheon Company



Web site:  http://www.raytheon.com/