TEWKSBURY, Mass., Dec. 13, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) SLAMRAAM (Surface Launched Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile) system successfully participated in a second ballistic test vehicle firing at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. This is the second test firing of AMRAAM missiles from the new Family of Medium Tactical Vehicle (FMTV) platform.

"Completion of this second test firing in such a short span of time demonstrates the maturity of the design and readiness to enter the next phase of critical tests," said Dave Gulla, vice president, National & Theater Security Programs for Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems. "SLAMRAAM is the most cost-effective system in development to combat the increasing cruise missile threat to our deployed forces, high-value fixed assets and population centers."

The primary objective of this second ballistic test vehicle firing was to collect environmental data to characterize missile launch effects on the FMTV platform. These data provide input to engineering level assessments in support of system fielding requirements. In conjunction with the August test, the ballistic test vehicle firings were completed to verify that all system components have been successfully transitioned onto the new platform.

The FMTV was chosen as the new platform for the SLAMRAAM system to provide improved crew and system survivability, particularly in light of lessons learned from Operation Iraqi Freedom. The new platform provides additional armored capability and is more ruggedized to support the SLAMRAAM mission.

SLAMRAAM is a tailorable, state-of-the-art air defense system that can defeat current and emerging cruise missile threats and a wide range of air breathing threats. This affordable adaptation of the AMRAAM to meet emerging needs provides the warfighter with a system of highly mobile battlefield elements networked and geographically distributed to provide integrated fire control capability against airborne threats.

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