El SEGUNDO, Calif., Dec. 29, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Naval Air Systems Command has awarded a $52 million contract to Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) to produce APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars for F/A-18 Super Hornet tactical aircraft.

These AESA radars provide the U.S. Navy with the most advanced technology available, including enhanced capabilities that allow aircrews to detect and identify targets beyond the reach of most missiles. This long-range capability allows more time to process, share, and assess information before critical decisions are made.

In addition to enhanced capabilities, AESA radars are exceptionally reliable and maintainable. "Raytheon's high-performance AESA radar systems offer greater affordability over the life of the radar. The APG-79 has extremely low failure and maintenance rates," said Eric Ditmars, F/A-18 program director, Tactical Airborne Systems.

This third retrofit contract brings orders for the update of block II F/A-18s up to 57. Work for this program will be completed at Raytheon facilities in El Segundo, Calif.; Andover, Mass.; Forest, Miss.; and Dallas, Texas, with deliveries expected to begin October 2012.

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