INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., May 18, 2005 /PRNewswire/ -- A subsidiary of Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has been awarded a $17 million contract by the U.S. Navy to produce LAU-115 and LAU-116 missile launchers. Both launchers are required to support the Navy's F/A-18E/F aircraft production deliveries that are scheduled through 2012.

Under the contract, Raytheon Technical Services Company LLC (RTSC) will provide engineering support, as well as produce, assemble, test and ship the launchers. The first deliveries are scheduled for 2006. Work will be performed in Indianapolis.

"The LAU-115 and LAU-116 provide the structural and electrical interfaces that allow the F/A-18E/F aircraft to carry and launch missiles such as Sparrow, Sidewinder and AMRAAM," said Larry Parsons, program manager for Aircraft Auxiliary Systems at RTSC. "The increased performance benefits that the F/A-18E/F provides to the fleet are instrumental to mission success. Quick delivery of fully equipped aircraft to the fleet is a priority. Our experienced launcher team uses efficient processes and draws on our long- standing relationships with best-value suppliers to provide the LAU-115 and LAU-116 launchers on the schedule required to meet aircraft delivery dates."

This award follows a similar LAU-115 and LAU-116 production award in March 2004. These are among the latest efforts in a long history during which Raytheon has provided development of engineering solutions; integration of state-of-the-art technologies; and manufacturing, logistics and technical support in the repair and upgrade of a significant percentage of the missile launchers and bomb racks used by the U.S. Navy.

"Through its history supporting the U.S. Navy, RTSC has gained insight into our customers' needs and the environment in which these launchers operate, allowing us to continually develop better solutions," said John Balaguer, RTSC vice president and general manager of RTSC's Indianapolis-based business unit. "We appreciate the confidence demonstrated by our NAVAIR launcher customer in Raytheon's ability to successfully meet the U.S. Navy's launcher requirements. This award gives us the opportunity to further prove that Raytheon has the experience to provide critical mission support."

Raytheon Technical Services Company LLC, a subsidiary of Raytheon Company, provides technology solutions for defense, federal and commercial customers worldwide. It specializes in mission support, engineering product solutions and engineering service solutions. Mission support -- Raytheon's integrated approach to providing total life-cycle support, predicting customer needs, sensing problems and proactively applying solutions -- enables Raytheon to maintain readiness and deliver operational capability on demand, enhancing customer mission success.

Raytheon Company, 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: Additional Technical Information

The Sparrow Missile, AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile), and AIM-9 Sidewinder are all developed by Raytheon Company's Missile Systems. The Sparrow Missile is a medium-range, all-weather, all-aspect, semi-active guided missile used in multiple roles. AMRAAM provides operational flexibility and multi-shot capability and can be launched at an enemy aircraft day or night and in all weather. The AIM-9 Sidewinder is an advanced infrared-tracking, short-range, air-to-air missile.

The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, the Navy's newest operational multi-mission tactical aircraft, is highly capable across its full mission spectrum from long-range, sea-based air dominance to "through the weather" deep strike interdiction. Compared to the earlier F/A-18 models, the F/A-18E/F has longer range, the ability to refuel other aircraft, increased survivability/lethality and improved carrier suitability.

  Contact:
   Kristin Patterson Jones
   703.295.2534

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

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