CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Oct. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon BBN Technologies has adapted its life-saving Boomerang shooter detection technology to protect helicopter crews. Raytheon BBN Technologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), is the world leader in shooter detection technology and has been providing Boomerang vehicle, fixed site and soldier-wearable shooter detection/location systems for the U.S. and its allies since 2003. 

Helicopters are highly susceptible to sniper attacks because of their low-altitude flight paths and hovering requirements in theater. However, developing a shooter detection system for helicopters is a very complex problem because of the extreme noise and heavy vibration involved. Boomerang Air overcomes this challenge by incorporating BBN's proven computer-based signal processing, adapted for the rotary-wing environment, and auditory and visual indications to detect and report relative shooter azimuth and elevation information.

"Helicopters are inherently vulnerable, but they also have the ability to maneuver quickly and aggressively when fire is detected," said David Schmitt, director of Boomerang Products at Raytheon BBN Technologies. "Boomerang Air immediately gives crews the information they need to move out of harm's way and successfully complete their mission."

About Raytheon  
Raytheon Company, with 2012 sales of $24 billion and 68,000 employees worldwide, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, security and civil markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 91 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. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. For more about Raytheon, visit us at www.raytheon.com and follow us on Twitter @Raytheon.

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SOURCE Raytheon Company