TUCSON, Ariz., Aug. 30, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Raytheon Company has named its partners for the upcoming Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) contract competition this fall.

Raytheon will partner with Aerojet, Sacramento, Calif.; Goodrich, Vergennes, Vt., and EFW, Ft. Worth, Texas, to offer a proven low-risk, cost- effective, robust solution with precision lethality and operational flexibility for aviation systems for the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and allied forces.

The Raytheon Missile Systems-lead team maximizes the strengths of guided missile technology, laser seeker technology, low-cost actuation systems and extensive rocket motor experience to ensure low risk, rapid integration of proven technologies. APKWS II is a modular design using common components thus reducing cost and resources, saving time and lowering risk.

"APKWS II will fill the gap between the current Hydra 70 unguided rocket and the Hellfire missile. This low cost precision accuracy is needed in today's environment to give the warfighter the flexibility and the freedom to maneuver," said Ron Krebs, APKWS II program manager. "The Raytheon APKWS II system provides the warfighter 100 percent confidence of 'one rocket, one kill.'

APKWS II initially will be deployed on rotary wing aircraft but has growth potential for fixed wing aircraft and Future Combat Systems ground platforms."

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.

  Contact:
   Sara Hammond
   520-794-7810

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

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