WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2005 /PRNewswire/ -- The CN-235 and C-295 transports have embarked on a four-week U.S. tour to highlight the medium-sized airlifters' capability to meet U.S. Army mission requirements for its Future Cargo Aircraft (FCA).

The tour, which began Sept. 11, will include briefings and familiarization flights in 16 states. The visit is organized by Team FCA -- the Raytheon/EADS CASA North America industrial teaming for the FCA competition. Raytheon is the Team FCA's mission systems integrator and mission support lead, while EADS CASA North America will oversee U.S. production aspects for the CN-235 and C- 295 aircraft.

Team FCA's "Combat Proven, Mission Assured" tour comes after the Army issued industry solicitations earlier this month for its Future Cargo Aircraft requirement. The Army and National Guard have an urgent need for fixed-wing aircraft to haul cargo and troops on the battlefield and for homeland security missions.

"The lessons learned from combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan show the need for a responsive transport solution that is ready at the battlefield commander's place and choosing," Jim Hvizd, vice president for Team FCA, said. "The Team FCA's solution of the CN-235 and C-295 provides the ideal combination of world-class aircraft and equally superb mission support and integration for the Army warfighter.

With aircraft in production and in service around the world, Team FCA offers the lowest risk for the Army's FCA requirements."

The C-295 is the largest member of EADS CASA's family of light and medium military transport aircraft. It offers the best value for users -- with acquisition and direct operating costs lower than any aircraft in its category. The C-295 retains the excellent handling characteristics and rugged operational capabilities of the shorter-fuselage CN-235, which has been sold around the world and to the U.S. Coast Guard for its Deepwater modernization program.

Daily updates during the C-295/CN-235 demonstration tour will be posted on the Team FCA Website: http://www.team-futurecargoaircraft.com/

EADS North America is the North American operation of EADS, the second largest aerospace and defense company in the world. As a leader in all sectors of defense and homeland security, EADS North America and its parent company, EADS, contribute over $6 billion to the U.S. economy annually and support more than 100,000 American jobs through its network of suppliers and services. With 11 operating companies located in 31 cities and 16 states, EADS North America offers a broad array of advanced solutions to its customers in the commercial, homeland security, aerospace and defense markets.

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.

   EADS North America
   Contact
   Guy Hicks
   703 236 3300 office
   484.919.4122
   guy.hicks@eads-na.com

   Raytheon Company
   Contact
   Lorenzo Cortes
   310.503.3089 (mobile)
   Lorenzo_R_Cortes@raytheon.com

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

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