TUCSON, Ariz., March 10, 2006 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) have successfully completed the first hot-fire test of a Standard Missile-3 Block IA third stage rocket motor (TSRM), employing new nozzle design enhancements to improve performance and reliability.

The test, conducted Feb. 28 at ATK's Elkton, Md., facility, marked a major milestone in the evolutionary enhancement of this proven system design. The TSRM is used to boost the SM-3 out of the atmosphere and to carry the Mk142 kinetic warhead (KW) to its intended target.

The TSRM test performed multi-pulse operations representative of a simulated mission designed to rigorously stress the system. All test objectives were met. These features are planned to be part of an SM-3 Block IA flight demonstration later this year.

The SM-3 is part of the Missile Defense Agency and U.S. Navy Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system to counter ballistic missile threats in outer space. The SM-3 KW separates from the TSRM during the terminal intercept phase to track the target with its infrared seeker and homes to a kinetic hit-to-kill intercept. During flight testing, the Aegis BMD system has successfully intercepted six ballistic missile targets.

"This test is a great example of our engineering discipline and our focus on mission assurance. In partnership with our MDA customer, we have laid out a thorough ground test program to validate every component so that when we fly, we know it will work exactly as planned, with no doubt," said Ed Miyashiro, Raytheon vice president of Naval Weapon Systems.

"The demonstrated technology present in this test promises to push the SM- 3 into the next generation of capability. This evolutionary enhancement builds upon flight-proven design and processes," said Bart Olson, president and general manager, ATK Elkton.

SM-3 and its KW are produced by Raytheon Company at its Missile Systems business in Tucson, Ariz. ATK provides the TSRM as well as the solid divert and attitude control system for the KW under a subcontract to Raytheon.

Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), with 2005 sales of $21.9 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:
   For Raytheon                   For ATK
   Sara Hammond                   Bryce Hallowell
   520.794.7810                   952.351.3087

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

CONTACT: Sara Hammond of Raytheon, +1-520-794-7810; or Bryce Hallowell of
ATK, +1-952-351-3087

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