TEWKSBURY, Mass., April 12, 2006 /PRNewswire/ -- Naval Sea Systems Command has exercised a $38.6 million contract option for Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) AN/AQS-20A mine hunting sonar systems.

Under the option, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) will manufacture, test and deliver five AN/AQS-20A sets and associated support equipment to the U.S. Navy to provide critical capabilities in support of mine-clearing operations in both deep-ocean and littoral (coastal) waters.

As a component of the organic mine countermeasures family of systems and the primary mine hunting system to be integrated into the U.S. Navy's MH-60S airborne mine countermeasures helicopters, AN/AQS-20A enables the detection, classification and localization of bottom, close-tethered and volume mines.

AN/AQS-20A is also the primary mine hunting mission system for the Littoral Combat Ship Flight 0, where it will be towed by the AN/WLD-1 semi- submersible autonomous vehicle. This proven and highly capable system is towed undersea to scan the water in front and to the sides of the vehicle as well as the sea bottom for anti-shipping mines. The system uses sonar and electro- optical sensors to provide high-resolution images of mines and mine-like objects and high-precision location information.

"With this contract, we continue to contribute to the strength and functionality of the U.S. Navy, providing them with this critical undersea sensor capability to ensure fleet safety and mission success," said Dan Martin, IDS vice president of Maritime Mission Systems. "Raytheon is committed to providing the Navy with affordable solutions that meet the performance and reliability requirements of the mission and the warfighter."

Integrated Defense Systems is Raytheon's leader in Joint Battlespace Integration providing affordable, integrated solutions to a strong international and domestic customer base, including the U.S. Missile Defense Agency and the U.S. armed forces.

Raytheon Company, 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
   Carolyn Beaudry
   401.842.3550

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

CONTACT: Carolyn Beaudry of Raytheon Company, +1-401-842-3550

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