TUCSON, Ariz., May 16, 2006 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company successfully completed closed-loop gun firing tests of its low-cost XM1156 Precision Guidance Kit (PGK) solution at Yuma Proving Grounds, Ariz., May 3.

PGK is a competitive Army program, and contractors are completing final proposal revisions with a down select expected in June. The program will demonstrate the ability to significantly improve the accuracy of existing ballistic and cargo 155 and 105 mm artillery rounds with the addition of a low-cost, GPS guided fuze kit.

The Raytheon PGK design is a simple airbrake design with growth to multi-dimensional guidance and is effective for both 155 and 105 mm projectiles.

The closed-loop tests were conducted under Raytheon's Spearhead Independent Research and Development project. The PGK solution was fired 18.4 kilometers and demonstrated Global Positioning System acquisition, determination of a navigation solution, autopilot control of appropriate time for guidance and, finally, successful deployment of control surfaces. The tests, from an M198 howitzer, met all objectives.

The Raytheon PGK solution has been optimized to integrate with U.S. Army's current artillery system of systems programs.

"The team is confident that Raytheon's PGK solution meets the warfighters' needs while providing a low-risk solution to the PGK requirements. We are anxiously anticipating the opportunity to demonstrate our maturity to the U.S. Army," said Stephen Bennett, Raytheon PGK program manager.

Raytheon's Missile Systems business in Tucson, Ariz., will serve as the prime systems integrator, airframe designer and guidance and control authority, using L3 KDI Precision Products, Inc., to produce the all-up "smart fuze" kit at its automated fuze factory in Cincinnati, Ohio. KDI's proven experience with manufacturing more than 208,000 Multi-Option Fuze for Artillery fuzes for the Army will ensure a low production cost for PGK.

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:
   Chandra Stewart
   520.794.8580

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

CONTACT: Chandra Stewart of Raytheon Company, +1-520-794-8580

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