TUCSON, Ariz., June 15, 2006 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company successfully flight tested its Mid Range Munition Chemical Energy (MRM-CE) guided projectile with semi-active laser seeker (SAL) at the U.S. Army's Yuma, Ariz., Proving Grounds May 4.

The round was fired from an M1A2 SEP (System Enhancement Program) tank at a moving target at a range of about 5.4 miles (8.7 kilometers). The objective of the test was to evaluate functionality of a gun-fired semi-active laser seeker against a moving designated target at beyond line-of-sight ranges.

The semi-active laser seeker projectile survived gun launch, then acquired, tracked and maneuvered toward the moving target. This was the first test shot in a planned series of SAL projectiles fired from a M1A2 SEP as Raytheon continues to mature its semi-active laser seeker capabilities.

The Raytheon MRM-CE is designed to provide the U.S. Army with a lethal, high probability, one-shot capability as it continues its transformation to lighter, more deployable combat forces. The MRM-CE is being developed to attack battlefield targets at extended ranges, including beyond line of sight, autonomously or designated with external laser target designation. The MRM-CE is a key component of the Army's FCS (Future Combat Systems) vehicles and a potential spin-out to M1A2 Abrams SEP.

"This firing, in combination with previous tests, demonstrates the maturity and high level of integration of our munition including seeker, guidance, navigation and control functions," said Rick Williams, MRM-CE program manager.

The MRM-CE program is jointly developed and managed by Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center and the Project Manager -- Maneuver Ammunition Systems at Picatinny Arsenal, N.J.

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.

Note to editors:

The Mid Range Munitions (MRM) guided projectile program is a key element of the U.S. Army FCS vehicles to dominate future battlefields at extended ranges in support of the lighter interim and objective forces now being equipped and deployed. The Raytheon MRM-CE leverages seeker technologies derived from Non-Line of Sight, Precision Attack Missile (NLOS PAM) and guidance from the combat proven Javelin missile.

MRM-CE is designed to defeat contemporary threats ranging from heavy armor to bunkers and fortifications. Raytheon is also the prime contractor for the U.S. Army's Excalibur 155 mm projectile and the U.S. Navy's Extended Range Guided Munition (ERGM). MRM also completed successful captive flights tests to 5-km in March 2006 and gun-fired programmed maneuver tests in October 2005.

  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/