RESTON, Va., Feb. 5, 2007 /PRNewswire/ -- With new passport regulations now in effect and reinforcing the critical concern to upgrade security around U.S. borders, Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has developed a high tech, first- of-its-kind personal ID system to significantly protect and facilitate entry and exits at the nation's key checkpoints.

The Personal Authentication Device, or PAD, incorporates two-way, ultra high radio frequency and biometrics to facilitate automatic identification into a credit card-sized ID and relay system that can identify and track quickly and efficiently.

The card can be read up to 30 feet away as well as in a moving vehicle up to 60 miles per hour. It can be set up away from a border to allow agents of ports of entry to review information from multiple users simultaneously. The PAD uses a secure, biometric fingerprint technology on a simple ID card. When pressed, the card validates (or invalidates) the fingerprint and transmits the information by radio wave in a secure code to a server.

The new security regulation requires any American traveling by air to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean or to Central or South America to carry a passport.

"Last week's passport requirement marked the first step of a major tightening of border travel among the Americas as part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. The Homeland Security initiative underscores how U.S. border travel is becoming increasingly more serious and complicated," said Guy Swope, senior biometrics architect for Raytheon Information Solutions.

He added, "With an estimated 13,000 trucks alone crossing through the Mexican-US border daily, Raytheon set out to be the first to create the next generation of travel ID card that not only secures the person's identity but also is sufficiently portable to track people quickly and efficiently through a busy border or customs gate.

"The PAD is uniquely suited for the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. military and other high level security agencies," Swope said. "It represents a quantum leap in an age where security is foremost -- and delay unacceptable."

The new air requirement is part of the Department of State and the Homeland Security's Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and was one of the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. The current passport regulation focuses on air travel but is expected to be extended to travel by land or sea as early as next year. Moreover, all new passports issued later this year will be equipped with an imbedded smart chip designed to thwart forgery.

Raytheon Company, with 2006 sales of $20.3 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 more than 80,000 people worldwide.

  Contact:
  Chris Grandis
  703.849.1502

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

CONTACT: Chris Grandis for Raytheon Company, +1-703-849-1502

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