NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA, Va., Sept. 1  /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon's ASQ-228
ATFLIR targeting pod is now deployed with two F/A-18C Hornet squadrons onboard
the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 67). Delivered to the Navy just weeks before
deployment, these ATFLIR pods successfully completed numerous missions during
July -- without missing a single sortie.

    "Only ATFLIR is designed and purpose-built for reliable performance in
worldwide U.S. Navy fleet operations," said Debbie Ybarra, ATFLIR program
director for Raytheon.  "ATFLIR has completed hundreds of sorties onboard Navy
aircraft carriers since its first fleet deployment in June 2002. Even in the
extreme temperatures in the current theater of operations, its world-class
electronics can withstand repeated catapult launches and arrested landings on
the high seas."

    Combat-proven in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, ATFLIR is
requested by U.S. combatant commanders for both air-to-ground and air-to-air
operations.  ATFLIR supports precision strike missions employing laser-guided
bombs and GPS-guided munitions during strike and reconnaissance missions
involving close air support, suppression of enemy air defenses, and real-time
battle damage assessment.

    ATFLIR is the Department of the Navy's targeting pod of record. The
service plans to purchase up to 574 pods for deployment on every F/A-18
configuration in the fleet. Fully integrated on all models of the F/A-18
Hornet, ATFLIR is approved for international sales.

    ATFLIR gives naval aviators a three- to five-fold increase in target-
recognition range. Its infrared and electro-optical (television format)
sensors can detect tactical threats at unprecedented ranges, delivering images
with more clarity than those afforded by any other targeting pod now in
production.  Its powerful diode-pumped laser has been demonstrated effective
above 50,000 feet.  Because its sensors and laser share a common optical path
with continuous auto-boresight alignment, ATFLIR assures pinpoint targeting
accuracy that minimizes collateral damage.

    Raytheon Company's Space and Airborne Systems (SAS) designs, develops and
manufactures advanced systems for precision engagement; missile defense; and
intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Headquartered in El Segundo,
Calif., SAS has 11,000 employees and additional facilities in Goleta, Calif.;
Forest, Miss.; Dallas, McKinney and Plano, Texas; and several international
locations.

    Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), with 2003 sales of $18.1 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 78,000 people worldwide.

    Note to Editors: Images of the ATFLIR targeting pod and EO/IR imagery are
available on request.


   Contact:
   Sabrina Steele
   310.647.9067 office
   310.997.4998 mobilesksteele@raytheon.com


SOURCE: Raytheon Company

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