TEWKSBURY, Mass., April 5, 2007 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) was awarded a $1.9 million option to develop a low-cost receiver-on-a-chip as an add-on to a two-year, $4.1 million contract with the Office of Naval Research (ONR).

The purpose of the research contract is to develop affordable, advanced multifunction radio frequency components using low-cost silicon technology. These components are intended to support ONR's integrated topside initiatives, which are aimed at reducing the number of arrays aboard ships that can perform radar, communications and electronic warfare functions, and reducing associated lifecycle costs.

"This research is significant because it paves the way for affordable multifunction array architectures that support the Navy," said Mark Russell, vice president of Engineering at Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems.

The one-year $1.9 million option was awarded in January 2007, five months earlier than expected, to accelerate integration of the new components in a full receiver chain, according to Joe Biondi, program manager in Raytheon IDS' Advanced Technology.

Raytheon, prime contractor for the program, is teaming with HRL Laboratories, LLC, Malibu, Calif., and the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, Calif.

Raytheon's work on low-cost, advanced multifunction radio frequency components is being performed at IDS centers in Tewksbury and Sudbury, both in Massachusetts, and at Raytheon's Space and Airborne Systems Advanced Product Center, Dallas, Texas.

Integrated Defense Systems is Raytheon's leader in Joint Battlespace Integration providing affordable, integrated solutions to a broad international and domestic customer base, including the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the U.S. Armed Forces and the Department of Homeland Security.

Raytheon Company with 2006 sales of $20.3 billion, is a technology leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning more than 80 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.

  Contact:
  Mike Nason
  703.419.1421

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

CONTACT: Mike Nason of Raytheon Company, +1-703-419-1421

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