EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Oct. 9, 2007 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on breakthrough technology defined by its active electronically scanned array radar for the F/A-18, Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has launched production of its latest AESA system for another formidable fighter.

In a program funded by a $52.2 million Boeing contract, Raytheon will deliver six APG-63(V)3 AESA systems and a spare to the Air National Guard as part of its F-15C upgrade program. Raytheon will deliver an additional system to the U.S. Air Force.

A significant part of the contract also includes production start-up costs as well as manufacturing equipment and other spares. Six or more systems are expected to be delivered annually to the Guard in coming years for a planned total of at least 48.

"The contract ensures our warfighters get what they deserve, which is the very best technology to ensure they can complete their missions and return home safely," said Ramon Estrada, director of F-15 AESA radar programs for Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems.

"The significant technology advancements of the F-15 APG-63(V)3 AESA radar allow Air Force and Air National Guard units to maintain their operational edge. This radar also provides revolutionary capabilities increasing the combat capability of the F-15 platform for the coming decades."

The contract award follows the successful completion of the flight test program with Boeing and the Air Force, which subjected the radar to rigorous developmental and operational testing and evaluation.

Air Force F-15s became operational with the world's first tactical AESA radar systems in December 2000. Raytheon has been a partner on the F-15 for more than 35 years.

"Raytheon's newest AESA radar system offers unparalleled targeting, tracking and situational awareness capabilities that will provide the Air Force and Air National Guard true force multiplication," Estrada said. "From takeoff to landing, this is a system Air Force and Air National Guard pilots can trust time and again."

Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems is a leading provider of sensor systems giving military forces the most accurate and timely actionable intelligence available for the network-centric battlefield. With 2006 revenues of $4.3 billion and 12,000 employees, SAS is headquartered in El Segundo, Calif. Additional facilities are in Goleta, Calif.; Forest, Miss.; Dallas, McKinney and Plano, Texas; and several international locations.

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 85 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.

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

CONTACT: Faith Jennings of Raytheon Company, office, +1-310-334-2553, or
mobile, +1-310-977-1963, faith_jennings@raytheon.com

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