TEWKSBURY, Mass., Dec. 19, 2007 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has been awarded a $2.9 million contract to develop a Stand-Off Radiation Detection System (SORDS) for the Department of Homeland Security.

In developing a SORDS solution for DHS, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) is utilizing its OpenAIR™ business model, leveraging the best of large and small businesses, as well as academia, to drive the best solution. Raytheon IDS is working with Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, N.M.; Bubble Technology Industries, Chalk River, Ontario; Radiation Monitoring Devices, Watertown, Mass.; Draper Laboratory, Cambridge, Mass.; and experts from MIT and the University of Michigan.

SORDS is a 6-month contract managed by DHS' Domestic Nuclear Detection Office. It represents the first of a four-phase program to develop advanced nuclear detectors that can determine the type and location of radiation sources at much greater distances than current technologies. If all four options are exercised, the research and development contract could grow to $9.8 million.

"Raytheon will bring together this world-class team of experts to develop a reliable solution for SORDS," said Mark Russell, vice president of Engineering at Raytheon IDS. "We will continue to drive innovation and creativity to deliver an affordable, next- generation system capable of sensing radiation type and intensity at a safe distance from a contaminated area."

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 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.

  Contact:
  Mike Nason
  703.419.1421

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

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

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