POINT MUGU, Calif., March 28, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- During combined combat system ship qualification trials, the U.S. Navy's guided missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG-102) flight tested four Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN)-built Standard Missile 2 Block IIIB missiles.

All missiles successfully engaged the extremely stressing targets, which represented a variety of threat scenarios. These latest tests further prove SM-2's high accuracy and reliability.

"This outcome demonstrates the continued success of the government-industry team in making SM-2 the area defense missile of choice for the U.S. Navy and its allies," said Ron Shields, Raytheon's Standard Missile program director.

In addition to the crew of the USS Sampson, the test was supported by personnel from the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division Sea Test Range, the Navy's Standard Missile Program Office and Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz.

SM-2 Block IIIB is the latest variant of Standard Missile, adding an infrared seeker and other enhancements to the missile. It has been the Navy's primary surface-to-air fleet air defense weapon for more than three decades. Standard Missile has evolved throughout the years to address emerging threats and remains the most advanced anti-air warfare missile deployed, capable of engaging anti-ship cruise missiles, aircraft and helicopters. SM-2 is operational on guided missile cruisers and destroyers in the U.S. Navy and is in operation with seven allied navies.

Raytheon Company, with 2007 sales of $21.3 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 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 72,000 people worldwide.

  Contact:
  John Farlow
  520.794.1211
  John_A_Farlow@raytheon.com

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

CONTACT: John Farlow of Raytheon, +1-520-794-1211,
John_A_Farlow@raytheon.com

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