EL SEGUNDO, Calif., May 14, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory has authorized Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) to demonstrate target recognition technology designed to increase protection for ground forces without compounding risk to an aircraft stalking enemies who threaten those forces.

First in a laboratory and then aloft, the company expects to show how its Air-to-Ground Radar Imaging II program would permit aircraft at a safe distance to detect, track and target hostile forces in motion on the ground. The laboratory demonstration is expected in autumn 2008, followed by a flight next spring aboard a Raytheon test aircraft.

Advanced high-resolution radar can monitor activity from distances of more than 50 miles. Raytheon expects the demonstrations to prove software the company developed for a target recognition system mounted on a manned or unmanned aircraft will permit current radar technology to accomplish this new mission. Raytheon leads a team that includes BAE Systems and SAIC.

"We want to protect the warfighter in the air and on the ground as much as possible," said Nick Uros, vice president for Advanced Concepts and Technology at Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems. "One way is to use an automatic target recognition system at a stand-off location. We're proud to be able to help the Air Force develop this important technology."

Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems is a leading provider of sensor systems giving military forces the most accurate and timely actionable information available for the network-centric battlefield. With 2007 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 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 86 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:
  Art Bentley
  310.647-3266
  Arthur_H_Bentley@raytheon.com

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

CONTACT: Art Bentley of Raytheon Company, +1-310-647-3266,
Arthur_H_Bentley@raytheon.com

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