TUCSON, Ariz., July 13, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- The Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) Standard Missile-3 Block IB program completed its critical design review. Completing the CDR clears the way for a 2010 flight test and eventual deployment to the Missile Defense Agency's Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense systems.

SM-3 Block IB offers significant improvements compared with the currently deployed SM-3 Block IA. The upgraded missile features a two-color infrared seeker with advanced signal processing, which enables longer-range target acquisition and enhanced threat discrimination. A new throttleable divert and attitude control system improves SM-3 Block IB flexibility in flight control and reduces cost.

"SM-3 Block IB is designed to outpace the evolving ballistic missile threats," said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, Raytheon Missile Systems president. "SM-3 Block IA is a mature, proven system that is protecting the U.S. and its allies today."

SM-3 is being developed as part of the Missile Defense Agency's sea-based Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System. The missiles are deployed on U.S. Aegis cruisers and destroyers and Japanese destroyers to defend against short- to intermediate-range ballistic missile threats in the ascent and midcourse phases of flight.

Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 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.

    Note to Editors:

    Raytheon's SM-3 hit-to-kill successes:

    Jan. 25, 2002
    June 13, 2002
    Nov. 21, 2002
    Dec. 11, 2003
    Feb. 24, 2005
    Nov. 17, 2005
    June 22, 2006
    April 26, 2007
    June 22, 2007
    Nov. 6, 2007
    Dec. 17, 2007
    Feb. 20, 2008 (satellite intercept)


    Contact:
    John Patterson
    520.794.4559
    john_b_patterson@raytheon.com

SOURCE Raytheon Company

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

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

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