Raytheon Completes Successful Intercept Tests for Future Combat Systems Active Protection System

MCKINNEY, Texas , Oct. 6, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), working in partnership with the Army, the Future Combat Systems Lead Systems Integration team of Boeing and Science Applications International, and BAE Systems, has passed a major milestone by completing successful stationary and moving target intercept tests for the FCS Active Protection System (APS).

The tests represent a significant step in design verification testing for the system, which includes defeating multiple incoming projectiles simultaneously and while on the move -- a unique capability of the APS.

"The successful testing of this system is a top priority for Raytheon and our FCS One Team partners," said Glynn Raymer , vice president of Raytheon's Network Centric Systems Combat Systems business. "It will provide a powerful force protection capability to our warfighters."

The APS will provide active protection for FCS manned ground vehicles.

"We are looking forward to completing validation testing of this system for the Army and getting it to our soldiers as soon as possible," said Raymer. "This vertically-launched system is the FCS solution that will meet current and future force requirements."

FCS is a joint networked family of manned and unmanned ground and air platforms and sensors that enables ground combat forces to conduct their missions safely and more effectively.

Boeing (NYSE: BA) and partner Science Applications International (NYSE: SAI) function as the lead systems integrator for the program, managing a best-of-industry team of more than 500 partners and suppliers.

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.

Note to Editors:

Vertical launch technology refers to an engagement technique that defeats direct or indirect incoming threats to a vehicle by physically destroying or deflecting them in flight. Typically, a vehicle-based APS will shoot down rocket propelled grenades or anti-tank guided missiles coming in from any direction by launching an interceptor. The innovative "pop and pitch" engagement -- whereby the interceptor launches (pops up) vertically from the vehicle, pitches over, then intercepts and destroys the threat -- blows debris from the intercepted weapon downward toward the ground.

SOURCE Raytheon Company