The LAU-115 and LAU-116 launchers provide the structural and electrical interfaces that allow the aircraft to carry and launch missiles such as Sparrow, Sidewinder and AMRAAM.

Under the contract, RTSC will produce, assemble and test the launchers at its Indianapolis facility. This award follows similar production awards in 2004 through 2006. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

"Working with the Navy customer to meet the LAU-115 and LAU-116 needs over these years has provided RTSC insight on the operating environment for the launchers and the importance of ensuring their availability for combat missions," said John Balaguer, RTSC vice president and general manager of RTSC's Indianapolis-based business unit.

"We have been successful on the past production orders in providing improvements such as an upgraded technical data package and in shortening the production schedule through process-improvement and supplier-relationship initiatives. That provides the foundation for this production effort to produce similar performance, cost and schedule benefits for the customer and the forces in the field."

Raytheon has a long history of developing engineering solutions, integrating state-of-the-art technologies, and providing manufacturing, logistics and technical support in the repair and upgrade of a significant percentage of the missile launchers and bomb racks used by the U.S. Navy.

RTSC provides technology solutions for defense, federal and commercial customers worldwide. It specializes in Mission Support, counter-proliferation and counter-terrorism, base and range operations and customized engineering services and manufacturing.

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 more than 80 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.

The Sparrow Missile, AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile), and AIM-9 Sidewinder are all developed by Raytheon Missile Systems. The Sparrow Missile is a medium-range, all-weather, all-aspect, semi-active guided missile used in multiple roles.

AMRAAM provides operational flexibility and multi-shot capability and can be launched at an enemy aircraft day or night and in all weather. The AIM-9 Sidewinder is an advanced infrared-tracking, short-range, air-to-air missile.

The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is the world's most advanced high-performance strike fighter. Designed to operate from aircraft carriers and land bases, the versatile Super Hornet is capable of the full mission spectrum from long- range, sea-based air dominance to "through the weather" deep-strike interdiction.

The EA-18 Growler is being developed to replace the U.S. Navy fleet's current carrier-based EA-6B Prowler. The next-generation electronic attack aircraft combines the combat-proven F/A-18 Super Hornet with a state-of-the- art electronic warfare avionics suite. The EA-18G is expected to enter initial operational capability in 2009.

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