TUCSON, Ariz., Oct. 31, 2007 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Air Force fired
Raytheon Company’s (NYSE: RTN) AGM-65E laser-guided Maverick missile in
combat operations for the first time in June.
    Until now, only the Navy and Marine Corps have used the laser-guided
version of the Maverick missile. The laser-guided Maverick has a
combat-proven record of effectiveness and reliability against armored and
moving surface targets in urban environments and during close air support
missions.
    Raytheon’s laser-guided Maverick addresses a joint Air Force and Navy
urgent operational need for a close air support weapon to defeat high-speed
moving targets with minimal collateral damage.
    To meet its long-term need for precision engagement of high-speed
moving targets, the Air Force asked Raytheon to restart the laser-guided
Maverick production line after a 15-year hiatus. The latest laser-guided
Maverick will incorporate state-of-the-art seeker technology that is
expected to improve on Maverick’s proven combat record. Raytheon
anticipates laser-guided Maverick production for the Air Force, Navy and
international customers as early as 2009.
    Maverick is the most widely used precision-guided missile in the world.
Maverick has been upgraded to meet evolving threats and played a key role
in recent conflicts.
    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 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 73,000 people worldwide.
    Note to Editors:
    The Air Force used the AGM-65E Maverick in combat on June 14, 2007.

Source: Raytheon