Raytheon's Mid Range Munition Projectile Scores a Direct Hit Against Moving T-72 Tank

TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 25, 2006 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company successfully conducted the first beyond line of sight mission with a test firing of its Mid Range Munition Chemical Energy (MRM-CE) guided projectile with digital semi active laser sensor. The projectile, fired from an Abrams M1A2 SEP (system enhancement program) tank, scored an extended-range, guided direct hit.

The test firing at the U.S. Army's Yuma, Ariz., Proving Grounds demonstrated the laser-guided seeker's ability to successfully target, acquire and track a moving tank and guide the munition to intercept at a distance of 5.4 miles (8.7 km).

"The round hit within inches of the aim point demonstrating 100 percent mission success. The MRM-CE 'One Team' concept uniting the Army's Picatinny Arsenal, General Dynamics Ordnance Tactical Systems and Raytheon is at the core of our success," said Rick Williams, Raytheon Missile Systems' MRM program manager.

The Raytheon MRM-CE projectile is designed to provide the Army with lethal, one-shot capability as it continues its transformation to lighter, more deployable combat forces. The MRM-CE, which will autonomously attack battlefield targets at beyond line of sight ranges, with or without external laser target designation, is a key component of the Army's Future Combat Systems vehicles.

"The MRM-CE continues to perform consistently and accurately and is ready to enter system development and demonstration," said Ken Pedersen, Raytheon Missile Systems' vice president of Advanced Programs.

The MRM-CE program is jointly developed and managed by Army Research and Development Command and the Project Manager -- Maneuver Ammunition Systems at Picatinny Arsenal, N.J.

Raytheon Company , with 2005 sales of $21.9 billion, is an industry leader in defense and government electronics, space, information technology, technical services, and business and special mission aircraft. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 80,000 people worldwide.

Note to Editors:

The Mid Range Munitions (MRM) guided projectile program is a key element of the U.S. Army FCS vehicles to dominate future battlefields at extended ranges in support of the lighter interim and objective forces now being equipped and deployed. The Raytheon MRM-CE leverages seeker technologies derived from the FCS Spiral 1 Non-Line of Sight, Precision Attack Missile and guidance-lethality derived from the combat proven Javelin missile. MRM-CE is designed to defeat contemporary threats ranging from heavy armor to bunkers and fortifications. Raytheon is also the prime contractor for the U.S. Army's Excalibur 155 mm projectile and the U.S. Navy's ERGM (Extended Range Guided Munition).

Contact: Chandra Stewart 520.794.8580