U.S. Navy Launches Raytheon Tomahawk Block IV From Virginia Class Submarine

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE TEST RANGE, Fla., Oct. 21, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- A U.S. NavyVirginia class submarine fired a Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) Tomahawk Block IV missile from theGulf of Mexico to engage a simulated target.

The flight completes the integration of the Tomahawk cruise missile onto the Navy's newest fast-attack submarine, adding another platform to the list of combatant vessels that can carry the combat-proven weapon.

"Integration of the Tomahawk Block IV on theVirginia class submarine provides the fleet with a powerful combination of delivering Special Operations Forces and supporting them with the power and precision of the Tomahawk missile," said Capt. Rick McQueen, the U.S. Navy's program manager for the Tomahawk weapon system. "The Tomahawk currently is used very effectively in the global war on terror. The fleet now has the ability to expand the prosecution of this mission with increased stealth, flexibility and precision firepower."

Tomahawk Block IV is a surface- and submarine-launched precision strike stand-off weapon. It is designed for long-range precision strike missions against high-value and heavily defended targets.

"This test highlights a successful integration effort that provides all the capabilities of the Tomahawk missile on Navy platforms that include destroyers, cruisers, fast-attack and guided-missile boats," said Gary Hagedon, Raytheon's Tomahawk program director.

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 inWaltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide.

    Note to Editors: 
    This was the 16th consecutive test of the Tomahawk Block IV and completes the Navy's 2008 test series of eight launches.

    Tomahawk Block IV's innovative technologies provide an expanded array of operational capabilities while dramatically reducing acquisition, operations and support costs. Tomahawk Block IV employs a two-way satellite data link that enables a strike controller to flex the missile in flight to preprogrammed alternate targets or redirect it to a new target. This targeting flexibility includes the capability to loiter over the battlefield and await a more critical target.

    Contact:
    Mike Nachshen
    520.794.4088 - office
    520.269.5697 - mobile
    Michael_nachshen@raytheon.com

SOURCE Raytheon Company

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