Raytheon Receives $31.5 Million Navy Contract To Modify E-6A Aircraft to E-6B Configuration.

LEXINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 29, 1999 --

Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTNA, RTNB) has been awarded a U. S. Navy contract with an estimated value of $31.5 million to modify two additional E-6A aircraft to the E-6B configuration and produce two additional aircraft modification kits. This represents a continuation of work under current contracts valued at $214 million, with future options valued at $70 million, to incorporate the operational capabilities of both the U.S. Strategic Command's (STRATCOM) EC-135 Airborne Command Post and the E-6A TACAMO (Take Charge and Move Out) mission into one aircraft.

The aircraft is a Boeing 707 extensively modified to provide highly reliable and survivable communications between the National Command Authority and U.S. strategic forces. The total scope of the program involves the modification of all E-6A aircraft into the E-6B configuration under follow-on options to the original production contract. To date, eight aircraft have been modified and delivered to operational commands.

The first E-6B was presented to the U.S. Navy and STRATCOM at a rollout ceremony in May 1997. Under the current contract, equipment to be transferred from the EC-135 Airborne Command Post includes the Airborne Launch Control Systems, UHF C3FDM radios and Digital Airborne Intercommunications Switching System, which was developed by Raytheon Systems Company for the aircraft. The contract includes extensive aerodynamic and structural analyses, systems engineering, electrical and mechanical design, kit manufacture and installation, airframe and avionics testing and logistic analyses and support.

Raytheon Company, based in Lexington, Mass., is a global technology leader providing products and services in the areas of commercial and defense electronics, engineering and construction, and business and special mission aircraft. Raytheon has operations throughout the United States and serves customers in more than 80 countries around the world.