Canberra – 19 February 2010:  Raytheon Australia today signed a contract for the provision of capabilities to support Australian Super Hornet operational and training requirements.

The contract was signed in a ceremony at Raytheon Australia’s Canberra headquarters by Air Commodore Axel Augustin, Director General Australian Super Hornet Program Office and Raytheon Australia’s Managing Director, Michael Ward.

The contract involves training aircrew and selected other Commonwealth personnel as well as maintaining serviceable, properly configured training devices. This follows the separate procurement by the Commonwealth of a number of Super Hornet training simulators and other devices.

In order to execute the contract Raytheon Australia has assembled a proven team who have worked together over the past five years on the F/A 18A/B Hornet Aircrew Training System acquisition and in service support programs. This includes Link Simulation & Training - L-3 Communications, manufacturer of the F/A-18F Tactical Operational Flight Training equipment and Milskil, the current provider of Hornet training support at RAAF Williamtown and Tindal.   

Mr Ward said the Super Hornet training contract win was further evidence of Raytheon Australia’s growing strength as a provider of training solutions to the ADF. 

“This is a welcome addition to the Raytheon Australia force preparedness portfolio. The contract extends our existing pedigree to ready and sustain the force that has been built upon designing innovative solutions such as the Hornet Aircrew Training System and the RAN Retention and Motivation Initiative,” Mr Ward said.

The new contract will be undertaken at RAAF Base Amberley where Raytheon Australia has a strong and established presence. Mr Ward said that the contract would draw on the experience of Raytheon staff currently providing support to the F-111 and was evidence of the company’s continued commitment and investment in South East Queensland.

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Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), with 2009 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 88 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 75,000 people worldwide.

Contact
Gerry Wheeler
+61 439 501 327
gerard.wheeler@raytheon.com.au