MELBOURNE – 20 April 2007: Raytheon Australia has been contracted to provide Life of Type Extensions for the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) seven AN/TPQ-36 Weapon Locating Radars (LAND 58 project). The radars are capable of locating, detecting and providing targeting data on mortars, guns and rockets in the tactical land environment. Raytheon Australia will install a range of modifications to replace obsolescent equipment, extending the life of the radars until 2015. Under the contract, the company will also enhance training effectiveness through a new simulator and perform routine radar maintenance.

Jim Gardener, Raytheon Australia General Manager, Land Systems, said, “This contract represents an important milestone for both Raytheon Australia and the ADF.” “The project extends the life of the AN/TPQ-36 through to 2015 and will enable operators to better utilise the radar system’s capabilities,” Mr Gardener said. Raytheon’s technical developments will assist the ADF as the Army transforms into an increasingly potent networked and hardened land force in both the joint and coalition environments.

Key modifications to the AN/TPQ-36 Weapon Locating Radars will include the replacement of existing map drums with new computer-based human/machine interface systems, replacement of obsolete components, as well as upgrades to improve performance and reliability. As part of the project, Raytheon Australia will install a new training simulator at the School of Artillery in Puckapunyal, Vic. The new simulator, due to be installed by mid 2008, will significantly increase training capability, allowing students to train on a human/machine interface system identical to that of the actual AN/TPQ-36.

Raytheon Australia is committed to delivering operationally proven and interoperable combat capability to the Australian Army through mission systems integration capabilities that integrate all aspects of the joint battlespace, including multiple systems of sensors, C4I, weapons and product support.

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Raytheon Australia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN). Raytheon Company, with 2006 sales of $20.3 billion, is a technology leader specialising in defence, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning more than 80 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.