NOWRA, AUSTRALIA - 1 August 2007: Raytheon Australia officially handed over an innovative ‘systems rich’ training solution for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) today in a ceremony attended by the Minister for Defence, the Hon Dr Brendan Nelson MP and Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Shalders AO CSC RAN.

Raytheon Australia’s skill Retention and Motivation Initiative (RMI) solution provides the RAN with a safe, reliable and flexible twin engine helicopter flying capability and associated support infrastructure consistent with Navy’s standards and curriculum. The solution is based around three fully supported Agusta A109E aircraft which allows junior qualified aircrew to consolidate and enhance their skills prior to flying operational helicopters.

Raytheon Australia’s Managing Director, Ron Fisher elaborated on the success of the initiative. ‘This is a great day for the Royal Australian Navy and Defence Industry. Together with Defence, Raytheon Australia has delivered a mission-focussed solution. It is a special privilege to be a part of an industry that enables the fighting men and women of the Australian Defence Force to successfully carry out their missions.

‘This means that ours is a heavy responsibility to commit ourselves each day to integrate and support the systems that allow them to defend our people, interests and values,’ he said.

Raytheon Australia will provide maintenance, engineering and logistic support and project management from facilities in Nowra drawing on its pedigree as a proven fleet manager in support of ADF operations. Raytheon Australia’s team of 45 in Nowra already provide highly modified fixed wing aircraft in support of Navy’s Electronic Warfare Training and the Defence Science & Technology Organisation and support the Naval Aviation Systems Program Office. 

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With facilities located across the country, Raytheon Australia is a highly capable prime contractor with an engineering and technical workforce of over 1200 backed by world-class management and quality systems. This local presence is bolstered by strong relationships with small and medium sized enterprises and access to the global resources of Raytheon Company. 

Raytheon Australia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN). Raytheon Company, with 2006 sales of US$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 85 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.