Canberra – 16 December 2010: Raytheon Australia today announced that it has teamed with BAE Systems to bid for the Air 5428 Pilot Training System Program. Air 5428 Phase 1 aims to utilise advanced training systems to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the Australian Defence Force’s fixed wing pilot training.

The Raytheon Australia solution centres on the Hawker Beechcraft T-6C military trainer supported by advanced simulation and a comprehensive training system architecture.

Demonstrating strong capabilities as a trusted partner in force preparedness the Raytheon Australia team of Raytheon, BAE Systems Australia and Hawker Beechcraft offers innovative training solutions and a proud record of contract performance in mission support, fixed wing flying training as well as aircraft systems manufacture and support.

Together, Raytheon Australia, BAE Systems and Hawker Beechcraft will offer an advanced Pilot Training System including aircraft, simulators, training devices, instructors and facilities, as well as courseware certified and maintained to exacting Defence standards. The team’s cost effective end-to-end solution will be tailored to the needs of the ADF and squarely focused upon delivering the competencies required by pilots of advanced fourth and fifth generation aircraft.

To this end, the team’s solution will increase graduation numbers and minimise wastage rates. Selection of the Raytheon team also offers the opportunity to minimise program transition risk.

In announcing the teaming agreement, the Managing Director of Raytheon Australia, Mr Michael Ward, emphasised the importance of a systems engineering approach to increase the effectiveness of fixed wing flying training. He also pointed to Raytheon’s extensive training pedigree including Hornet and Super Hornet training systems, the RAN Retention and Motivation Initiative, electronic warfare training system and a range of relevant training programs in the United States and the United Kingdom.

BAE Systems currently delivers all flight screening and basic flight training for the ADF and a range of flight training for the Royal Brunei Air Force, Republic of Singapore Air Force and the Royal Saudi Air Force.

The company also provides deeper maintenance and through life support for five of the ADF’s front line fixed and rotary wing fleets across the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army, and the Royal Australian Air Force.

Mr Ward welcomed BAE Systems to the Raytheon team for Air 5428.

“Together, our credentials for this program are compelling. I believe that by focusing on flexibility, cost and schedule management as well as the expectations of our customer we have a unique opportunity to ensure the absolute readiness of Australia’s aviation warfighter.”

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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.

Further information:
Gerry Wheeler
0439 501 327
gerard.wheeler@raytheon.com.au