Canberra – 19 September 2011: The Royal Australian Navy’s Retention and Motivation Initiative (RMI) moves into a new phase today with the award of a new contract to Raytheon Australia.

The Retention and Motivation Initiative provides the Navy with supported aircraft to allow junior qualified aircrew to consolidate and enhance their skills prior to flying operational helicopters. Speaking upon the announcement that the company has been awarded a new RMI contract for a four
year period, the Managing Director of Raytheon Australia, Mr Michael Ward, expressed his gratitude that the Navy has again entrusted Raytheon Australia to help them achieve their required flying outcomes. 
 
"We have forged a trusted partnership with our Navy customer in the execution of our contract over the past four years and we look forward to maintaining our strong relationship,” Mr Ward said.

Under the new contract, Raytheon Australia will provide the Navy with three new Bell 429 helicopters for tasking for 1,500 hours per annum. The new Bell helicopters will replace the current three A109E aircraft provided by Raytheon Australia under the existing RMI contract.

Mr Ward said “We are very excited to be able to offer a new RMI solution that incorporates the latest generation of light twin helicopters. The Bell 429 was selected after an extensive trade study and we are confident it is the right helicopter.”

The award adds to Raytheon Australia’s pedigree with the RAN in rotary wing flight operations. In addition to the RMI contract, Raytheon Australia provides turnkey support to the Navy’s 13 AS350 ‘Squirrel’ helicopters. Together, these programs provide the Navy with 16 helicopters and 5,500
available flight hours per annum.

Bell Helicopter is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military vertical lift aircraft. Globally recognised for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell Helicopter has supported the ADF for over 50 years, through the sale and support of the Bell 47 Sioux, the Bell 206 Kiowa and Bell UH-1 family of helicopters – and now the Bell 429.

Mr Ward also said that the new contract was further evidence of Raytheon’s continuing commitment to Nowra and the Shoalhaven which has developed over a number of years.
 

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Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), with 2010 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specialising in defence, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 89 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 72,000 people
worldwide.

Further Information:
Gerry Wheeler
+61 439 501 327
gerard.wheeler@raytheon.com.au