Raytheon Delivers First Aircraft Self Protection Security System

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Raytheon Delivers First Aircraft Self Protection Security System
    TEWKSBURY, Mass., April 19, 2006 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company's
Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) business recently delivered to the Air
Force the first prototype of an Aircraft Self Protection Security System
(ASPSS). Using near object detection sensor (NODS) technology, the system
provides electronic perimeter security for aircraft parked on the tarmac of
an airfield or in a field location.
    Raytheon also has developed a system -- the Vigilant Eagle Airport
Protection System -- that protects airplanes from man-portable air defense
systems threats during takeoffs and landings. The two systems are
complementary: Vigilant Eagle provides security for active aircraft, and
ASPSS protects parked aircraft.
    The four-sensor version of ASPSS is a low-cost, portable system the Air
Force recently accepted after tests at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., under a
$2.1 million cost-plus-fixed-fee contract administered by the Electronic
Systems Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Bedford, Mass.
    "This aircraft self protection security system warns of potential close
proximity threats to aircraft parked on the ground," said Mark Russell,
Raytheon IDS vice president of Engineering.
    The NODS technology consists of three components: a near object
detection sensor the size of a book, a communications module, and a
personal digital assistant (PDA)-like alarm and display device. The near
object detection sensor and communications module are mounted on a tripod
and placed around the parked aircraft. The PDA-like display unit and
another communication module, together known as an annunciator, are carried
by security personnel. Each near object detection sensor covers
approximately a 120-degree arc and is able to detect the presence of people
and vehicles out to 100 meters and beyond.
    Four sensors can provide overlapping 360-degree coverage of a single
aircraft, and more sensors can be arranged to cover multiple aircraft
parked together.
    According to Russell, Raytheon IDS will be delivering a three-sensor
solution to the Air Force in the near future and a multiple aircraft
version in late summer.
    In addition to aircraft protection, the technology shows promise for
fence line, fixed facilities and commercial applications where cleared zone
security is a consideration, Russell said.
    Integrated Defense Systems is Raytheon's leader in Joint Battlespace
Integration providing affordable, integrated solutions to a strong
international and domestic customer base, including the U.S. Missile
Defense Agency and the U.S. armed forces.
    Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), with 2005 sales of $21.9 billion, is an
industry leader in defense and government electronics, space, information
technology, technical services, and business and special mission aircraft.
With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 80,000 people
worldwide.
    Contact:
     Guy Shields
     978.858.5246
SOURCE Raytheon Company
http://www.raytheon.com
CONTACT:
Guy Shields of Raytheon Company,
+1-978-858-5246