TEWKSBURY, Mass. -- Raytheon Company has been awarded a $48.4 million U.S. Army contract to provide 41 RAID (Rapid Aerostat Initial Deployment) systems, along with systems engineering and life cycle support.

RAID consists of infrared sensor systems carried via an aerostat or stationary platform capable of detecting hostile troop and/or equipment movement at great distances. This enables U.S. forces to respond rapidly to any threatening situation. RAID was first developed by Raytheon to meet the Army's developing critical needs in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). This is the second such contract awarded to Raytheon for the RAID system.

"The RAID systems have proven to be an invaluable tool to the soldiers as they execute their missions in support of Operation OEF and Operation OIF," said Peter Choate, Raytheon RAID program manager. "These systems provide protection for American and Coalition forces, along with local nationals. In short, these systems save lives."

The contract calls for 41 elevated sensor systems, with deliveries beginning in July 2005 and ending in April 2006. In addition to supplying the systems, Raytheon is responsible for implementing a systems engineering approach on the RAID Program, linking it to other existing Army systems and providing a "cradle to grave" life cycle support capability. By providing life cycle support, Raytheon will insure that these systems work the first time, every time for the soldiers deployed in OEF/OIF.

Work under the contract will be done by Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems in Andover, Mass., and Huntsville, Ala.., along with support from Raytheon Technical Services Company LLC. Major suppliers involved in this contract include TCOM in Columbia Md., and US Tower, Wichita Kan.