Raytheon is observing a significant program milestone, its 40th year as the U.S. Navy's provider of AN/SPY-1 radar transmitters (photo) and MK99 Fire Control Systems for the Navy's AEGIS weapon system.

Both critical components of the weapon system, the AN/SPY-1 radar and MK99 perform the search, track and missile guidance functions for AEGIS, the shield of the U.S. Navy Fleet. The company's first engineering development contract for AN/SPY-1 was awarded in 1973.

“For four decades, Raytheon has partnered with the Navy on the AEGIS program, providing the reliable performance and world-class manufacturing expertise that help protect the U.S. and its allies,” said Kevin Peppe, Vice President of Seapower Capability Systems for Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems business.

“As the world's leader in maritime integrated air and missile defense radars, Raytheon looks forward to continuing to support this program, advancing the legacy of AEGIS and providing our customer with the highest capability, best value solution,” he added.

Raytheon's AN/SPY-1 radar transmitter and MK99 Fire Control System have been in continuous production for 32 years as part of the Navy's AEGIS shipbuilding program, sustaining this critical system.

Raytheon also provides performance-based logistics support, including spares and repairs, for AEGIS weapons systems, and the company manages system repairs in support of foreign military sales. Most recently, Raytheon has begun development efforts to introduce the latest in solid-state technologies to further improve component performance, reliability and extended service life of these systems.