Under the contract, software development will support the integration of human-computer-interface components for the ship's engineering machinery controls and damage control systems.

Specifically, Raytheon will deliver computer-graphical user interfaces and a technical data- manager capability to control Zumwalt's ship propulsion, integrated power, auxiliary and damage control systems. The effort will also include support to land-based and shipboard testing of these subsystems.

Raytheon said the technologies developed for the destroyer can be reused on future and modernized platforms.

The Zumwalt was designed to provide affordable new capabilities to address future mission requirements such as sea-based ballistic missile defense. Its integrated systems and reliance on networked information technology are meant to result in a 60 percent reduction in manning for the Zumwalt-class destroyer versus the requirement for current Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.

Originally, the Navy had hoped to build 32 of the ships. That number was later reduced to 24, then to seven, due to the high cost of the new and experimental technologies called for in plans for the destroyer.

Waltham, Massachusetts-based Raytheon specializes in defense, homeland security and other government markets. The company employs 73,000 people worldwide.

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"This is the most readily expandable, sophisticated software suite ever designed for a naval surface combatant, allowing the warfighter to address threats faster and more effectively than ever before," said Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems' (IDS) Robert Martin, vice president and deputy of Seapower Capability Systems. "The high level of automation and intuitive human- computer interface of the ship's systems will dramatically reduce manning, resulting in significant cost savings for the Navy."

The advanced technologies developed for the destroyer can be reused on future and modernized platforms. The benefits of Zumwalt's readily expandable open architecture design and systems commonality are already being realized by the application of the Dual Band Radar on the new Ford-class aircraft carrier (CVN 78). The benefits also include the application of the Total Ship Computing Environment infrastructure for the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and USS San Antonio (LPD 17) technology-refresh efforts.

The systems and software engineering approach used on Zumwalt has yielded an architecture that is well suited for capability enhancements to counter emerging threats. It also provides affordable new capabilities that address future mission requirements such as sea-based ballistic missile defense. The system delivers an unprecedented level of Mission Systems Integration and automation and is a primary driver for the 60 percent reduction in manning for the Zumwalt-class destroyer versus the requirement for today's Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.

Progress on the Zumwalt program continues on cost and on schedule with all 10 critical Zumwalt technologies having been rigorously and successfully tested ashore and-or at sea before transitioning to full production. The program remains on track to meet all future milestones and scheduled deliveries - a significant achievement for a program of its size and complexity.

Work on this contract modification will be performed at Raytheon IDS Headquarters, Tewksbury, Mass., and at the Seapower Capability Center, Portsmouth, R.I.

Integrated Defense Systems is Raytheon's leader in Global Capabilities Integration providing affordable, integrated solutions to a broad international and domestic customer base, including the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the U.S. Armed Forces and the Department of Homeland Security.

Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 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 87 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 73,000 people worldwide.

Note to Editors:

This contract was originally announced by the Department of Defense Nov. 12, 2009

    Contact:
    Carolyn Beaudry
    401.842.3550

SOURCE Raytheon Company

The RAM Block 2 upgrade includes a four-axis independent control actuator system and an improved rocket motor with a 30 percent increase in propellant. These and other upgrades increase the missile's effective range and deliver a significant improvement in maneuverability. The improved missile also incorporates an upgraded passive radio frequency seeker, a digital autopilot and engineering changes in selected infrared seeker components.

"Block 2 will allow RAM to control the battlespace against emerging and more maneuverable anti-ship cruise missile threats," said Frank Wyatt, Raytheon's vice president of Naval Weapon Systems. "This improved system is one of the most advanced kinematic missiles in the world and sets the standard for performance and control system technology."

RAM is a supersonic, lightweight, quick reaction, fire-and-forget missile providing defense against anti-ship cruise missiles, helicopter and airborne threats, and hostile surface craft. The missile's autonomous dual-mode, passive radio frequency and infrared guidance design provides a high-firepower capability for engaging multiple threats simultaneously. Produced in partnership by Raytheon and RAMSYS of Germany, RAM is aboard nearly 100 ships as an integral self-defense weapon for the navies of the United States, Germany, Greece, Korea, Egypt, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 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 87 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 73,000 people worldwide.

Contact:
John Eagles
502.364.6768 (office)
502.727.9391 (mobile)
John_J_Eagles@Raytheon.com

SOURCE Raytheon Company

http://www.raytheon.com

The Company has received initial orders of $4.5 million under the agreement. Production on these initial orders began in October 2009 and is expected to continue through May 2011 at LaBarge's Berryville, Ark., plant.

LaBarge, Inc. is a broad-based provider of electronics to technology-driven companies in diverse markets. The Company provides its customers with sophisticated electronic and electromechanical products through contract design and manufacturing services. Headquartered in St. Louis, LaBarge has operations in Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin. The Company's Web site may be accessed at http://www.labarge.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements reflect management's current expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from such statements due to a variety of factors that could adversely affect LaBarge, Inc.'s operating results. These risks and factors are set forth in documents LaBarge, Inc. files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports it files from time to time. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date such statements were made, or as of the date of the report or document in which they are contained, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update such information.

SOURCE: LaBarge, Inc.

LaBarge, Inc. 
Colleen Clements, 314-997-0800, ext. 409 
colleen.clements@labarge.com