20:53 GMT, November 23, 2009 TEWKSBURY, Mass. | Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) received a $241.3 million U.S. Navy contract to deliver additional open architecture software capability for the Zumwalt-class destroyer (DDG 1000).

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.

"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.

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