Raytheon Wins Navy Contract For Electron Laser

TEWKSBURY, Mass. (AP) — Defense contractor Raytheon Co. said Tuesday it won a $6.9 million contract to help develop a free electron laser for the Navy.

The contract to develop the preliminary design of the laser is the first of a three-phase prototype program that could total more than $150 million, said Raytheon spokeswoman Michele Lemos.

Free electron lasers use superconducting electron lasers to produce high-power laser beams, according to Michael Del Checcolo, vice president of engineering for Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems.

Such lasers could eventually be used to engage targets at long ranges and bolster the Navy's ability to combat enemies at sea, Checcolo said in a statement.

Shares of Raytheon slipped 80 cents to $45.15 in morning trading.