2009 Issue 1 - Raytheon

A Message From Mark E. Russell
Do you have an idea for an article?
We are always looking for ways to connect
with you — our Engineering, Technology and
Mission Assurance professionals. If you have an
article or an idea for an article regarding
technical achievements, customer solutions,
relationships, Mission Assurance, etc., send it
along. If your topic aligns with a future issue of
Technology Today or is appropriate for an online
article, we will be happy to consider it and will
contact you for more information.
Send your article ideas to
techtodayeditor@raytheon.com.
On the cover: Raytheon technicians
prepare a miniaturized radio frequency
antenna for thermal vacuum testing,
which mimics the extreme conditions
encountered in space, at the company's
Space Manufacturing Center of
Excellence in El Segundo, Calif. It is part
of a Raytheon-built radar that will circle
the moon and help scientists search
for ice and water deposits. For more
information, see the story on page 25.
2 2009 ISSUE 1 RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGY TODAY
Vice President of Engineering, Technology and Mission Assurance
There are many approaches to technological innovation. At Raytheon, our approach
is diverse. It captures both top-down and bottom-up ideas. It is disruptive and
incremental. It is directed at broad areas for use by the entire company, and the
needs of individual Raytheon businesses. Our approach is comprehensive because
innovations can come from anywhere.
At the same time, we know that the goal of innovation is not just to come up with
state-of-the-art technologies, but to develop new capabilities that meet our customers’
needs in a timely manner. Raytheon has a long history of developing innovative
solutions for our customers, as highlighted in this issue of Technology Today.
Innovation at Raytheon results from a culture that enables individuals to challenge
themselves and the status quo to develop new and better solutions. Innovation
occurs within our programs — as part of our technology planning and independent
research and development programs — and through numerous initiatives
aimed specifically at identifying and nurturing innovation. At Raytheon, innovation
is more than coming up with a new idea — it’s making that idea a reality.
That is what makes the difference for our customers.
This philosophy comes directly from our Chairman and CEO William H. Swanson,
who leads Raytheon with a consistent focus on the customer. In fact, Raytheon’s
goal is to be regarded as a customer focused company known for its technology and
innovation, enabling our customers’ success.
In the following pages, you will learn about the many ways Raytheon innovates,
including articles about our culture of innovation, the processes we use to innovate,
and of course, the innovations our culture and processes have produced.
In this issue’s Leaders Corner column, we hear from John Zolper, Raytheon
vice president of Research and Development. John talks about the importance of
mining fresh ideas and the programs that the company has implemented to
nurture innovation.
In 2009, innovation is taking on added significance. Engineering, Technology and
Mission Assurance is holding the Raytheon Technology Forum, March 25–26, in
Washington, D.C. Organized under a theme of “Innovating the Future,” the event
will be an opportunity for our engineers and customers to discuss innovative ways
to meet tomorrow’s evolving mission needs.
Best regards,
Mark E. Russell