Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has been awarded a $42 million U.S. Air Force contract for additional AN/AAQ-29A forward looking infrared imaging systems for installation on Pave Hawk HH-60G helicopters.

Deliveries are expected to be completed by February 2013. The AN/AAQ-29A systems will replace the AN/AAQ-16 FLIR currently installed on U.S. Air Force HH-60G helicopters.

“These new systems will give our customers the additional capabilities they need to complete critical combat search and rescue missions,” said Tim Carey, vice president, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Systems. “Responsive customer mission support is a top Raytheon priority, and we look forward to delivering these systems.”

Raytheon’s AN/AAQ-29A system is a small, lightweight FLIR imager with a systems electronic unit that can support a variety of helicopter missions including low-level navigation and surveillance.

Raytheon Company, with 2010 sales of $25 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 89 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 inWaltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide.