Overview
Raytheon Company was a major American defense and aerospace manufacturer specializing in radar systems, missile systems, military electronics, vacuum tubes, communications equipment, and defense technologies. Founded in 1922, the company became one of the most important military electronics contractors in the United States.
In addition to military and aerospace electronics, Raytheon was also involved in consumer and communications electronics including vacuum tubes, marine electronics, radio equipment, and CB radio manufacturing during the 1960s and 1970s.
In 2020, Raytheon Company merged with United Technologies Corporation to form Raytheon Technologies Corporation, later renamed RTX Corporation.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Raytheon Company |
| Founded | 1922 |
| Headquarters | Waltham, Massachusetts |
| Industry | Aerospace, defense, electronics |
| Major Products | Radar systems, missiles, vacuum tubes, communications equipment |
| Consumer Electronics | CB radios, marine electronics, vacuum tubes |
| Successor Company | Raytheon Technologies / RTX Corporation |
Physical Description
Raytheon manufactured radar systems, missile systems, military electronics, avionics, communications systems, vacuum tubes, marine electronics, and consumer communications equipment. The company operated engineering, manufacturing, and research facilities throughout the United States and internationally.
History
Raytheon Company was founded in 1922 in Cambridge, Massachusetts by Laurence K. Marshall, Vannevar Bush, and Charles G. Smith.
The company initially focused on electronic technologies including rectifier tubes and power devices. One of its early successful products was a gas rectifier tube called the “Raytheon” tube, from which the company derived its name.
During World War II, Raytheon became heavily involved in radar and military electronics production. The company played a major role in microwave and radar technology development for the U.S. military.
In the postwar period, Raytheon expanded into consumer and commercial electronics including vacuum tubes, marine electronics, and radio communications equipment.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Raytheon participated in the rapidly growing CB radio and communications electronics market. The company manufactured and marketed various communications and marine radio products as demand for two-way radio communications increased in both commercial and consumer markets.
Raytheon was also a major supplier of electronic components and vacuum tubes used by numerous radio and television manufacturers during the tube era.
Throughout the Cold War era, Raytheon continued expanding into missile systems, defense electronics, avionics, and aerospace systems. Products such as the Patriot missile system became internationally recognized.
During the late 20th century and early 21st century, Raytheon acquired several defense and electronics businesses, becoming one of the largest defense contractors in the world.
In 2020, Raytheon merged with United Technologies Corporation to form Raytheon Technologies Corporation. In 2023, the corporation adopted the RTX name.
Historical Addresses
Original Offices
Raytheon Company
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Corporate Headquarters
Raytheon Company
870 Winter Street
Waltham, Massachusetts 02451
Historical Addresses
Raytheon Co.
213 E. Grand Ave.
San Francisco, California
Raytheon Manufacturing Company
Marine Products Dept.
Waltham 54, Massachusetts
Raytheon Company
Westwood, Massachusetts, USA
Historical Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1922 | Raytheon Company founded |
| 1930s | Expansion into vacuum tubes and electronic components |
| 1940s | Major WWII radar and electronics production |
| 1950s | Expansion into marine and communications electronics |
| 1960s-1970s | Participation in CB and consumer radio markets |
| 1980s | Patriot missile system gains international recognition |
| 1990s-2000s | Major defense industry acquisitions |
| 2020 | Merger with United Technologies Corporation |
| 2020 | Raytheon Technologies Corporation formed |
References
- RTX Official History
Historical overview of Raytheon and RTX development. - Wikipedia: Raytheon Company
Corporate history and defense systems information. - Encyclopedia Britannica: Raytheon Company
Historical background on Raytheon and defense electronics operations. - RadioMuseum: Raytheon Manufacturer Information
Historical information related to Raytheon radio and electronics products.