Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
                                                     Registration No. 333-82529

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+The information in this preliminary prospectus supplement is not complete and +
+may be changed. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus    +
+are not an offer to sell these securities and we are not soliciting offers to +
+buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.   +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED OCTOBER 22, 2001
           PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT TO PROSPECTUS DATED APRIL 13, 2001.

                               29,000,000 Shares

                                [Raytheon LOGO]

                                  Common Stock

                                  -----------

We are offering 29,000,000 shares of our common stock.

                                  -----------

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
"RTN". On October 19, 2001, the last reported sale price of our common stock on
the New York Stock Exchange was $34.46 per share.

                                  -----------

Investing in our common stock involves risks. See "Risk Factors" beginning on
page S-10 of this prospectus supplement.

                                  -----------



                                                    Underwriting
                                       Price to    Discounts and   Proceeds to
                                        Public      Commissions      Raytheon
                                       --------    -------------   -----------
                                                         
Per Share..........................     $               $             $
Total..............................   $               $             $


The underwriters have an option to purchase a maximum of 1,600,000 additional
shares to cover over-allotments of shares.

Delivery of the shares of common stock will be made on or about      , 2001.

The Securities and Exchange Commission and state securities regulators have not
approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus
supplement or the accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

                                  -----------

Credit Suisse First Boston
                      Morgan Stanley                        Salomon Smith Barney
           Joint Bookrunning Managers    Joint Lead Manager

                                  -----------

Banc of America Securities LLC                                   Lehman Brothers
                            JPMorgan

SG Cowen

                                                             Wachovia Securities

Commerzbank Securities
           Credit Lyonnais Securities (USA) Inc.
                                 Robertson Stephens
                                                                     UBS Warburg
October   , 2001





[Photograph of a Theater High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Radar System.]
[Photograph of an Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV).]
[Photograph of the Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) System.]
[Photograph of a Patriot missile.]
[Photograph of a Tomahawk missile.]
  Raytheon is a global leader in defense electronics serving all four branches
of the U.S. Military, as well as other agencies of the U.S. government.
Raytheon's products and systems are included on most of the major U.S. defense
platforms in service today.


                               TABLE OF CONTENTS



                                      Page
                                      ----
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
                                   
Prospectus Supplement Summary.......   S-1
Risk Factors........................  S-10
Forward-Looking Information.........  S-18
Use of Proceeds.....................  S-19
Capitalization......................  S-20
Price Range of Common Stock
 and Dividend Policy................  S-21
Certain U.S. Federal Tax
 Considerations for Non-U.S. Holders
 of Our Common Stock................  S-22
Underwriting........................  S-25
Notice to Canadian Residents........  S-27
Legal Matters.......................  S-28
Experts.............................  S-28
Information We Incorporate By
 Reference..........................  S-28




                                       Page
                                       ----
                                   
PROSPECTUS
About this Prospectus...............    1
Raytheon Company....................    1
Risk Factors........................    3
Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking
 Statements.........................    3
Use of Proceeds.....................    3
Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed
 Charges and Preferred Stock
 Dividends..........................    4
Description of Our Securities.......    4
Description of Our Debt Securities..    4
Description of Our Preferred Stock..   12
Description of Our Class A and Class
 B Common Stock.....................   13
Description of Our Securities
 Warrants...........................   20
Description of the Stock Purchase
 Contracts and Stock Purchase
 Units..............................   21
Plan of Distribution................   21
Legal Matters.......................   23
Experts.............................   23
Where You Can Find More
 Information........................   23


                               ----------------

   This document is in two parts. The first part is the prospectus supplement,
which adds to and updates information contained in the accompanying prospectus
and the documents incorporated by reference in that prospectus and this
prospectus supplement. The second part, the accompanying prospectus, gives
more general information about securities we may offer from time to time,
including securities other than our common stock.

   You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated into
this document. We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized anyone
to provide you with information that is different from that contained in this
document. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information,
you should not rely on it. This document is not an offer to sell shares of our
common stock and is not soliciting an offer to buy shares of our common stock
in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted. The information
contained in this document is accurate only as of the date hereof, regardless
of the time of delivery of this prospectus supplement or of any sale of the
shares. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects
may have changed since the date of this prospectus supplement.

   As used in this prospectus supplement, the terms "Raytheon", "we" or "us"
may, depending upon the context, refer to Raytheon Company and its
consolidated subsidiaries or any part or division thereof.

                                      -i-





                      [This Page Intentionally Left Blank]


                         PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY

   This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus. As a result, it does not contain
all of the information that you should consider before investing in our common
stock. You should read the entire prospectus supplement, the accompanying
prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference, which are described
under "Information We Incorporate by Reference", carefully. All financial
information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus, unless otherwise indicated, has been derived from our consolidated
financial statements and is presented in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.

                                  Our Company

   We are a global leader in defense electronics serving all four branches of
the U.S. military as well as several agencies of the U.S. government. We also
serve the defense departments of many foreign governments, including several
NATO countries. Our defense business is aligned in four business segments:
Electronic Systems; Command, Control, Communication and Information Systems;
Raytheon Technical Services Company; and Aircraft Integration Systems. We also
provide commercial products through two business segments: Raytheon Aircraft
Company and Commercial Electronics.

   For fiscal 2000, our four defense segments accounted for 78% of our net
sales and 91% of our operating net income while our two commercial segments
accounted for the remaining 22% of net sales and 9% of net operating income.
These percentages are before corporate and eliminations. The revenue and
operating income contribution for our segments in fiscal 2000 was:



                                               Net
                                            Sales (1)    Operating Income (1)
                                           ------------  --------------------
                                                  (Dollars in millions)
                                                          
Defense Business
 Electronic Systems....................... $ 7,584   42% $     1,039        60%
 Command, Control, Communication and
  Information Systems.....................   3,419   19          358        21
 Raytheon Technical Services Company......   1,810   10          124         7
 Aircraft Integration Systems.............   1,220    7           48         3
Commercial Business
 Raytheon Aircraft Company................   3,220   18          164         9
 Commercial Electronics...................     666    4           (4)        0
                                           -------  ---  -----------  --------
  Total before Corporate and
   Eliminations...........................  17,919  100%       1,729       100%
 Corporate and Eliminations...............  (1,024)             (104)
                                           -------       -----------
  Total................................... $16,895       $     1,625
                                           =======       ===========

--------
(1) Segment net sales and operating income include intersegment sales and
    profits recorded at cost plus a specified fee, which may differ from what
    we would be able to obtain on external sales. Corporate and eliminations
    includes company-wide accruals, over/under applied overhead not attributed
    to a particular segment, and intersegment sales and profit eliminations.
    These figures exclude discontinued operations.



Our Competitive Strengths

   We believe that we have a strong competitive position attributable to a
number of factors, including the following:

   Well Positioned for Defense Priorities. We are the largest defense
electronics contractor in the United States and one of the largest in the world
and we believe we are well positioned to experience significant growth within
the defense electronics industry. As the needs of the U.S. military continue to
evolve, defense electronics programs have become among the highest priority
programs of the Department of Defense and the Bush Administration. We believe
defense electronics procurements are likely to grow at a higher rate as result
of recently proposed defense spending to combat terrorism and increase national
security. Further, we believe the focus of future defense electronics spending
to support the war on terrorism will be targeted to our strengths in missile
defense, precision strike, radar, and surveillance systems.

   Well Diversified Defense Products Across Various Defense Platforms. We are
less sensitive to the funding of a particular platform due to the breadth of
our product portfolio and our electronics content and expertise across multiple
platforms. We expect to continue focusing on electronics performance rather
than on particular platforms. This approach also helps to position us as a
likely participant in efforts to modernize or upgrade existing platforms with
increasingly sophisticated sensors, controls, and weapons.

   Technology Leadership. We are a global leader in developing technologically
advanced electronic systems and solutions. Our products are significant
elements of leading national defense initiatives. For instance, our products
are critical enablers of the National Missile Defense initiative and we believe
that we are well positioned to benefit from the anticipated growth in this
program. We believe our expertise in designing, developing, and producing these
technologically advanced systems substantially strengthens our relationships
with our customers. As such, we believe that the breadth of our proprietary
product base and our strong customer relationships will enable us to continue
to benefit from our existing programs. We also expect our technological
leadership and customer relationships to result in new opportunities for
follow-on and next generation military and commercial systems.

Our Business Strategy

   Our business strategy is to maintain a leadership position and to best serve
our customers by:

   Concentrating Resources on Defense Electronics Opportunities. Research and
development investments are targeted toward those areas that augment our
existing capabilities in our core businesses. Capital expenditures are
increasingly allocated toward business areas that contain attractive growth
characteristics. In addition, we regularly evaluate alternatives for businesses
we consider to be outside our core business areas.

   Capitalizing on Technology and Program Breadth to Grow Revenue. We provide
integrated solutions across multiple missions and platforms. We believe these
technologies will enable us to benefit from growth areas of the defense budget
such as Air and Missile Defense and Command Control Intelligence, Surveillance,
Reconnaissance. Our competencies and long history of electronics and system
design aligns us with all aspects of the evolving military mission areas while
providing interoperability and integrated solutions.

   Strengthening our Balance Sheet. We are aggressively targeting working
capital efficiency improvements as an avenue for enhancing operating cash flow.
We have also sold non-core assets and accessed equity markets when appropriate
to strengthen our balance sheet. A strong balance sheet affords us the
flexibility to pursue emerging growth opportunities in our core businesses.

   Focusing on Fundamentals to Drive Performance and Accountability. We have
refocused our operations and deployed several initiatives in the past two years
to improve our operations, working capital, cash flows, and profitability. We
strengthened our program management, increased our productivity, and
implemented practices to uncover potential surprises early in the product cycle
in an effort to save costs and reduce delays. These

                                      S-2


initiatives have been successful, contributing to improvement in our operating
margins in our defense businesses from 10.8% in 1999 to 11.2% in 2000 and
leading to a $1.0 billion improvement in operating cash flow from 1999 to 2000.

Our Business Segments

   Electronic Systems and Command, Control, Communication and Information
Systems. Products from these segments are included on most of the major U.S.
defense platforms in service today and we believe we are well positioned as a
technology leader on many future systems currently under development. Our
technologies and capabilities are central to meeting the enormous challenges
facing the U.S. military and those of our allies. As stated in the Quadrennial
Defense Review (QDR), those challenges can be summarized by the following six
operational priorities:

  .  Protecting bases of operation--Defending U.S. and allied military bases,
     troops, and homelands against enemy attacks;

  .  Information operations--Providing information security systems to guard
     against cyber warfare;

  .  Power projection--Quickly deploying U.S. forces and weapons to any
     global theater despite enemy resistance;

  .  Space operations--Providing comprehensive, real-time, all-weather, space
     based global surveillance capabilities;

  .  Leveraging technology--Funding next generation science and technology
     that strengthens the U.S. military's capabilities and sustains its
     technological edge; and

  .  Denying enemy sanctuaries--Preventing enemies from hiding in and
     operating from remote foreign locations.

   Most of the programs or platforms that will be used to address these
priorities can be grouped into five major mission areas. Our capabilities and
product offerings give us a significant presence in each of these mission
areas:

  .  Air and Missile Defense. We are a leading provider of integrated ground
     based radars and missile systems. Our products include the Patriot and
     STANDARD missile systems, which provide land and sea based area defense
     against enemy aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles; the
     JLENS and X-band radar systems for ground based detection of multiple
     levels of intercontinental ballistic missile threats; the Theater High
     Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Radar System which is the centerpiece of
     the Army's THAAD defense system; and the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle
     (EKV), the interceptor that will be employed to provide National Missile
     Defense (NMD).

  .  Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance. We provide comprehensive
     integrated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems, which
     allow for high definition global surveillance and network-centric
     warfare. Our programs include SBIRS-Low, a low earth orbit surveillance
     satellite system; ASTOR, an airborne defense surveillance system;
     Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC), the Navy's integrated program
     to link sea, air, land, and space based sensors; and sensor suites for
     the Global Hawk unmanned air vehicle (UAV). We also provide surveillance
     and reconnaissance systems that are deployed on a variety of aircraft,
     such as the British Tornado, the U.S. Air Force U-2, and the U.S. Navy
     P-3 Orion.

  .  Air Superiority. We are the leading provider of airborne radar and
     electro-optical sensor systems for most of the major U.S. airborne
     platforms including the F-15 Eagle, the F-16 Falcon, the F-14 Tomcat,
     the F/A-18 Hornet, the F-117 Stealth Fighter, the B-2 Bomber, the B-1B
     Bomber, and future programs including the F-22 Raptor and the Joint
     Strike Fighter (JSF), for which we participate on both of the teams that
     are being considered by the U.S. Air Force. We also provide the Forward
     Looking Infrared (FLIR) and designation system for the F-117 Stealth
     Fighter, the infrared subsystem for the F/A-18

                                      S-3


     targeting pod, and are developing the Advanced Targeting FLIR for the
     F/A-18. We are also a leading provider of air-to-air combat weapon
     systems, including the next generation AIM-9X Sidewinder, the Advanced
     Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), and air-to-ground precision
     strike weapons that were extensively used in the Gulf War and are
     currently being used in the war on terrorism, including Maverick, GBU-
     15, GBU-28 (the "Bunker Buster"), Paveway Laser Guided Bomb, ACM, HARM,
     and JSOW.

  .  Ground Combat. We are a leader in ground based electronics applications
     centered on mobile solutions. Our products include the Long Range
     Advanced Scout Surveillance System (LRAS3), Commanders Independent
     Viewer (CIV), and the Improved Target Acquisition System (ITAS). We are
     also a leading provider of electro-optical systems used in ground combat
     platforms including the M-1 Abrams tank, the M-2 Bradley Fighting
     Vehicle, and various helicopter platforms. We are also a leading
     provider of weapon systems used in ground combat situations including
     the Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire-guided missile (TOW), the
     Tube-launched, Optically-engaged, Wireless Fire and Forget missile
     (TOWFF), JAVELIN, and the Tank Extended Range Munition (TERM).

  .  Naval Systems. We provide integrated sea based solutions that allow for
     naval surveillance and control of sea perimeters including the High
     Power Discrimination Radar (HPD) that is currently being developed for
     AEGIS class cruisers and destroyers, the Undersea Coastal Surveillance
     System (UCSS), and the Joint Tactical Combat Training System (JTCTS). We
     are also a leading provider of sea based air defense weapon systems
     including the STANDARD missile ship self defense variants, the Rolling
     Airframe Missile (RAM), the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM), the
     Phalanx Close in Weapon Systems (CIWS), as well as sea based precision
     strike systems including the STANDARD MissileSM-4 Land Attack missile
     and the Tomahawk cruise missile system.

   Raytheon Technical Services Company. Raytheon Technical Services Company
(RTSC) provides technical services, training programs, and logistics and base
operations support throughout the U.S. and in nearly 40 other countries. RTSC
performs complete engineering and depot-level cradle-to-grave support to our
manufactured equipment and to various commercial and military customers. RTSC
is a world leader in providing and supporting range instrumentation systems
and bases worldwide for the Department of Defense. It also provides missile
range calibration services for the U.S. Air Force, trains U.S. Army personnel
in battlefield tactics, and supports undersea testing and evaluation for the
U.S. Navy. RTSC provides operations and engineering support to the Atlantic
Underwater Test and Evaluation Center, range technical support, and facilities
maintenance at several Department of Defense facilities, including the U.S.
Army's missile testing range in the Kwajalein Atoll.

   Aircraft Integration Systems. The Aircraft Integration Systems segment
(AIS) focuses on integration of airborne surveillance and intelligence systems
and aircraft modifications. AIS specializes in developing and integrating
complex electronic systems for airborne intelligence, surveillance, and
reconnaissance missions. AIS provides signal intelligence, air-ground
surveillance, maritime surveillance, and airborne command post systems to both
U.S. government and foreign customers. In addition, AIS modernizes aging
aircraft through structural refurbishment and avionics upgrades. The segment
also provides support to Special Operations forces.

   Raytheon Aircraft Company. Raytheon Aircraft Company offers a broad product
line of aircraft and aviation services in the general aviation market.
Raytheon Aircraft manufactures, markets, and supports business jets,
turboprops and piston-powered aircraft for the world's commercial, regional
airlines and military aircraft markets. Raytheon Aircraft's piston-powered
aircraft line includes the single-engine Beech Bonanza and the twin-engine
Beech Baron aircraft for business and personal flying. The segment's King Air
turboprop series includes the Beech King Air C90B, B200, and 350. The jet line
includes the Beechjet 400A lightjet and the Hawker 800XP midsize business jet.
Raytheon Aircraft also produces a 19-passenger regional airliner. The Raytheon
Premier I entry-level business jet recently completed FAA certification. A new
super midsize business jet, the Hawker Horizon, is currently in development,
with anticipated airplane certification and delivery in 2003. The segment
supplies aircraft training systems, including the T-6A trainer selected as the
next-generation trainer

                                      S-4


for the U.S. Air Force and Navy under the Joint Primary Aircraft Training
System. Raytheon Aircraft also produces special mission aircraft, including
military versions of the King Airs and the U-125 search-and-rescue variant of
the Hawker 800.

   Commercial Electronics. Our commercial electronics businesses produce, among
other things, thin film filters for optical communications products, gallium
arsenide MMIC components for direct broadcast satellite television receivers,
gallium arsenide power amplifiers for wireless communications products,
wireless broadband solutions, thermal imaging products, automobile radar
systems, marine electronics for the commercial and military marine markets, and
other electronic components for a wide range of applications.

Recent Developments

   On October 17, 2001, we reported net sales of $4.0 billion for the third
quarter of 2001, down from $4.2 billion in net sales in the third quarter of
2000. As a result of the Raytheon Aircraft charge discussed below, we reported
a loss from continuing operations of $262 million, or $0.73 per diluted share,
in the third quarter of 2001. Excluding this charge, income from continuing
operations was $127 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, compared with $133
million, or $0.39 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2000. Our backlog
at the end of the third quarter of 2001 was $25.1 billion.

   Net sales were down due to the impact of divestitures and lower deliveries
at Raytheon Aircraft. Net sales for our defense businesses, after adjusting for
divestitures, were up 6% year-over-year. Consolidated operating cash flow was
negative $357 million in the quarter, compared with operating cash flow of
positive $212 million in the third quarter of 2000. Negative cash flow was
driven by discontinued operations, which consumed $254 million, and Raytheon
Aircraft, which consumed $260 million. Net debt at the end of the third quarter
was $8.8 billion, compared with $9.9 billion at the end of the third quarter of
2000.

   Including the impact of discontinued operations, we posted a net loss in the
third quarter of 2001 of $285 million, or $0.79 per diluted share, compared
with net income of $105 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, in the third
quarter of 2000.

   On October 17, 2001, we announced that we and Hughes Electronics Corporation
had agreed to a purchase price adjustment relating to our merger with Hughes
Defense, a subsidiary of Hughes Electronics, in 1997. Under the terms of the
agreement, which settles all outstanding disputes between us, Hughes
Electronics will reimburse us $635 million, of which $500 million was received
on October 16, 2001 and the balance is due in six months. We expect to use the
proceeds to pay down debt.

   On October 17, 2001, we also announced that we expect to record a third
quarter charge of $693 million in connection with Raytheon Aircraft's commuter
aircraft business and $52 million related to used general aviation aircraft.
The after-tax effect of the charges is $484 million. We expect the cash portion
of the charge to be approximately $350 million spread over a four year period.
While we have been reducing our build rates on commuter aircraft over the last
18 months, recent events, including the terrorist attacks of September 11,
2001, have had a significant adverse affect on both the airline industry and
aircraft manufacturers, including Raytheon Aircraft. Raytheon Aircraft
announced it was implementing further workforce reductions, cutting additional
costs, and reducing factory and fleet inventory expenses to reduce costs as a
result of the slowing economy. For the entire year, Raytheon Aircraft will lay
off a total of approximately 1,700 people. It will also continue to review
production rates.

   In July 2000, we sold our Raytheon Engineers & Constructors business to
Washington Group International, Inc. In March 2001, Washington Group sued us in
an Idaho State court alleging breach of contract and fraud in connection with
the sale of the Raytheon Engineers & Constructors business. Washington Group
also sought

                                      S-5


specific performance of the purchase agreement's purchase price adjustment
provisions. The court has appointed an independent accountant to resolve the
purchase price adjustment dispute. The independent accountant has scheduled a
series of hearings to take place during October and November 2001. No timetable
for resolving the dispute has been established. The court ordered that
Washington Group's fraud and breach of contract claims must be submitted to
arbitration as we had requested. To date, no arbitrator has been chosen and no
timetable for resolving these claims has been established.

   In March 2001, Washington Group abandoned work on two large power plants
being built in Massachusetts for which we have performance guarantees. In
August 2001, we announced that the cost to complete these two projects, net of
cash receipts, was expected to be $633 million. On October 17, 2001, we
announced that activities to complete these two projects are continuing on a
basis that is consistent, with respect to both schedule and costs, with our
earlier announcements. In the third quarter of 2001, we incurred additional
costs totaling $23 million relating to certain other construction projects
acquired by Washington Group on which we have guarantees or other support
agreements. Despite the additional costs, our range of potential exposure on
these projects remains within the previously disclosed range of up to $125
million. Under the purchase agreement, we are entitled to indemnification by
Washington Group for amounts we spend to complete such projects. Due to the
bankruptcy filing by Washington Group described below, we have not recognized
the value of this indemnification claim, if any, against Washington Group.

   In May 2001, Washington Group filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the
U.S. Bankruptcy Code in Reno, Nevada. In connection with the filing, it filed a
proposed plan of reorganization, which has been amended several times. On
August 3, 2001, we filed a proof of claim as an unsecured creditor in the
bankruptcy action. Our claims against Washington Group in this matter are
primarily related to our indemnification claims under the purchase agreement
and various subrogation claims. On that same day, Washington Group filed a
complaint seeking significant monetary damages from us and seeking to avoid
certain transfers of property and certain of their obligations under the
purchase agreement for the sale of the Raytheon Engineers & Constructors
business. On August 23, 2001, we responded to their complaint, which we believe
is without merit. On October 10 and 11, 2001, confirmation hearings began on
their proposed reorganization plan. Further confirmation hearings are scheduled
to take place each day of the week of October 29, 2001. No timetable for the
resolution of our claim, the avoidance action brought by Washington Group or
the bankruptcy proceeding has been established.

   In addition to the guaranteed projects noted above, we retained the
responsibility for performance of four large, fixed price international turnkey
projects that are close to completion. Washington Group agreed to complete work
on these projects on a cost reimbursable basis. After the end of the second
quarter of 2001, in connection with the bankruptcy proceeding, Washington Group
rejected the project completion agreements that they had entered into with us
regarding these projects and the underlying project agreements. We are
assessing our alternatives for meeting the obligations arising under our
support agreements associated with these projects. We continue to monitor the
cost estimates for these projects on a quarterly basis.

   In 1999, we and certain of our officers were named as defendants to several
class action lawsuits alleging that the defendants violated federal securities
laws by purportedly making misleading statements and failing to disclose
material information concerning our financial performance. The complaints were
consolidated in June 2000 into a single action, with the caption In Re Raytheon
Securities Litigation (Civil Action No. 12142-PBS), in the U.S. District Court
in Massachusetts. In September 2000, we and the individual defendants filed a
motion to dismiss the complaint. In August 2001, the judge issued an order
dismissing most of the claims asserted against us and our officers, allowing
only two claims to survive and proceed to discovery.


                                      S-6


                                  The Offering


                                   
 Common stock offered................ 29,000,000 shares.
 Common stock to be outstanding after
  the offering....................... 390,921,493 shares.
 Use of proceeds..................... We estimate that we will receive net
                                      proceeds from this offering of our common
                                      stock, assuming a public offering price
                                      of $34.46, of $965 million, or $1,018
                                      million if the underwriters' option to
                                      purchase additional shares of common
                                      stock is exercised in full. We anticipate
                                      using the net proceeds from this offering
                                      primarily to reduce the amounts
                                      outstanding under our Five Year
                                      Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit
                                      Facility dated May 2, 1997, among us and
                                      the lenders named therein and to purchase
                                      or retire other long-term debt. We intend
                                      to use any remaining proceeds to fund
                                      capital expenditures, working capital
                                      requirements and other general corporate
                                      purposes.
 New York Stock Exchange symbol...... RTN.


   The number of shares of common stock that will be outstanding after this
offering is based on the number of shares of common stock outstanding as of
September 30, 2001. This number excludes the following:

  .  41.2 million shares of common stock subject to options outstanding as of
     July 1, 2001, at a weighted average exercise price of $39.51 per share;

  .  28.5 million shares of common stock available for future grants under
     our stock plans as of July 1, 2001; and

  .  1.6 million shares of common stock that may be purchased by the
     underwriters to cover over-allotments, if any.

                                  Risk Factors

   You should consider all of the information contained or incorporated by
reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus before
making an investment in our common stock. In particular, you should consider
the factors described under the section captioned "Risk Factors" beginning on
page S-10 of this prospectus supplement.

                                      S-7


                        Summary Financial and Other Data

   We present below our summary financial information for each of the five
years ended December 31, 2000 and the six months ending July 2, 2000 and July
1, 2001. This historical financial information has been derived from and should
be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, the notes
thereto and the other financial data and statistical information incorporated
by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. The
summary financial information for the six months ended July 2, 2000 and July 1,
2001 have been derived from unaudited consolidated financial statements.



                                   Years Ended December 31,                       Six Months Ended
                         -------------------------------------------------------- ------------------
                                                                                  July 2,   July 1,
                           1996        1997        1998        1999        2000     2000      2001
                         --------    --------    --------    --------    -------- --------  --------
                             (In millions except share amounts and total employees)
                                                                       
Results of Operations
Net sales............... $ 10,122    $ 11,537    $ 17,364    $ 17,201(6) $ 16,895 $  8,355  $  8,275
Operating income........    1,014(1)    1,040(2)    2,259(4)    1,592(7)    1,625      684       673
Interest expense, net...      142         343         697         703         736      365       351
Income from continuing
 operations.............      649(1)      507(3)    1,019(5)      502(8)      498      175       214
Net income (loss).......      757(1)      511(3)      844(5)      404(8)      141     (132)     (312)
Diluted earnings per
 share from continuing
 operations............. $   2.70(1) $   2.10(3) $   2.98(5) $   1.47(8) $   1.46 $   0.52  $   0.61
Diluted earnings (loss)
 per share..............     3.15(1)     2.11(3)     2.47(5)     1.19(8)     0.41    (0.39)    (0.89)
Dividends declared per
 share..................     0.80        0.80        0.80        0.80        0.80     0.40      0.40
Average diluted shares
 outstanding (in
 thousands).............  240,165     241,886     341,861     340,784     341,118  339,269   349,710
Financial Position at
 Period End
Current assets.......... $  5,560    $  8,911    $  8,464    $  8,602    $  8,013 $  8,357  $  8,114
Property, plant, and
 equipment, net.........    1,697       2,812       2,237       2,387       2,491    2,465     2,514
Total assets............   10,623      27,668      27,223      27,289      26,777   27,164    26,760
Current liabilities.....    4,178      10,380       6,114       7,133       4,865    5,605     4,552
Long-term liabilities
 (excluding debt and
 mandatorily redeemable
 equity securities).....      370       2,496       2,149       1,899       2,035    1,827     1,952
Long-term debt..........    1,500       4,406       8,163       7,298       9,054    9,045     8,565
Total debt..............    3,715      10,050       8,988       9,769       9,931   10,475     8,820
Mandatorily redeemable
 equity securities......                                                                         856
Stockholders' equity....    4,575      10,386      10,797      10,959      10,823   10,687    10,835
General Statistics
Total backlog........... $  8,942    $ 18,615    $ 20,157(9) $ 24,978    $ 26,530 $ 25,564  $ 25,858
U.S. government backlog
 included above.........    5,614      12,360      13,472(9)   15,239      17,374   16,561    17,229
Capital expenditures....      379         441         468         524         431      191       197
Depreciation and
 amortization...........      345         424         734         699         694      341       368
Total employees.........   65,600     109,600      99,500      97,600      93,700   94,300    87,500

--------
   We have restated our financial statements for discontinued operations as
more fully discussed in the financial statements incorporated by reference in
this prospectus supplement. During 2000, we recorded favorable adjustments to
restructuring-related reserves and net gains on sales of operating units that
were more than offset by restructuring charges and unfavorable contract
adjustments.

  (1) Includes a special charge of $34 million pretax, $22 million after-tax,
      or $0.09 per diluted share.
  (2)  Includes restructuring and special charges of $370 million.
  (3)  Includes restructuring and special charges of $370 million pretax and
       a net gain on sales of operating units of $72 million pretax. The
       impact of these items combined was a net charge of $194 million after-
       tax, or $0.80 per diluted share.
  (4)  Includes special charges of $167 million.
  (5)  Includes special charges of $167 million pretax and a net gain on
       sales of operating units of $141 million pretax. The impact of these
       items combined was a net charge of $41 million after-tax, or $0.12 per
       diluted share.

                                      S-8


  (6)  Includes charges of $180 million.
  (7)  Includes charges of $195 million and restructuring and special charges
       of $197 million, offset by $65 million of favorable adjustments to
       restructuring-related reserves.
  (8)  Includes charges of $195 million pretax and restructuring and special
       charges of $211 million pretax, offset by favorable adjustments to
       restructuring-related reserves of $65 million pretax and a net gain on
       sales of operating units and investments of $23 million pretax. The
       impact of these items combined was a net charge of $195 million after-
       tax, or $0.57 per diluted share.
  (9) During 1998, we changed our method of reporting backlog at certain
      locations in order to provide a consistent method of reporting across
      and within our businesses. Backlog includes the full value of contract
      awards when received, excluding awards and options expected in future
      periods. Prior to the change, contract values which were awarded but
      incrementally funded were excluded from reported backlog for some parts
      of our business. The one-time impact of this change was a $1.1 billion
      increase to backlog, related principally to U.S. government contracts.
      We have not restated prior periods for this change.

   We have reclassified certain prior year amounts to conform to the current
year presentation. We acquired Texas Instruments' defense business (TI Defense)
in July 1997 and merged with the defense business of Hughes Electronics
Corporation (Hughes Defense) in December 1997. In December 1997, we issued
102.6 million shares of Class A common stock and converted each share of
Raytheon common stock into one share of Class B common stock in connection with
the merger with Hughes Defense. On May 14, 2001, we eliminated our dual class
capital structure and reclassified our Class A and Class B common stock into a
single new class of common stock. We also effected a 20-for-1 reverse-forward
stock split that resulted in holders of fewer than 20 shares of common stock
being cashed out of their holdings. For more information regarding our classes
of common stock and the reverse/forward stock split and reclassification, see
"Description of our Class A and Class B Common Stock--Reverse/Forward Stock
Split" and "--Reclassification of Our Existing Two Classes of Common Stock into
a Single New Class of Common Stock" in the accompanying prospectus.

   In 1996, we recorded a $34 million special charge to exit the manual-clean
range market and dispose of the assets related to that operation.

   In 1997, we recorded restructuring charges of $220 million in connection
with our merger with Hughes Defense and the acquisition of TI Defense. We
recorded a $63 million special charge primarily for one-time costs associated
with the merger with Hughes Defense and the acquisition of TI Defense. We also
recorded a $57 million special charge primarily to write down certain assets
that we had decided to sell to their estimated fair value. Also in 1997, we
recorded a $30 million special charge to recognize a permanent impairment at
Raytheon Aircraft.

   In 1998, we recorded special charges of $167 million at Commercial
Electronics comprised of a $125 million charge to exit a line of business,
which included writing off its investment in a Korean business venture, and a
$42 million charge to write down the assets of two operations we had decided to
sell to their estimated fair value.

   In 1999, we recorded $195 million of charges for contract-related
adjustments of which $165 million was reflected as a reduction of sales. We
recorded restructuring charges of $137 million comprised of a $102 million
restructuring charge to reduce the workforce and vacate and dispose of facility
space primarily at our defense electronics businesses, and $35 million for
higher than originally estimated exit costs related to the TI Defense and
Hughes Defense actions. We recorded a $35 million special charge related to
Iridium LLC, of which $15 million was included as a reduction of sales, $6
million was included in cost of sales, and $14 million was included in other
expenses. We also recorded a $33 million special charge to further write down
inventory and receivables related to a Korean business venture and a $6 million
special charge to exit the personal rapid transit business.

                                      S-9


                                 RISK FACTORS

   In considering whether to purchase the shares of our common stock, you
should carefully consider all the information we have included or incorporated
by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

We depend heavily on our government contracts, which are only partially
funded, subject to immediate termination and heavily regulated and audited,
and the termination or failure to fund one or more of these contracts could
have a negative impact on our operations.

   We act as prime contractor or major subcontractor for many different
government programs. Over its lifetime, a program may be implemented by the
award of many different individual contracts and subcontracts. The funding of
government programs is subject to congressional appropriations. Although
multi-year contracts may be authorized in connection with major procurements,
Congress generally appropriates funds on a fiscal year basis even though a
program may continue for several years. Consequently, programs are often only
partially funded initially, and additional funds are committed only as
Congress makes further appropriations. The termination of funding for a
government program would result in a loss of anticipated future revenues
attributable to that program. That could have a negative impact on our
operations. In addition, the termination of a program or failure to commit
additional funds to a program already started could increase our overall costs
of doing business.

   Generally, government contracts are subject to oversight audits by
government representatives and contain provisions permitting termination, in
whole or in part, without prior notice at the government's convenience upon
the payment of compensation only for work done and commitments made at the
time of termination. We can give no assurance that one or more of our
government contracts will not be terminated under these circumstances. Also,
we can give no assurance that we would be able to procure new government
contracts to offset the revenues lost as a result of any termination of our
contracts. As our revenues are dependent on our procurement, performance and
payment under our contracts, the loss of one or more critical contracts could
have a negative impact on our financial condition.

   Our government business is also subject to specific procurement regulations
and a variety of socioeconomic and other requirements. These requirements,
although customary in government contracts, increase our performance and
compliance costs. These costs might increase in the future, reducing our
margins, which could have a negative effect on our financial condition.
Failure to comply with these regulations and requirements could lead to
suspension or debarment, for cause, from government contracting or
subcontracting for a period of time. Among the causes for debarment are
violations of various statutes, including those related to:

  .  procurement integrity;

  .  export control;

  .  government security regulations;

  .  employment practices;

  .  protection of the environment; and

  .  accuracy of records and the recording of costs.

   The termination of a government contract or relationship as a result of any
of these acts would have a negative impact on our operations and could have a
negative effect on our reputation and ability to procure other government
contracts in the future.

   In addition, sales to the government may be affected by:

  .  changes in procurement policies;

  .  budget considerations;

                                     S-10


  .  changing concepts of national defense; and

  .  political developments abroad.

   The influence of any of these factors, which are largely beyond our
control, could also negatively impact our financial condition. We also may
experience problems associated with advanced designs required by the
government which may result in unforeseen technological difficulties and cost
overruns. Failure to overcome these technological difficulties and the
occurrence of cost overruns would have a negative impact on our results.

Because we have recently sold a number of our business units, our business is
less diversified, which could reduce our earnings and might make us more
susceptible to negative conditions in our remaining businesses.

   Consistent with our strategy of focusing on and streamlining our core
businesses and paying down our debt, during 1998, 1999 and 2000, we divested
several non-core business units. As a result of these divestitures, we no
longer receive revenues from these operations and, without offsetting
increases in revenues in our other businesses, our overall revenues would
decrease, which would have a negative effect on our financial condition.

   In addition, as a result of these divestitures, our business is now less
diversified and thus more dependent on our remaining businesses. As a result,
we are now more sensitive to conditions and trends in the remaining industries
in which we operate. Negative conditions and trends in these remaining
industries could cause our financial condition and results of operations to
suffer more heavily than would occur when our business lines were more
diversified. Our inability to overcome these negative conditions and trends
could have a negative impact on our financial condition.

We depend on the U.S. government for a significant portion of our sales, and
the loss of this relationship or a shift in government funding could have
severe consequences on our financial condition.

   Approximately 66% of our net sales in 2000 were to the U.S. government.
Therefore, any significant disruption or deterioration of our relationship
with the U.S. government would significantly reduce our revenues. Our U.S.
government programs must compete with programs managed by other defense
contractors for a limited number of programs and for uncertain levels of
funding. Our competitors continuously engage in efforts to expand their
business relationships with the U.S. government at our expense and are likely
to continue these efforts in the future. The U.S. government may choose to use
other defense contractors for its limited number of defense programs. In
addition, the funding of defense programs also competes with nondefense
spending of the U.S. government. Budget decisions made by the U.S. government
are outside of our control and have long term consequences for the size and
structure of Raytheon. A shift in government defense spending to other
programs in which we are not involved or a reduction in U.S. government
defense spending generally could have severe consequences for our results of
operations.

We derive a significant portion of our revenues from international sales and
are subject to the risks of doing business in foreign countries.

   In 2000, sales to international customers accounted for approximately 21%
of our net sales. We expect that international sales will continue to account
for a substantial portion of our net sales for the foreseeable future. As a
result, we are subject to risks of doing business internationally, including:

  .  changes in regulatory requirements;

  .  domestic and foreign government policies, including requirements to
     expend a portion of program funds locally and governmental industrial
     cooperation requirements;

  .  fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;

  .  delays in placing orders;

  .  the complexity and necessity of using foreign representatives and
     consultants;

                                     S-11


  .  the uncertainty of adequate and available transportation;

  .  the uncertainty of the ability of foreign customers to finance
     purchases;

  .  uncertainties and restrictions concerning the availability of funding
     credit or guarantees;

  .  imposition of tariffs or embargoes, export controls and other trade
     restrictions;

  .  the difficulty of management and operation of an enterprise spread over
     various countries;

  .  compliance with a variety of foreign laws, as well as U.S. laws
     affecting the activities of U.S. companies abroad; and

  .  general economic and geopolitical conditions, including international
     hostilities, inflation, trade relationships and military and political
     alliances.

   While these factors or the impact of these factors are difficult to
predict, any one or more of them could adversely affect our operations in the
future.

We may not be successful in maintaining and obtaining the necessary licenses
to conduct operations abroad, and Congress may prevent proposed sales to
foreign governments.

   Licenses are required from government agencies under the Export
Administration Act, the Trading with the Enemy Act of 1917 and the Arms Export
Control Act of 1976 for export of many of our products. We can give no
assurance that we will be successful in obtaining these necessary licenses in
order to conduct business abroad. In the case of certain sales of defense
equipment and services to foreign governments, the U.S. government's Executive
Branch must notify Congress at least 15 to 30 days, depending on the location
of the sale, prior to authorizing these sales. During that time, Congress may
take action to block the proposed sale.

Competition within our markets may reduce our procurement of future contracts
and our sales.

   The military and commercial industries in which we operate are highly
competitive. Our competitors range from highly resourceful small concerns,
which engineer and produce specialized items, to large, diversified firms.
Several established and emerging companies offer a variety of products for
applications similar to those of our products. Our competitors may have more
extensive or more specialized engineering, manufacturing and marketing
capabilities than we do in some areas. There can be no assurance that we can
continue to compete effectively with these firms. In addition, some of our
largest customers could develop the capability to manufacture products similar
to products that we manufacture. This would result in these customers
supplying their own products and competing directly with us for sales of these
products, all of which could significantly reduce our revenues and seriously
harm our business.

   Furthermore, we are facing increased international competition and
crossborder consolidation of competition. There can be no assurance that we
will be able to compete successfully against our current or future competitors
or that the competitive pressures we face will not result in reduced revenues
and market share or seriously harm our business.

Our future success will depend on our ability to develop new technologies that
achieve market acceptance.

   Both our commercial and defense markets are characterized by rapidly
changing technologies and evolving industry standards. Accordingly, our future
performance depends on a number of factors, including our ability to:

  .  identify emerging technological trends in our target markets;

  .  develop and maintain competitive products;

  .  enhance our products by adding innovative features that differentiate
     our products from those of our competitors; and

  .  manufacture and bring products to market quickly at cost-effective
     prices.

                                     S-12


   Specifically, at Raytheon Aircraft our future success is dependent on our
ability to meet scheduled timetables for the development, certification and
delivery of new product offerings.

   We believe that, in order to remain competitive in the future, we will need
to continue to develop new products, which will require the investment of
significant financial resources in new product development. The need to make
these expenditures could divert our attention and resources from other
projects, and we cannot be sure that these expenditures will ultimately lead
to the timely development of new technology. Due to the design complexity of
our products, we may in the future experience delays in completing development
and introduction of new products. Any delays could result in increased costs
of development or deflect resources from other projects. In addition, there
can be no assurance that the market for our products will develop or continue
to expand as we currently anticipate. The failure of our technology to gain
market acceptance could significantly reduce our revenues and harm our
business. Furthermore, we cannot be sure that our competitors will not develop
competing technology which gains market acceptance in advance of our products.
The possibility that our competitors might develop new technology or products
might cause our existing technology and products to become obsolete. If we
fail in our new product development efforts or our products fail to achieve
market acceptance more rapidly than our competitors, our revenues will decline
and our business, financial condition and results of operations will be
negatively affected.

Raytheon Aircraft may be adversely affected by unfavorable market and cost
pressures.

   At Raytheon Aircraft Company, our future success is dependent on a number
of factors, some of which are beyond our control, including (1) price and
demand pressures in the market, (2) any new government regulations that have
the effect of restricting the use of general aviation and commuter aircraft,
(3) our ability to achieve the efficiencies necessary to control costs, (4)
our ability to meet scheduled timetables for the development, certification,
and delivery of new product offerings, and (5) the impact on recourse
obligations due to changes in the collateral values of financed aircraft.
While Raytheon Aircraft has been reducing its build rates on commuter aircraft
over the last 18 months, recent events, including the terrorist attacks of
September 11, 2001, have had a significant adverse effect on both the airline
industry and aircraft manufacturers, including Raytheon Aircraft. As described
under "Prospectus Supplement Summary--Our Company--Recent Developments", we
announced that we expect to record a third quarter charge of $693 million in
connection with Raytheon Aircraft's commuter aircraft business and $52 million
related to used general aviation aircraft. Our financial results could be
materially adversely affected if the current decline in demand in the market
for our aircraft worsens or continues for an extended period or if we suffer
adverse consequences relating to any of the other factors listed above.

Our financial performance is dependent on the timely and successful conversion
of our defense products into commercial markets.

   In order to leverage technology that we develop for defense applications,
we frequently strive to adapt existing defense technology for commercial
markets. We may not be successful, however, in converting our defense systems
and devices into commercially viable products, and the market for such
products may be limited. Any of these results could have a negative impact on
our future revenues.

We enter into fixed price contracts which could subject us to losses in the
event that we have cost overruns.

   Sometimes, we enter into contracts on a firm, fixed price basis. This
allows us to benefit from cost savings, but carries the burden of cost
overruns. If our initial estimates are incorrect, we can lose money on these
contracts. In addition, some of our contracts have provisions relating to cost
controls and audit rights, and if we fail to meet the terms specified in those
contracts then we may not realize their full benefits. Our financial condition
is dependent on our ability to maximize our earnings from our contracts. Lower
earnings caused by cost overruns and cost controls would have a negative
impact on our financial results. As previously disclosed, during 2000 our
financial results were negatively impacted by cost overruns on certain fixed
price contracts.

                                     S-13


We may incur additional charges in connection with the sale of Raytheon
Engineers & Constructors to the Washington Group International.

   We have significant guarantees and other support agreements in place
related to a number of ongoing Washington Group engineering and construction
projects, including two large power plants being built in Massachusetts that
Washington Group has abandoned. Our estimated range of potential exposure on
these projects includes $633 million related to the two Massachusetts projects
and up to $125 million related to other construction projects. The cost to
complete all of these projects may ultimately be higher than our estimates. We
are legally entitled to reimbursement from Washington Group for the costs we
incur on these projects. Due to the bankruptcy filing by Washington Group,
however, we may have difficulty recovering the full amount of our claim for
reimbursement, if we recover any at all.

   In connection with the sale of our engineering and construction business to
Washington Group, we retained responsibility for the completion of four large,
fixed price international turnkey projects. Washington Group agreed to
complete work on these projects on a cost reimbursable basis. In connection
with their bankruptcy proceeding, Washington Group has rejected the project
completion agreements that they had entered into with us regarding these
projects and the underlying project agreements. We are assessing our
alternatives for meeting the obligations arising under our support agreements
associated with these projects. The costs to complete these projects may
ultimately be higher than we have estimated.

   We are engaged in significant legal disputes with Washington Group
regarding the sale of our engineering and construction business. These include
a dispute regarding the final purchase price for the engineering and
construction business, a claim by Washington Group for breach of contract and
fraud in connection with the sale, and claims arising in connection with
Washington Group's bankruptcy proceedings, including a fraudulent conveyance
claim asserted by Washington Group.

   While these risks or the impact of these risks are difficult to predict,
any one or more of these factors could have a material adverse impact on our
financial condition.

The outcome of litigation matters in which we have been named as a defendant
is unpredictable and an adverse decision on any such matter could have a
material adverse affect on our financial position and results of operations.

   We are defendants in a number of litigation matters as described elsewhere
in the prospectus supplement and the documents we incorporate by reference
herein. These claims may divert financial and management resources that would
otherwise be used to benefit our operations. Although we believe that we have
meritorious defenses to the claims made in each and all of the litigation
matters to which we have been named a party, and intend to contest each
lawsuit vigorously, no assurances can be given that the results of these
matters will be favorable to us. An adverse resolution of any of these
lawsuits could have a material adverse affect on our financial position and
results of operations.

We depend on the recruitment and retention of qualified personnel, and our
failure to attract and retain such personnel could seriously harm our
business.

   Due to the specialized nature of our businesses, our future performance is
highly dependent upon the continued services of our key engineering personnel
and executive officers. Our prospects depend upon our ability to attract and
retain qualified engineering, manufacturing, marketing, sales and management
personnel for our operations. Competition for personnel is intense, and we may
not be successful in attracting or retaining qualified personnel. Our failure
to compete for these personnel could seriously harm our business, results of
operations and financial condition.

                                     S-14


A significant portion of our labor force is unionized, and our failure to
maintain stable relationships with our unions could seriously harm our
business.

   Approximately 14,000 of our employees are unionized, which represented
approximately 16% of our employees at July 1, 2001. As a result, we may
experience work stoppages from time to time, and we are vulnerable to the
demands imposed by our collective bargaining relationships. We cannot predict
how stable these relationships, currently with 10 different U.S. labor
organizations and 4 different non-U.S. labor organizations, will be or whether
we will be able to meet the requirements of these unions without impacting our
financial condition. In addition, the presence of unions may limit our
flexibility in dealing with our workforce. Work stoppages and instability in
our union relationships could negatively impact our ability to manufacture our
products on a timely basis, resulting in strain on our relationships with our
customers, as well as a loss of revenues. That would adversely affect our
results of operations.

We may be unable to adequately protect our intellectual property rights, which
could affect our ability to compete.

   Protecting our intellectual property rights is critical to our ability to
compete and succeed as a company. We own a large number of U.S. and foreign
patents and patent applications, as well as trademark, copyright and
semiconductor chip mask work registrations which are necessary and contribute
significantly to the preservation of our competitive position in the market.
There can be no assurance that any of these patents and other intellectual
property will not be challenged, invalidated or circumvented by third parties.
In some instances, we have augmented our technology base by licensing the
proprietary intellectual property of others. In the future, we may not be able
to obtain necessary licenses on commercially reasonable terms. We enter into
confidentiality and invention assignment agreements with our employees, and
enter into nondisclosure agreements with our suppliers and customers, as
appropriate, so as to limit access to and disclosure of our proprietary
information. These measures may not suffice to deter misappropriation or
independent third party development of similar technologies. Moreover, the
protection provided to our intellectual property by the laws and courts of
foreign nations may not be as advantageous to us as the remedies available
under U.S. law.

Our operations expose us to the risk of material environmental liabilities.

   Because we use and generate large quantities of hazardous substances and
wastes in our manufacturing operations, we are subject to potentially material
liabilities related to personal injuries or property damages that may be
caused by hazardous substance releases and exposures. For example, we are
investigating and remediating contamination related to our current or past
practices at numerous properties and, in some cases, have been named as a
defendant in related personal injury or "toxic tort" claims.

   We are also subject to laws and regulations that impose strict requirements
for the proper management, treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous
substances and wastes, restrict air and water emissions from our manufacturing
operations, and require maintenance of a safe workplace. These laws and
regulations can impose substantial fines and criminal sanctions for
violations, and require the installation of costly pollution control equipment
or operational changes to limit pollution emissions and/or decrease the
likelihood of accidental hazardous substance releases. We incur, and expect to
continue to incur, substantial capital and operating costs to comply with
these laws and regulations. In addition, new laws and regulations, stricter
enforcement of existing laws and regulations, the discovery of previously
unknown contamination or the imposition of new cleanup requirements could
require us to incur costs in the future that would have a negative effect on
our financial condition or results of operations.

Provisions in our charter documents and rights agreement could make it more
difficult to acquire Raytheon and may reduce the market price of our stock.

   Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain certain provisions,
such as a classified board of directors, a provision prohibiting stockholder
action by written consent, a provision prohibiting stockholders

                                     S-15


from calling special meetings and a provision authorizing our Board of
Directors to consider factors other than stockholders' short-term interests in
evaluating an offer involving a change in control. Also, we have a rights
plan, which limits the ability of any person to acquire more than 15% of our
common stock. These provisions could have the effect of delaying or preventing
a change in control of us or the removal of our management, of deterring
potential acquirors from making an offer to our stockholders and of limiting
any opportunity to realize premiums over prevailing market prices for our
common stock. Provisions of our shareholder rights agreement which is
incorporated as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus form a part, could also
have the effect of deterring changes of control of us.

We depend on component availability, subcontractor performance and our key
suppliers to manufacture and deliver our products and services.

   Our manufacturing operations are highly dependent upon the delivery of
materials by outside suppliers in a timely manner. In addition, we depend in
part upon subcontractors to assemble major components and subsystems used in
our products in a timely and satisfactory manner. While we enter into long
term or volume purchase agreements with a few of our suppliers, we cannot be
sure that materials, components, and subsystems will be available in the
quantities we require, if at all. We are dependent for some purposes on sole
source suppliers. The recent economic downturn, especially in light of the
terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, may materially adversely affect
certain of these suppliers. If any of them fails to meet our needs, we may not
have readily available alternatives. Our inability to fill our supply needs
would jeopardize our ability to satisfactorily and timely complete our
obligations under government and other contracts. This might result in reduced
sales, contractually imposed penalties for delay in delivery, termination of
one or more of these contracts and damage to our reputation and relationships
with our customers. All of these events could have a negative effect on our
financial condition.

The unpredictability of our results may harm the trading price of our
securities or contribute to volatility.

   Our operating results may vary significantly over time for a variety of
reasons, many of which are outside of our control and any of which may harm
our business. The value of our securities may fluctuate as a result of
considerations that are difficult to forecast, such as:

  .  volume and timing of product orders received and delivered;

  .  levels of product demand;

  .  consumer and government spending patterns;

  .  the timing of contract receipt and funding;

  .  our ability and the ability of our key suppliers to respond to changes
     in customer orders;

  .  timing of our new product introductions and the new product
     introductions of our competitors;

  .  changes in the mix of our products;

  .  cost and availability of components and subsystems;

  .  price erosion;

  .  adoption of new technologies and industry standards;

  .  competitive factors, including pricing, availability and demand for
     competing products;

  .  fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;

  .  conditions in the capital markets and the availability of project
     financing;

  .  the impact on recourse obligations at Raytheon Aircraft due to changes
     in the collateral value of financed aircraft;

                                     S-16


  .  regulatory developments; and

  .  general economic conditions, particularly the cyclical nature of the
     general aviation and other commercial markets in which we participate.

Terrorist attacks, such as those that occurred on September 11, 2001, have
contributed to economic instability in the United States and further acts of
terrorism, violence, or war could affect the markets in which we operate, our
business operations and our expectations and other forward-looking statements
contained in this prospectus supplement.

   The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 have caused instability in the
world's markets. There can be no assurance that the current armed hostilities
will not increase or that these terrorist attacks, or United States responses,
will not lead to further acts of terrorism and civil disturbances in the
United States or elsewhere, which may further contribute to the economic
instability in the United States. These attacks or armed conflicts may
directly impact our physical facilities or those of our suppliers or customers
and could have an impact on our domestic and international sales, our supply
chain, our production capability, and our ability to deliver our products to
our customers. Political and economic instability in some regions of the world
may also result and could negatively impact our business. Although we believe
we are positioned well for defense priorities, the consequences of the
terrorist attacks and armed conflicts are unpredictable, and we may not be
able to realize anticipated opportunities in our defense businesses.

                                     S-17


                          FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

   This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the information
we are incorporating by reference in them contain "forward-looking statements"
within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
All statements, other than statements of historical facts included in this
prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the information
incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus, that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future,
including, without limitation, statements included in this prospectus
supplement under "Prospectus Supplement Summary--Our Company" and located
elsewhere in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the
documents we incorporate by reference regarding our financial position,
business strategy and measures to implement that strategy, including changes
to operations, competitive strengths, goals, expansion and growth of our
business and operations, plans, references to future success and other such
matters, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on
assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and our
perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future
developments as well as other factors we believe are appropriate in the
circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will conform
with our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and
uncertainties, including without limitation the information discussed under
the caption "Risk Factors" in this prospectus supplement as well as other
factors which might be described from time to time in our filings with the
SEC.

   Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements we make in this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the information we
are incorporating by reference in this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus are qualified by these cautionary statements, and
there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated
by us will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have
the expected consequences to or effects on us or our businesses or operations.
All subsequent forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting
on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by any of those
factors described above and in the documents containing such forward-looking
statements. We do not assume any obligation to release publicly any updates or
revisions to any forward-looking statement.

                                     S-18


                                USE OF PROCEEDS

   The net proceeds from the sale of the 29,000,000 shares, after deducting
underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated fees and expenses, are
expected to be approximately $965 million, or approximately $1,018 million if
the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full.

   We anticipate using the net proceeds from this offering primarily to reduce
the amounts outstanding under our Five Year Competitive Advance and Revolving
Credit Facility dated May 2, 1997, among us and the lenders named therein and
to purchase or retire up to $465 million of long-term debt. We intend to use
any proceeds not used to purchase or retire long-term debt to fund capital
expenditures, working capital requirements and other general corporate
purposes. Until we use the net proceeds of this offering, they may be
deposited in interest-bearing accounts or invested in short-term investment
grade securities. The weighted average interest rate on borrowings outstanding
under the revolving credit facility on October 22, 2001 was 2.85%. The
interest rates on our long-term debt that we may purchase or retire ranged
from 3.46% to 8.30%, with a weighted average interest rate of 6.78%. Several
banking affiliates of the underwriters are lenders to us under the revolving
credit facility and will receive a portion of the net proceeds of this
offering in repayment of amounts outstanding to them under the revolving
credit facility.

                                     S-19


                                CAPITALIZATION

   The following table sets forth our cash and capitalization on a
consolidated basis as of September 30, 2001 (1) on an historical basis and (2)
as adjusted to give effect to this offering and the application of the net
proceeds from this offering as described under "Use of Proceeds", assuming the
underwriters do not choose to excercise their over-allotment option. This
table should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements
and the notes relating to them, which are incorporated by reference in this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.



                                                          September 30, 2001
                                                        ----------------------
                                                        Historical As Adjusted
                                                        ---------- -----------
                                                            (In millions)
                                                             
Cash and cash equivalents.............................   $   604     $ 1,069 (1)
                                                         =======     =======
Notes payable and current portion of long term debt:
  Notes payable.......................................       553          53
  Current portion of long-term debt...................     1,195       1,195
                                                         -------     -------
    Total notes payable and current portion of long-
     term debt........................................     1,748       1,248
Long-term debt........................................     7,623       7,623
                                                         -------     -------
    Total debt........................................     9,371       8,871
                                                         -------     -------
Raytheon-obligated trust preferred securities of
 subsidiary trust holding solely Raytheon subordinated
 notes (2)............................................       856         856
                                                         -------     -------
Stockholders' equity:
  Common stock, par value $0.01, 1,450,000,000 shares
   authorized.........................................         4           4
  Additional paid-in capital..........................     6,691       7,656
  Accumulated other comprehensive income..............      (108)       (108)
  Treasury stock......................................       (42)        (42)
  Retained earnings...................................     4,022       4,022
                                                         -------     -------
    Total stockholders' equity........................    10,567      11,532
                                                         -------     -------
      Total capitalization............................   $20,794     $21,259
                                                         =======     =======

--------
(1) As described in "Use of Proceeds", we intend to apply a portion of the net
    proceeds of this offering to purchase or retire long-term debt. We may
    recognize a gain or loss upon the purchase or retirement of long-term
    debt. Until we use the net proceeds in that fashion, they may be deposited
    in interest-bearing accounts or invested in short-term investment grade
    securities. As a result, we have reflected these net proceeds in cash and
    cash equivalents.
(2) The sole assets of RC Trust I are subordinated notes of Raytheon. Upon
    repayment of these subordinated notes, the related trust preferred
    securities will become mandatorily redeemable.

                                     S-20


                PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND POLICY

   On May 14, 2001, our Class A common stock and Class B common stock were
reclassified into one class of common stock. Our common stock has been trading
on the NYSE under the symbol "RTN" since that date. For more information, see
"Description of our Class A and Class B Common Stock--Reverse Forward Stock
Split" and "--Reclassification of Our Existing Two Classes of Common Stock
into a Single New Class of Common Stock" in the accompanying prospectus. The
following table sets forth the quarterly high and low closing sales prices for
our Class A common stock, Class B common stock and common stock as reported by
the NYSE for the periods indicated and the amount of per-share dividends for
the periods indicated.



                                 Class A Common Stock    Class B Common Stock
                                ----------------------- -----------------------
                                Stock Prices            Stock Prices
                                -------------           -------------
                                              Dividends               Dividends
                                 High   Low   per share  High   Low   per share
                                ------ ------ --------- ------ ------ ---------
                                                    
Fiscal Year 1999
 First Quarter................. $58.13 $50.75   $0.20   $58.88 $51.25   $0.20
 Second Quarter................  72.88  57.38    0.20    77.63  57.75    0.20
 Third Quarter.................  75.38  43.75    0.20    76.56  44.50    0.20
 Fourth Quarter................  48.38  21.25    0.20    49.88  22.19    0.20
Fiscal Year 2000
 First Quarter................. $27.63 $17.88   $0.20   $28.50 $17.50   $0.20
 Second Quarter................  25.25  18.50    0.20    25.19  18.06    0.20
 Third Quarter.................  28.13  19.25    0.20    29.56  19.50    0.20
 Fourth Quarter................  33.25  25.00    0.20    35.81  26.63    0.20
Fiscal Year 2001
 First Quarter................. $35.60 $26.00   $0.20   $36.59 $26.00   $0.20
 Second Quarter (through May
  11, 2001)....................  32.80  27.45     --     32.85  27.75     --

                                     Common Stock
                                -----------------------
                                Stock Prices
                                -------------
                                              Dividends
                                 High   Low   per share
                                ------ ------ ---------
                                                    
Fiscal Year 2001
 Second Quarter (commencing May
  14, 2001).................... $32.03 $26.30   $0.20
 Third Quarter.................  34.80  24.85    0.20
 Fourth Quarter (through
  October 19, 2001)............  36.30  33.75     --


   Dividends are considered quarterly by our board of directors and may be
paid only when approved by our board. Our credit facilities restrict our
ability to pay dividends to our stockholders under provisions that we do not
currently believe will limit our ability to continue to pay dividends at the
current rate. On September 26, 2001, our board of directors declared a regular
quarterly cash dividend payable in the amount of $0.20 per share on November
5, 2001 to stockholders of record at the close of business on October 8, 2001.

                                     S-21


                    CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS
                   FOR NON-U.S. HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON STOCK

   The following is a general discussion of certain U.S. federal income and
estate tax considerations with respect to the ownership and disposition of
shares of our common stock applicable to non-U.S. holders. In general, a "non-
U.S. holder" is any holder other than:

  .  a citizen or resident of the United States;

  .  a corporation or partnership created or organized in the United States
     or under the laws of the United States or of any of its states;

  .  an estate, the income of which is includible in gross income for U.S.
     federal income tax purposes regardless of its source; or

  .  a trust if (a) a court within the United States is able to exercise
     primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more
     U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of
     the trust, or (b) the trust has a valid election in effect under
     applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

   This discussion is based on current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder,
judicial opinions, published positions of the Internal Revenue Service (the
"IRS"), and other applicable authorities, all of which are subject to change
(possibly with retroactive effect). We assume in this discussion that a non-
U.S. holder holds shares of our common stock as a capital asset within the
meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally property held for investment).
This discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income and estate
taxation that may be important to a particular non-U.S. holder in light of
that non-U.S. holder's individual circumstances nor does it address any
aspects of state, local, or non-U.S. taxes. This discussion also does not
consider any specific facts or circumstances that may apply to a non-U.S.
holder subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws
(such as "controlled foreign corporations", "passive foreign investment
companies", "foreign personal holding companies", corporations that accumulate
earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax, owners of more than 5% of our
common stock and certain U.S. expatriates). Accordingly, we urge prospective
investors to consult with their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal,
state, local and non-U.S. income and other tax considerations of acquiring,
holding and disposing of shares of our common stock.

Dividends

   Dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder generally will be subject to
withholding of federal income tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be
specified by an applicable income tax treaty. To claim a reduced treaty rate,
a non-U.S. holder must furnish to us or our paying agent a completed
applicable IRS Form W-8 (or successor form), usually Form W-8BEN, certifying
that it qualifies for a reduced rate. In addition, if dividends are paid to a
non-U.S. holder that is a partnership or other pass through entity, persons
holding interests in the entity may need to provide certification claiming an
exemption or reduction in withholding under the applicable treaty. A non-U.S.
holder that is eligible for a reduced rate of U.S. withholding tax pursuant to
an income tax treaty may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by
filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS.

   Dividends that are effectively connected with the conduct by a non-U.S.
holder of a trade or business within the United States or, if a treaty
applies, attributable to a permanent establishment of a non-U.S. holder within
the United States, will be exempt from withholding tax, provided the non-U.S.
holder provides us or our paying agent with an IRS Form W-8ECI (or successor
form) containing the non-U.S. holder's taxpayer identification number.
Effectively connected dividend income will be subject to U.S. federal income
tax on a net basis at applicable graduated rates. Effectively connected
dividend income of a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation may be subject to
an additional branch profits tax at a rate of 30% or a lower rate specified by
an applicable income tax treaty.

                                     S-22


   Non-U.S. holders must comply with the certification procedures described
above, or, in the case of payments made outside the United States with respect
to an offshore account, certain documentary evidence procedures, directly or
under certain circumstances through an intermediary, to obtain the benefit of
a reduced rate under an applicable income tax treaty with respect to dividends
paid with respect to the common stock. In addition, if a non-U.S. holder is
required to provide an IRS Form W-8ECI (or successor form), as discussed
above, the non-U.S. holder must provide his or its taxpayer identification
number.

Gain on Sale or Other Disposition of Common Stock

   In general, a non-U.S. holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income
tax on any gain realized upon the sale or other disposition of the holder's
shares of our common stock unless:

  .  the gain is effectively connected with a trade or business carried on by
     the non-U.S. holder within the United States (in which case the branch
     profits tax discussed above may also apply if the non-U.S. holder is a
     corporation) or the gain is attributable to a permanent establishment of
     the non-U.S. holder maintained in the United States if that is required
     by an applicable income tax treaty as a condition to subjecting a non-
     U.S. holder to United States income tax on a net basis;

  .  the non-U.S. holder is an individual and is present in the United States
     for 183 days or more in the taxable year of disposition and certain
     other tests are met;

  .  the non-U.S. holder is subject to tax pursuant to the provisions of the
     Code regarding the taxation of U.S. expatriates; or

  .  we are or have been a "U.S. real property holding corporation" for U.S.
     federal income tax purposes at any time within the shorter of the five-
     year period preceding such disposition or such non-U.S. holder's holding
     period.

   We have not determined whether we are or have been a "U.S. real property
holding corporation" for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If we have been or
become a U.S. real property holding corporation at any time during the
applicable period, generally gains realized upon a disposition of shares of
our common stock by a non-U.S. holder that did not directly or indirectly own
more than 5% of our common stock during this period would not be subject to
U.S. federal income tax, provided that our common stock is "regularly traded
on an established securities market" (within the meaning of Section 897(c)(3)
of the Code).

   An individual non-U.S. holder described in the first bullet point above
will be subject to tax on the net gain derived from the sale under regular
graduated United States federal income tax rates. An individual non-U.S.
holder described in the second bullet point above will be subject to a flat
tax at a rate of 30%, or a lower rate specified by an applicable income tax
treaty, on the gain derived from the sale, which may be offset by United
States source capital losses (even though the individual is not considered a
resident of the United States). If a non-U.S. holder that is a foreign
corporation falls under the first bullet point above, it will be subject to
tax on its net gain under regular graduated United States federal income tax
rates and, in addition, may be subject to the branch profits tax equal to 30%
of its effectively connected earnings and profits or at such lower rate as may
be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. To claim benefits under an
income tax treaty, it is generally necessary to provide us or our paying agent
with a completed applicable IRS Form W-8, as addressed above.

Estate Tax

   Shares of our common stock that are owned or treated as owned by an
individual who is not a citizen or resident (as defined for U.S. federal
estate tax purposes) of the United States at the time of death will be
includible in the individual's gross estate for U.S. federal estate tax
purposes, unless an applicable estate tax treaty provides otherwise, and
therefore may be subject to U.S. federal estate tax.

                                     S-23


Backup Withholding, Information Reporting and Other Reporting Requirements

   We must report annually to the IRS and to each non-U.S. holder the amount
of dividends paid to, and the tax withheld with respect to, each non-U.S.
holder. These reporting requirements apply regardless of whether withholding
was reduced or eliminated by an applicable tax treaty. Copies of this
information also may be made available under the provisions of a specific
treaty or agreement with the tax authorities in the country in which the non-
U.S. Holder resides or is established.

   U.S. backup withholding tax is imposed at a current rate of 30.5% on
certain payments to persons that fail to furnish the information required
under the U.S. information reporting requirements. Recently enacted
legislation will eventually reduce the rate of withholding to 28%.

   Under the Treasury Regulations, the payment of proceeds from the
disposition of shares of our common stock to or through a U.S. office of a
broker will be subject to information reporting and backup withholding, unless
the beneficial owner, under penalties of perjury, certifies, among other
things, its status as a non-U.S. holder or otherwise establishes an exemption.
The payment of proceeds from the disposition of shares of our common stock to
or through a non-U.S. office of a broker generally will not be subject to
backup withholding and information reporting, except as noted below. In the
case of proceeds from a disposition of shares of our common stock paid to or
through a non-U.S. office of a broker that is:

  .  a U.S. person;

  .  a "controlled foreign corporation" for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

  .  a foreign person 50% or more of whose gross income from certain periods
     is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business; or

  .  a foreign partnership if at any time during its tax year (a) one or more
     of its partners are U.S. persons who, in the aggregate, hold more than
     50% of the income or capital interests of the partnership or (b) the
     foreign partnership is engaged in a U.S. trade or business,

information reporting and backup withholding will apply unless the broker has
documentary evidence in its files that the owner is a non-U.S. holder and
certain other conditions are satisfied, or the beneficial owner otherwise
establishes an exemption (and the broker has no actual knowledge to the
contrary).

   Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the
backup withholding rules from a payment to a non-U.S. holder can be refunded
or credited against the non-U.S. holder's U.S. federal income tax liability,
if any, provided that required information is furnished to the IRS in a timely
manner.

  THE FOREGOING DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
  IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND IS NOT TAX ADVICE. ACCORDINGLY, EACH
  PROSPECTIVE NON-U.S. HOLDER OF SHARES OF OUR COMMON STOCK SHOULD CONSULT
  HIS, HER OR ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL
  AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION
  OF OUR COMMON STOCK.

                                     S-24


                                 UNDERWRITING

   Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an underwriting
agreement dated the date of this prospectus supplement, we have agreed to sell
to the underwriters named below, for whom Credit Suisse First Boston
Corporation and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated are acting as joint
bookrunning managers and representatives, the following respective numbers of
shares:



                                                                        Number
Underwriter                                                           of Shares
-----------                                                           ----------
                                                                   
Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation...............................
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated....................................
Salomon Smith Barney Inc. ...........................................
Banc of America Securities LLC.......................................
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. .........................................
Lehman Brothers Inc. ................................................
First Union Securities, Inc. ........................................
SG Cowen Securities Corporation .....................................
Commerzbank Capital Markets Corp. ...................................
Credit Lyonnais Securities (USA) Inc. ...............................
Robertson Stephens, Inc. ............................................
UBS Warburg LLC .....................................................
                                                                      ----------
    Total............................................................ 29,000,000
                                                                      ==========


   The underwriting agreement provides that the underwriters are obligated to
purchase all of the shares if any are purchased, other than those shares
covered by the over-allotment option described below. The underwriting
agreement also provides that, if an underwriter defaults, the purchase
commitments of non-defaulting underwriters may be increased or the offering of
shares may be terminated.

   We have granted to the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase on a pro
rata basis up to 1,600,000 additional shares at the public offering price on
the cover page of this prospectus supplement less the underwriting discounts
and commissions. The option may be exercised only to cover any over-allotments
in the sale of the shares. To the extent the option is exercised, each
underwriter will become obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase
about the same percentage of the additional shares as the number listed next
to the underwriter's name in the preceding table bears to the total number of
shares listed next to the names of all underwriters in the preceding table. If
the underwriters' option is exercised in full, the total price to the public
would be $     , the total underwriters' discounts and commissions would be
$      and the total proceeds to us would be $     .

   The underwriters propose to offer the shares initially at the public
offering price on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and to selling
group members at that price less a selling concession of $  per share. The
underwriters and selling group members may allow a discount of $  per share on
sales to other broker/dealers. After the initial public offering, the
representatives may change the public offering price and concession and
discount to broker/dealers.

   The following table summarizes the compensation we will pay:



                             Per Share             Total
                        ------------------- -------------------
                         Without    With     Without    With
                          Over-     Over-     Over-     Over-
                        allotment allotment allotment allotment
                        --------- --------- --------- ---------
                                          
Underwriting discounts
 and commissions
 paid by us............    $         $         $         $


   We estimate that the total expenses of this offering, excluding
underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately $2.0 million.

   We and our executive officers and directors have agreed that we will not
offer, sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly,
or file with the SEC a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933
relating to, shares of our common stock, securities convertible into or
exchangeable or exercisable for

                                     S-25


any shares of our common stock, enter into a transaction that would have the
same effect, or enter into any swap, hedge or other arrangement that
transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership
of our common stock, whether any such aforementioned transaction is to be
settled by delivery of our common stock or such other securities, in cash or
otherwise, or publicly disclose our intention to make any offer, sale,
disposition or filing, without the prior written consent of Credit Suisse
First Boston Corporation and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated for a period of
90 days after the date of this prospectus supplement.

   We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against liabilities under the
Securities Act of 1933, or contribute to payments which the underwriters may
be required to make in that respect.

   Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
"RTN".

   In order to facilitate the offering of the shares, the underwriters may
engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price
of the shares. Specifically, the underwriters may sell more shares than they
are obligated to purchase under the underwriting agreement, creating a short
position in the shares for their own account. In addition, to cover over-
allotments or to stabilize the price of the shares, the underwriters may bid
for, and purchase, the shares in the open market. Finally, the underwriting
syndicate may reclaim selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a
dealer for distributing the shares in the offering, if the syndicate
repurchases previously distributed shares in transactions to cover syndicate
short positions, in stabilization transactions or otherwise. Any of these
activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of the shares above
independent market levels. The underwriters are not required to engage in
these activities and may end any of these activities at any time.

   This prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus in electronic format
may be made available on the web sites maintained by one or more of the
underwriters participating in this offering. The representatives may agree to
allocate a number of shares to underwriters for sale to their online brokerage
account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the underwriters
that will make internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Online Inc., an affiliate of Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated, will distribute, and CSFBDirect Inc., an affiliate of Credit
Suisse First Boston Corporation, and certain of the other underwriters may
distribute, the shares over the Internet to their respective eligible account
holders.

   Certain of the underwriters or their affiliates have provided from time to
time, and expect to provide in the future, investment banking, lending,
financial advisory and other related services to us and our affiliates, for
which they have received and may continue to receive customary fees and
commissions. In addition, certain of the underwriters, or their affiliates,
are lenders under the Five Year Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit
Facility dated May 2, 1997 among us and the lenders listed therein, borrowings
under which will be repaid from the net proceeds of this offering. We
estimate, based on information currently available, that the underwriters and
their affiliates will be repaid approximately $184 million from the
application of the net proceeds of this offering.

   Because more than ten percent of the proceeds of this offering, not
including underwriting compensation, may be received by entities who are
affiliated with National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. members who
are participating in this offering, this offering is being conducted in
compliance with NASD Conduct Rule 2710(c)(8). Pursuant to that rule, the
appointment of a qualified independent underwriter is not necessary in
connection with this offering, as a bona fide independent market (as defined
in the NASD Conduct Rules) exists in our common stock.

                                     S-26


                         NOTICE TO CANADIAN RESIDENTS

Resale Restrictions

   The distribution of the shares of our common stock in Canada is being made
only on a private placement basis exempt from the requirement that we prepare
and file a prospectus with the securities regulatory authorities in each
province where trades of common stock are made. Any resale of our common stock
in Canada must be made under applicable securities laws which will vary
depending on the relevant jurisdiction, and which may require resales to be
made under available statutory exemptions or under a discretionary exemption
granted by the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authority. Purchasers
are advised to seek legal advice prior to any resale of our common stock.

Representations of Purchasers

   By purchasing our common stock in Canada and accepting a purchase
confirmation a purchaser is representing to us and the dealer from whom the
purchase confirmation is received that:

  .  the purchaser is entitled under applicable provincial securities laws to
     purchase the shares without the benefit of a prospectus qualified under
     those securities laws;

  .  where required by law, that the purchaser is purchasing as principal and
     not as agent; and

  .  the purchaser has reviewed the text above under Resale Restrictions.

Rights of Action (Ontario Purchasers)

   The securities being offered are those of a foreign issuer and Ontario
purchasers will not receive the contractual right of action prescribed by
Ontario securities law. As a result, Ontario purchasers must rely on other
remedies that may be available, including common law rights of action for
damages or rescission or rights of action under the civil liability provisions
of the U.S. federal securities laws.

Enforcement of Legal Rights

   All of the issuer's directors and officers as well as the experts named
herein may be located outside of Canada and, as a result, it may not be
possible for Canadian purchasers to effect service of process within Canada
upon the issuer or such persons. All or a substantial portion of the assets of
the issuer and such persons may be located outside of Canada and, as a result,
it may not be possible to satisfy a judgment against the issuer or such
persons in Canada or to enforce a judgment obtained in Canadian courts against
such issuer or persons outside of Canada.

Taxation and Eligibility for Investment

   Canadian purchasers of shares of our common stock should consult their own
legal and tax advisors with respect to the tax consequences of an investment
in our common stock in their particular circumstances and about the
eligibility of our common stock for investment by the purchaser under relevant
Canadian legislation.


                                     S-27


                                 LEGAL MATTERS

   Neal E. Minahan, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Raytheon
Company will pass upon the validity of Raytheon's common stock offered hereby.
As of the date of this prospectus, Mr. Minahan holds 14,531 shares of common
stock and options to acquire an additional 97,850 shares of common stock. The
underwriters have been represented by Cravath, Swaine & Moore.

                                    EXPERTS

   The financial statements incorporated in this prospectus supplement by
reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Raytheon Company for the year
ended December 31, 2000 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report
(which contains an explanatory paragraph relating to the Company's adoption of
the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position
98-5 "Reporting on the Costs of Start-up Activities", in 1999 as described in
Note A to the financial statements) of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent
accountants, given on the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.

                    INFORMATION WE INCORPORATE BY REFERENCE

   We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other
information with the SEC. You may read and copy the registration statement, of
which this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus form a part, and any
other document we file at the SEC's public reference section, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the worldwide web site
(http://www.sec.gov) maintained by the SEC. Information regarding the
operation of the public reference section can be obtained by calling 1-800-
SEC-0330. Our common stock, $0.01 par value per share, is listed on the New
York Stock Exchange, the Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange,
where reports, proxy statements and other information concerning Raytheon
Company can also be inspected. The offices of the NYSE are located at 20 Broad
Street, New York, New York 10005.

   The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information we file
with them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by
referring you to those documents. These incorporated documents contain
important business and financial information about us that is not included in
or delivered with this prospectus supplement. The information incorporated by
reference is considered to be part of this prospectus supplement, and later
information filed with the SEC will update and supersede this information.

   We incorporate by reference in this prospectus supplement:

  .  our Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year
     ended December 31, 2000 filed with the SEC on March 5, 2001 and June 29,
     2001;

  .  our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended April 1, 2001
     and July 1, 2001 filed with the SEC on April 26, 2001 and August 15,
     2001;

  .  our Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, relating to our annual meeting of
     stockholders held on April 25, 2001, filed with the SEC on March 26,
     2001;

  .  our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed and Form 8-K/A with the SEC on
     April 11, 2001, April 20, 2001, April 27, 2001, May 3, 2001, May 7,
     2001, May 10, 2001, May 15, 2001, May 16, 2001, June 27, 2001 and
     October 19, 2001;

  .  our registration statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on May 1,
     2001; and

  .  any future filings made by us with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c),
     14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 until we sell all of
     the securities.

   We will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial
owner, to whom a prospectus is delivered, on written or oral request of that
person, a copy of any or all of the documents we are incorporating

                                     S-28


by reference in this prospectus, other than exhibits to those documents unless
such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into those documents.
Such written requests should be addressed to:

     Secretary, Raytheon Company
     141 Spring Street
     Lexington, Massachusetts 02421

   You may direct telephone requests to the Secretary of Raytheon Company at
(781) 862-6600.

                                     S-29





                      [This Page Intentionally Left Blank]


                                  PROSPECTUS

                                $3,000,000,000

                               RAYTHEON COMPANY

                                DEBT SECURITIES
                                PREFERRED STOCK
                             CLASS A COMMON STOCK*
                             CLASS B COMMON STOCK*
                           STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS
                             STOCK PURCHASE UNITS
                                   WARRANTS

   By this prospectus, we may offer, from time to time, the following
securities:

    .  our unsecured senior debt securities;
    .  our unsecured subordinated debt securities;
    .  warrants to purchase our debt securities;
    .  shares of our preferred stock;
    .  warrants to purchase shares of our preferred stock;
    .  shares of our Class A and Class B common stock;
    .  warrants to purchase shares of our Class A or Class B common stock;
    .  stock purchase contracts; and
    .  units consisting of some or all of these securities including, but
       not limited to, stock purchase units.

-------------------
*  Includes shares of a new class of common stock, $.01 par value, of Raytheon
   Company, into which Class A and Class B Common Stock will be reclassified
   if such reclassification is approved by the stockholders of Raytheon
   Company at the 2001 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, as further described
   herein.

   We may offer the offered securities in different series from time to time
in amounts, at prices and on terms determined at the time of the offering. We
will provide you with specific terms of the applicable offered securities in
one or more supplements to this prospectus. The aggregate initial offering
price of the securities that we may issue under this prospectus will not
exceed $3.0 billion.

   Shares of our Class A and Class B common stock are listed for trading on
the New York Stock Exchange, the Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific
Exchange under the symbols "RTNa" and "RTNb", respectively. On April 4, 2001,
the last reported sale prices of our Class A and Class B common stock on the
New York Stock Exchange were $30.75 and $31.03, respectively.

   You should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement carefully
before you decide to invest. This prospectus may not be used to make sales of
the offered securities unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement
describing the method and terms of the offering of those offered securities.
We may sell the securities, or we may distribute them through underwriters or
dealers. In addition, the underwriters may overallot a portion of the
securities.

                                 -----------

NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF
THIS PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

                The date of this Prospectus is April 13, 2001.


                               TABLE OF CONTENTS



                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           ----
                                                                        
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS.....................................................   1
RAYTHEON COMPANY..........................................................   1
  Electronic Systems......................................................   1
  Command, Control, Communication and Information Systems.................   2
  Aircraft Integration Systems............................................   2
  Raytheon Technical Services Company.....................................   2
  Commercial Electronics..................................................   2
  Aircraft................................................................   2
RISK FACTORS..............................................................   3
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS...........................   3
USE OF PROCEEDS...........................................................   3
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK
 DIVIDENDS................................................................   4
DESCRIPTION OF OUR SECURITIES.............................................   4
DESCRIPTION OF OUR DEBT SECURITIES........................................   4
  Subordination of Subordinated Debt Securities...........................   6
  Events of Default.......................................................   7
  Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance......................................   8
  Modification and Waiver.................................................   9
  Covenants...............................................................   9
  Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets................................   9
  Conversion or Exchange Rights...........................................  10
  Global Securities.......................................................  10
  Our Debt Trustee........................................................  12
DESCRIPTION OF OUR PREFERRED STOCK........................................  12
DESCRIPTION OF OUR CLASS A AND CLASS B COMMON STOCK.......................  13
  Hughes Separation Agreement.............................................  15
  Reverse/Forward Stock Split.............................................  15
  Reclassification of Our Existing Two Classes of Common Stock into a
   Single New Class of Common Stock.......................................  16
  Comparison of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock and New Common
   Stock..................................................................  17
  Provisions of our Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and
   Restated By-Laws.......................................................  17
  Stockholder Rights Plan.................................................  18
  Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law.....................  19
  Stock Exchange Listing..................................................  20
  Transfer Agent..........................................................  20
DESCRIPTION OF OUR SECURITIES WARRANTS....................................  20
DESCRIPTION OF THE STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND STOCK PURCHASE UNITS......  21
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION......................................................  21
  Sale Through Underwriters or Dealers....................................  21
  Direct Sales and Sales Through Agents...................................  22
  Delayed Delivery Contracts..............................................  22
  General Information.....................................................  22
LEGAL MATTERS.............................................................  23
EXPERTS...................................................................  23
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION.......................................  23


                                       i


                             ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

   This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission using a "shelf" registration process. Under
this shelf process, we may sell any combination of the securities described in
this prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of $3.0
billion or the equivalent denominated in foreign currencies. This prospectus
provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each
time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will
contain specific information about the terms of that offering. This prospectus
does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement.
For a more complete understanding of the offering of the securities, you should
refer to the registration statement, including its exhibits. Prospectus
supplements may also add, update or change information contained in this
prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement
together with additional information under the heading "Where You Can Find
Information."

   You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus and any
prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with
information different from that contained in this prospectus or incorporated by
reference in this prospectus. We are not making offers to sell the securities
in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or
in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so
or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation.

   The information in this prospectus speaks only as of the date indicated on
the cover of this document unless the information specifically indicates that
another date applies.

   References in this prospectus to the terms "we," "us" or "Raytheon" or other
similar terms mean Raytheon Company, unless we state otherwise or the context
indicates otherwise.

                                RAYTHEON COMPANY

   Raytheon Company is a global technology leader, with worldwide 2000 sales of
$16.9 billion. We provide products and services in defense electronics,
including missiles; radar; sensors and electro-optics; intelligence,
surveillance and reconnaissance; command, control, communication and
information systems; naval systems; air traffic control systems; aircraft
integration systems; and technical services. We are one of the leading
providers of business and special mission aircraft and deliver a broad line of
jet, turboprop, and piston-powered airplanes to corporate and government
customers world-wide. We have operations throughout the United States and serve
customers in more than 70 countries around the world. Our principal executive
offices are located at 141 Spring Street, Lexington, Massachusetts 02421. Our
telephone number is (781) 862-6600.

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

   Our electronic systems segment focuses on:

  .  anti-ballistic missile systems;

  .  air defense;

  .  air-to-air, surface-to-air and air-to-surface missiles;

  .  naval and maritime systems;

  .  ship self-defense systems;

  .  torpedoes;

  .  strike, interdiction and cruise missiles; and

  .  advanced munitions.


                                       1


   Our electronic systems segment also specializes in radar, electronic
warfare, infrared, laser, and GPS technologies with programs focusing on land,
naval, airborne and spaceborne systems used for surveillance, reconnaissance,
targeting, navigation, commercial and scientific applications.

COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS

   Our command, control, communication and information systems segment is
involved in:

  .  command, control and communication systems;

  .  air traffic control systems;

  .  tactical radios;

  .  satellite communication ground control terminals;

  .  wide-area surveillance systems;

  .  ground-based information processing systems;

  .  image processing;

  .  large-scale information retrieval, processing and distribution systems;
     and

  .  global broadcast systems.

AIRCRAFT INTEGRATION SYSTEMS

   Our aircraft integration systems segment focuses on integration of airborne
surveillance and intelligence systems and aircraft modifications and provides
signals intelligence, air-ground surveillance, maritime surveillance and
airborne command post systems to both U.S. Government and foreign customers.

RAYTHEON TECHNICAL SERVICES COMPANY

   Through our Raytheon Technical Services Company subsidiary, we provide
technical services, training programs, and logistics and base operations
support throughout the U.S. and in 37 other countries. Raytheon Technical
Services Company performs complete engineering and depot-level cradle-to-grave
support to equipment manufactured by us and to various commercial and military
customers.

COMMERCIAL ELECTRONICS

   Our commercial electronics businesses produce, among other things, thin film
filters for optical communications products, gallium arsenide MMIC components
for direct broadcast satellite television receivers, gallium arsenide power
amplifiers for wireless communications products, wireless broadband solutions,
thermal imaging products, automobile radar systems, marine electronics for the
commercial and military marine market, and other electronic components for a
wide range of applications.

AIRCRAFT

   Our Raytheon Aircraft subsidiary offers a broad product line of aircraft and
aviation services in the general aviation market. Raytheon Aircraft
manufactures, markets and supports piston-powered aircraft, turboprops and
business jets for the world's commercial, regional airlines and military
aircraft markets. Our Raytheon Travel air subsidiary sells fractional shares in
aircraft and provides aircraft management and transportation services for the
owners of the shares. Raytheon Aircraft Charter and Management offers aircraft
charter and management services to the U.S. market.


                                       2


                                  RISK FACTORS

   An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. In addition
to the other information included in this prospectus, you should carefully
consider the risk factors in the prospectus supplement when determining whether
or not to purchase the securities offered under this prospectus and the
prospectus supplement.

                DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

   This prospectus and the information we are incorporating by reference into
it contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements
of historical facts included in this prospectus and the information
incorporated by reference into this prospectus, that we expect or anticipate
will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, statements
included in this prospectus under "Raytheon Company" and located elsewhere in
this prospectus regarding our financial position, business strategy and
measures to implement that strategy, including changes to operations,
competitive strengths, goals, expansion and growth of our business and
operations, plans, references to future success and other such matters, are
forward-looking statements. These statements are based on assumptions and
analyses made by us in light of our experience and our perception of historical
trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other
factors we believe are appropriate in the circumstances. However, whether
actual results and developments will conform with our expectations and
predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including
without limitation the information discussed under the caption "Risk Factors"
in the prospectus supplement to be provided with this prospectus as well as
other factors which might be described from time to time in our filings with
the SEC.

   Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements we make in this
prospectus and the information we are incorporating by reference into this
prospectus are qualified by these cautionary statements, and there can be no
assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by us will be
realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected
consequences to or effects on us and our subsidiaries or our businesses or
operations. All subsequent forward-looking statements attributable to us or
persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by any
of those factors described above and in the documents containing such forward-
looking statements. We do not assume any obligation to release publicly any
updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement.

                                USE OF PROCEEDS

   Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, we expect to
use the net proceeds from the sale of securities for general corporate
purposes. These purposes may include, but are not limited to:

  .  equity investments in existing and future projects;

  .  acquisitions;

  .  working capital;

  .  capital expenditures;

  .  repayment or refinancing of debt or other corporate obligations;

  .  repurchases and redemptions of securities.

   Pending any specific application, we may initially invest funds in short-
term marketable securities or apply them to the reduction of short-term
indebtedness.


                                       3


                  RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES
                         AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS

   The following table sets forth our consolidated ratio of earnings to
combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for the end of the fiscal
years 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997 and 1996:

                        FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,



2000               1999                           1998                           1997                           1996
----               ----                           ----                           ----                           ----
                                                                                                    
2.0x               2.0x                           3.1x                           2.8x                           4.2x


   For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges
and preferred stock dividends:

  .  earnings consist of income from continuing operations, taxes on income
     from continuing operations and fixed charges, less capitalized interest;
     and

  .  fixed charges consist of interest expense, amortization of debt discount
     and issuance expense, the portion of rents representative of an interest
     factor and capitalized interest.

   The ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges has declined due to higher
interest expense resulting from increased borrowings to finance our merger
with the defense business of Hughes Electronics and our acquisition of the
defense assets of Texas Instruments Incorporated.

                         DESCRIPTION OF OUR SECURITIES

   We may offer under this prospectus one or more of the following categories
of our securities:

  .  unsecured senior debt securities;

  .  unsecured subordinated debt securities;

  .  warrants to purchase senior or subordinated debt securities;

  .  shares of preferred stock, in one or more series;

  .  warrants to purchase shares of preferred stock;

  .  shares of Class A and Class B common stock;

  .  warrants to purchase shares of Class A and Class B common stock;

  .  stock purchase contracts; and

  .  units consisting of some or all of these securities, including, but not
     limited to, stock purchase units.

   The terms of any specific offering of our securities, including the terms
of any units of a combination of our securities, will be described in a
prospectus supplement relating to that offering.

                      DESCRIPTION OF OUR DEBT SECURITIES

   This section describes the general terms and provisions of the debt
securities that we may offer. The applicable prospectus supplement will
describe the specific terms of the debt securities offered through that
prospectus supplement as well as any general terms described in this section
that will not apply to those debt securities.

   Our unsecured senior debt securities will be issued under an Indenture,
dated as of July 3, 1995, between Raytheon Company and The Bank of New York,
as trustee, or another indenture or indentures to be entered

                                       4


into by Raytheon Company and that trustee or another trustee. The unsecured
subordinated debt securities will be issued under a second Indenture, dated as
of July 3, 1995, also between Raytheon Company and The Bank of New York, as
trustee or another indenture to be entered into by Raytheon Company and that
trustee or another trustee.

   Copies of each of the July 3, 1995 indentures have been filed with the SEC
and incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of
which this prospectus is a part, and are incorporated by reference into this
prospectus. If we elect to issue securities under another indenture, we will
file a copy of that indenture with the SEC. You should refer to the applicable
indenture for more specific information. In addition, you should consult the
applicable prospectus supplement for particular terms of our debt securities.

   Our existing indentures do not limit the amount of debt securities that we
may issue, and permit us to issue securities from time to time in one or more
series. The debt securities will be unsecured obligations of Raytheon Company.

   Generally, we will pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on
our debt securities either at an office or agency that we maintain for that
purpose or, if we elect, we may pay interest by mailing a check to your address
as it appears on our register. We will issue our debt securities only in fully
registered form without coupons, generally in denominations of $1,000 or
integral multiples of $1,000. We will not apply a service charge for a transfer
or exchange of our debt securities, but we may require that you pay the amount
of any applicable tax or other governmental charge.

   The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the following terms of
any series of debt securities that we may offer:

  .  the title of the debt securities;

  .  whether they are senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities;

  .  any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities
     offered through that prospectus supplement;

  .  the total amount of the debt securities authorized and the amount
     outstanding, if any;

  .  the identity of the person to whom we will pay interest if it is anybody
     other than the noteholder;

  .  when the principal of the debt securities will mature;

  .  the interest rate, which may be fixed or variable, or its method of
     calculation;

  .  when interest will be payable, as well as the record date for
     determining who we will pay interest to;

  .  where the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the debt
     securities will be paid;

  .  any mandatory or optional sinking funds or similar arrangements;

  .  when the debt securities may be redeemed if they are redeemable, as well
     as the redemption prices, and a description of the terms of redemption;

  .  whether we have any obligation to redeem or repurchase the debt
     securities at your option;

  .  the denominations of the debt securities, if other than $1,000 or an
     integral multiple of $1,000;

  .  the amount that we will pay you if the maturity of the debt securities
     is accelerated, if other than their principal amount;

  .  the currency in which we will make payments to you and, if a foreign
     currency, the manner of conversion from United States dollars;

  .  any index we may use to determine the amount of payment of principal of,
     premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities;

                                       5


  .  if the debt securities will be issued only in the form of a global note,
     the name of the depositary or its nominee and the circumstances under
     which the global note may be transferred or exchanged to someone other
     than the depositary or its nominee;

  .  the applicability of the defeasance and covenant defeasance provisions
     in the applicable indenture;

  .  whether the debt securities are convertible into any other securities
     and the terms and conditions of convertibility;

  .  any additions or changes to events of default and, in the case of
     subordinated debt securities, any additional events of default that
     would result in acceleration of their maturity; and

  .  any other terms of the debt securities.

   We may issue our debt securities at an original issue discount, bearing no
interest or bearing interest at a rate that, at the time of issuance, is below
market rate, to be sold at a substantial discount below their stated principal
amount. Generally speaking, if our debt securities are issued at an original
issue discount and there is an event of default or acceleration of their
maturity, holders will receive an amount less than their principal amount. Tax
and other special considerations applicable to original issue discount debt
will be described in the prospectus supplement in which we offer those debt
securities.

SUBORDINATION OF SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES

   Generally, the payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on our
unsecured subordinated debt securities will be subordinated in right of payment
to the prior payment in full of our senior indebtedness. If we distribute our
assets to creditors upon liquidation, dissolution, reorganization, insolvency,
bankruptcy or under similar circumstances, holders of our senior debt will be
entitled to be paid in full before any payments will be made on our
subordinated debt securities. In addition, if the maturity of our subordinated
debt securities is accelerated, holders of our senior debt will be entitled to
be paid in full before any payments will be made on our subordinated debt
securities. Moreover, while there is an event of default with respect to our
senior debt that would permit our senior debt to be accelerated, and while we
are in default in our payment obligations to holders of senior debt, we cannot
make payments to our subordinated debt holders.

   If we were to become insolvent, you may not be paid with respect to our
subordinated debt securities until our senior debt and third-party creditors
are paid in full.

   The indenture for our unsecured subordinated debt securities will not place
any limits on the amount of other indebtedness, including senior debt, that we
may issue.

   The indenture for our unsecured subordinated debt securities defines "senior
indebtedness" to include the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on:

  .  all of our indebtedness for money borrowed, other than our subordinated
     debt securities, and any other indebtedness represented by a note, bond,
     debenture or other similar evidence of indebtedness, including
     indebtedness of others that we guarantee, in each case whether
     outstanding on the date of execution of the subordinated debt securities
     indenture or thereafter created, incurred or assumed; and

  .  any amendments, renewals, extensions, modifications and refundings of
     any such indebtedness, unless in any case in the instrument creating or
     evidencing any such indebtedness or pursuant to which it is outstanding
     it is provided that such indebtedness is not superior in right of
     payment to our subordinated debt securities.

   In addition, for purposes of the definition of "senior indebtedness,"
"indebtedness for money borrowed" includes:

  .  any obligation of, or any obligation guaranteed by, Raytheon Company for
     the repayment of borrowed money, whether or not evidenced by bonds,
     debentures, notes or other written instruments;

                                       6


  .  any deferred payment obligation of, or any such obligation guaranteed
     by, Raytheon Company for the payment of the purchase price of property
     or assets evidenced by a note or similar instrument; and

  .  any obligation of, or any such obligation guaranteed by, Raytheon
     Company for the payment of rent or other amounts under a lease of
     property or assets if such obligation is required to be classified and
     accounted for as a capitalized lease on our balance sheet under
     generally accepted accounting principles.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

   Generally speaking, any of the following events will constitute an event of
default under the indentures:

  .  failure to pay interest on our debt securities for thirty days past the
     applicable due date, even if we are prohibited from paying interest on
     our debt securities because they are subordinated;

  .  failure to pay principal of, or premium, if any, on our debt securities
     when due, even if we are prohibited from making such payments on our
     debt securities because they are subordinated;

  .  failure to make any sinking fund payment when due, even if we are
     prohibited from making such payments with respect to subordinated
     securities;

  .  failure to perform any other covenant or agreement in the applicable
     indenture, other than a covenant included in the indenture solely for
     the benefit of a different type of our debt securities, which continues
     for 60 days after written notice as provided in the indenture;

  .  bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and

  .  any other event of default provided with respect to debt securities of
     that series.

   You will be notified of an event of default with respect to a series of our
debt securities by the trustee.

   If there is an event of default with respect to a series of our senior debt
securities, which continues for the requisite amount of time, either the
trustee or holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of that
series may declare the principal amount of all of the senior debt securities
of that series to be due and payable immediately. If the securities were
issued at an original issue discount, less than the stated principal amount
may become payable.

   Payment of the principal of our subordinated debt securities may be
accelerated only in the case of our bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization.
Neither you nor the trustee will be able to accelerate the payment of interest
or principal with respect to our subordinated debt securities for any other
reason.

   In some cases, after a declaration of acceleration has been made, but
before a judgment or decree has been obtained, holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the series that is in default may rescind the
acceleration.

   The trustee will be required to act with a high standard of care. However,
the trustee will not be obligated to exercise any of its rights or powers
under the indentures at your request unless you provide the trustee reasonable
security or indemnity. Generally, but with exceptions, holders of a majority
in aggregate principal amount of any series of our outstanding debt securities
will have the right to choose the time, method and place of any proceeding for
any remedy available to the trustee or any exercise of power by the trustee
with respect to debt securities of that series.

   You may institute a suit against us for enforcement of your rights to
receive payment of the principal of, premium, if any, on or interest on our
debt securities after the due dates. However, you will not be able to

                                       7


institute any other proceedings under the applicable indenture, including for
any remedy, unless the following conditions are satisfied:

  .  you give the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default
     with respect to a series of our debt securities that you hold;

  .  holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of that series
     make a request, in writing, and offer reasonable indemnity, to the
     trustee for the trustee to institute the requested proceeding;

  .  the trustee does not receive direction contrary to your request within
     60 days following your written notice from holders of a majority in
     aggregate principal amount of that series; and

  .  the trustee does not institute the proceeding you request within 60 days
     following your written notice.

   Every year we are required to deliver to the trustee a statement as to
performance of our obligations under the indentures and as to any defaults.

   A default in the payment of any of our debt securities, where the aggregate
principal amount of that series of debt securities exceeds $50 million, or a
default with respect to our debt securities that causes them to be accelerated,
will give rise to a cross-default under our senior credit facilities. In some
circumstances, payment defaults on our debt securities may also give rise to
cross-defaults of our guarantees of the indebtedness of our subsidiaries.

DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

   Any series of our debt securities may be subject to the defeasance and
discharge provisions of the applicable indenture. If those provisions are
applicable, we may elect either:

  .  defeasance -- which will permit us to defease and be discharged from,
     subject to limitations, all of our obligations with respect to those
     debt securities; or

  .  covenant defeasance -- which will permit us to be released from our
     obligations to comply with covenants relating to those debt securities
     as described in the applicable prospectus supplement, which may include
     obligations concerning subordination of our subordinated debt
     securities.

   To invoke defeasance or covenant defeasance with respect to any series of
our debt securities, we must irrevocably deposit with the trustee, in trust, an
amount in funds or U.S. government obligations which, through the payment of
principal and interest in accordance with their terms, will provide money in an
amount sufficient to pay, when due, the principal of, premium, if any, on and
interest on those debt securities and any mandatory sinking fund or similar
payments on those debt securities.

   We cannot defease our obligations to register the transfer or exchange of
our debt securities, to replace our debt securities that have been stolen, lost
or mutilated, to maintain paying agencies, or to hold funds for payment in
trust. We may not defease our obligations if there is a continuing event of
default on securities issued under the applicable indenture, or if depositing
amounts into trust would cause the trustee to have conflicting interests with
respect to other of our securities. In addition, we would be required to
deliver a legal opinion to the trustee to the effect that you will not
recognize additional income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a
result of the defeasance or covenant defeasance.

   If we effect covenant defeasance with respect to any of our debt securities,
and then those debt securities are declared due and payable because of an event
of default, other than an event of default relating to any covenant from which
we have been released through covenant defeasance, the amount of money or U.S.
government obligations on deposit with the trustee may not be sufficient to pay
all amounts due on the debt securities at the time of acceleration. However, we
would remain liable with respect to any shortfall.


                                       8


MODIFICATION AND WAIVER

   Modifications and amendments of our current indentures may be made only with
the consent of holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of
all of our outstanding debt securities affected, voting as a single class.
Generally, the consent of all of the holders of our debt securities that are
affected is required for any of the following:

  .  to change the stated maturity of the principal, or any installment of
     interest or premium, if any;

  .  to reduce the principal amount, the premium, if any, or the interest, or
     the amount payable upon acceleration or maturity in the case of debt
     securities issued at an original issue discount;

  .  to change the place of payment, or the currency in which payments are
     made;

  .  to impair your right to institute suit to enforce any payment at or
     following stated maturity or following a redemption date;

  .  to modify the subordination provisions of our subordinated debt
     securities in a manner adverse to holders; or

  .  to reduce the percentage of the principal amount of our outstanding debt
     securities required for modification to or amendment of either
     indenture, or for waiver of our compliance with indenture provisions or
     defaults.

   Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of either our senior
debt securities or our subordinated debt securities may waive any past default
under the applicable indenture, except for a default in the payment of
principal, premium, if any, on or interest on our debt securities and except
for our compliance with specified covenants.

COVENANTS

   Our current indentures contain covenants regarding, among other things:

  .  a limitation on liens other than specified types of liens;

  .  a limitation on sale and leaseback transactions, unless the lien on any
     property subject to the sale and leaseback transaction is permitted
     under the indentures or the proceeds of the sale and leaseback
     transaction are used to retire specified types of debt; and

  .  restrictions on our ability to engage in consolidations, mergers or
     transfers of substantially all of our assets unless the surviving or
     acquiring entity is a domestic company and it expressly assumes our
     obligations with respect to our debt securities by executing a
     supplemental indenture.

   You should be aware that we are not prohibited from engaging in highly
leveraged transactions, other than as may conflict with those covenants.
Moreover, any series of our debt securities may provide that these covenants
may be removed with respect to that series.

CONSOLIDATION, MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS

   Our current indentures prohibit us from consolidating with or merging into
another business entity, or transferring or leasing substantially all of our
assets, unless the surviving or acquiring entity is a domestic company and it
expressly assumes our obligations with respect to our debt securities by
executing a supplemental indenture.


                                       9


CONVERSION OR EXCHANGE RIGHTS

   If any series of debt securities are convertible or exchangeable, the
applicable prospectus supplement will specify:

  .  the type of securities into which it may be converted or exchanged;

  .  the conversion price or exchange ratio, or its method of calculation;

  .  whether conversion or exchange is mandatory or at your election; and

  .  how the conversion price or exchange ratio may be adjusted if our debt
     securities are redeemed.

GLOBAL SECURITIES

   Our debt securities may be issued in the form of one or more global
securities that will be deposited with a depositary or its nominee identified
in the applicable prospectus supplement. If so, each global security will be
issued in the denomination of the aggregate principal amount of securities that
it represents. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for debt
securities that are in definitive registered form, a global security may not be
transferred or exchanged except as a whole by the depositary to its nominee.
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe this concept more fully.

   The specific material terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to
any portion of a series of our debt securities that will be represented by a
global security will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. We
anticipate that the following provisions will apply to our depositary
arrangements.

   Upon the issuance of any global security, and its deposit with or on behalf
of the depositary, the depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration
and transfer system, the principal amounts of our debt securities represented
by the global security to the accounts of participating institutions that have
accounts with the depositary or its nominee. The underwriters or agents
engaging in the distribution of our debt securities, or Raytheon Company if we
are offering and selling our debt securities directly, will designate the
accounts to be credited. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security
will be limited to participating institutions or their clients. The depositary
or its nominee will keep records of the ownership and transfer of beneficial
interests in a global security by participating institutions. Participating
institutions will keep records of the ownership and transfer of beneficial
interests by their clients. The laws of some jurisdictions may require that
purchasers of our securities receive physical certificates, which may impair
your ability to transfer your beneficial interests in global securities.

   While the depositary or its nominee is the registered owner of a global
security, the depositary or its nominee will be considered the sole owner of
all of our debt securities represented by the global security for all purposes
under the indentures. Generally, if you own beneficial interests in a global
security, you will not be entitled to have our debt securities registered in
your own name, and you will not be entitled to receive a certificate
representing your ownership. Accordingly, if you own a beneficial interest in a
global security, you must rely on the depositary and, if applicable, the
participating institution of which you are a client to exercise the rights of a
holder under the applicable indenture.

   The depositary may grant proxies and otherwise authorize participating
institutions to take any action that a holder is entitled to take under the
indentures. We understand that, according to existing industry practices, if we
request any action of holders, or any owner of a beneficial interest in a
global security wishes to give any notice or take any action, the depositary
would authorize the participating institutions to give the notice or take the
action, and the participating institutions would in turn authorize their
clients to give the notice or take the action.

   Generally, we will make payments on our debt securities represented by a
global security directly to the depositary. It is our understanding that the
depositary will then credit the accounts of participating institutions,

                                       10


which will then distribute funds to their clients. We also expect that payments
by participating institutions to their clients will be governed by standing
instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held
for the accounts of clients registered in "street names," and will be the
responsibility of the participating institutions. Neither we nor the trustee,
nor our respective agents, will have any responsibility, or bear any liability,
for any aspects of the records relating to or payments made on account of
beneficial interests in a global security, or for maintaining, supervising or
reviewing records relating to beneficial interests.

   Generally, a global security may be exchanged for certificated debt
securities only in the following instances:

  .  the depositary notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as
     depositary, or it ceases to be a registered clearing agency, if required
     to be registered by law, and a successor is not appointed within 90
     days;

  .  we determine in our sole discretion that we will permit global
     securities to be exchanged for certificated debt securities; or

  .  there is a continuing event of default under the indenture governing the
     debt securities held in global form.

   The following is based on information furnished to us:

   Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, The
Depository Trust Company ("DTC") will act as depositary for securities issued
in the form of global securities. Global securities will be issued only as
fully-registered securities registered in the name of Cede & Co., which is
DTC's nominee. One or more fully-registered global securities will be issued
for these securities representing in the aggregate the total number of these
securities, and will be deposited with or on behalf of DTC.

   DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking
Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a
member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the
meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency"
registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934. DTC holds securities that its participants deposit with it. DTC
also facilitates the settlement among its participants of securities
transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through
electronic computerized book-entry changes in participants' accounts, thereby
eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct
participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies,
clearing corporations and other organizations. DTC is owned by a number of its
direct participants and by the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock
Exchange and the National Association of Securities Dealers. Access to the DTC
system is also available to others, known as indirect participants, such as
securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies that clear through or
maintain custodial relationships with direct participants, either directly or
indirectly. The rules applicable to DTC and its participants are on file with
the SEC.

   Purchases of securities within the DTC system must be made by or through
direct participants, which will receive a credit for the securities on DTC's
records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of each security,
commonly referred to as the beneficial owner, is in turn to be recorded on the
direct and indirect participants' records. Beneficial owners will not receive
written confirmation from DTC of their purchases, but beneficial owners are
expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the
transactions, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the direct
or indirect participants through which the beneficial owners purchased
securities. Transfers of ownership interests in securities issued in the form
of global securities are accomplished by entries made on the books of
participants acting on behalf of beneficial owners. Beneficial owners will not
receive certificates representing their ownership interests in these
securities, except if use of the book-entry system for such securities is
discontinued.

                                       11


   DTC has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the securities
issued in the form of global securities. DTC's records reflect only the
identity of the direct participants to whose accounts such securities are
credited, which may or may not be the beneficial owners. The participants will
remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their
customers.

   Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to direct
participants, by direct participants to indirect participants, and by direct
participants and indirect participants to beneficial owners will be governed by
arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as
may be in effect from time to time.

   Any redemption notices need to be sent to DTC. If less than all of the
securities of a series or class are being redeemed, DTC's practice is to
determine by lot the amount to be redeemed from each participant.

   Although voting with respect to securities issued in the form of global
securities is limited to the holders of record, when a vote is required,
neither DTC nor Cede & Co. will itself consent or vote with respect to such
securities. Under its usual procedures, DTC would mail an omnibus proxy to the
issuer of the securities as soon as possible after the record date. The omnibus
proxy assigns Cede & Co.'s consenting or voting rights to those direct
participants to whose accounts such securities are credited on the record date,
identified in a listing attached to the omnibus proxy.

   Payments in respect of securities issued in the form of global securities
will be made by the issuer of such securities to DTC. DTC's practice is to
credit direct participants' accounts on the relevant payment date in accordance
with their respective holdings shown on DTC's records unless DTC has reason to
believe that it will not receive payments on such payment date. Payments by
participants to beneficial owners will be governed by standing instructions and
customary practices and will be the responsibility of such participant and not
of DTC or Raytheon Company, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements
as may be in effect from time to time. Payments to DTC are the responsibility
of the issuer of the applicable securities, disbursement of such payments to
direct participants is the responsibility of DTC, and disbursements of such
payments to the beneficial owners is the responsibility of direct and indirect
participants.

   DTC may discontinue providing its services as depositary with respect to any
securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to the issuer of such
securities. If a successor depositary is not obtained, individual security
certificates representing such securities are required to be printed and
delivered. We, at our option, may decide to discontinue use of the system of
book-entry transfers through DTC or a successor depositary.

   The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry system
has been obtained from sources that we believe to be accurate, but we assume no
responsibility for its accuracy. We have no responsibility for the performance
by DTC or its participants of their obligations as described in this prospectus
or under the rules and procedures governing their operations.

OUR DEBT TRUSTEE

   The current trustee for our debt securities is The Bank of New York, which
performs services for us in the ordinary course of business. We may engage
additional or substitute trustees with respect to particular series of our debt
securities.

                       DESCRIPTION OF OUR PREFERRED STOCK

   This section describes the general terms and provisions of our preferred
stock. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of
the shares of preferred stock offered through that prospectus supplement, as
well as any general terms described in this section that will not apply to
those shares of preferred stock. We will file a copy of the certificate of
designation that contains the terms of each new series

                                       12


of preferred stock with the SEC each time we issue a new series of preferred
stock, and these certificates of designation will be incorporated by reference
into the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Each
certificate of designation will establish the number of shares included in a
designated series and fix the designation, powers, privileges, preferences and
rights of the shares of each series as well as any applicable qualifications,
limitations or restrictions. You should refer to the applicable certificate of
designation as well as our restated certificate of incorporation before
deciding to buy shares of our preferred stock as described in the applicable
prospectus supplement.

   Our authorized capital stock consists of 1,650,000,000 shares of stock,
including:

  .  1,450,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share,
     comprised of:

    .  450,000,000 shares of Class A common stock and

    .  1,000,000,000 shares of Class B common stock.

  .  200,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share,
     including:

    .  4,000,000 shares of Series A Junior Participating preferred stock,
       $0.01 par value per share.

Our Board of Directors has been authorized, subject to limitations provided in
our restated certificate of incorporation, to provide for the issuance of
shares of our preferred stock in multiple series. No shares of our preferred
stock are currently outstanding.

   With respect to each series of our preferred stock, our Board of Directors
has the authority to fix the following terms:

  .  the designation of the series;

  .  the number of shares within the series;

  .  whether dividends are cumulative and, if cumulative, the dates from
     which dividends are cumulative;

  .  the rate of any dividends, any conditions upon which dividends are
     payable, and the dates of payment of dividends;

  .  whether the shares are redeemable, the redemption price and the terms of
     redemption;

  .  the amount payable to you for each share you own if Raytheon Company is
     dissolved or liquidated;

  .  whether the shares are convertible or exchangeable, the price or rate of
     exchange, and the applicable terms and conditions;

  .  any restrictions on issuance of shares in the same series or any other
     series; and

  .  your voting rights for the shares you own.

   You will have no preemptive rights with respect to your shares. In addition,
your rights with respect to your shares of preferred stock will be subordinate
to the rights of our general creditors. If we receive the appropriate payment,
shares of our preferred stock that we issue will be fully paid and
nonassessable.

   We currently plan to retain State Street Bank and Trust Company as the
registrar and transfer agent of any series of our preferred stock.

              DESCRIPTION OF OUR CLASS A AND CLASS B COMMON STOCK

   We are authorized to issue up to 1,450,000,000 shares of common stock,
consisting of 450,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock, $0.01 par value
per share, and 1,000,000,000 shares of our Class B common stock, $0.01 par
value per share.

                                       13


   This section describes the general terms of our Class A and Class B common
stock. For more detailed information, you should refer to our restated
certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated by-laws, copies of
which have been filed with the SEC. These documents are also incorporated by
reference into this prospectus.

   In addition, we entered into an agreement with General Motors Corporation
that limits our ability to take actions that affect our common stock. Please
refer to "--Hughes Separation Agreement" below in this section of the
prospectus.

   Generally, holders of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock are
entitled to one vote per share, and the approval of corporate actions requires
the approval of both classes, voting separately, as well as approval of the
holders of any series of our preferred stock that may be entitled to vote for
the action. The election or removal of our directors is subject to separate
rules.

   For the election or removal of our directors, our common stockholders vote
as a single class, and are entitled to vote as follows:

  Class B: Holders of our Class B common stock will be entitled to one vote
        per share, and the voting power of the entire class will be equal to
        19.9% of the total voting power of all classes of our common stock.

  Class A: Holders of our Class A common stock will be entitled to the number
        of votes per share as will cause the Class A common stock to have
        80.1% of the total voting power of all classes of our common stock.

   Our common stock will be the only type of our capital stock entitled to vote
in the election and removal of directors and other matters presented to our
stockholders from time to time, unless we issue voting preferred stock or our
restated certificate of incorporation or the law requires otherwise.

   Our common stockholders will be entitled to receive dividends and
distributions declared by our Board of Directors, to the extent permitted by
outstanding shares of preferred stock and by our restated certificate of
incorporation. If a dividend is declared, it will be distributed pro rata to
our Class A and Class B stockholders, unless it is a dividend in kind. We are
permitted to distribute Class A common stock to Class A stockholders and Class
B common stock to Class B stockholders, but only if the ratio of shares
outstanding of the two classes remains unchanged. In addition, in the case of
any stock split, subdivision, combination or reclassification of either class,
the other class will be adjusted accordingly so that the ratio of shares
outstanding of the two classes remains unchanged.

   If Raytheon Company is liquidated or dissolved, our common stockholders will
be entitled to receive our assets and funds available for distribution to
common stockholders in proportion to the number of shares of either class they
hold. Our common stockholders may not receive any assets or funds until our
creditors have been paid in full and the preferential or participating rights
of our preferred stockholders have been satisfied. If we participate in a
corporate merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of property or stock,
or other reorganization, any payments or shares of stock allocated to our
common stockholders will be distributed pro rata to holders of our Class A and
Class B common stock on a per share basis. If we redeem, repurchase or
otherwise acquire for payment any shares of our common stock, we will treat
each share of Class A common stock and Class B common stock identically.

   You will not have any preemptive, subscription or conversion rights with
respect to shares of our common stock that you own. We may issue additional
shares of our common stock, if authorized by our Board of Directors, without
your approval -- unless required by a stock exchange on which our securities
are traded. If we receive the appropriate payment, shares of our common stock
that we issue will be fully paid and nonassessable.


                                       14


   Other than as described above, the rights of our Class A common stockholders
and Class B common stockholders are the same, and we will not discriminate with
respect to one class over the other.

HUGHES SEPARATION AGREEMENT

   A copy of the Hughes Spin-Off Separation Agreement has been filed with the
SEC as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a
part.

   On December 17, 1997, Raytheon Company acquired the defense electronics
business of Hughes Electronics Corporation through a merger, which we refer to
as the "Hughes merger". Raytheon Company's two classes of common stock are a
result of the Hughes merger in which stockholders of the former Raytheon
Company received Class B common stock and holders of General Motors Corporation
common stock and holders of General Motors Corporation Class H common stock
received Class A common stock. Also as a result of the Hughes merger, Raytheon
Company currently has a large stockholder base of approximately 700,000
stockholders, many of whom hold fewer than 20 shares of common stock.

   As part of the Hughes merger, we agreed under the Hughes Spin-Off Separation
Agreement (the "Separation Agreement") not to take specified actions unless
General Motors Corporation determines in good faith that such actions would not
jeopardize the tax-free status of the spin-off of the defense electronics
business of Hughes Electronics Corporation and its merger with Raytheon
Company.

   Many of the covenants restricting our actions under the Separation Agreement
expired on December 18, 1999 or December 18, 2000 and are no longer in effect.
However, we remain subject to a covenant that prohibits us from proposing a
plan of recapitalization or amendment to our restated certificate of
incorporation that would (1) convert shares of our Class A common stock into
shares of Class B common stock or vice versa, or (2) change the absolute or
relative voting rights of any class of our common stock from the rights in
existence on December 17, 1997. While this covenant does not have an expiration
date, the Separation Agreement provides that the covenants restricting our
actions do not prohibit us from implementing any transaction upon which the
Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") has granted a favorable ruling.

   In December 2000 and January 2001, in anticipation of receiving advice from
the IRS, we reviewed with our financial and tax advisors the effects of a
possible reclassification of our shares and its effects on our stockholders.

   On January 24, 2001, after consideration of the issues and hearing
presentations from outside tax counsel and our financial advisors, our Board
resolved to seek stockholder approval to reclassify the Class A common stock
and Class B common stock into a single class of new common stock, contingent
upon receiving a ruling from the IRS that consummation of the proposed
reclassification, as well as the reverse/forward stock split discussed below,
will not adversely affect the IRS ruling received in connection with the Hughes
merger.

   On January 31, 2001, the IRS issued to us a supplementary ruling to the
effect that consummation of the proposed reclassification, as well as the
reverse/forward stock split, will not adversely affect the IRS ruling received
in connection with the Hughes merger. Accordingly, as described in more detail
below, our Board has recommended that our stockholders approve the
reclassification of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock into a
single new class of common stock and approve the reverse/forward stock split.

REVERSE/FORWARD STOCK SPLIT

   Our Board has authorized, and recommended that our stockholders approve at
our next annual meeting, which is scheduled for April 25, 2001, a reverse 1-
for-20 stock split followed immediately by a forward 20-for-1 stock split of
each of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock. As permitted under
Delaware state law, stockholders whose shares of stock are converted into less
than 1 share in the reverse split will be converted into the right to receive a
cash payment. We refer to the reverse and forward stock splits, together

                                       15


with the related cash payments to stockholders with small holdings, as the
"Reverse/Forward Split." We believe the Reverse/Forward Split will result in
significantly reduced shareholder record keeping and mailing expenses, and
provide holders of fewer than 20 shares with a cost-effective way to cash out
their investments efficiently.

   If approved, the Reverse/Forward Split is expected to take place at 6:00
p.m. on May 14, 2001. All Class A stockholders on May 14, 2001 will receive 1
share of Raytheon Class A common stock for every 20 shares of Class A stock
held in their accounts at that time; all Class B stockholders on May 14, 2001
will receive 1 share of Raytheon Class B common stock for every 20 shares of
Class B stock held in their accounts at that time. If a registered holder has
20 or more Class A or Class B shares, as the case may be, any fractional share
in such account will not be cashed out after the reverse split and the total
number of shares held by such holder will not change as a result of the
Reverse/Forward Split. Any registered stockholder who holds fewer than 20
shares of Class A or Class B shares, as the case may be, at the time of the
reverse stock split, will receive a cash payment instead of a fractional share.
To determine the amount of the cash payment, at our election, we may either (1)
instruct our transfer agent to sell these fractional shares of Class A or Class
B stock in the open market or (2) purchase these fractional shares of Class A
and Class B stock at a price based on the average daily closing price per share
of the Class A or Class B common stock, as the case may be, on the New York
Stock Exchange for the ten trading days immediately before and including the
date the Reverse/Forward Split is effected.

   Immediately following the reverse split, at 6:01 p.m. on May 14, 2001, all
Class A and Class B stockholders, who held 20 or more shares of Class A or
Class B common stock, as the case may be, immediately before the reverse split,
will receive 20 shares of Class A or Class B common stock for every 1 share of
Class A or Class B common stock they held immediately following the reverse
stock split.

   The Reverse/Forward Split will not affect the public registration of our
Class A or Class B common stock under the Exchange Act. Similarly, we do not
expect that the Reverse/Forward Split will affect our application for the
continued listing of the Class A and Class B common stock on the New York Stock
Exchange.

   The number of shares of common stock authorized will not change as a result
of the Reverse/Forward Split. If we elect to arrange for the sale of the
fractional shares of cashed-out stockholders by our transfer agent on the open
market, as described above, there will be no change in the numbers of shares of
our Class A and Class B common stock that are issued and outstanding. However,
if we elect to purchase these fractional shares, as described above, the total
number of shares of our Class A and Class B common stock will be reduced by the
aggregate number of such shares held by holders owning fewer than 20 such
shares immediately prior to the reverse stock split.

RECLASSIFICATION OF OUR EXISTING TWO CLASSES OF COMMON STOCK INTO A SINGLE NEW
CLASS OF COMMON STOCK

   In addition to the Reverse/Forward Split, our Board has unanimously approved
a proposal to amend our restated certificate of incorporation, which, if
approved at our next annual stockholders' meeting, would eliminate our two
classes of common stock and reclassify the Class A common stock and the Class B
common stock into a single new class of common stock, $.01 par value, of
Raytheon Company. The reclassification will eliminate the trading disparities
between our Class A common stock and our Class B common stock and eliminate any
confusion arising from having two publicly traded classes of common stock.

   The rights, powers and limitations of the new common stock will be set forth
in an amendment to our restated certificate of incorporation. The following
summary should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to, the form of amendment to our restated certificate of
incorporation attached as an exhibit to the registration statement of which
this prospectus forms a part.


                                       16


COMPARISON OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK, CLASS B COMMON STOCK AND NEW COMMON STOCK



 RIGHT, POWER OR
    LIMITATION      CLASS A COMMON STOCK   CLASS B COMMON STOCK     NEW COMMON STOCK
 ---------------    --------------------   --------------------     ----------------
                                                        
 Election or       --Holders entitled to  --Holders entitled to  --Holders entitled to
  Removal of        80.1% of the total     19.9% of the total     equal per share
  Directors:        voting power with      voting power with      voting rights with
                    respect to the         respect to the         respect to the
                    election or removal    election or removal    election or removal
                    of directors.          of directors.          of all directors.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Class Voting:     --On all matters       --On all matters       --Holders vote as a
                    (other than the        (other than the        single class on all
                    election or removal    election or removal    matters.
                    of directors) the      of directors) the
                    approval of holders    approval of holders
                    of each Class,         of each Class,
                    voting separately,     voting separately,
                    is required.           is required.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Dividends and     --Dividends payable    --Dividends payable    --Except as
  Stock Splits      or stock divisions     or stock divisions     prohibited under
  and               or combinations with   or combinations with   Delaware law, no
  Combinations:     respect to shares of   respect to shares of   prohibition on or
                    Class A common stock   Class B common stock   special rights as to
                    must be made pro       must be made pro       the payment of
                    rata with shares of    rata with shares of    dividends or stock
                    Class B common         Class A common         divisions or
                    stock.                 stock.                 combinations.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Liquidation,                                                    --Participate pro
  Dissolution,                                                    rata with other
  Mergers,         --Participate pro      --Participate pro       holders of New
  Consolidations,   rata with the          rata with the          Common Stock.
  or other          holders of Class B     holders of Class A
  reorganizations:  common stock.          common stock.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Stock             --Company repurchases  --Company repurchases  --Except as
  Repurchases:      of Class A stock       of Class B stock       prohibited under
                    must be effected       must be effected       applicable law, no
                    ratably, and in a      ratably, and in a      prohibitions on or
                    non-prejudicial way,   non-prejudicial way,   special rights as to
                    with purchases of      with purchases of      stock repurchases.
                    Class B common         Class A common
                    stock.                 stock.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


PROVISIONS OF OUR RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND AMENDED AND
RESTATED BY-LAWS

 Advance Notice of Nominations

   Our by-laws contain provisions requiring that you deliver advance notice of
any business that you intend to raise at an annual meeting of stockholders and
providing for procedures to be followed if you wish to nominate a person to be
elected as a director. To be timely, you must give written notice to our
Secretary within the thirty-day period beginning on the 120th day prior to the
first anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting. If the date of the
next annual meeting is more than 30 days before, or more than 60 days after,
the first anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting, you must deliver
notice to our Secretary within the period beginning on the 120th day prior to
the meeting and ending thirty days later, or, if later, the 10th day after our
public announcement of the meeting date. In addition, if we plan to increase
the size of our Board of Directors, and we do not announce all of the nominees
for election or the fact that the size of our Board will be increased at least
100 days before the first anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting,
you will have ten days following the date of our public announcement to give
notice of your nomination to our Secretary.

   The notice must provide information about you and the business to be brought
before the meeting. You should review our by-laws for more information. For our
2001 annual stockholders' meeting, the first anniversary of the previous year's
meeting will be April 26, 2001.

                                       17


 Classification of Directors

   Our restated certificate of incorporation provides that, except as otherwise
required by specific provisions of the restated certificate of incorporation
relating to the rights of holders of any class or series of preferred stock to
elect additional directors under specified circumstances, the number of our
directors may be fixed from time to time by a resolution adopted by a majority
of our Board but must not be less than three. Our Board is classified into
three classes, as nearly equal in size as possible. Each class holds office
until the third succeeding anniversary of the annual stockholders' meeting
electing that class, except that the terms of the initial three classes were
set to expire in 1998, 1999 and 2000, respectively. A director may be removed
only for cause by the vote of our common stockholders, voting together as a
single class in accordance with their respective percentages of total voting
power, and subject to the rights of any series of preferred stock outstanding.

 No Action by Written Consent; Special Meeting

   Our restated certificate of incorporation provides that stockholders may not
act by written consent in lieu of an annual or a special meeting. Except as
otherwise required by law and subject to the rights of holders of any class or
series of preferred stock, special meetings of the stockholders may only be
called by our Chairman of the Board or by our Board of Directors pursuant to a
resolution that indicates the purpose of the meeting, which is approved by a
majority of our directors, assuming, for this purpose, that there were no
vacancies. No business other than that stated in the notice may be transacted
at any special meeting of stockholders.

   According to our by-laws, if we call a special meeting to elect directors to
the Board of Directors, you may nominate individuals for election if you
deliver notice to our Secretary during the period beginning on the 120th day
before the special meeting and ending thirty days later, or, if later, the 10th
day after our public announcement of the meeting.

 Limitation on Directors' Liability

   Our restated certificate of incorporation provides, as authorized by law,
that our directors will not be personally liable to Raytheon Company or our
stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director,
except to the extent such exemption from or limitation of liability is not
permitted under the Delaware General Corporation Law. The effect of this
provision may be to reduce the likelihood of derivative litigation against
directors for breach of their duty of care, even though the action, if
successful, might otherwise have benefited Raytheon Company and our
stockholders.

STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN

   When Raytheon Company merged with the defense electronics business of Hughes
Electronics Corporation in 1997, the Board of Directors adopted a stockholder
rights plan. Each share of Class A and Class B common stock issued hereunder
will be issued together with one right under the stockholder rights plan. You
should refer to the Rights Agreement, dated as of December 15, 1997, by and
between Raytheon Company and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as rights
agent, for a more detailed description of the stockholder rights plan. A copy
of the Rights Agreement is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of
which this prospectus is a part.

   The rights trade automatically with shares of our common stock and become
exercisable only under circumstances described below. The rights are designed
to protect our interests and the interests of our stockholders against coercive
takeover tactics. The purpose of the rights is to encourage potential acquirers
to negotiate with our Board of Directors before attempting a takeover and to
provide the Board of Directors with leverage in negotiating the terms of any
proposed takeover on behalf of all stockholders. The rights may have anti-
takeover effects. Subject to the terms of the Hughes Spin-Off Separation
Agreement, the rights should not, however, interfere with any merger or other
business combination that the Board of Directors approves.

                                       18


   The rights do not become exercisable until triggering events occur. They
expire on December 15, 2007, but we may extend this date or redeem the rights
earlier. Before a right is exercised, the right does not confer any right to
vote or receive dividends. Before a triggering event occurs, each right will
entitle you to purchase from us one one-hundredth of a share of our Series A
Junior Participating preferred stock for $250, subject to adjustment. The
rights are triggered by either of the following occurrences:

  .  10 days after the public announcement that an individual or group -- the
     "acquirer" -- has acquired 15% or more of our Class A common stock,
     Class B common stock, or the total voting power in the election of our
     directors; or

  .  10 business days, or later if the Board of Directors elects, after the
     commencement or announcement by an individual or group -- the
     "acquirer" -- of an intention to make a tender offer or exchange offer
     that would result in the acquisition of 15% or more of our Class A
     common stock, Class B common stock, or the total voting power in the
     election of our directors.

   If the rights are triggered, each holder of a right other than the acquirer,
whose rights will automatically become void, will thereafter have the right to
purchase shares of Class A or Class B common stock, as the case may be, at a
50% discount to market price. If Raytheon Company is thereafter acquired in a
merger or other business combination, or 50% or more of our assets or earning
power are sold, each holder of a right will have the right to purchase shares
of common stock of the acquiring company at a 50% discount to market price.
However, the Board of Directors will have the option, before the acquirer
obtains 50% or more of our outstanding shares of common stock, to exchange
rights of holders, other than the acquirer, for shares of our Series A Junior
Participating preferred stock, at a rate of 100 rights per share, subject to
adjustment.

   Subject to the terms of the Hughes Spin-Off Separation Agreement, we may
redeem the rights at any time before they are triggered at a price of $0.01 per
right. Our Board of Directors may also designate the effective time of the
redemption as well as the applicable conditions. If we redeem your rights, you
will be entitled to receive $0.01 for each right you hold, but you will not
have any further entitlements with respect to these rights.

SECTION 203 OF THE DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW

   Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law prohibits a defined set
of transactions between a Delaware corporation, such as Raytheon Company, and
an "interested stockholder." An interested stockholder is defined as a person
who, together with any affiliates or associates of such person, beneficially
owns, directly or indirectly, 15% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a
Delaware corporation. This provision may prohibit business combinations between
an interested stockholder and a corporation for a period of three years after
the date the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. The term
"business combination" is broadly defined to include mergers, consolidations,
sales or other dispositions of assets having a total value in excess of 10% of
the consolidated assets of the corporation, and some other transactions that
would increase the interested stockholder's proportionate share ownership in
the corporation.

   This prohibition is effective unless:

  .  The business combination is approved by the corporation's board of
     directors prior to the time the interested stockholder becomes an
     interested stockholder;

  .  The interested stockholder acquired at least 85% of the voting stock of
     the corporation, other than stock held by directors who are also
     officers or by qualified employee stock plans, in the transaction in
     which it becomes an interested stockholder; or

  .  The business combination is approved by a majority of the board of
     directors and by the affirmative vote of 66 2/3% of the outstanding
     voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.

   In general, the prohibitions do not apply to business combinations with
persons who were stockholders prior to the corporation becoming subject to
Section 203.

                                       19


STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING

   Both our Class A common stock and Class B common stock are listed on the New
York Stock Exchange, the Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange. The
trading symbols for our Class A common stock and Class B common stock on these
exchanges are "RTNa" and "RTNb," respectively.

TRANSFER AGENT

   State Street Bank and Trust Company is the Transfer Agent for our common
stock and the Rights Agent for the rights.

                     DESCRIPTION OF OUR SECURITIES WARRANTS

   This section describes the general terms and provisions of our securities
warrants. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms
of the securities warrants offered through that prospectus supplement, as well
as any general terms described in this section that will not apply to those
securities warrants.

   We may issue securities warrants for the purchase of our debt securities,
preferred stock, or our Class A or Class B common stock. We may issue warrants
independently or together with other securities, and they may be attached to or
separate from the other securities. Each series of securities warrants will be
issued under a separate warrant agreement that we will enter into with State
Street Bank and Trust Company, or another bank or trust company, as warrant
agent, as detailed in the applicable prospectus supplement. The warrant agent
will act solely as an agent of Raytheon Company in connection with the
securities warrants and will not assume any obligation, or agency or trust
relationship, with you. The forms of securities warrant agreements, including
the forms of warrant certificates, are filed as exhibits to the registration
statement of which this prospectus is a part. You should refer to the
provisions of the securities warrant agreements for more specific information.

   The prospectus supplement relating to a particular issue of securities
warrants will describe the terms of those securities warrants, including, where
applicable:

  .  the exercise price for our debt securities, the amount of debt
     securities you will receive upon exercise, and a description of that
     series of debt securities;

  .  the exercise price for shares of our preferred stock, the number of
     shares of preferred stock you will receive upon exercise, and a
     description of that series of our preferred stock;

  .  the exercise price for shares of our Class A or Class B common stock and
     the number of shares of Class A or Class B common stock you will receive
     upon exercise;

  .  the expiration date;

  .  U.S. federal income tax consequences; and

  .  any other terms of the securities warrants.

   After your warrants expire they will become void. The prospectus supplement
will describe how you may exercise your securities warrants. You must exercise
warrants for our preferred stock or our Class A or Class B common stock through
payment in U.S. dollars. All securities warrants will be issued in registered
form. The prospectus supplement may provide for the adjustment of the exercise
price of the securities warrants.

   Until you exercise your warrants to purchase our debt securities, preferred
stock, or Class A or Class B common stock, you will not have any rights as a
holder of our debt securities, preferred stock, or Class A or Class B common
stock, as the case may be, by virtue of your ownership of warrants.


                                       20


                  DESCRIPTION OF THE STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS
                            AND STOCK PURCHASE UNITS

   We may issue stock purchase contracts, including contracts obligating
holders to purchase from us, and us to sell to the holders, a specified number
of shares of common stock at a future date or dates, which we refer to herein
as "stock purchase contracts." The price per share of common stock and the
number of shares of common stock may be fixed at the time the stock purchase
contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula
set forth in the stock purchase contracts. The stock purchase contracts may be
issued separately or as part of units consisting of a stock purchase contract
and debt securities, trust preferred securities or debt obligations of third
parties, including U.S. treasury securities, securing the holders' obligations
to purchase the common stock under the stock purchase contracts, which we refer
to herein as "stock purchase units." The stock purchase contracts may require
holders to secure their obligations thereunder in a specified manner. The stock
purchase contracts also may require us to make periodic payments to the holders
of the stock purchase units or vice versa, and such payments may be unsecured
or refunded on some basis.

   The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the stock
purchase contracts or stock purchase units. The description in the prospectus
supplement will not necessarily be complete, and reference will be made to the
stock purchase contracts, and, if applicable, collateral or depositary
arrangements, relating to the stock purchase contracts or stock purchase units.
Material United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the
stock purchase units and the stock purchase contracts will also be discussed in
the applicable prospectus supplement.

                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

   We may sell the offered securities in and outside the United States (a)
through underwriters or dealers, (b) directly to purchasers, including our
affiliates, (c) through agents or (d) through a combination of any of these
methods. The prospectus supplement will include the following information:

  .  the terms of the offering;

  .  the names of any underwriters or agents;

  .  the name or names of any managing underwriter or underwriters;

  .  the purchase price of the securities;

  .  the net proceeds from the sale of the securities;

  .  any delayed delivery arrangements;

  .  any underwriting discounts, commissions and other items constituting
     underwriters' compensation;

  .  any initial public offering price;

  .  any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers;
     and any commissions paid to agents.

SALE THROUGH UNDERWRITERS OR DEALERS

   If underwriters are used in the sale, the underwriters will acquire the
securities for their own account. The underwriters may resell the securities
from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated
transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined
at the time of sale. Underwriters may offer securities to the public either
through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing
underwriters or directly by one or more firms acting as underwriters. Unless we
inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, the obligations of the
underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to certain

                                       21


conditions, and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the offered
securities if they purchase any of them. The underwriters may change from time
to time any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions
allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers.

   During and after an offering through underwriters, the underwriters may
purchase and sell the securities in the open market. These transactions may
include overallotment and stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover
syndicate short positions created in connection with the offering. The
underwriters may also impose a penalty bid, which means that selling
concessions allowed to syndicate members or other broker-dealers for the
offered securities sold for their account may be reclaimed by the syndicate if
the offered securities are repurchased by the syndicate in stabilizing or
covering transactions. These activities may stabilize, maintain or otherwise
affect the market price of the offered securities, which may be higher than the
price that might otherwise prevail in the open market. If commenced, the
underwriters may discontinue these activities at any time.

   Some or all of the securities that we offer though this prospectus may be
new issues of securities with no established trading market. Any underwriters
to whom we sell our securities for public offering and sale may make a market
in those securities, but they will not be obligated to and they may discontinue
any market making at any time without notice. Accordingly, we cannot assure you
of the liquidity of, or continued trading markets for, any securities that we
offer.

   If dealers are used in the sale of securities, we will sell the securities
to them as principals. They may then resell those securities to the public at
varying prices determined by the dealers at the time of resale. We will include
in the prospectus supplement the names of the dealers and the terms of the
transaction.

DIRECT SALES AND SALES THROUGH AGENTS

   We may sell the securities directly. In this case, no underwriters or agents
would be involved. We may also sell the securities through agents designated
from time to time. In the prospectus supplement, we will name any agent
involved in the offer or sale of the offered securities, and we will describe
any commissions payable to the agent. Unless we inform you otherwise in the
prospectus supplement, any agent will agree to use its reasonable best efforts
to solicit purchases for the period of its appointment.

   We may sell the securities directly to institutional investors or others who
may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act of
1933 with respect to any sale of those securities. We will describe the terms
of any such sales in the prospectus supplement.

DELAYED DELIVERY CONTRACTS

   If we so indicate in the prospectus supplement, we may authorize agents,
underwriters or dealers to solicit offers from certain types of institutions to
purchase securities from us at the public offering price under delayed delivery
contracts. These contracts would provide for payment and delivery on a
specified date in the future. The contracts would be subject only to those
conditions described in the prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement
will describe the commission payable for solicitation of those contracts.

GENERAL INFORMATION

   We may have agreements with the agents, dealers and underwriters to
indemnify them against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under
the Securities Act of 1933, or to contribute with respect to payments that the
agents, dealers or underwriters may be required to make. Agents, dealers and
underwriters may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform
services for us in the ordinary course of their businesses.


                                       22


                                 LEGAL MATTERS

   Thomas D. Hyde, Esq., Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Raytheon
Company will pass upon the validity of Raytheon's common stock, debt
securities, preferred stock, warrants and stock purchase contracts. As of the
date of this prospectus, Thomas D. Hyde, Esq. holds no shares or options to
acquire shares of Class A common stock and 93,000 shares of Class B common
stock and options to acquire an additional 382,018 shares of Class B common
stock.

                                    EXPERTS

   The financial statements incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Raytheon Company for the year ended December 31,
2000 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report (which contains an
explanatory paragraph relating to the Company's adoption of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position 98-5 "Reporting
on the costs of Start-up Activities", in 1999 as described in Note A to the
financial statements) of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants,
given on the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

                      WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

   We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other
information with the SEC. You may read and copy the registration statement and
any other document we file at the SEC's public reference section, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the worldwide web site
(http://www.sec.gov) maintained by the SEC. Information regarding the operation
of the public reference section can be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. Our
Class A common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and Class B common stock,
$0.01 par value per share, are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the
Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange, where reports, proxy
statements and other information concerning Raytheon Company can also be
inspected. The offices of the NYSE are located at 20 Broad Street, New York,
New York 10005.

   The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information we file with
them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by
referring you to those documents. These incorporated documents contain
important business and financial information about us that is not included in
or delivered with this prospectus. The information incorporated by reference is
considered to be part of this prospectus, and later information filed with the
SEC will update and supersede this information.

   We incorporate by reference into this prospectus:

  .  our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
     2000 filed with the SEC on March 5, 2001;

  .  our registration statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on December
     11, 1997 and Form 8-A/A filed with the SEC on December 17, 1997; and

  .  any future filings made by us with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c),
     14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 until we sell all of
     the securities.

                                       23


   We will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial
owner, to whom a prospectus is delivered, on written or oral request of that
person, a copy of any or all of the documents we are incorporating by reference
into this prospectus, other than exhibits to those documents unless such
exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into those documents. Such
written requests should be addressed to:

         Secretary, Raytheon Company
         141 Spring Street
         Lexington, Massachusetts 02421

   You may direct telephone requests to the Secretary of Raytheon Company at
(781) 862-6600.

                                       24





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