Raytheon to Cut 450 Jobs at Kansas Aircraft Unit

Raytheon Co., the No. 3 U.S. defense contractor, plans to eliminate 450 jobs at its Kansas aircraft unit, where program delays, pricing pressure and higher production costs hurt profits last year. Raytheon told workers at the Wichita-based aircraft business that 10% of the unit’s managerial and administrative staff will be laid off, a spokesman said. The unit’s work force totals about 18,000, with 10,200 employees based in Kansas. “[Raytheon] is trying to get ahead of indications of a softening economy,” the company spokesman said. “This does not affect the manufacturing work force at all. So far, sales are reaching projected levels.” The Raytheon unit makes business and commuter planes as well as trainer aircraft for the U.S. military. The job cuts are expected to occur later this month. Raytheon’s Class B shares gained 14 cents to close at $30.24 on the New York Stock Exchange.