 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Boeing Leads Ground-based Midcourse Defense Flight Test
St Louis MO (SPX) Dec 13, 2005 The Boeing-led Ground-Based Midcourse Defense Team, along with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, announced today the successful execution of a flight test, marking a critical milestone for the program. During this Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) program test, designated Flight Test-1, a Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI) was launched from the Ronald Reagan Missile Site at Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, at 10:04 pm Eastern Standard Time. The interceptor traveled over the Pacific Ocean and used a simulated target as the basis for this flight test. In subsequent tests, the GBI will be flown against a live target. This test validated the ability of the GMD system to track, acquire and provide the interceptor with the data for a hit-to-kill intercept of enemy ballistic missile warheads in the midcourse phase of flight. Test objectives included the demonstration of system component integration, engagement operations, sensor tracking and operations, and other capabilities, to verify vehicle design and performance. The successful flight test is a clear demonstration of program performance. It is also a strong representation of the collective abilities and efforts of the Missile Defense Agency and the Boeing-led industry team, said Boeing Missile Defense Systems vice president and general manager Pat Shanahan. I am confident we will continue to build on this success and deliver increasing capability to the nation. The Ground-based Midcourse Defense system is the key component of the Missile Defense Agency's overall layered ballistic missile defense architecture. As prime contractor for the program, Boeing is responsible for the development and integration of system components, including the Ground-based Interceptor, the Sea-Based X-Band Radar; battle management, command, control and communication systems; early warning radars; and interfaces to the Defense Support Program early warning satellite system. Other program industry partners include: Orbital Sciences, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman. The mission was monitored by the Boeing team. Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links Boeing Integrated Defense Systems SpaceDaily Search SpaceDaily Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express Learn about missile defense at SpaceWar.com Learn about nuclear weapons doctrine and defense at SpaceWar.com All about missiles at SpaceWar.com Learn about the Superpowers of the 21st Century at SpaceWar.com
Missile Defense Program Moves Forward
Washington DC (AFPS) Jan 12, 2006The Missile Defense Agency continues to move forward in its efforts to protect the nation against a ballistic missile attack. The eighth ground-based interceptor missile was lowered into its underground silo at Fort Greely, Alaska, Dec. 18, 2005. |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2006 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA PortalReports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additionalcopyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
