Boeing Leads Team to Successful Ground-based Midcourse Defense Flight Test
The Boeing-led [NYSE:BA] 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 Corp, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman. The mission was monitored by the Boeing team.
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Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $30.5 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government, and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer and a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in sustainment solutions and launch services.
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