Boeing

Following five successful flight tests and the completion of developmental testing, the U.S. Navy has approved the second low-rate initial production lot of the Boeing-produced Standoff Land Attack Missile Expanded Response (SLAM ER).

The decision paves the way for Boeing to produce 22 SLAM ERs (with an option for an additional 20) with fiscal year 1998 funds at the direction of the Navy.

"The SLAM ER continues to be a model program," said Bob Krieger, general manager of Missile Systems for Boeing. "The missile has performed extremely well in its first five flight tests and is on track to provide the U.S. Navy with a next-generation precision weapon system at very low cost and risk."

In accordance with current acquisition reform initiatives, the low-rate initial production II decision authority was delegated to the Program Executive Officer for Cruise Missiles and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. A decision on full-rate production is expected to take place after flight testing is completed in late 1998.

Capt. A.J. Benn, U.S. Navy program manager for SLAM ER, noted that this phased approach to full-rate production allows decision-makers to limit risk and make the best investment decisions based on actual performance and achievement of certain measured exit criteria.

The SLAM ER now moves into the next phase of flight test - DT/OT, or developmental test/operational test. This phase will test the missile in additional operational scenarios.

SLAM ER is an affordable upgrade to the U.S. Navy's inventory of SLAM missiles. It will provide significant improvements in survivability, standoff range, weapon effectiveness and reaction time.

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