Boeing GMD Team Places First Interceptor in Silo at Vandenberg Site
The Boeing [NYSE: BA] Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) program team and the Missile Defense Agency emplaced the first GMD interceptor in its underground silo at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., on Dec. 10.
The interceptor is the first of up to 18 planned for emplacement at both GMD missile fields at Vandenberg and Fort Greely , Alaska , by the end of 2005. Boeing has already delivered six interceptors to the Fort Greely site.
"Boeing's delivery of the first interceptor to the GMD missile field at Vandenberg further expands the country's defense against a ballistic missile attack," said Boeing Vice President and GMD Program Manager Paul Hoff. "The continued progress we have made at both the Vandenberg and Fort Greely sites demonstrates Boeing's commitment to the program and ability to grow and expand the capability for years to come. These two missile defense sites will continue to grow and play key roles in the government's future test and development plans."
The GMD system consists of integrated ground-based interceptors, a variety of sensors and an expansive battle management command, control and communications network, capable of protecting the homeland from a limited long-range ballistic missile attack.
As prime contractor for the GMD program, Boeing is responsible for the development and integration of the GMD system components, including the ground-based interceptor; 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 GMD team members include Orbital Sciences Corp., Raytheon, Northrop-Grumman and Lockheed Martin.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis , Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $27 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 and Department of Homeland Security; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in launch services.
###
For further information: