Boeing

Boeing [NYSE: BA] has been awarded a $4.2 million U.S. Air Force contract for the next phase of the Dual Role Air Dominance Missile -- Technology (DRADM-T) program, one of several efforts to develop technologies for the Joint Dual Role Air Dominance Missile (JDRADM).

JDRADM is the first next-generation advanced missile intended to conduct both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions in a single weapon.

DRADM-T focuses on the missile's propulsion and control systems. Boeing was selected following a competitive six-month Phase 1 study effort. Phase 2 will refine the technologies and configuration, leading to laboratory and ground testing. Boeing's Advanced Weapons and Missile Systems unit, part of Boeing Advanced Systems, will perform the work in St. Charles, Mo. The contract runs for 32 months.

Keith Smith, Boeing program manager for JDRADM, said, "The selection of Boeing for Phase 2 of the DRADM-T program demonstrates our customer's confidence in Boeing to develop the key technologies that will make the future JDRADM weapon a reality."

In 2006, Boeing competed for and won the warhead technology thrust program -- Multi-Role Responsive Ordnance Kill Mechanism -- of the JDRADM weapon. Boeing is currently executing the program's Phase 2 design and development efforts.