Boeing

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Sept. 23, 2013 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] recently finished delivering more than 40 computer processing units that will support an integrated network of computer and communication equipment critical to U.S. Army air and missile defenses.

Boeing’s Plug and Fight Processing Units are the main computing assets that link together various Army weapons and sensor platforms with the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command Systems (IBCS), a single network with common command and control. Boeing is a subcontractor to Northrop Grumman on the IBCS program.

"By providing a centralized, secure processing architecture from which to manage data, these processing units will play a significant role in enhancing the effectiveness of the Army's network of missile defense sensors and weapon systems," said Allan Brown, vice president and program director with Boeing Strategic Missile & Defense Systems.

Boeing's units will support the IBCS by efficiently processing a high volume of information exchanged among the various components in the Plug and Fight network. This technology is significant to IBCS objectives for enhanced situational awareness and command and control on the battlefield, improved response time, and reduced costs.

These processing units, built and assembled in Huntsville, were produced to support the hardware and software development phase of the IBCS program. In a series of virtual demonstrations, Boeing has verified that these processors can efficiently connect multiple missile defense weapons to the IBCS.

Northrop Grumman will use the processors in system demonstrations later this year, in anticipation of transitioning to the test and integration phase of the program.

Boeing is the largest aerospace company in Alabama and one of the state's largest employers. Current operations in Huntsville include the Ground-based Midcourse Defense program and other missile defense work, as well as programs that support NASA, including Space Launch System and the International Space Station. The site also hosts Boeing Rotorcraft Support, and provides engineering support for commercial and commercial-derivative airplanes. With innovative and affordable capabilities to support the customer, Boeing in Huntsville is a Low Cost, High Tech Center of Excellence.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 59,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

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Contact:        

Dexter Henson
Strategic Missile & Defense Systems
Office: +1 256-461-3154
Mobile: +1 256-682-7303
dexter.q.henson@boeing.com

Elizabeth Merida
Strategic Missile & Defense Systems
Office: +1 703-872-4245
Mobile: +1 703-209-4022
elizabeth.a.merida@boeing.com