CONTRACTS
COBRA GEMINI / Dual-Band Radar / STEEL TRAP http://www.fas.org/spp/military/program/track/cobra_gemini.htm The Cobra Gemini program will acquire three X- and S-band radar systems that can detect, acquire, track and collect both high-precision metric and signature data on on tactical ballistic missile launches, but it can also lend support to future military operations, since metric data can provide launch and impact point estimates as well as basic missile trajectory. The maximum range window to be covered in bow-tie search mode is 1200 km. In the nominal mission scenario this window will extend from 300 km range to 1500 km range with 1 second dwell [1 second of noncoherent integration]. Testing of the ground-based prototype is expected to be complete by mid-1998 and aboard ship by early 1999. An option in the contract could fund up to 10 of the radar systems. Clear Radar Upgrade http://www.fas.org/spp/military/program/track/clear.htm Clear Radar Upgrade is the replacement of the mechanical, aging, 1950's vintage radar currently opperational at the Clear AK, site.The BMEWS at Clear was fielded in the 1960s; evolution of the threat mandates that the radar sensors be upgraded. Technical improvements provided by phased array radars provide the capability to meet the expected threat. Two faces, one from each of the southern warm storage sites Eldorado and Robbins will be provided as Government Furnished Equipment. The intended Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the Clear phased array radar is Jan 2001. Military Spaceplane http://www.fas.org/spp/military/program/launch/msp.htm The Air Force Space Command and the Air Force Materiel Command are evaluating the potential benefits of military spaceplanes for conducting a variety of on-orbit and transatmospheric military missions. This evaluation is being undertaken by the AFSPC-AFMC Military Spaceplane Integrated Concept Team (ICT) directed by the AFSPC and AFMC commanders.
