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ABL Aircraft Moves Step Closer to Laser System Integration

SEAL BEACH, Calif., May 28, 2002 -- The first Airborne Laser (ABL) missile-defense system aircraft, a modified Boeing 747-400 freighter aircraft, has been transitioned to the flight ramp in preparation for flight testing later this summer.

The Modification & Maintenance Center effort in Wichita, Kan., was the most comprehensive ever performed by Boeing Space and Communications (S&C), a business unit of The Boeing Company [NYSE:BA]. The company has previously modified 747 aircraft for the presidential Air Force One fleet, as well as for other large-scale military systems.

The next major ABL program milestone is flight-worthiness testing in Wichita. The ABL aircraft will undergo a complete systems functional check and flight tests to verify aerodynamic performance and the surveillance system. Once those tests are completed, the aircraft will be delivered to Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., for laser and optics integration and tests.

Boeing is the ABL team leader and is developing the ABL surveillance battle-management system, integrating the weapon system and supplying the modified aircraft. TRW is providing the complete chemical oxygen-iodine laser system. Lockheed Martin is developing the beam control/fire control system, which will acquire the target, then accurately point and fire the laser.

Boeing Space & Communications (S&C) with headquarters in Seal Beach, Calif., is the world's largest space and communications company. S&C provides integrated solutions in launch services, human space flight and exploration, missile defense, and information and communications. It is NASA's largest contractor; a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; and a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. The global enterprise has customers worldwide and manufacturing operations throughout the United States and Australia.

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Contact Info:
Bob Smith
206-655-8765
robert.d.smith4@boeing.com

Ann Beach
562-797-4222
ann.m.beach@boeing.com