Fifth Boeing GMD Interceptor Placed in Silo at Alaska Site
ST. LOUIS, Sept. 27, 2004 -- xThe Boeing [NYSE: BA] Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) program team and the Missile Defense Agency emplaced the fifth GMD interceptor in its underground silo at Fort Greely, Alaska, on Sept. 25th.
The operation to emplace the interceptors at Fort Greely involves the use of a special crane to lower each into its silo. Once in the silos, the interceptors are constantly monitored to ensure proper functioning of electronics and to gauge internal pressure and temperature of the propellants. The Missile Defense Agency plans to emplace up to 16 interceptors at the GMD site by the end of 2005.
"Boeing's delivery of this initial GMD capability at Fort Greely , Alaska , provides the country with its first line of defense against a limited ballistic missile attack," said Boeing Senior Vice President and General Manager of Missile Defense Systems James Evatt. "However, our work does not stop here. We will continue to test and improve the GMD system and expand its capability according to the government's spiral development plans."
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; ground-based radar prototype; 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.
When declared operational by the government, the GMD system will be operated by U.S. Northern Command.
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.
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Contact Info:
Kerry A. Gildea
Boeing Missile Defense Systems
(703) 414-6341
kerry.a.gildea@boeing.com
Rick Lehner
Missile Defense Agency
(703) 697-8997
richard.lehner@mda.mil
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