 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| . |  |
. |
Boeing Expands Test Capability For GMD Missile Defense System
Vandenberg AFB CA (SPX) Aug 19, 2009 Boeing, working with industry teammates and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA), has completed construction of a second interceptor test silo for the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system at Vandenberg Air Force Base. The new underground silo provides additional test capability for the United States' only defense against long-range ballistic missile threats. "Having this second test silo to launch interceptors will allow us to test upgrades to the GMD system more quickly, improving the MDA's ability to stay ahead of evolving threats," said Norm Tew, Boeing vice president and GMD program director. "We are proud to deliver this additional capability for America's defense." Because a silo needs to be refurbished after its hot-burning interceptor is fired, having two test silos will allow one to support testing while the other is being refurbished. The new silo also has the unique ability to be configured for testing or tactical operations, providing even greater flexibility. Vandenberg's first test silo has been used in tests since 2006 and will continue to support future flight test operations. The Huntsville, Ala.-based GMD program has deployed more than 20 operational interceptors at Vandenberg and at Fort Greely, Alaska, to defend the United States against long-range ballistic missile threats. An integral element of the global ballistic missile defense system, GMD also consists of radars, other sensors, command-and-control facilities, communications terminals and a 20,000-mile fiber optic communications network. Share This Article With Planet Earth
Related Links Boeing Integrated Defense Systems Learn about missile defense at SpaceWar.com Learn about nuclear weapons doctrine and defense at SpaceWar.com All about missiles at SpaceWar.com Learn about the Superpowers of the 21st Century at SpaceWar.com
Lockheed Martin tests Aegis for AustraliaMoorestown, N.J. (UPI) Aug 14, 2009 Lockheed Martin Thursday began testing the Aegis weapon system before its deployment on Australia's Air Warfare Destroyer fleet of three new warships. The tests would last four months and, once successful, the system would be installed on the first of the three Australian AWD vessels being fitted out with Aegis by Lockheed Martin. The Hobart-class destroyers, being built by ASC Pty Ltd. ... read more |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2009 - SpaceDaily. AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
del.icio.us
Digg
Reddit
YahooMyWeb
Google
Facebook