WASHINGTON — Boeing Defense, Space and Security announced Feb. 11 that it is consolidating several of its aerospace development programs, including the Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and CST-100 commercial crew vehicle, into a new organization intended to improve management of those efforts.
The new division, called BDS Development, is patterned after a similar development organization within Boeing’s commercial aircraft unit. Company officials said the purpose of the consolidation is to improve cost and schedule performance on programs in early stages of development.
“This BDS Development organization is the next step in breaking the cost curve on our programs,” Chris Chadwick, president and chief executive of Boeing Defense, Space and Security, said in a statement announcing the new division. He said BDS Development will provide customers with “step-function improvements in affordability and schedule performance” for its programs.
In addition to the SLS and CST-100 programs, BDS Development will oversee a third space program, the Boeing 502 small-satellite platform. The division will also be responsible for the KC-46 tanker, a new version of Air Force One based on the Boeing 747-8, and contributions to the Boeing 777X jetliner.
Jim O’Neill, previously president of the BDS Global Services & Support unit, will run BDS Development.
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