Sub-systems developed
by The Boeing Co. played a key role in the latest successful
intercept test, Flight Mission-4 (FM-4) of the Aegis Ballistic Missile
Defense System on Nov. 21.
FM-4 is the third successful intercept test in one year for the
Missile Defense Agency and the U.S. Navy. This test was the most
challenging to date and tested the system’s ability to engage the
target during the ascent phase of flight, then subsequently intercept.
With the success of the FM-3 flight test on June 13, 2002, the
Aegis BMD project accelerated its flight-testing objectives. FM-4
marks the beginning of a flight test series to develop an emergency
deployment sea-based ballistic missile defense against short- to
medium-range ballistic missiles.
FM-4 is the first developmental flight test against more complex
and stressing ballistic missile engagement scenarios.
Boeing has been teamed with Raytheon Co., the prime contractor for
the program, since 1996 to build the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) kinetic
warhead and is responsible for the guidance unit, ejector, kinetic
warhead integration and environmental testing. All Boeing components
and systems performed exceptionally during the test.
“This latest intercept again validates the viability of
hit-to-kill technology and the ability to field systems that will help
protect our homeland, as well as deployed troops, allies and friends
abroad,” said Debra Rub, vice president, Boeing Air & Missile Defense
Systems, part of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems.
“Boeing has been developing and proving this technology for more
than 15 years and we are proud to be a part of this latest success.”
In addition to its work on the Aegis Ballistic Missile
Defense/SM-3 program, Boeing holds key roles in each element of the
Ballistic Missile Defense System architecture. Boeing also leads the
System Engineering and Integration effort on the Missile Defense
National Team.
A unit of The Boeing Co., Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, is
one of the world’s largest space and defense businesses. With
headquarters in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a
$23 billion business.
It provides systems solutions to its global military, government
and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence,
surveillance and reconnaissance; 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; NASA’s largest contractor; and a global
leader in launch services.
