Boeing GMD Team Places First Interceptor In Silo At Vandenberg Site

MISSILE DEFENSE

File photo of Integrated Flight Test 13B, on January 26, 2004. The developmental, three-stage booster vehicle was launched from Meck Island in the Kwajalein Island Atoll, as part of the flight test program for the Ground-based Midcourse Defense program. Photo: Boeing.

St Louis MO (SPX) Dec 13, 2004
The Boeing Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) program team and the Missile Defense Agency emplaced the first GMD interceptor in its underground silo at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., on Dec. 10.

The interceptor is the first of up to 18 planned for emplacement at both GMD missile fields at Vandenberg and Fort Greely, Alaska, by the end of 2005. Boeing has already delivered six interceptors to the Fort Greely site.

"Boeing's delivery of the first interceptor to the GMD missile field at Vandenberg further expands the country's defense against a ballistic missile attack," said Boeing Vice President and GMD Program Manager Paul Hoff.

"The continued progress we have made at both the Vandenberg and Fort Greely sites demonstrates Boeing's commitment to the program and ability to grow and expand the capability for years to come. These two missile defense sites will continue to grow and play key roles in the government's future test and development plans."

The GMD system consists of integrated ground-based interceptors, a variety of sensors and an expansive battle management command, control and communications network, capable of protecting the homeland from a limited long-range ballistic missile attack.

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; sea-based X-band radar; 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.

MISSILE DEFENSE

US To Spend $85 Million On First Missile Defense Test In Two Years

Washington (AFP) Dec 09, 2004
An interceptor missile was set to be launched at an intercontinental missile over the Pacific late Wednesday in the first integrated flight test of the US missile defense system in two years, a spokesman for the US Missile Defense Agency said.

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news 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 Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service.