. 24/7 Space News .
Boeing Conducts Successful GMD Integrated Flight Test

Integrated Flight Test-13b Was Successful - January 27, 2004
St. Louis - Jan 29, 2004
Boeing announced today the successful launch of a missile defense interceptor boost vehicle from the Ronald Reagan Missile Site, at Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, at 9:23 p.m. EST.

During the test, which is part of the Ground Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) program and called Integrated Flight Test-13B, a developmental, three-stage booster vehicle traveled from the launch site to a simulated intercept point about 800 miles away over the Pacific Ocean.

"The successful completion of IFT-13B moves the Boeing-led GMD team one step closer to delivering the nation's first defense against the ballistic missile threat," said Boeing Senior Vice President and General Manager of Missile Defense Systems James Evatt. "It's making the government's commitment to protect the U.S. homeland, forces overseas and friends and allies a reality."

The test validated the ability of the GMD system to track, acquire and destroy enemy ballistic missiles in the midcourse of flight. Test objectives included the demonstration of system component integration, engagement operations, sensor tasking and operations and other capabilities to verify vehicle design and performance.

The test also demonstrated the integration of the GMD Fire Control/Communications system at the Meck Island Launch Site; simulated Ground Based Radar Prototype at Kwajalein; Battle Management Command, Control and Communications functions, and In-Flight Interceptor Communications. The test did not involve an intercept.

As the 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.

The intercept boost vehicle was designed and built by Orbital Sciences Corp. Other GMD team members include Raytheon, Northrop-Grumman, and Lockheed Martin. The mission was monitored by the Boeing GMD team.

Related Links
Boeing Integrated Defense Systems
Missile Defense Agency
SpaceDaily
Search SpaceDaily
Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express

Northrop Grumman Fire Control Software Guides Missile Test
Reston - Jan 27, 2004
Northrop Grumman Corporation played a vital role in today's test of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense missile defense system, supplying two key products that helped guide the test to a successful outcome.



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.