This experiment marks the first time a laser weapon has engaged and destroyed an in-flight ballistic missile, and the first time that any system has accomplished it in the missile’s boost phase of flight. ALTB has the highest-energy laser ever fired from an aircraft, and is the most powerful mobile laser device in the world.

“The Airborne Laser Testbed team has made history with this experiment,” said Greg Hyslop, vice president and general manager of Boeing Missile Defense Systems.

“Through its hard work and technical ingenuity, the government-industry team has produced a breakthrough with incredible potential. We look forward to conducting additional research and development to explore what this unique directed-energy system can do.”

During the experiment, the aircraft, a modified Boeing 747-400F, took off from Edwards Air Force Base and focused its high-energy laser at the missile target during its boost phase as the aircraft flew over the Western Sea Range off the coast of California.

“We’ve been saying for some time that the Airborne Laser Testbed would be a pathfinder for directed energy and would expand options for policymakers and warfighters,” said Michael Rinn, Boeing vice president and ALTB program director.

“With this successful experiment, the Airborne Laser Testbed has blazed a path for a new generation of high-energy, ultra-precision weaponry. ALTB technology and future directed-energy platforms will transform how the United States defends itself and its friends and allies. Having the capability to precisely project force, in a measured way, at the speed of light, will save lives.”

MDA officially recognized directed energy’s warfare-changing potential last March, when it awarded its Technology Pioneer Award to three Boeing Airborne Laser Testbed engineers and three of their government and industry teammates for advancing key ALTB technologies.

Boeing is the prime contractor for the Airborne Laser Testbed, which is designed to provide unprecedented speed-of-light capability to intercept all classes of ballistic missiles in their boost phase of flight.

Northrop Grumman designed and built ALTB’s high-energy laser, and Lockheed Martin developed the beam control/fire control system. Boeing provided the aircraft, the battle management system and overall systems integration and testing.

About Boeing Defense, Space & Security

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft.

Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Marc Selinger, 703-872-4240
Boeing Missile Defense Systems
marc.selinger@boeing.com

Boeing airborne laser testbed team destroys boosting ballistic missile | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

WGS-4′s broadband communications payload was mated with a high-power Boeing 702 platform at the company’s Satellite Development Center in El Segundo, the world’s largest satellite-manufacturing facility.

Over the next few months, the WGS team will conduct final integration activities followed by rigorous environmental testing, including vibration and thermal-vacuum tests.

“With the mating of these modules, all bus and payload equipment for WGS-4 has completed integration and testing,” said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager, Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems.

“This milestone capped a great year for the WGS program, which included launching two satellites less than eight months apart. The WGS team continues to perform at the highest levels and maintain its strong momentum.”

WGS is the U.S. Department of Defense’s highest-capacity communications satellite system, providing fast, flexible, broadband communications for U.S. warfighters and their allies around the world.

WGS-4 is the first of three satellites to be built under the Block II contract. The Block II satellites include performance-boosting enhancements such as a radio frequency bypass designed to support airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms requiring additional bandwidth.

WGS-4, -5 and -6 are scheduled to launch in 2011 or 2012.

WGS-1 and WGS-2, launched in October 2007 and April 2009, respectively, have been accepted into service and are meeting or exceeding all mission requirements.

WGS-3, launched in December, is undergoing on-orbit testing and is expected to go into service in April.

WGS satellites are built on the proven Boeing 702 platform, which uses a highly efficient xenon-ion propulsion capability.

The communications payload provides reconfigurable coverage areas and the ability to connect X-band and Ka-band users anywhere within the satellite’s field of view via an onboard digital channelizer — features that enhance security and mission flexibility, and are not available on any other communications satellite.

About Boeing Defense, Space & Security

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space and Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft.

Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Bob Pickard, 310-364-6125
Space & Intelligence Systems
robert.pickard3@boeing.com

Angie Yoshimura, 310-364-6708
Space & Intelligence Systems
angie.e.yoshimura@boeing.com

Boeing’s fourth WGS satellite passes key integration milestone | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The 500th unit is part of the current production lot of 46 that was awarded to Boeing in April. Boeing has received $100 million in Combat Track II contracts since 1995.

“These systems allow air crews to respond to threats more quickly and effectively,” said Capt. Scott Frank, Air Force program manager for Combat Track. “Combat Track II has become critical to our mission, providing timely intelligence to support combat forces.”

The 500th system will be deployed to the 17th Air Force at Ramstein Air Base in Germany in support of the United States Africa Command.

The systems also are installed on C-130, C-17, B-52 and B-1 aircraft operated by the Air Force Air Mobility Command, Air Combat Command, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves.

“These systems allow warfighters to quickly respond to changing threat conditions with rapid, secure communications,” said Dewey Houck, Boeing Intelligence and Security Systems director of Mission Systems.

“This net-enabled capability enhances a warfighter’s situational awareness and improves decision-making with tools that speed up information-sharing.”

The Combat Track II system provides aircrews with command and control information as well as secure, beyond line-of-sight, encrypted communications between the aircraft and Air Operations Centers worldwide.

About Boeing Integrated Defense Systems

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world’s largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft.

Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Michelle Roby, 703-414-6335
Intelligence and Security Systems
michelle.roby@boeing.com

Boeing Delivers 500th Combat Track II Airborne Intelligence System to United States Air Force | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The Avionics Part Task Trainer and Cockpit Familiarization Trainer were declared “Ready for Use” on Sept. 25 and Oct. 22, respectively.

Little Rock’s 314th Airlift Wing, Air Education and Training Command will be the government’s only location for training C-130 AMP aircrews on the operation of the aircraft’s upgraded avionics. Training will begin in October 2010.

“Our team’s hard work allowed us to deliver the Part Task Trainer a week early and the Cockpit Familiarization Trainer one month ahead of schedule,” said Mark Angelo, C-130 AMP program manager for Boeing.

The C-130 AMP modification enhances aircrews’ situational awareness both in theater and in civil airspace while delivering key warfighter capabilities.

Boeing delivered a full-motion, high-fidelity Weapon System Trainer to Little Rock in July. The final two trainers in this contract will be delivered in 2010 and 2013.

About Boeing Integrated Defense Systems

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world’s largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft.

Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jennifer Hogan, 405-818-7859
Boeing Maintenance, Modifications and Upgrades
jennifer.c.hogan@boeing.com

Boeing Delivers Second and Third C-130 AMP Trainers to US Air Force | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

“UAVs are increasingly called upon to perform strike operations, and this weapon technology is designed specifically for those missions,” said Carl Avila, director of Boeing Phantom Works’ Advanced Weapons and Missiles.

“The concept behind this technology is designed to generate very low collateral damage and allows warfighters to engage a variety of targets, including those in a suburban terrain environment.”

As the prime contractor during the initial nine-month program, Boeing will use its experience on the Joint Direct Attack Munition and Small Diameter Bomb programs to develop the system integration, seeker, avionics, guidance and control, and mission planning systems.

Key suppliers KaZaK Composites Inc. will build the airframe, Ensign Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company will design and build the warhead, and Systima Technologies Inc. will provide integration and testing services for the launcher.

Science Applications International Corporation will provide systems engineering for the seeker and seeker algorithms, and the Mustang Technology Group will provide height-of-burst and radar options.

The two-year second phase of the program, if awarded, is valued at $6.5 million.

About Boeing Integrated Defense Systems

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world’s largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft.

Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Chris Haddox, 314-234-6447
Boeing Phantom Works
chris.d.haddox@boeing.com

Boeing Receives U.S. Air Force Contract to Develop Miniature Weapon Technology | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Boeing will deliver the kits in 2011 and 2012. The Lot 14 production order is the second one-year option of a six-year contract Boeing received in January 2008.

The agreement has a potential total value of $590 million with deliveries extending through 2015, if all options are exercised.

“JDAM provides warfighters an effective, accurate and battle-tested weapon,” said Dan Jaspering, Boeing director of Direct Attack Programs.

“The Lot 14 contract and its additional options assure the long-term availability of this cost-effective weapon.”

The Air Force and Navy have used JDAM weapons extensively in Afghanistan and Iraq. JDAM is a low-cost guidance kit that converts existing 500-, 1,000- and 2,000-pound unguided free-fall bombs into accurately guided “smart” weapons.

Its modular design allows customers to easily upgrade the weapon in the field to provide additional capability, such as laser guidance and extended range. Boeing has produced more than 210,000 JDAM tail kits since 1998.

About Boeing Integrated Defense Systems

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world’s largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft.

Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Tim Deaton, 314-232-5886
Boeing Global Strike Systems
timothy.r.deaton@boeing.com

Boeing Awarded $72 Million JDAM Production Contract From U.S. Air Force | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Boeing submitted a proposal to the U.S. Air Force on Nov. 5 for the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase of the Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) II program, following the completion of a successful 42-month risk reduction program.

“Our SDB II design offers a new level of capability to U.S. warfighters,” said Debra Rub, Boeing Weapons Programs vice president.

“The Boeing SDB II solution builds on our success with SDB Increment I, and we’re confident it will be the weapon of choice for new and existing military platforms.

We look forward to supporting our Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps customers as the program moves into the next phase.”

SDB II expands SDB I’s capabilities with the addition of an advanced multimode seeker and a two-way data link.

The seeker provides terminal guidance that enables the weapon to detect, classify, prioritize and attack high-value moving targets while retaining SDB I’s ability to engage stationary targets. The data link provides in-flight communication with the weapon.

During the risk reduction program, the Boeing-led SDB II team completed three successful development test flights that demonstrated system performance and verified the weapon’s design and producability.

The team also completed more than 50 captive-carry flight tests of the seeker, data link and guidance system aboard Boeing’s test bed aircraft.

“We have arrived at this milestone with a next-generation weapon system that will play a vital role in helping our warfighters complete their missions. Boeing’s SDB II proposal provides a low-risk solution with the capacity to meet today’s requirements and the flexibility to address evolving threats,” Rub said.

“Whether the situation calls for standoff strike capability or close air support on high-value targets, Boeing’s SDB II is the right weapon.”

Boeing, if selected as the prime contractor on the SDB II program, will provide the air vehicle and system integration, while teammate Lockheed Martin will supply the seeker and key system supplier Harris Corp. will provide the data link.

About Boeing Integrated Defense Systems

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world’s largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft.

Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Tim Deaton, 314-232-5886
Boeing Global Strike Systems
timothy.r.deaton@boeing.com

Boeing Submits Small Diameter Bomb II Contract Proposal to US Air Force | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

WGS is the DOD’s highest-capacity communications satellite and provides assured, high-data-rate connectivity to U.S. warfighters and their allies around the world.

Members of the Air Force-Boeing WGS team accepted the award on Oct. 28 at the National Defense Industry Association’s (NDIA) Systems Engineering Conference in San Diego.

Each year, the Department of Defense and NDIA recognize up to five defense programs that have demonstrated superior systems engineering practices that result in outstanding program performance.

“Boeing is honored to be part of the Air Force team that received this DOD program excellence award for WGS,” said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager, Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems.

“I congratulate the Air Force-Boeing team on their many accomplishments, including two satellites now in operation and a third scheduled to launch in November. Their tight teamwork and unwavering commitment have been extraordinary.

This award is a testament to their dedication to delivering significantly improved communications to U.S. warfighters and allies around the world.”

“With its extraordinary increase in satellite communications capacity and flexibility, WGS helps our warfighters more effectively execute their missions on land, at sea and in the air,” said Brig. Gen. Samuel Greaves, Vice Commander of the Air Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center in Los Angeles.

“The WGS team is performing superbly and setting the standards for getting these critical communications assets into space and into operational use.”

WGS satellites address the military’s growing need for high-bandwidth communications, ranging from transmission of full-motion video and sensor data gathered from unmanned aerial vehicles, to video teleconferencing among military leaders around the world, to provision of quality-of-life services such as e-mail, news, and special event broadcasts for deployed troops.

Boeing is currently under contract to build six WGS satellites for the Air Force. WGS-1 was put into operation over the Pacific Ocean in April 2008 and WGS-2 entered service over the Middle East in August 2009.

Both satellites are meeting and, in some cases, far exceeding mission requirements. WGS-3 is scheduled for launch later this year.

About Boeing Integrated Defense Systems

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world’s largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft.

Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Bob Pickard, 310-364-6125
Space & Intelligence Systems
robert.pickard3@boeing.com

Angie Yoshimura, 310-364-6708
Space & Intelligence Systems
angie.e.yoshimura@boeing.com

Boeing and U.S. Air Force Receive DOD Excellence Award for Wideband Global SATCOM Program | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The upgrade will be delivered to Air Force Special Operations Command, 58th Training Squadron at Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, N.M. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The CPTT is a full-fuselage device that is used to train flight engineers on the CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft.

The AFS process integrates real and virtual environments in an image processor. This enables the student to view both the interior cabin environment and the simulated outside world in a composite picture sent to the student’s helmet-mounted display.

“This is an innovative approach that allows students to train on ‘real time’ cargo air drops, parachute drops and emergencies, including wing fires, hydraulic leaks and engine smoke,” said Mark McGraw, Boeing vice president of Training Systems & Services.

“This modification opens the door to future upgrades that could enable simulated mission operations with separate cockpit flight simulators, where the CPTT could ‘fly’ with the cockpit simulator on a common mission.”

The team’s latest effort is part of an ongoing development program for the CV-22 CPTT, which also includes trainer concurrency, providing on-budget, on-schedule, tactically relevant training to the warfighter.

The V-22 Osprey is a tiltrotor aircraft manufactured by Boeing Rotorcraft Systems and Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. [NYSE: TXT] company. Bell and Boeing are teamed in a Strategic Alliance Agreement for the design, production, and sustainment of the V-22.

Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tilt rotor aircraft.

Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell’s global work force serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.

More information is available at bellhelicopter.com.

About Textron Inc.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services.

Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems.

More information is available at textron.com.

About Boeing Integrated Defense Systems

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world’s largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft.

Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Alison Sheridan, 314-232-8187
Boeing Media Relations
alison.sheridan@boeing.com

Boeing to Upgrade Air Force CV-22 Trainer With Virtual Reality Enhancements | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The new high school, which is located at 1301 W. 14^th St., currently has 127 freshman student-cadets. AFAHS will add one new class per year until it has a full roster of freshmen through seniors.

AFAHS is CPS’s sixth, and newest, military academy high school, and will offer a college preparatory curriculum by placing a strong emphasis on aerospace science, engineering, reading and writing.

In line with the Air Force JROTC program, student-cadets will also develop their leadership skills in an environment that promotes citizenship, community service, responsibility, character and self-discipline.

The opening ceremony included addresses by school leaders and special guests, a video presentation to attendees and the recitation by student-cadets of the Air Force JROTC Guiding Principles.

AFAHS has a partnership with the Adler Planetarium that promotes its science and engineering curriculum. Every five weeks, the school’s entire student body, along with staff, will spend an instructional day at the planetarium conducting experiments and participating in presentations and hands-on experiences presented by the Adler and AFAHS staffs.

“This unique partnership will benefit all of our students, and our visits to the Adler are a far cry from your average school field trip,” said CPT Yashika Tippett-Eggleston, AFAHS Superintendent/Principal. “These experiences will augment our other science and engineering offerings and help prepare our students to achieve their full potential.”

The high school will employ Air Force JROTC instruction, which is conducted by U.S. Air Force-certified retired commissioned and non-commissioned officers. Student-cadets will have daily formations, wear Air Force JROTC uniforms and be presented with a variety of leadership opportunities.

For coursework offered around aerospace science, freshmen will learn about frontiers in aviation history; sophomores will study the science of flights; juniors will examine space exploration; and seniors will investigate aerospace careers and manage the cadet corps.

Leadership instruction, by year, includes: for freshmen, customs and courtesies; for sophomores, effective communications skills; for juniors, management and ethics; and for seniors, college preparation.

Chicago Public Schools’ Air Force Academy High School Marks Ceremonial Opening; New Military High School Opens | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

During the test, the C-130H aircraft took off from Kirtland Air Force Base near Albuquerque and fired a high-power chemical laser through its beam control system while flying over White Sands Missile Range.

The beam control system guided the laser beam’s energy to the unoccupied, remotely controlled target, striking the vehicle and putting a hole in a fender.

The test demonstrated the ability to aim and fire a high-energy laser beam at a moving target.

“In this test, a directed energy weapon successfully demonstrated direct attack on a moving target,” said Gary Fitzmire, vice president and program director of Boeing Missile Defense Systems’ Directed Energy Systems unit.

“ATL has now precisely targeted and engaged both stationary and moving targets, demonstrating the transformational versatility of this speed-of-light, ultra-precision engagement capability that will dramatically reduce collateral damage.”

The test occurred less than three weeks after an Aug. 30 test in which ATL damaged an unoccupied stationary vehicle, marking the aircraft’s first air-to-ground, high-power laser engagement of a tactically representative target.

Boeing developed ATL for the Air Force. ATL demonstrations support the development of laser defense systems that will destroy, damage or disable targets on the battlefield and in urban operations with little to no collateral damage.

The Boeing-led ATL industry team includes L-3 Communications/Brashear, which built the laser turret; HYTEC Inc., which made a variety of the weapon system’s structural elements; and J.B. Henderson, which provides mechanical integration support.

Boeing leads the way in developing and integrating laser systems for a variety of customers, including the U.S. Air Force, Army and Navy.

Besides ATL, these systems include the Airborne Laser, Free Electron Laser, High Energy Laser Technology Demonstrator and Tactical Relay Mirror System.

About Boeing Integrated Defense Systems

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world’s largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft.

Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Marc Selinger, 703-414-6138
Boeing Missile Defense Systems
marc.selinger@boeing.com

Chuck Cadena, 703-872-4503
Boeing Missile Defense Systems
chuck.cadena@boeing.com

Boeing Advanced Tactical Laser Strikes Moving Target in Test | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The Boeing-built WGS-2 satellite was launched on April 3 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., and handed over to the Air Force on June 15 for extensive on-orbit testing.

The first WGS satellite began supporting U.S. and allied operations across the entire Pacific in April 2008 and has met and exceeded the Air Force’s expectations.

“With its outstanding capacity, operational flexibility and performance, WGS is fast becoming the satellite communications workhorse for the U.S. armed forces,” said Col. Bill Harding, Vice Commander of the Military Satellite Communications Systems Wing at the Air Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center in Los Angeles. “The smooth handover of WGS-2 earlier this summer and the successful start of operations clearly demonstrate the government and contractor team’s effective plan for the WGS system.”

The WGS satellites — part of the U.S. Defense Department’s highest-capacity satellite communications system — address the military’s growing need for high-bandwidth communications.

The WGS satellites are augmenting and will eventually replace the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) constellation. One WGS satellite can support more than 12 times the capacity of one DSCS satellite.

“Boeing is committed to the success of the WGS mission because it provides such valuable service to the brave men and women in our military services, who need and deserve the best,” said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager, Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. “The successful operation of WGS-2 marks another great milestone for the WGS system and contributes to the overall success of Boeing’s satellite programs this year.”

The WGS satellites are built on the proven Boeing 702 platform with 13 kilowatts of power, reconfigurable coverage areas, and the ability to connect X-band and Ka-band users anywhere within their field of view via an onboard digital channelizer.

The cross-banding capability and reconfigurable X- and Ka-band coverages are not available on any other satellite communications system.

Boeing is building three Block I and three Block II WGS satellites for the Air Force.

WGS-3 is the final satellite in the Block I series and is scheduled for launch later this year. The Block II satellites will include a radio frequency bypass designed to support airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms requiring additional bandwidth and are planned for launch in 2011 and 2012.

About Boeing Integrated Defense Systems

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world’s largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft.

Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Bob Pickard, 310-364-6125
Space & Intelligence Systems
robert.pickard3@boeing.com

Angie Yoshimura, 310-364-6708
Space & Intelligence Systems
angie.e.yoshimura@boeing.com

Boeing’s Second Wideband Global SATCOM Satellite Fully Operational, Providing Communications Services to US and Allied Forces in Middle East | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The test demonstrated that the Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) software upgrade meets all contractual system requirements. SAASM is designed to protect GPS receivers against fake satellite signals sent by adversaries.

“The completion of these tests continues the program’s outstanding performance record and demonstrates the benefits of our continuous-improvement program,” said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. “The team’s emphasis on system integration and risk reduction provides the Air Force with high confidence in our ability to continue to meet the GPS mission and maintain the 100 percent system performance we have delivered since the new OCS went operational in 2007.”

Boeing is now working with the Air Force in the operations suitability test phase to verify the software is ready to fly the constellation, and is incorporating final operator-requested changes with the goal of providing operational capability of the new security measures later this year.

Also, using GPS IIF Space Vehicle 2 on the ground at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida and connected to the OCS at Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado, Boeing and the Air Force have successfully completed the first in a series of combined system tests that verify the OCS and GPS IIF space vehicle work together to perform the GPS missions.

Enabling SAASM within the OCS will deliver a new mission capability to the GPS constellation and synchronize space, control and user equipment for military implementation.

The OCS keeps the GPS system operational within specified accuracy to perform global civil, commercial and military operations. Assisted by Boeing, the Air Force began transitioning satellite operations from the previous system in September 2007. The conversion was completed in three phases without any service interruption.

About Boeing Integrated Defense Systems

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world’s largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft.

Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Marc Selinger, 703-414-6138
Space & Intelligence Systems
marc.selinger@boeing.com

Bob Pickard, 310-364-6125
Space & Intelligence Systems
robert.pickard3@boeing.com

Boeing Advances Security Upgrade for U.S. Airforce GPS Ground Control System | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress that Boeing upgraded with Combat Network Communications Technology (CONECT) takes off from the Boeing facility in Wichita, Kan., on Aug. 5, on its way to flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base. The CONECT modification equips the B-52 with 21st century situational awareness and mission flexibility.

The CONECT modification installs a digital communications infrastructure on the B-52 that allows the aircraft to communicate with the Air Force’s digital communications network and tie in with Air Force command-and-control centers, ground forces and other platforms. One major upgrade is the aircraft’s new ability to receive updated mission information and re-tasking data while in flight.

“A lot can change from the time the B-52 takes off for its mission to when it arrives in theater,” said Kroening. “By tapping into the Air Force’s digital network, the B-52 can send and receive real-time, updated information.”

This first B-52 CONECT aircraft made its initial flight from the Boeing facility in Wichita, Kan., in May after a 21-month modification. After the flight test program is complete, all 76 aircraft in the Air Force fleet will receive the CONECT upgrade.

About Boeing Integrated Defense Systems

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world’s largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jennifer Hogan, 405-818-7859
Global Services & Support Communications
jennifer.c.hogan@boeing.com

Boeing B-52 With Combat Network Communications Upgrade Enters Flight Test | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

“These training system upgrades deliver advanced capabilities to our Finnish Air Force customer,” said Mark McGraw, vice president of Boeing Training Systems and Services. “Finnish F-18 Hornet pilots at one site will now be able to engage in shared training sessions with pilots at other sites and fly virtual missions together via an industry-recognized high-level architecture, which ensures simulation devices can talk and share data over the network.”

The WTSAT features a simulated head-up display, three Debrief Stations (DBS), an upgraded flight program simulation, and enhanced Instructor-Operator Station capabilities.

This delivery also included upgrades for three Deployable Tactics Trainers (DTTs) delivered in December 2007.

“We have made it easier for the customer to conduct networked training and run their missions,” said John Gilbert, WTSAT program manager for Boeing. “The WTSATs, DTTs, and DBS can now interact simultaneously on simulated missions and debriefs. Training missions that previously required an instructor at each site now can be accomplished with one instructor controlling all the scenarios from one location.”

The upgrades integrate a supplier’s visual system with Boeing hardware and software. A single software baseline runs in all three devices.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world’s largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Stacey Holloway
Boeing Media Relations
314-777-6438
stacey.r.holloway@boeing.com

Boeing Upgrades F-18 Training Systems for Finnish Air Force | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Boeing will analyze network operations, develop procedures and processes, and apply tools that will enhance network command and control capabilities. The results of the study will be demonstrated at the Air Force Research Laboratory.

“This award recognizes Boeing’s ability to support the Air Force with the solutions they need to improve command and control of their network assets,” said Steve Oswald, vice president and general manager of Boeing Intelligence and Security Systems. “Boeing’s technology solution provides the Air Force with tools to enhance their network architecture, giving them secure, positive measures to ensure mission success.”

Boeing, along with subsidiaries Federated Software Group (FSG) and Tapestry Solutions, will demonstrate a test system that maintains positive command and control of cyber assets through automated alerts and actions. The system will enable the Air Force to perform its missions under all network conditions.

Technical and programmatic leadership of the program will be accomplished at Boeing facilities in Anaheim, Calif., and Herndon, Va., building on cyber architecture and technologies developed for a variety of internal and government customers.

The system will include Boeing’s Common Enterprise Mission Oriented Architecture, a network service-oriented architecture middleware solution that allows easy generalization of network interfaces and automated services and provides seamless integration of new features and capabilities without network disruption.

Tapestry and FSG are among several companies Boeing acquired in 2008 that support the company’s growth strategy in operations support and technology development.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world’s largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Michelle Roby, 703-414-6335
michelle.roby@boeing.com
Boeing Intelligence & Security Systems

Deborah Bosick, 703-872-4505
deborah.d.bosick@boeing.com
Boeing Intelligence & Security Systems

Boeing Awarded $1.2 Million Air Force Contract to Demonstrate Cyber Attack Command and Control Solutions | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Boeing today unveiled the first of 24 F/A-18F Block II Super Hornets for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during a ceremony at Boeing Integrated Defense Systems' production facilities in St. Louis. The aircraft will be delivered later this month, three months ahead of schedule.

The remaining 23 Super Hornets, each equipped with the Raytheon-built APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, will be delivered to the RAAF throughout 2010 and 2011.

“The RAAF Super Hornet will bring a new generation of air power to Australia,” said Group Capt. Steve Roberton, Head Air Combat Transition Office, RAAF. “Its advanced, networked weapons system will deliver enhanced air combat capability across the spectrum of air-to-air, strategic land attack and maritime strike, which is so important for Australia. It is a true multirole aircraft and there’s a lot of excitement on the ground in the Air Combat Group about its arrival.”

The Australian government announced in March 2007 that it would acquire 24 of the F/A-18F multirole fighters, making that country the first international Super Hornet customer.

“The rollout of the first RAAF Block II Super Hornet is an important and exciting milestone for all of the Australian and U.S. team members, who have accomplished a great deal of significant work to make this event possible,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Mark Darrah, F/A-18 and EA-18 program manager, PMA-265. “Our long and successful relationship has been mutually beneficial during the RAAF classic Hornet program, and taking this next logical step with the acquisition of the Super Hornet is a win-win for both nations. The Super Hornet’s inherent tactical capabilities and ability to force multiply speak for themselves.”

The Block II F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a multirole aircraft, able to perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum, including air superiority, day/night strike with precision-guided weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defenses, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and tanker missions. Boeing has delivered more than 395 F/A-18E/Fs to the U.S. Navy. Every Super Hornet produced has been delivered on or ahead of schedule.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world’s largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Philip Carder, +1 314-234-6516
philip.b.carder@boeing.com
F/A-18 Communications
Boeing Integrated Defense Systems

Mary Ann Brett, +1 314-234-7111
mary.a.brett@boeing.com
International Communications
Boeing Integrated Defense Systems

Boeing Debuts First Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornet | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.