Posted on 09/03/2006 10:44:33 AM PDT by WmShirerAdmirer
WASHINGTON, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- The Boeing Company Friday announced the successful test of a Ground-Based Interceptor against an incoming, or long range, ballistic missile.
The interceptor was launched from the Kodiak Launch Complex in Alaska at 1:22 p.m. Eastern time Friday. At 1:39 pm, an interceptor was launched from from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
"After flying into space, the interceptor released its exo-atmospheric kill vehicle, which proceeded to track the target warhead. ... ," Boeing said. "Although not a primary objective of the test, the kill vehicle intercepted the warhead and destroyed it. This was the first intercept with an operationally configured interceptor."
The company said that the successful test laid the groundwork for the GBI program's planned intercept test later this year.
"Today's successful test is a major accomplishment for the GMD team and demonstrates a significant step in GMD's evolution to a robust and reliable capability for the warfighter," said Pat Shanahan, vice president and general manager of Boeing Missile Defense Systems. "A key radar collected target information and shared it with an operationally configured interceptor, the interceptor used that data to zero in on a target in space, and battle managers oversaw this activity in real time from thousands of miles away. The team is energized and focused as they continue to see the pivotal role they are playing in developing and deploying a missile defense system that protects the United States ."
Boeing is the prime contractor for the GBI program. Its industry partners include Raytheon, Orbital Sciences Corp., and Northrop Grumman.
They would probably want to share this technology with the chicoms and anyone else. Its a good thing BJC isn't in office.
RR was right. Everybody should have it.
And didn't the press report that this just proves the folly of Bush/Rumsfeld's ABM program?
For want of a hinge. /sarc
If our fascist (Boeing) missile defense shoots down an Iranian (Islamo-fascist) or North Korean (fascist) missile, does that make our fascism okay?
I know. hehehe. We will certainly be placing them in Japan, and Taiwan is the next link in the chain with which we bind the Yellow Peril to its wretched, depleted land mass.
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