Monday, October 05, 2009

DTN News: Boeing ~ Early-Infantry Brigade Combat Team Capabilities Complete Key Test

DTN News: Boeing ~ Early-Infantry Brigade Combat Team Capabilities Complete Key Test *Source: DTN News / Boeing (NSI News Source Info) ST. LOUIS, USA - October 5, 2009: Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced Oct. 1, 2009., that Early-Infantry Brigade Combat Team (E-IBCT) capabilities, including unmanned ground and air vehicles, sensors, precision launch systems and network integration kits, completed a Limited User Test on Sept. 12 at Fort Bliss, Texas. The Future Integration Test Directorate, United States Army Operational Test Command, under the direction of Maneuver Test Director Col. Steven Duke, led the effort of 256 Soldiers, Department of the Army civilians and contractors as they collected data for a Limited User Test to provide input to the Army Evaluation Center on the effectiveness, suitability and survivability of the E-IBCT systems. OTC test support teams work around the clock to harvest data during a Limited User Test on Early-Infantry Brigade Combat Team spin out systems at White Sands. Photo courtesy of USAOTC. The Limited User Test was a three-week, soldier-driven independent review of the maturity, readiness, and functionality of E-IBCT capabilities that was developed and overseen by the Army Test and Evaluation Command. Results will be compiled in an assessment report later this year as part of the process leading to limited-rate initial production. These capabilities are planned to be fielded to seven Infantry Brigade Combat Teams beginning in 2011. Boeing, along with its teammate Science Applications International Corp. [NYSE: SAI], is the prime contractor for the development and fielding of the E-IBCT effort, which is also known as Increment 1. Additional increments are planned by the Army as part of the Army Brigade Combat Team Modernization strategy. "The completion of the Limited User Test is another important milestone in fielding enhanced capabilities to our soldiers as soon as possible," said Gregg Martin, Boeing vice president and program manager. "We look forward to working with our Army customer in moving toward a production decision later this year." These E-IBCT capabilities, developed out of the Future Combat Systems program and now transitioned to support the Army Brigade Combat Team Modernization effort, will provide soldiers with enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, as well as increased survivability and lethality. Initial capabilities include: *Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle: a robotic system capable of reconnaissance missions in dangerous or difficult situations such as entering buildings, caves and tunnels *Class I Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV): a small, soldier-operated UAV that can hover for reconnaissance and surveillance while providing target acquisition *Unattended Ground Sensors: multi-mode surveillance sensors for target detection, location and classification, with an imaging capability for identification *Non-Line-of-Sight Launch System: an unmanned missile system capable of extended range targeting and precision attack *Network Integration Kit: an integrated computer system that hosts the latest communications and radio systems and battle command software, providing the initial network connectivity needed to transfer sensor and communication data. SAIC is a FORTUNE 500® scientific, engineering and technology applications company that uses its deep domain knowledge to solve problems of vital importance to the nation and the world, in national security, energy and the environment, critical infrastructure, and health. The company's approximately 45,000 employees serve customers in the U.S. Department of Defense, the intelligence community, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, other U.S. Government civil agencies and selected commercial markets. SAIC had annual revenues of $10.1 billion for its fiscal year that ended January 31, 2009. For more information, visit http://www.saic.com/. SAIC: From Science to Solutions® 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.

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