DTN News: Boeing Delivers Upgrades For US Air Force ICBM Security System

DTN News: Boeing Delivers Upgrades For US Air Force ICBM Security System *Source: DTN News / Boeing (NSI News Source Info) ANAHEIM, Calif., - November 4, 2009: The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] Nov 3 yesterday announced that it has delivered upgraded cryptography devices to Northrop Grumman Corporation and the U.S. Air Force for the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) system. The devices provide additional communications security between the missile system's launch control centers and launch facilities. The new devices are part of the ICBM Cryptography Upgrade (ICU) program for ICBM missile wings at Air Force bases F.E. Warren in Wyoming, Malmstrom in Montana and Minot in North Dakota. Boeing designed, developed and delivered the replacement units and supporting technical data, trainers, support equipment, and code processing system modifications. (Image/photo LGM-30G Minuteman, Intercontinental ballistic missile ~ ICBM). "Enabling the Air Force to install these units is a vital step as we work together to enhance the security of this important nuclear deterrent," said Peggy Morse, director of Boeing Strategic Missile Systems. "It's also one of the Air Force's main requirements for full operational capability of the ICU program." The U.S. Air Force and Aerojet announced the successful full-scale, full-duration static test of an advanced second-stage motor for the ICBM program. Aerojet stated the test was conducted at simulated altitude conditions to mimic zero atmospheric pressure at a U.S. Air Force development center in Tennessee. The purpose of the test was to measure flight performance in a realistic environment. It was the second test of the advanced second-stage motor, A2S, following a sea-level test in June. The A2S motor applies to the U.S. Air Force Propulsion Application Program, which is intended to develop the next general of ICBM-sized motors for increased propulsion at a lower cost. ICU is one element of the ICBM Prime Integration Contract led by Northrop Grumman. The program sustains and modernizes the United States' Minuteman III weapon system, extending its service life well into the future. Boeing has been a teammate on the Northrop Grumman-led ICBM Prime Team since 1998 and has played a key role in ICBM development, design, production and maintenance since Minuteman I was conceptualized in 1958. 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.