Kinetic Energy Interceptors Team Completes Key Missile Defense Rocket Motor Test
PROMONTORY, Utah, Nov. 14, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- The Raytheon Company
(NYSE: RTN) and Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) Kinetic Energy Interceptors team
fired a powerful first-stage rocket motor, keeping the KEI program on schedule
for a 2009 booster flight test.
The test demonstrated the operation of the first-stage rocket motor in its
complete flight configuration, using the same thrust vector control system and
interface hardware that will be used for the 2009 flight test.
KEI is designed to be a globally deployable, mobile missile defense
system. It includes a highly maneuverable kill vehicle carried by a quickly
accelerating and very maneuverable missile. This integrated weapon system
provides a persistent, all-weather capability to destroy intermediate and
intercontinental ballistic missiles in their boost to midcourse phases of
flight.
"We are on track for next year's scheduled booster flight test," said
Chuck Ross, Raytheon Missile Systems' vice president of KEI. "The KEI Team has
embraced a test-like-you-fly methodology that provides consistent Mission
Assurance for the program."
Northrop Grumman leads the team charged with developing and testing a KEI
capability for the Missile Defense Agency. Raytheon heads the program's
interceptor development work. Alliant Techsystems is Raytheon's principal
subcontractor and is responsible for performing Stage 1 and Stage 2 rocket-
motor development work. Orbital Sciences will integrate the booster and
prepare range operations for the 2009 flight.
Raytheon Company, with 2007 sales of $21.3 billion, is a technology leader
specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets
throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 86 years, Raytheon
provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other
capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control,
communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission
support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 72,000
people worldwide.
