September 25, 2020 | International, C4ISR, Security
WASHINGTON ― Boeing has assembled a team with General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems and Aerojet Rocketdyne to bid to build the Missile Defense Agency's Next Generation Interceptor (NGI).
The agency decided last year to scrap its plans to redesign the kill vehicle of its current Ground-Based Interceptors (GBI) that is part of the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system designed to defend the homeland against possible intercontinental ballistic missiles from North Korea and Iran.
The MDA is holding a competition instead to design a brand new interceptor for the GMD system.
The company has an extensive history with the GMD system in place at Fort Greely, Alaska, and Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, having held the development and sustainment contract for years. That contract is set to expire in 2023 and MDA is weighing options to break up that contract to foster competition that promotes increased capability.
“The Boeing-led team will deliver critical technology to enhance our homeland missile defense,” Norm Tew, Boeing Missile and Weapon Systems vice president, said in a Sept. 24 statement. “Combined, we bring decades of expertise in proven missile and weapon systems.”
An NGI “requires a new way of thinking supported by a proven ability to deliver pioneering solutions,” Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS, said in a separate company statement issued Sept. 24. “We are excited to partner with Boeing to deliver the disruptive technologies needed to help MDA rapidly deploy an interceptor system that bolsters the nation's missile defense network and ensures that the U.S., our allies, and partner nations maintain military overmatch against ever evolving threats from adversaries.”
Aerojet Rocketdyne will supply the propulsion system. “As the country's premier hit-to-kill propulsion provider, we're able to deliver low-cost, high-performance systems by leveraging our skilled workforce and strategic investments in innovative technology and materials,” Eileen Drake, Aerojet Rocketdyne CEO, said in the Boeing statement.
Boeing reports the team submitted its NGI offering to MDA on Aug. 12.
Also according to the statement, Northrop Grumman will serve as a “component supplier” on the Boeing team.
Northrop is also teaming up separately with Raytheon to compete against the Boeing team and Lockheed Martin. Raytheon was the developer of the now-canceled RKV.
MDA aims to downselect to two companies later this year, who will then compete for the right to build the interceptor.
Proposals were due July 31, but MDA noted in its request for proposals that there may be some give in that schedule due to the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
The agency requested $664.1 million in fiscal year 2021 for the NGI program, as part of a $4.9 billion five-year budget plan.
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The US Navy has officially signed a contract to purchase a used C-130J Super Hercules aircraft from the British Royal Air Force. The aircraft will replace the C-130T, nicknamed Fat Albert, used by the Blue Angels flying demonstration team. The contract was signed in Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group's chalet at the Royal International Air Tattoo. Fat Albert has served the Blue Angels for 17 years since 2002, providing logistics and transportation. It retired in May this year. The aircraft flew more than 30,000 hours and now serves as a ground-based training platform in Fort Worth, Texas. The flying demonstration team will continue to fly US Navy or Marine Corps C-130s until the arrival of the replacement C-130J aircraft. US Naval Air Systems Command Air, ASW, Assault and Special Mission Programs Program executive officer major general Gregory Masiello said: “We are very much looking forward to taking delivery of the aircraft and are very grateful to both the UK MoD and Marshall for enabling this transaction and know that the C-130 Hercules will be a valuable addition to our flying demonstration team.” Marshall is tasked with the job of delivering maintenance, painting and modifications to the US Navy's new C-130J that is being acquired from the RAF. RAF Number 2 Group commanding officer air vice-marshal David Cooper said: “This is a superb indication of the co-operation between the militaries of the UK and the US. We know that this C-130 Hercules will serve the US Navy as well as it has served the RAF.” Blue Angels is the US Navy's flight demonstration squadron https://www.naval-technology.com/news/us-navy-signs-contract-to-buy-fat-albert-replacement-aircraft/