Boeing News: Boeing to Develop High-Brightness Laser
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., May 12, 2011 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has received a $4.2 million, 16-month contract to design and develop a 25-kilowatt high-brightness laser for the Pentagon's High Energy Laser – Joint Technology Office (HEL-JTO). Boeing will develop the solid-state, electric laser based on the highly efficient Thin Disk Laser (TDL) technology.
The project's goal is to demonstrate that the performance of a TDL-based system is consistent with the HEL-JTO Robust Electric Laser Initiative program objectives of high brightness and high electrical efficiency.
Boeing's approach incorporates a series of commercial, off-the-shelf lasers used in many industries for cutting and welding metal parts. These proven industrial lasers have demonstrated high reliability and the associated support and maintenance benefits. Successful completion of this 16-month effort could lead to the development and production of operational versions of the laser system.
"The Thin Disk Laser project provides a great opportunity for Boeing and the Pentagon to advance the efficiency and performance of solid-state laser technology," said Mike Rinn, vice president of Boeing Directed Energy Systems. "As we work the details of this project, we are building on Boeing's industry leadership in the integration of high-power laser devices. Our team is proud to be on the forefront of directed energy capabilities."
A high-power, solid-state directed energy weapon has the ability to damage, disable or destroy targets at the speed of light, with little to no collateral damage. The laser also can flexibly support missions on the battlefield as well as in urban operations.
Boeing Directed Energy Systems, based in Albuquerque, N.M., is developing advanced laser concepts and systems to address multiple defense requirements. Key DES programs include the Airborne Laser Test Bed, funded by the Missile Defense Agency; the High Energy Laser Technology Demonstrator, funded by the U.S. Army; the Free Electron Laser, commissioned by the U.S. Navy; and the Tactical Relay Mirror System, being developed for the U.S. Air Force and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security 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 Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 66,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.
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Boeing Awarded 5th US Air Force Combat Survivor Evader Locator Contract
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., May 11, 2011 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] received a $21.4 million contract from the U.S. Air Force March 31 to manufacture and deliver an additional 2,424 Combat Survivor Evader Locator (CSEL) combat search and rescue radios. Boeing has delivered more than 43,900 CSEL radios to the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps. Today’s agreement is the fifth CSEL contract for the Air Force.
"When minutes count, CSEL allows rescue teams to precisely locate isolated personnel using multi-satellite, over-the-horizon communications and GPS," said Boeing CSEL Program Manager Steve Capps. "Boeing CSEL radios save lives by providing real-time communications capabilities and enhanced coordination with a downed pilot."
Today's full-rate CSEL production order includes radio sets and adapter spares, rechargeable batteries, and battery adapters. The contract calls for delivery of all components by April 2012.
CSEL is the Department of Defense's program of record for combat search and rescue communications. With this contract award, the joint U.S. forces have ordered more than 46,000 CSEL units. The radios also are available to other U.S. government service branches through the General Services Administration.
The multifunction CSEL radio gives combat forces a cost-effective, tactical advantage with its unique communication and message encryption techniques. With CSEL, rescue teams can locate isolated personnel quickly after receiving a call for help.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security 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 Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 66,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.
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Boeing Investor Conference Executive Presentations to be Webcast May 24
CHICAGO, May 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) on May 24 will webcast its annual investor conference, starting at approximately 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time. The presenters will be:
- Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jim McNerney
- Corporate President and Chief Financial Officer James Bell
- Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh
- Commercial Airplanes Vice President and General Manager, 787, Scott Fancher
- Defense, Space and Security President and CEO Dennis Muilenburg
The webcast is expected to end at approximately 12:15 p.m. Pacific Time. Individuals should check that website prior to the event to ensure they can access the broadcast.
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