The Missile Defense Agency, U.S. Navy and Lockheed Martin team successfully intercepted a separating ballistic missile target with the second generation of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system, Aegis BMD 4.0.1, and the Standard Missile-3 Block IB missile. During the test known as Flight Test Mission-18, Aegis BMD 4.0.1 successfully detected, tracked and engaged the…

Aerojet, a GenCorp company, announced June 27 that its rocket motors once again successfully contributed to the second consecutive intercept test of Raytheon’s Standard Missile-3 Block IB. During the test, the missile intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile target. Aerojet’s MK 72 booster and MK 104 dual-thrust rocket motor provided the first- and second-stage propulsion…

A new laboratory that provides thermoplastic composites research for Boeing and other aerospace companies has opened at Enschede in the Netherlands. “With this opening, the Thermoplastics Composites Research Center, or TPRC, is no longer a virtual institute,” said William Gerry, who represents Boeing as chairman of the TPRC board. “The TPRC research team is now…

Forecast International projects that the commercial communications satellite market will be worth $52.7 billion from 2012-2021. According to its “The Market for Commercial Communications Satellites” study, which tracks some 49 satellite production programs, 419 individual communications satellites will be produced during that timeframe. According to the study, high-speed broadband Internet, digital television and video broadcasting,…

The U.S. Navy has awarded Northrop Grumman a $44.3 million contract to integrate high-speed, secure communications and networking systems on an E-6B Mercury aircraft, part of the Take Charge and Move Outstrategic communications relay mission. Navy E-6B TACAMO aircraft provide survivable and reliable airborne command, control and communications between the president of the United States,…

Lockheed Martin received a $27.1 million contract from the U.S. Army for the first phase of a three-year development program that will increase crew protection and update the Army’s fleet of Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) M270A1 mobile rocket launchers. Under the contract, Lockheed Martin will upgrade, assemble and test seven prototype vehicles. Phase one…

The Lockheed Martin commercial geostationary communications satellite fleet has achieved a significant milestone by accumulating 1,000 years of in-orbit operations. JCSAT-13, built for SKY Perfect JSAT, and VINASAT-2, manufactured for Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group, were successfully launched May 15 and are the 100th and 101st satellites in the Lockheed Martin fleet. “Our focus on…

Boeing and Embraer announced June 26 an agreement to collaborate on the KC-390 aircraft program. Under this agreement, Boeing and Embraer will share some specific technical knowledge and evaluate markets where they may join their sales efforts for medium-lift military transport opportunities. “Boeing has extensive experience in military transport and air refueling aircraft, as well…