Defense Acquisitions: Charting a Course for Improved Missile Defense Testing

Defense Acquisitions: Charting a Course for Improved Missile
Defense Testing
"...The Missile Defense Agency's mission is to develop an integrated and
layered BMDS to defend the United States, its deployed forces, allies,
and friends. In order to meet this mission, MDA is developing a highly
complex system of systems--land, sea and space based sensors,
interceptors and battle management. Since its initiation in 2002, MDA
has been given a significant amount of flexibility in executing the
development and fielding of the BMDS. To enable MDA to field and
enhance a missile defense system quickly, the Secretary of Defense in
2002 delayed the entry of the BMDS program into the Department of
Defense's traditional acquisition process until a mature capability was
ready to be handed over to a military service for production and
operation. Therefore, the program concurrently develops, tests and
fields assets. This approach helped MDA rapidly deploy an initial
capability. On the other hand, because MDA can field assets before all
testing is completed, it has fielded some assets whose capability is
uncertain.

Because MDA develops and fields assets continuously, it combines
developmental testing with operational testing. In general,
developmental testing is aimed at determining whether the system design
will satisfy the desired capabilities; operational testing determines
whether the system is effective, survivable, and suitable in the hands
of the user. MDA conducts testing both on the ground and in flight. The
most complex of these is an end-to-end flight test that involves a test
of all phases of an engagement including detecting, tracking and
destroying a target with an interceptor missile. An end-to-end
intercept involves more than one MDA element. For example, a recent
intercept test involved a target flown out of Kodiak, Alaska, tracked
by the AN/TPY-2 radar located in Alaska, and the Beale upgraded early
warning radar located in California, the Sea-based X-band radar and an
Aegis radar located at different points in the Pacific. All of the
radars communicated with fire control centers in Alaska to guide an
interceptor launched from California to hit the target over the Pacific
Ocean.

Due to the complexity, scale, safety constraints, and cost involved,
MDA is unable to conduct a sufficient number of flight tests to fully
understand the performance of the system. Therefore, MDA utilizes
models and simulations, anchored by flight tests, to understand both
the developmental and operational performance of the system. To ensure
confidence in the accuracy of modeling and simulation the program goes
through a process called accreditation. The models are validated
individually using flight and other test data and accredited for their
intended use. Models and simulations are used prior to a flight test to
predict performance, the flight test is then run to gather data and
verify the models, and then data is analyzed after the flight and
reconstructed using the models and simulations to confirm their
accuracy.

MDA intends to group these models into system-level representations
according to user needs. One such grouping is the annual performance
assessment, a system-level end-to-end simulation that assesses the
performance of the BMDS configuration as it exists in the field. The
performance assessment integrates element-specific models into a
coherent representation of the BMDS. Fundamentally, performance
assessments anchored by flight tests are a comprehensive means to fully
understand the performance capabilities and limitations of the BMDS.

In addition to testing, modeling and simulation, and performance
assessments, MDA also has a formal process for determining when a newly
fielded asset or group of assets can be declared operational--that is,
cleared for use by the warfighter in operational situations. MDA uses a
variety of information as a basis to assess a new capability for
declaration. For example, MDA will define in advance tests, models, and
simulations it will use to base a specific decision on whether an asset
or capability can be declared ready for fielding. Each capability
designation so designated represents upgraded capacity to support the
overall function of BMDS in its mission as well as the level of MDA
confidence in the system's performance.

To assess testing related progress in fiscal year 2008, we examined the
accomplishments of ten BMDS elements that MDA is developing and
fielding. Our work included examining documents such as Program
Execution Reviews, test plans and reports, and production plans. We
also interviewed officials within each element program office and
within MDA functional directorates. In addition, we discussed each
element's test program and its results with DOD's Office of the
Director, Operational Test and Evaluation. We also interviewed
officials from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for
Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics.

Test, Targets and Performance Challenges Continue During Fiscal Year
2008:

MDA continues to experience difficulties achieving its goals for
testing. During fiscal year 2008, while several tests showed progress
in individual elements and some system level capabilities, all BMDS
elements experienced test delays or shortfalls. Most were unable to
accomplish all objectives and performance challenges continued for
many...."
Reference: www.gao.gov

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Israel readies new anti-missile system

Israel readies new anti-missile system
"...Israel has completed testing its Iron Dome short-range missile defense system, the second component of a planned multi-layered network to shield the Jewish state from missile attack by Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas...."
Reference: www.upi.com

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Employment Spotlight: Raytheon Sr Mgr QA Engineering

Raytheon JLENS Employment

Raytheon Sr Mgr QA Engineering
"...Serve as a Quality Directorate Lead (QDL) within the Quality Cross-Business Team (CBT) supporting the JLENS programs. As a QDL, you will be representing the customer' ™ s best interests, assuring product quality and effectiveness through out the product life cycle, and developing solutions to ensure the program meets customer / end user objectives for Mission Assurance and ensure NoDoubt ' expectations...."
Reference: www.job.com

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Putin threatens new missiles to counter U.S. shield

Putin threatens new missiles to counter U.S. shield
"... Putin warned Tuesday that Russia will have to go ahead with a new class of advanced offensive nuclear missiles if the United States continues with plans to develop a defensive missile shield. ..."
Reference: washingtontimes.com

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Lockheed Martin Missiles & Missile Defense

Lockheed Martin Missiles & Missile Defense
"...Lockheed Martin is a global leader in the design, development and production of missiles and missile defense solutions for the United States and its allies around the world. The goal: Defend against attacks by ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and other airborne threats...."
Reference: www.lockheedmartin.com

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Link 16 military tactical data exchange network

Link 16 military tactical data exchange network
"...a TDMA-based secure, jam-resistant high-speed digital data link which operates over-the-air in the L band portion (969–1206 MHz) of the UHF spectrum. By definition, this limits the exchange of information to users within line-of-sight of one another, although recently emerging technologies provide the means to pass Link 16 data over various long-haul protocols such as TCP/IP and UHF SATCOM. It uses the transmission characteristics and protocols, conventions, and fixed-length (TADIL-J) or variable length(VMF) message formats defined by MIL-STD 6016, STANAG 5516 (formerly the JTIDS technical interface design plan). Information is typically passed at one of three data rates: 31.6, 57.6 or 115.2 kilobits per second, although the radios and waveform itself can support throughputs upwards of 238 kbit/s.

Link 16 information is primarily coded in so called J.-series messages, i.e. binary data words with well-defined meanings. These data words are grouped in functional areas, and allocated to network participation groups (virtual nets), most importantly:..."
Reference: en.wikipedia.org

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Raytheon: Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor (JLENS) System

Raytheon: Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor (JLENS) System
"...a tactical, theater-based, advanced sensor system. The system is elevated by tethered aerostats to enable battlefield commanders to increase their wide-area protection against land-attack cruise missiles.

JLENS provides the long endurance (up to 30 days on station), over-the-horizon detection and tracking capabilities required to defeat the proliferating cruise-missile threat. ..."
Reference: www.raytheon.com


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Tough talk from Russia's Putin on U.S. missile shield

Tough talk from Russia's Putin on U.S. missile shield
"...Putin called Tuesday for the development of new offensive weapons systems to "preserve a strategic balance" with the United States. The Russian leader also demanded that Washington disclose more details of its planned missile defense deployments and technology...."
Reference: www.latimes.com

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U.S. forces to train Poles on air defense

U.S. forces to train Poles on air defense
"...“The agreement will facilitate a range of mutually agreed activities including joint training and exercises, deployments of U.S. military personnel, and prospective Ballistic Missile Defense deployments,” the U.S. State Department said in a news release...."
Reference: www.stripes.com

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St. Louis priest convicted of trespassing at Colorado missile silo facility to protest nukes

St. Louis priest convicted of trespassing at Colorado missile silo facility to protest nukes
"...convicted a 76-year-old Roman Catholic priest from St. Louis of damaging and trespassing on a nuclear missile..."
Reference: www.kdvr.com

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Raytheon missile deals bring in $1 billion

Raytheon missile deals bring in $1 billion
"...Raytheon Co. reports it has landed two contracts worth more than $1 billion from the U.S. Army to provide Patriot missiles for Taiwan...."
Reference: www.masshightech.com

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U.S. tracked launch of new missile Iran claims can evade radar

U.S. tracked launch of new missile Iran claims can evade radar
"...Sejil-2 was designed to penetrate missile defense systems deployed by Israel and the United States. He said the missile was coated with a substance that prevented radar lock-on required for interception...."

Reference: www.worldtribune.com/

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Parker Griffith Cites "Liberal Policies," GOP Support For NASA And Defense Projects

Parker Griffith Cites "Liberal Policies," GOP Support For NASA And Defense Projects
"...Since election to Congress I have fought hard to educate other members on the importance of a strong National Missile Defense program and that we must give our NASA programs more support if we are to maintain our lead in space. And while there are some great Democratic supporters of these programs I increasingly find that my allies in fighting for these initiatives come from within the Republican Party. As we move forward and continue to fight for these programs I believe that working as a Republican -- and joining with Richard Shelby, Jeff Sessions, Robert Aderholt,..."
Reference: theatlantic.com

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Test of newest U.S. missile defense technology will simulate attack by Iran

Test of newest U.S. missile defense technology will simulate attack by Iran
"...January test, the fake ICBM is slated to originate from the Missile Defense Agency's launch facility in the Marshall Islands in the South Pacific while the interceptor missile will be launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, according to Lehner...."
Reference: www.cnn.com

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Former Huntsville missile defense official sentenced for taking bribes

Former Huntsville missile defense official sentenced for taking bribes
"...Michael Cantrell, 54, admitted taking $1.6 million from contractors over a six-year period ending in 2007. He served as the director for the Joint Center for Technology Integration at U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command...."
Reference: blog.al.com

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Employment Spotlight: Supervisory General Engineer (Missile Systems/Intel)

Supervisory General Engineer (Missile Systems/Intel)

This is a Federal employment position found at USAJOBS with the Vacancy Announcement Number: P09-026290-01-TDM. The closing date is December 28, 2009. The position is for a Supervisory General Engineer (Missile Systems/Intel) with the Defense Intelligence Agency in Huntsville, Alabama. The employee serves as Division Chief, Supervisory General Engineer, in the Ballistic Missile Technical Analysis Division, Office for Offensive Systems, Missile and Space Intelligence Center (MSIC), Directorate for Analysis (DI), Redstone Arsenal, AL.
- Exercises technical and administrative supervision over a staff responsible for the operation and management of S and TI analysis programs pertaining to foreign missiles. Establishes goals, objectives, and priorities and develops plans and projects to accomplish these efforts through effective and efficient business practices. Determines and allocates the...[continued]

Reference: usajobs.gov

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Predator drones hacked in Iraq operations

Predator drones hacked in Iraq operations
"...intercepted live video feeds from the U.S. military's Predator drones using a $25.95 Windows application that allows them to track the pilotless aircraft undetected. ..."
Reference: cnet.com
Additional References: SkyGrabber


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Iran missile test sends 'bad signal' to world

Iran missile test sends 'bad signal' to world
"...fired an improved version of its Sejil 2 medium-range missile, which it says can reach..."
Reference: www.canada.com

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DeciBel Research Purchases SGI's ICE Cube

DeciBel Research Purchases SGI's ICE Cube
"...Silicon Graphics International Corp. (SGI: News ) announced that deciBel Research has purchased ICE Cube"..."
Reference: www.rttnews.com

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NLOS-LS Team Uses Warhead to Defeat Stationary Target

NLOS-LS Team Uses Warhead to Defeat Stationary Target
"...WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M., Dec. 1, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- NetFires LLC, a joint venture between Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), completed a test flight of the Non Line-of-Sight-Launch System's Precision Attack Missile using a warhead...."
Reference: www.deagel.com

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Missile Defense Value Must be Explained, Japanese FM Says

Missile Defense Value Must be Explained, Japanese FM Says
"...Under the leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party, Japan has sought to build a missile defense system consisting of land-based Patriot Advanced Capability 3 interceptors and ship-based Standard Missile 3 systems as a hedge against an attack from North Korea. The missile shield, intended largely as a hedge against North Korea, is expected to be finished in 2011, Agence France-Presse reported...."
Reference: www.globalsecuritynewswire.org

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Critics call Poland Patriot missile plan a symbolic gesture

Critics call Poland Patriot missile plan a symbolic gesture
"...U.S. Army Europe officials were in Warsaw working on the agreement shortly before Vice President Joe Biden traveled to Poland last month in the wake of the White House decision to change the Bush administration’s missile defense plan. Biden reassured Polish leaders that the new plan — although scrapping putting long-range missile interceptors in Poland — did not leave the country out of the loop. And he announced that a U.S. Patriot missile battery of about 100 soldiers would soon arrive on Polish soil...."
Reference: www.stripes.com

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Lockheed Martin seeks opportunities in changes

Lockheed Martin seeks opportunities in changes
"...responsible for a number of Lockheed Martin operations based or managed in North Alabama, including supporting the MDA Targets and Countermeasures Program; North Alabama Operations, which includes the Battle Management Technology Center and Courtland production facility; and the company's pursuit of the MDA's Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) Operations and Sustainment contract. ..."
Reference: www.al.com

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Iran waits for Russian word on missile contract: Iranian minister

Iran waits for Russian word on missile contract: Iranian minister
"...Iran has not received official statements from Russia on the breaking of an agreement to transfer S300 missile defense systems to Tehran, Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi said today. He was commenting on information about Russia's refusal to provide the missiles, IRNA reported...."
Reference: en.trend.az

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U.S. Diplomat to Discuss Missile Defense With Czechs

U.S. Diplomat to Discuss Missile Defense With Czechs
"...Under the "third site" plan developed by the Bush administration, the Czech Republic would have hosted a large radar center while 10 long-range missile interceptors would have been deployed in Poland. The Obama administration now intends in coming years to deploy sea- and land-based versions of the Standard Missile 3 interceptor to counter what is seen as a growing threat from Iran..."
Reference: Missile Defensewww.globalsecuritynewswire.org

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