Boeing Makes Network-Centric Advances in 2008

ST. LOUIS --- Significant milestones in major network systems programs -- like the U.S. Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS), the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system and the SBInet component of the Department of Homeland Security's Secure Border Initiative -- added up to a successful 2008 for the network-centric information-sharing technologies business at Boeing.>> "We continue to provide our diverse customer base with networked solutions from across The Boeing Company," said Nan Bouchard, vice president and general manager of Boeing C3 Networks. "Successful implementation of many of these systems in operational modes provides increased mission effectiveness for our customers and a solid foundation for future growth in Boeing's networked systems business.">> The following are some of Boeing's network-centric highlights from the year:>> Boeing made several advances with its network-enabled, complex, large-scale "system of systems" solutions such as FCS, GMD and SBInet. FCS, during the U.S. Air Force-led Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment 2008, enabled situational awareness among ground and air assets and called for joint network fires to engage a target. Using data gathered from multiple sensors, GMD successfully tracked and intercepted a target warhead in the most challenging test of the system to date. Boeing also received full government acceptance of its SBInet security solution demonstration, Project 28, which networks cameras, radars, sensors and communications along 28 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border.>> Boeing also opened a new experimentation center in Suffolk, Va., bringing its full modeling, simulation, analysis and experimentation capability to government customers in the high-tech Hampton Roads, Va., area. Suffolk joined Boeing's network of experimentation centers in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.