BAE SYSTEMS Laser Seeker Flight Test Hits Bullseye.

Business Editors

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 6, 2003

BAE SYSTEMS laser seeker successfully guided a 70mm rocket to a second bullseye on a small target nearly two miles from its launch point, Aug. 28. The flight test supports the U.S. Army's Advanced Precision Kill Weapons Systems (APKWS) System Development and Demonstration (SDD) flight test program.

BAE SYSTEMS Distributed Aperture Semi-Active Laser Seeker (DASALS) takes advantage of multiple distributed apertures to effectively convert an unguided munition or rocket into a "precision" weapon that seeks and destroys enemy lightly armored and point targets while preventing collateral damage.

The 70mm laser guided rocket, using a unique mid-body fin-mounted guidance system, hit less than a meter from the target center during a flight test at the U.S. Army's Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. Data and analysis from last month's short-range shot will be used to update simulation models and make adjustments to the autopilot.

"We're optimistic this kind of performance is setting the pace for the remainder of the 25-month SDD that began in February," said Carol Frazier, U.S. Army Aviation Rockets and Missiles program manager, adding its Initial Design Review is set for later this fall.

In March, BAE SYSTEMS Information & Electronic Warfare Systems (IEWS), headquartered in Nashua, N.H., was awarded a $26.7 million contract by the APKWS lead, General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, Burlington, Vt., to develop and demonstrate the guidance section for the APKWS Block I program. APKWS is planned for use on rotary and fixed wing aircraft, unmanned air vehicles, and ground vehicles.

A Controlled Test Vehicle (CTV) was fired last year to verify airframe control and response to guidance commands under an Advanced Technology Demonstration Program. During the test, the CTV also hit the target less than a meter of the target center from a three-mile launch point.

About BAE SYSTEMS:

BAE SYSTEMS is an international company engaged in the development, delivery, and support of advanced defense and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea, and in space. The company designs, manufactures, and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years. It is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defense systems.

BAE SYSTEMS has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company employs more than 90,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately $19 billion through its wholly owned and joint-venture operations.

BAE SYSTEMS North America is a high-technology U.S. company employing more than 25,000 people who live and work in some 30 states, the District of Columbia, and the United Kingdom. The company is dedicated to solving its customers' needs with highly innovative and leading edge solutions across the defense electronics, systems, information technology, and services arenas.

BAE SYSTEMS Information & Electronic Warfare Systems employs 5,700 people at 10 major facilities in eight states. The business unit is a major producer of aircraft self-protection systems and tactical surveillance and intelligence systems for all branches of the armed forces. Other major business areas include microwave, mission and space electronics; infrared imaging; and automated mission planning systems.

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