Rockwell's AGM-130 Standoff Weapon System maintains perfect record during U.S. Air Force weapon system evaluation.

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 29, 1996--The U.S. Air Force successfully launched four Rockwell AGM-130 Standoff Weapon Systems during the annual Weapon System Evaluation Program (WSEP), Combat Hammer 96-10, scoring four direct hits.

The AGM-130 has been tested at WSEP for the past three years and holds a perfect record. A total of 17 AGM-130s have been launched since the weapon was added to the evaluation program.

All launches were conducted at the Utah Test and Training Range, Salt Lake City, where Air Force crews from the 3rd Wing at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, launched four AGM-130s. The AGM-130 impacts were within feet of the target.

"The 4-for-4 AGM-130 successes brings the total production weapon launches to 34 with a 100 percent scoring record," said Frank Robbins, U.S. Air Force AGM-130/GBU-15 program director.

"The AGM-130 is proving to be the most reliable precision attack weapon system that the Air Force has in inventory today. This weapon system not only meets today's threats but, with the introduction of the improved infrared seeker and midcourse guidance, is well-postured for adverse weather requirements," he said.

"AGM-130 gives tactical aircraft and crews an unmatched combination of standoff range, surgical accuracy, effective payload, mission flexibility and affordability," said Robert D. Paster, president of Rockwell's Autonetics and Missile Systems Division (A&MSD), the prime contractor for the AGM-130 program.

"Weapon cost continues to decline even with incorporation of the latest technology in Inertial Navigation System/Global Positioning System guidance and state-of-the-art infrared imagery," he said.

During the evaluation program, one weapon was deployed from 10,000 feet altitude and a range of 19 nautical miles from the target. Three weapons were deployed from 7,500 feet altitude and 14 nautical miles from the target.

After release, all weapons flew under rocket power at a predetermined cruise altitude of 2,000 feet. The weapons descended to a 1,000-foot altitude under the command of the aircrew upon reaching the target area.

"The AGM-130 is in production and is now operational," said William R. Nicholson, Rockwell AGM-130/GBU-15 director. "More than 300 AGM-130s have been delivered to the Air Force to date."

Rockwell received a $63.6 million contract in March for inventory modernization and follow-on production of an additional 100 weapons. In total, the U.S. Air Force has ordered more than 600 AGM-130 weapon systems.

Rockwell's Aerospace and Defense businesses, with annual worldwide sales of approximately $3 billion, are world leaders in manned space systems; space power and propulsion; satellites; missile defense systems; aircraft and aerostructures; aircraft modernization; guidance and navigation; command, control and communications; ship systems; tactical missiles; and sensors.

Pending approvals, these units will become Boeing North American Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., in the fall of 1996. -0-

NOTE: Rockwell's World Wide Web Site: http://www.rockwell.com.

CONTACT: Rockwell Defense Electronics

Robert A. Algarotti, 770/497-5440

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Cynthia A. Taylor, 714/762-7775

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