Boeing to Develop Counter-Electronics High Power Microwave Aircraft

ST. LOUIS, May 15, 2009 – The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] was awarded a $38 million contract April 27 to develop and test a nonlethal, high power microwave (HPM) airborne demonstrator for the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) Counter-electronics High power microwave Advanced Missile Project (CHAMP).

The CHAMP Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD) program will be the first to demonstrate a counter-electronics HPM aerial demonstrator.

“This demonstrator will provide a revolutionary, nonlethal system, allowing the military to neutralize specific targets while minimizing or eliminating collateral damage,” said Keith Coleman, CHAMP program manager for Boeing Phantom Works. “Integrating AFRL’s compact microwave technology with Boeing’s proven air vehicle design and manufacturing expertise could lead the way to a new breed of nonlethal but highly effective systems. HPM is truly a game-changing technology and we are proud to play a role in its transition to the warfighter.”

The three-year program includes ground and flight demonstrations that will focus on technology integration and military utility.

Boeing, as the prime contractor, will provide the airborne platform and serve as the system integrator. Albuquerque, N.M.-based Ktech Corp., the primary subcontractor, will supply the HPM source. Sandia National Laboratories will provide the pulse power system.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.