Defense and Space

Boeing is eliminating the artificial boundaries between organizations and functions, creating a more efficient, cost-effective process for the development of new military and space products.

Ensuring that every product and service represents excellent value enables Boeing to be competitive and profitable in a very demanding market.

In developing the F-22 fighter for the Air Force, Boeing and Lockheed Martin are using "Integrated Product Teams" that bring together experts from many disciplines to share ideas and information with the customer to ensure the end product fully meets program objectives for cost and performance. This team concept, pioneered on the F-22, is being employed on all new defense and space programs. In 1995, after an intensive review, the Air Force validated the F-22 design, clearing the way for the production of nine flight-test and two ground-test aircraft. Flight testing of the first F-22 is scheduled for 1997.

Listening to our customers and understanding their needs is an integral part of our strategy for long-term competitiveness.

As prime contractor for the International Space Station, Boeing is leading the U.S. industry team in the largest international venture in science and technology ever undertaken. The program is on track for the assembly in space of major components starting in 1997. Future space programs we are competing for include NASA’s preliminary study for a reusable rocket to replace the shuttle and a new family of expendable launch rockets for the U.S. Air Force. In 1995 we took our first major step into the commercial space market with Sea Launch, a joint venture with Russian, Ukrainian and Norwegian companies to launch satellites from a floating platform in the Pacific Ocean. Hughes Space and Communication Co. has ordered a series of at least 10 commercial satellite launches from Sea Launch starting in 1998.

Our clear focus on improving the quality of both our products and processes is achieving results throughout the defense and space organization.

A military version of the Boeing 767 has become the new AWACS aircraft, succeeding the venerable 707 airframe. AWACS aircraft, which are easily recognizable because of the large rotodome above the fuselage, conduct airborne surveillance, as well as command and control communications, for tactical and air defense forces. Japan has ordered four 767 AWACS, with deliveries to begin in early 1998. Several other nations have also expressed interest in 767 AWACS. The Boeing 767 is well suited for a range of other possible military applications, including the important aerial tanker role.

The Boeing-Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche, prototype for the U.S. Army’s 21st Century reconnaissance and attack helicopter, completed its first flight in early 1996. An additional prototype for flight testing is in production. Boeing is responsible for developing the Comanche’s digital flight controls, avionics and communications system, and producing the aft fuselage and tail rotor.

Boeing is testing its design concept for the Joint Advanced Strike Technology (JAST) program to meet the post-2000 requirement for an affordable, multi-role high performance fighter aircraft. Boeing has successfully completed nearly 5,000 hours of tests on its JAST design concept. At stake is a contract that could result in the development of the next-generation strike aircraft for U.S. and allied forces.

Photo at right. Boeing is teamed with Bell Helicopter Textron to develop the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor for use by the U.S. Marine Corps and Special Forces Operations. The assembly of four advanced prototypes for flight testing and two for ground testing will be completed in 1996. Current plans call for V-22 production aircraft to be fielded with military units as early as 1999.