Northrop Grumman has successfully completed the first of two key fiscal 2006 tests for the Kinetic Energy Interceptor battle management capability, dubbed the KEI Fire Control and Communications system. The test was completed five weeks ahead of schedule on March 1 when the Continental KEI system at Schriever AFB, Colo. demonstrated a capability to direct sensor data from satellite constellations to a deployed battery to increase boost phase engagement accuracy. The interceptor itself is on track for a booster flight test in 2008.
House lawmakers are encouraging the Air Force and U.S. Special Operations Command to work together as each pursues long-range, long-endurance reconnaissance drones. Both entities are investing in unmanned assets that can slip into highly defended areas, loiter over a particularly valuable target for days at a time, and traverse multiple…