ST. LOUIS, March 31, 2009 --
Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced an agreement with Times Aerospace
Korea, LLC (TAK) to jointly develop a wing assembly for the 2,000-pound
Joint Direct Attack Munition Extended Range (JDAM ER).
"This
teaming agreement is a prime example of Boeing Weapons Programs'
efforts to form strategic partnerships as we develop the systems our
global customers need," said Debra Rub, Weapons Programs vice
president. "Our alliance with TAK is an important step forward in
bringing the expanded capability of JDAM ER to the warfighter."
Under
the teaming arrangement signed Feb. 27, Boeing and TAK will co-develop,
test, and field a JDAM ER wing kit to convert the 2,000-pound JDAM into
a JDAM ER. Over the course of the 40-month development program, Boeing
will provide support to TAK as the Korean company further develops its
aerospace capabilities, including preparations for production of the
JDAM ER wing assembly. Upon successful completion of the development
and flight-test programs, TAK will become Boeing's primary supplier for
the 2,000-pound JDAM ER wing assembly.
JDAM is a
low-cost guidance kit that converts existing unguided free-fall bombs
into accurately guided "smart" weapons. The JDAM kit consists of a tail
section that contains a Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation
System and body strakes for additional stability and lift. The
incorporation of the Extended Range wing kit extends JDAM's standoff
range. The baseline JDAM has been sold to the U.S. Air Force and the
U.S. Navy, as well as to 22 international customers.
TAK, which was established by
Washington Times Aviation, LLC in 2004 in South Korea, is a provider of
helicopter total solutions -- transportation, maintenance and
modification, parts supply -- in Asia. TAK has plans to expand into
aerospace and defense programs.
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.
SOURCE: The Boeing Company
