Air Force to Request Reprogramming of ABL Funds
Pentagon, Washington, D.C. - Jan 5, 2001
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Air Force officials announced today they will request Congressional approval to reprogram $38 million in fiscal year 2001 to support the Airborne Laser (ABL) Program. In addition, the ABL contractor team consisting of Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman will each contribute $20 million this year with the expectation that the AF will reimburse them next year. These actions are necessary to keep the program on track for a 2003 lethal demonstration.
The money is needed to cover contractor efforts that must be conducted now but are not budgeted until later years, in addition to unforeseen technical adjustments that arose during the program's current development phase.
The Airborne Laser is the world's first combat aircraft using a laser to destroy attacking missiles. The program has seen technical challenges typical of the type most programs encounter in the hardware integration phase, when programs move from paper design to a point when actual hardware is being produced and integrated. Technical adjustments were necessary to address integration challenges encountered in airworthiness testing, laser segment, and beam control designs.
Even with these challenges the program has encountered no show-stoppers and has met or exceeded every technical requirement. The Department of Defense's arguably most complex program is still showing only a four percent cost variance today (approximately $22 million) and projecting a cost variance of slightly above five percent at the end of fiscal year 2001.
Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Michael Ryan said, "This program is too important and we intend to keep the program on track for its 2003 missile shoot-down."
"I'm delighted with the AF and ABL contractor team decisions," said Col. Ellen M. Pawlikowski, the ABL program director. "It demonstrates the confidence the Air Force has in our program and reflects the value our leaders place on developing a system designed to protect the American troops in the field from theater ballistic missile attacks."
Mr. Steve Sauve, The Boeing Company Airborne Laser Program Director said, "We remain committed to the program and will do whatever it takes to support the 2003 shoot down with the funding available."
The Airborne Laser, the world's first laser-armed combat aircraft is scheduled to shoot down its first missile in a test over the Pacific Ocean in late 2003. The extra funds will be used to help ensure the program meets this schedule.
The ABL program in its current configuration began in November 1996 when the Air Force dedicated $1.1 billion to three contractors - Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed-Martin - to build the system. Boeing is responsible for the aircraft - a modified 747-400 freighter and the software which will power the battle management system; Northrop Grumman is building the multi-megawatt chemical oxygen-iodine laser that comprises the heart of the system; and Lockheed-Martin is building the optical system, which includes a 1.5 meter telescope that serves as the lens for the laser beam.
The first four years were spent in designing and planning the system. That phase was declared complete last spring. Immediately, ABL went into the integration phase, that portion of the program that encompasses the actual building of the weapons system.
ABL's financial path has not always been smooth. In 1998, Congress cut $25 million from its budget request. The funds caused minor delays in the program schedule and the slow-down was intended to provide additional time to perform a variety of risk reduction efforts. In 1999, at the Pentagon's suggestion, the Presidential budget reduced ABL's proposed funding plan for FY01 by $92 million. However, $85 million was later restored by Congress, bringing ABL's congressionally approved budget total for the current fiscal year to $234 million.
CONTACT:
Bob Smith - Boeing (253) 773-0983
Ken Englade, U.S. Air Force (505) 846-7681