The FINANCIAL -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] on October 22 announced the successful completion of the Critical Design Review (CDR) of Early-Infantry Brigade Combat Team (E-IBCT) capabilities, another key milestone in U.S. Army modernization efforts.

Boeing, along with Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) [NYSE: SAI], is the prime contractor for the development and fielding of the E-IBCT effort, which is also known as Increment 1. The review was conducted Oct. 14-15 at program headquarters in St. Louis.

"Completing the Critical Design Review is an important step toward the Milestone C decision in December so we can enter low-rate initial production early in 2010," said Derek McLuckey, Boeing Increment 1 program manager. "Our goal is to get these capabilities into the hands of America's soldiers as soon as possible."

The CDR reviewed more than 120 criteria to ensure that system designs are mature, meet soldier requirements and are ready for low-rate initial production. Reviewed capabilities included unmanned ground and air vehicles, sensors, precision launch systems and network integration kits.

The review involved representatives from the Army, Boeing, SAIC, industry partners and other government agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Government Accountability Office.

E-IBCT capabilities are planned to be fielded to seven Infantry Brigade Combat Teams beginning in 2011. The Army is planning additional increments as part of its modernization strategy.

These E-IBCT capabilities, developed under the Future Combat Systems program and now a key element of the Army Brigade Combat Team Modernization effort, will provide soldiers with enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, as well as increased survivability and lethality. Initial capabilities include:

Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle: a robotic system capable of reconnaissance missions in dangerous or difficult situations such as entering buildings, caves and tunnels

Class I Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV): a small, soldier-operated UAV that can hover for reconnaissance and surveillance while providing target acquisition

Unattended Ground Sensors: multi-mode surveillance sensors for target detection, location and classification, with an imaging capability for identification

Non-Line-of-Sight Launch System: an unmanned missile system capable of extended range targeting and precision attack
Network Integration Kit: an integrated computer system that hosts the latest communications and radio systems and battle command software, providing the initial network connectivity needed to transfer sensor and communication data.

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