Keppel Wins $73 Million Missile Radar Station For Pacific
Ocean
SBX will consist of a large X-Band radar mounted on a modified
fifth-generation semi-submersible platform with Battle Management
Command Control and Communications, which will include In-flight
Interceptor Communication System Data Terminals and associated
communications; power generation; facility floor space; and
infrastructure, similar to a fixed radar installation. The platform
will be approximately 390 feet long, with a 238-foot beam, and an
operations draft of approximately 75 feet. The height from water
surface to the top of the radar dome will be 250 feet. The deck
area will be approximately 270 x 230 feet.
Singapore - Oct 28, 2003
Singapore conglomerate Keppel Corp. said its US subsidiary AMFELS
Inc. has won a 73 million US dollar defence-related contract from
Boeing.
The contract involves outfitting a baredeck semi-submersible oil
drilling platform that will be used as a radar outpost for the US
government's missile defence system, Keppel said in a
statement.
AMFELS' work also involves the construction of living quarters and
installing of electrical, networking and mechanical systems on the
platform.
When completed, the platform will be deployed in the Pacific Ocean
to be used as an early detection facility for missiles fired from
North Korea (news - web sites), the oil and gas publication
Upstream said in a report this month.
The vessel is expected to be delivered in the first quarter of
2005.
"We are proud that Boeing Company has entrusted us with this
project on account of our commitment to and reputation of on-time,
on-budget delivery of superior quality projects without
compromising health, safety and environment standards," AMFELS
chairman Tong Chong Heong said.
Keppel's forte is in building jack-up rigs for the oil and gas
industry and the reported contract for the sea-based radar outpost
would be the first venture related to defence.
Boeing manufactures commercial and military aircraft as well as
satellites. It is involved in aerospace activities, including
missile defence systems and space flights.
The SBX Platform
The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) plans to conduct more
operationally realistic testing of the Ground-Based Midcourse
Defense (GMD) element of the overall Ballistic Missile Defense
System (BMDS). Included as part of this test program is the
development and construction of a Sea-Based X-Band Radar (SBX) that
will track, discriminate, and assess incoming target
missiles.
The SBX will provide enhanced capability to support more
challenging test scenarios. By utilizing a floating platform, the
X-Band radar can operate at the best location for different and
varied test scenarios, whereas a fixed location for the X-Band
radar would limit both performance potential and support to the GMD
tests.
SBX will consist of a large X-Band radar mounted on a modified
fifth-generation semi-submersible platform with Battle Management
Command Control and Communications, which will include In-flight
Interceptor Communication System Data Terminals and associated
communications; power generation; facility floor space; and
infrastructure, similar to a fixed radar installation. The platform
will be approximately 390 feet long, with a 238-foot beam, and an
operations draft of approximately 75 feet. The height from water
surface to the top of the radar dome will be 250 feet. The deck
area will be approximately 270 x 230 feet.
The initial sea trials will take place in the Gulf of Mexico to
ensure maneuverability and control of the vessel. In addition, the
sea trials may include full power operation for satellite and
calibration device tracking. Following the sea trials, the
completed platform will transit from the Gulf of Mexico to its
primary support base at Adak, Alaska.
SBX will perform tracking, discrimination, and assessment of target
missiles in support of missile defense tests, as well as, operation
of the GMD system.