Ironduke

Keppel Wins $73 Million Missile Radar Station For Pacific Ocean



Singapore - Oct 28, 2003
AMFELS Inc, a member of Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O&M), has clinched a US$73 million firm-fixed-price contract for the modification of a platform from The Boeing Company.
The SBX Platform is a self-propelled semi-submersible modified oil-drilling platform developed for the US Government’s Sea-Based Test X-Band Radar (SBX) in support of its ground-based midcourse missile defense system.

Mr Tong Chong Heong, Chairman of AMFELS and Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Keppel O&M, said, “We are proud that Boeing Company has entrusted us with this project on account of our commitment to and reputation of on-time and on-budget delivery of superior quality projects without compromising health, safety and environment standards.”

The work scope involves outfitting of the bare hull of the platform, construction and assembling of the living quarters, the electrical, networking and mechanical work and the commissioning of the vessel.

The vessel is expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2005.

The Boeing Company is the world's leading aerospace company, and the largest manufacturer of satellites, commercial jetliners and military aircraft. The company is also a global market leader in missile defense, human space flight and launch services.

A US registered corporation located in Brownsville Texas, AMFELS is one of the best-equipped offshore yards in the area, serving customers operating in the Gulf of Mexico and internationally.

Currently, it is building a jack-up rig for a Mexican owner and a platform drilling rig for an American firm as well as upgrading several offshore drilling rigs.

Keppel O&M is a member of Keppel Corporation Ltd. A leader in offshore rigs and ship conversion and repair, and a specialised shipbuilder, Keppel O&M has a network of 16 yards worldwide including the Asia Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, Caspian Sea, Middle East and the North Sea.

The contract secured is not expected to have any significant impact on the net tangible assets and earnings per share of Keppel Corporation for the financial year ending 31 December 2003.

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.

http://www.spacedaily.com/news/bmdo-03u.html

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Praxus

I was just reading about that, looks cool.