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Links: Polyphonic Ringtones |
The Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) program addresses critical warfighter needs in the areas of missile warning, missile defense and battlespace characterization. SBIRS is a program in which we have worked to balance requirements with affordability. It promises to provide an effective transition from DSP to an improved system that meets a wide range of theater and national needs. SBIRS is managed by the SBIRS Program Office at the Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. The SBIRS program director is Col. Daniel L. Burkett. The SBIRS mission is to develop, deploy, and sustain space-based surveillance systems for missile warning, missile defense, battlespace characterization, and technical intelligence. SBIRS will be a consolidated, cost-effective, flexible system that will meet United States infrared space surveillance needs through the next 2-3 decades. The SBIRS High Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) contract, awarded in November 1996, will be a 10-year effort. SBIRS is intended to be an integrated “system of systems” including multiple space constellations and an evolving ground element. The integrated SBIRS architecture will provide Theater Missile Defense (TMD) track data after target acquisition to the interceptor systems and Defense Battle Manager, cueing interceptors to commit and launch earlier than autonomous radars alone. This cueing effectively extends an interceptor’s range and increases its effectiveness. 
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