BAE Systems Wins Department of Defense 2007 Top 5 Award for Systems Engineering
MINNEAPOLIS - BAE Systems announced today it had been selected as a 2007 Top 5 Department of Defense Program Award winner for systems engineering for the company's work on the DDG 1000, MK57 Vertical Launching System (VLS).
The award was presented by the Department of Defense and the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA). The presentation took place at the NDIA 10th Annual Systems Engineering Conference on Oct. 24 in San Diego, California. The award recognizes excellence in systems engineering applications that have resulted in a highly successful program.
"BAE Systems believes that sound systems engineering practices are critical to ensuring program success," said Dennis Morris, president of Armament Systems, BAE Systems. "The MK57 VLS program is an outstanding example of our application of cost-effective systems engineering practices that result in high-performance combat systems that ensure our forces are successful in battle. We are honored to receive this award."
The selection was made by members of the NDIA Systems Engineering Division, key Department of Defense officials and representatives from the U.S. Armed Services. The primary selection criteria was to demonstrate successful implementation of systems engineering best practices resulting in program success.
BAE Systems and Raytheon are co-developing the MK57 VLS. BAE Systems has the lead responsibility for systems engineering and integration. Raytheon, as the prime contractor, and the Navy, as the customer, also received awards for this project.
The MK57 Vertical Launching System will have larger cells than the current MK41 VLS, allowing them to carry larger missiles or smaller missiles within. The system is also designed to release and direct the energy from a magazine explosion away from the ship, and avoid situations in which the detonation of a round in one cell spreads to other cells.
