McDonnell Douglas, Hughes Discuss ‘Star Wars’ Contract

McDonnell Douglas Space Systems Co. said it is negotiating a contract with Hughes Aircraft Co. under which Hughes’ Electro Optical & Data Systems subsidiary in El Segundo would build a ground-based surveillance and tracking system for a Star Wars defense.

The subcontract’s value is about $85 million. McDonnell Douglas is developing the system for the U.S. Army Strategic Defense Command in Huntsville, Ala. The subcontract is part of McDonnell Douglas’ $338-million contract from the Strategic Defense Organization that runs through 1994.

The system would be used to distinguish warheads from decoys, establish missile trajectories and points of impact, and assist with missile interception. Hughes would build the sensors for the tracking system.