Iran Plans To Build Russian Ka-32 Helicopters Under License

Iran Plans To Build Russian Ka-32 Helicopters Under License (NSI News Source Info) KISH ISLAND, Iran - November 1, 2008: Iran is planning to manufacture over 50 Russian-designed Ka-32 helicopters under a production license, an Iranian aircraft industry official said on Wednesday.

KA-32 Helix helicopter is produced in two variants: KA-32C -ship-based variant and the KA-32T- transport variant. The KA-32 helicopter has been developed on the basis of the unique experience gained in the process of creation and operational use of ship-bome helicopters, and is capable to successfully operate in the conditions of the Far North and tropical latitudes, day and night, in complicated weather conditions

Ka-32 is a civilian version of the Russian Ka-27 military helicopter developed by the Kamov design bureau. "We have long been considering the Kamov helicopter manufacturer as our partner...and we are planning to sign a contract on the licensed production of at least 50 Ka-32 helicopters [in Iran]," the managing director of Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO), Majid Hedayat, said at the Iran Air Show 2008. Ka-32 is a 12-ton aircraft than can carry up to four tons of payload. It can stay in the air about four hours per sortie and cruises at 205 kilometers an hour. The Ka-27 has been used by the Russian navy since the 1970s. There are fears in the West that with the ability to manufacture the Ka-32, Iran could easily convert them back to their original Ka-27 military configuration. IAIO will also manufacture 100 advanced Tu-214 and Tu-204 airliners with a 210-passenger capacity in cooperation with Russia within the next 10 years.

Indonesia Evaluating Purchase Of Indian Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv

Indonesia Evaluating Purchase Of Indian Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv (NSI News Source Info) November 1, 2008: The Indonesian army is weighing purchase of the Indian designed and built Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, ands is also in talks for sourcing spare parts from the country, according to Lt Gen (retd) Andi M Ghalib, the Indonesian ambassador to India. "We are talking about purchasing the ALH from India and are in discussions about sourcing spares for our weapon systems from here. Also, Indian naval ships have been paying goodwill visits to Indonesian ports." Ghalib told media sources here.

A more powerful engine for the Dhruv, the Shakti (Ardiden 1H) rated at 900kW is being developed between HAL and Turbomeca and will be manufactured at Bangalore

Embassy officials reiterated that the strategic and defence partnership between India and Indonesia had received impetus from two different commitments-that emanating from an improved bilateral relationship as well as from India's commitment to a strategic engagement with ASEAN, which was growing by the day. They also said that India had been supplying defence equipment, especially for the Indonesian navy, and the two countries were exploring other areas for defence cooperation. Apart from defence, the two countries were also engaged bilaterally in addressing non-traditional security challenges facing the region, such as terrorism, maritime piracy and so on. India and Indonesia signed a bilateral agreement on cooperative activities in the field of defence in 2001.

Spider Light Strike Vehicle, Singapore

Spider Light Strike Vehicle, Singapore (NSI News Source Info) October 31, 2008: The changing face of warfare has spawned new requirements for vehicles. While there is still an overwhelming requirement to protect troops from mine and roadside bomb attack using highly armoured patrol vehicles there is also a need for much smaller, lighter, relatively unarmoured vehicles to transport small bodies of men over short range for strike and reconnaissance missions.

The Spider vehicle can be configured in various ways but the SRAM is the favoured one

The light strike vehicle (LSV) was born for fast hit-and-run raids, scouting missions, special forces support, and low-intensity guerrilla warfare. A number of versions of this 'dune buggy' type of vehicle have been produced, notably the Blackwater light strike vehicle (US) and the Spider light strike vehicle from ST Engineering (ST Kinetics) of Singapore (adopted by the Singaporean armed forces). Other forces using this type of light attack vehicle include US Marines, US Army, Greek forces, Mexican Army, and forces of Oman, Portugal and Spain. Spider LSV One of the latest examples of the LSV is the Spider. This vehicle has been designed to be light, fast, powerful and easily transportable by helicopter (six Spiders can fit into one C-130 transport plane). The 4×4 vehicle has tubular space frame chassis allowing a light weight of only 1,600kg and a maximum payload of 1,200kg. The vehicle is powered by a four-cylinder 2.8l power unit from Peugeot (Euro III emission standard), which can develop 130hp at 3,800rpm and has a maximum torque of 410Nm at 1,800rpm (maximum speed on roads of 130km/h and 80km/h for off-road). This small vehicle (4,500mm long and 2,030mm wide) carries a crew of three to six men depending upon the armament, and carries a foldable roll cage for protection (1,900mm). The Spider has been equipped with a range of refined technology such as semi-automatic transmission, double wishbone front suspension with a single shock absorber, and trailing-arm rear suspension as well as hydraulic power-assisted steering, all around power-assisted ABS brakes. In addition the Spider has a range of 700km, can ford water 600mm deep and can handle gradients of around 60° and side slopes of 50°. The vehicle can also be equipped with lightweight capsulised composite armour around the cabin area as a protection suite against 7.62mm small-arms-type fire and grenade fragments (the vehicle can be enclosed and even the windscreen is removable). The Spider also has the distinction that its rear cabin can be detached and operated by remote control to a range of 500m, allowing it to be sent into situations unmanned if required as a decoy. Armaments The Spider can carry a number of armament configurations including various light and heavy machine guns, grenade launchers and cannons, as well as mini UAVs, and sensor and surveillance systems. Some of the more common weapons are the CIS-50 12.7mm heavy machine gun and the Ultimax 100 section automatic weapon. However the vehicle has been designed more specifically to carry the super rapid advanced mortar system (SRAMS). SRAMS is a 120mm smoothbore mortar system (modified to make it lighter and produced by ST Engineering). The Spider vehicle has been designed to be light fast, powerful and easily transportable by helicopter. The Spider system has a three-man crew to operate as an SRAM crew with two personnel riding in the SRAMS-equipped Spider and one in the tandem ammunition support vehicle. The vehicle can only carry six 120mm rounds for the SRAMS so the tandem vehicle provides the ammunition (fire rate of ten rounds a minute with recoil of less than 26t and a blast diffuser). The SRAMS also has navigation and positioning technology, power gun drives and an integrated automatic fire control system. The Singapore Armed Force (SAF) has already procured 50 Spider SRAM units. Design refinements The design of the Spider has also stepped outside conventional thinking by introducing the vehicle with an alternative power source for mobility. It may be fitted with a motor generator (MOGEN), which is a hybrid electric generator and motor unit. The vehicle can be operated on electrical power to allow it to move in silent stealth mode when undertaking operations on the frontline. This alternative MOGEN unit can also be used to provide back-up power as an auxiliary power source if there is a problem with the engine. Additional refinements for the future could include a retractable wheel system to give the vehicle a lower centre of gravity for better stability and manoeuvrability at high speeds in off-road operations.

French Air Force Acquirig Further Rafale Jet Fighters

French Air Force Acquiring Further Rafale Jet Fighters (NSI News Source Info) October 31, 2008: France has ordered another 60 Rafale jet fighters, to be delivered over the next five years. Ultimately, France plans to buy 294, and 60 have been delivered so far. Two years ago, the French Air Force activated its first squadron of Rafale fighters.

Rafale jet fighters

The navy had received ten navalized Rafales two before that, for service on the nuclear aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. The first prototype of Rafale was shown in 1986, and the aircraft should have entered service in the late 1990s. While one of the more modern combat aircraft in the world, development of the Rafale was delayed by technical problems, and shortages of money. Entering development just as the Cold War ended meant that there was little enthusiasm to spend billions on an aircraft that would face no real opposition. But, facing the need to eventually replace all those Mirage fighters, development did get restarted, creating an aircraft superior to the American F-15s and F-16s, very similar to the F-18F, but inferior to the F-22 and F-35. The Eurofighter was another competitor for scarce export sales. By 2006, the French armed forces have only ordered 120 Rafales (82 for the air force, 38 for the navy), although eventually over 300 are expected to be ordered. The 28 ton aircraft sell for about $100 million each, and so far, there have been no export orders.

Iraqi Troops Seize EFP Factory

Iraqi Troops Seize EFP Factory (NSI News Source Info) October 31, 2008: The Iraqi Army recently found and seized a terrorist workshop, in eastern Baghdad, that was producing explosively formed penetrator (EFP) weapons. The workshop contained metal working equipment for producing EFPs, as well as 34 completed weapons, and components for more than fifty additional weapons. Some of the captured material came from Iran. While Iran stridently denies sending EFPs, or EFP components, to Iraq, they have long advocated the use of this specialized weapon. Iranian supported Hezbollah, in Lebanon, has long used EFP against Israeli troops. In eastern Baghdad, Shia terrorist groups have gone underground, but the Iraqi Army and police is largely Shia, and many Shia are hostile to any kind of terrorism, Shia or Sunni. Last year, about five percent of the Coalition combat deaths in Iraq, and about eleven percent of those killed by roadside bombs, were because of EFPs. The EFP is nasty because it can penetrate the armor on just about anything but an M-1 tank. An EFP is a precision weapon, not an ad-hoc assemblage of explosives (like most roadside bombs). Your typical EFP is a cylindrical device, the optimal one often described as similar to a coffee can. But the cylinder metal must be thicker. You fill about 60 percent of the "coffee can" with explosives (C4, also known as plastique will do). Then you insert a detonator on the closed end of the "coffee can" and a concave copper plug that is pushed into the plastic explosive. The tricky part here is that the depth of the concave copper part, and the thickness of the copper, have to be just right. It requires someone expert at math and the chemistry of explosives to make those calculations. You can make a mould for casting the copper plug, but you must make sure you get the thickness just right. The more precisely the copper plug is made, and the EFP assembled, the more armor the device will penetrate, and the more damage it will do inside the target vehicle. You set EFPs off with the detonator, either via wire, or wireless, connection. When the C4 explodes, it forms the copper cap into a blob of molten copper, moving faster than a speeding bullet (about 1,500 meters a second). The blob stays intact, and lethal, for a few hundred meters, traveling pretty much in a straight line. However, the EFP is still difficult to aim. The user has to place it so that, when it goes off, it will hit a vehicle sitting in a position the user has already figured out. For this reason, EFPs are usually set up at places where vehicles have to stop. When the EFP hits an armored vehicle, it burns and punches its way through the armor. Once inside the vehicle, it injures or kills whoever it hits, as well as igniting combustible material and generally scaring the hell out of everyone. The increased use of MRAP vehicles however, has meant that, when EFP went up, casualties from those weapons declined (but did not disappear). EFPs weigh under ten pounds, are small and easily carried and concealed. They are quick to set up. Some appear to have been made in Iraqi workshops, in Shia parts of the country. These are crude, and much less effective. But most others appear to come from Iran, made in government factories that have long specialized in EFP manufacture. . Naturally, these "Iranian EFPs" don't have any distinguishing marks on them (indicating a state arms factory, or a "Made in Iran" label). The Iranians are not stupid, they don't want to admit supplying these weapons. But all indications are that, most EFPs are made in Iran. And their main purpose is to kill American and British troops, and cause more chaos in Iraq. Last year, when Iraqi troops were also attacked with EFPs, a delegation of Iraqi politicians went to Iran to plead for a halt in the flow of EFPs. The Iranians again denied everything, which led to more Iraqis seeing Iran as an enemy, not a fellow Shia state they could depend on.

Sudan Hot Spot....Fighting To Control Oil

Sudan Hot Spot....Fighting To Control Oil (NSI News Source Info) October 31, 2008: Southern Kordofan state, and specifically its oil producing areas, are once again a major source of trouble between the Sudanese national government ("North" Sudan, run by the National Congress Party) and the Government of South Sudan (the regional "South" Sudan government run by the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement). The failure to implement the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) is being blamed for the trouble, but that's just a symptom. Despite the national unity government (Government of National Unity, sometimes called the GNU) in the capital, the "North" and the "South" remain divided. Both are suspicious of the other, for political, religious and ethnic reasons. The GOSS does not trust the national government to divide oil wealth fairly. At the moment Sudan produces around 500,000 barrels of oil a day, and that generates a lot of cash. Southern Kordofan is a key oil producing region. In fact, the CPA essentially created Southern Kordofan as a "border area" (comprising what was West Kordofan, part of South Kordofan, and part of the Nuba Mountains). Both "African" (meaning black African, and in this case several "Nuba" tribal clans) and "Arab" tribes (Arab tribes like the Hawazma and Misseriya) live in the region. The Dinka tribes (Dinka Ngok, an African tribe) live in the Abyei "hotspot" as do Arab tribes that the southerners complain the government purposely moved into the area during the war. The national government accuses the GOSS of attempting to "polarize" the area by appealing to the black African tribes and the GOSS says that's the National Congress Party's game with "the Arabs." (The code phrase is "ethnic favoritism.") Many of these "Arab" tribes were involved in abductions, militia attacks, and slaving activities during the long civil war pitting Khartoum against the SPLM's military wing, the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA). The Nuba tend to be sedentary farmers. The Arabs are traditionally pastoralists, even though many also have farms. The "old fight" in the area was between the farmers and pastoralists (sedentary and nomads). Now the fight is over oil. But there are other complications. The Nuba are a very "mixed" ethnic group with internal divisions. Moreover, the Nuba have a long history of conflict with other southern tribes like the Dinka. The Sudan Army and the SPLA have been establishing "joint patrols" in some of the contested areas, but numerous sources have reported an increasing number of both northern and southern forces near Southern Kordofan. The UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) has peacekeeping forces throughout the south, but they are not deployed as a "buffer force." At the moment most UNMIS troops are engaged in various engineering projects (infrastructure development) and local security operations. October 30, 2008: UNAMID reported that "gunmen" attacked two peacekeepers who were protecting a water distribution facility in the town of Kutum (North Darfur state). One peacekeeper (a South African) was slain in the attack. So far this year 11 UNAMID peacekeepers (troops and police) have died in Darfur. A government attempt to rescue nine kidnapped Chinese oil workers only got three out alive, the rest were killed or are missing. October 27, 2008: New troop and police contingents for UNAMID (UN-AU "hybrid peacekeeping operation in Darfur) continue to arrive, but they are coming slowly. UNAMID now has around 11,000 troops and police. The UN Security Council authorized 26,000. October 24, 2008: The UN and several NGOs operating in Darfur reported that an attack on a dozen villages in the Muhagiriya region (South Darfur state) by a janjaweed militia killed at least 40 civilians. Over 10,000 people fled from the area. The series of attacks occurred from October 5 through October 17. The delay in reporting is typical. The humanitarian workers get the reports from refugees. The reports corroborate an NGO report from the same period that an "Arab militia" (another phrase used to describe janjaweed militias) attacked the villages of Shabab and Sinet in the Muhagiriya area. October 22, 2008: The government said that it had discovered the general area in Southern Kordofan state where an "Arab tribe" may be holding nine kidnapped Chinese oil workers. The government said that the Awlad Omran clan (a sub-clan of the Misseriya tribe) had taken the oil workers as "hostages." The Chinese workers were with an company doing contract work for the Greater Nile Petroleum Operating Company (GNPOC). Sudan's national Sudapet oil company is part of GNPOC. China, Malaysia, and India are also part of the consortium.

USAF Ship Vehicles to Support Warfighters

USAF Ship Vehicles to Support Warfighters (NSI News Source Info) CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. - October 31, 2008: Charleston Air Force Base officials began shipping M1117 armored security vehicles for the Army on board C-17 Globemaster IIIs Oct. 24 here.

M1117 AVS

Charleston AFB members received 82 ASVs in October and will continue shipping the vehicle as part of a surge to supply the increased manpower of the Army military police corps supporting peacekeeping operations. The ASV is an armored, four-wheel-drive vehicle that provides ballistic protection to warfighters who are using them against various threats and is designed to provide them security and safety required in the area of responsibility. "The ASV is a one-of-a-kind vehicle," said Robert St. George, Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command Material Fielding Team ASV fielding site manager. "The Army has been using these vehicles for a few years now and other Air Force bases have helped ship them all over the world." The vehicle also has a turret which can traverse 360 degrees and includes an armament system designed to meet the security mission requirements of the Soldiers. The ASV is equipped with all-wheel independent suspension which provides forces mobility, agility and handling. "A lot of guys I talked to went through a few ... improvised explosive devices and .50 caliber rounds and did very well with (the ASV) and of course there's damage, but the cargo is safe. So the main objective of this vehicle is the cargo. We can replace the vehicle but we can't replace the cargo -- the main objective is to keep the troops safe inside," said Craig Louque, Textron Marine and Land Systems field service representative for the manufacturers. "This is the first load we're sending out, so we've prepared them to be loaded up and shipped out," said Senior Airman Ashley Kelly, a 437th APS aerial port expeditor. "My favorite part about getting vehicles like this ready is being able to drive them. I love driving them because how many people can honestly say they've driven an up-armored vehicle?"

U.S. Department of Defense Agency Selects Verizon Business for Data and Voice Services

U.S. Department of Defense Agency Selects Verizon Business for Data and Voice Services (NSI News Source Info) BASKING RIDGE, N.J. - October 31, 2008: Verizon Business will provide a broad range of data and advanced voice services to the U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization (DITCO) through two agreements worth as much as $1.12 billion. The services will be provided under the federal Networx contracting program. Under one agreement valued at as much as $752 million, DITCO, the contracting arm of the department's Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), selected Verizon Business in a Networx Fair Opportunity conducted in June 2008 to provide Defense Department agencies with data services. They include network-based Internet Protocol Virtual Private Network services based on multi protocol label switching; Internet protocol services; asynchronous transfer mode; and wireless and point-to-point private line for existing services. DISA provides real-time information technology (IT) and communications support to the president, vice president, secretary of defense and the military services including the combatant commands. Critical IP VPN data traffic will ride on the Verizon Business vBNS+ (Very High Performance Backbone Network Service) network, which is dedicated primarily to government and educational institutions with high-performance network requirements. In a separate agreement valued at as much as $368 million, DITCO designated Verizon Business in a Networx Fair Opportunity held in February 2008 as the primary provider for voice services to help more than 700,000 users at military locations worldwide communicate and collaborate effectively. Long-distance, toll-free, calling-card, ISDN (integrated services digital network) and video-teleconferencing are among the services Verizon Business will provide. As the projects are implemented, DITCO will have the ability to order additional services from Verizon Business that could increase the value of the agreements. The agreements were awarded under the U.S. General Services Administration's Networx Universal contract, which covers 10 years. Networx is among the largest federal telecommunication contracts ever awarded by the General Services Administration (GSA), providing federal agencies with a common vehicle for purchasing a comprehensive set of networking and technical services. The two new agreements extend and expand Verizon Business' existing relationships with the Department of Defense. The company has been providing voice and data services to DITCO under the GSA's Federal Telecommunications Service (FTS) 2001 contract, the predecessor to the Networx program. "As a long-time provider for DITCO, we have seen the government's needs for secure global communications evolve over the years, and we look forward to helping keep it on the cutting edge of advanced telecommunications technology and the IP evolution," said Susan Zeleniak, group president, Verizon Federal, a sales organization within Verizon Business dedicated to serving federal government customers. "As the leading provider of communications to the federal government, we have unmatched experience helping critical agencies meet their vital missions." Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications, operates the world's most connected public IP network and uses its industry-leading global-network capabilities to offer large-business and government customers an unmatched combination of security, reliability and speed. The company integrates advanced IP communications and information technology (IT) products and services to deliver leading enterprise solutions including managed services, security, mobility, collaboration and professional services. These solutions power innovation and enable the company's customers to do business better.

Lockheed Martin Delivers 500th Arrowhead System To U.S. Army

Lockheed Martin Delivers 500th Arrowhead System To U.S. Army (NSI News Source Info) ORLANDO, FL - October 31, 2008: Lockheed Martin marked the delivery of the 500th Arrowhead system to the U.S. Army at a celebration held at its Ocala and Orlando, FL, facilities. Arrowhead is the U.S. Army’s Modernized Target Acquisition and Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) for the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter. Known as the “eyes of the Apache,” the Arrowhead system provides Apache pilots the most advanced long-range, electro-optical precision engagement and pilotage capabilities to ensure flight safety in day, night and adverse-weather missions.

The Arrowhead® modular design melds existing legacy hardware with new FLIR sensors to fight decisively during day, night, or adverse-weather missions … regardless of battlefield obscurants. Arrowhead system

“The delivery of the 500th Arrowhead system marks a significant milestone,” said LTC John Vannoy, product manager for Apache sensors. “It demonstrates the teamwork and total commitment to success from the Arrowhead Team and Program. Our Soldiers deserve nothing less.” “We are proud to develop and integrate a system that helps Apache pilots complete their missions safely,” said Bob Gunning, vice president of Apache Programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “This 500th delivery milestone signifies the strong dedication we and our Army partners have to outfitting our Warfighters with the most advanced capabilities available.” Arrowhead uses forward-looking infrared sensors to provide pilots with enhanced image resolution, allowing Apache aviators significant standoff range and unrivaled targeting capabilities. Arrowhead improves performance and reliability over legacy systems by more than 150 percent, reduces maintenance actions by nearly 60 percent, and will save the Army nearly $1 billion in operation and support costs over its 20-year system life. Electronics assembly of the Arrowhead system is performed at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control’s Ocala facility, while final assembly is performed in Orlando. Both sites were recognized in 2007 by IndustryWeek as two of the top 10 ‘Best Plants in the Country’. The plants were chosen for their efficient and strategic manufacturing processes as well as their dedication to continuous improvement through lean thinking. Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

Japanese Destroyer Gets Ready for Intercept Test

Japanese Destroyer Gets Ready for Intercept Test (NSI News Source Info) October 31, 2008: The Japanese Ship (JS) CHOKAI (pronounced Choh Kai), (DDG 176) is one step closer toward her anticipated ballistic missile defense intercept flight test next month.

Japanese Ship (JS) CHOKAI (pronounced Choh Kai), (DDG 176)

The CHOKAI has successfully completed a Tracking Exercise, in the mid-Pacific, where its radars acquired a ballistic missile target, launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Barking Sands, Kauai, HI, and transmitted data via a tactical data link to other ships and shore command facilities. The CHOKAI's weapon system calculated a fire control solution and the crew conducted a simulated intercept of the target by a Standard Missile - 3 (SM-3). Next month, CHOKAI will conduct an actual intercept attempt. She is the second of four Japanese destroyers that have been, or will be, equipped with the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense capability. A similar test was conducted last December with the JS KONGO. The objective of the November test will be to engage and intercept a separating target to be launched from the PMRF. Upon completing the intercept test, CHOKAI will return to Japan.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency Signs Contract for Three AW139 Helicopters Plus Options

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency Signs Contract for Three AW139 Helicopters Plus Options (NSI News Source Info) October 31, 2008: AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has signed a contract for three AW139 medium twin engine helicopters plus options for several additional aircraft. These helicopters will be used to perform search and rescue, coastal patrol and law enforcement duties around Malaysia’s extensive coast line.

AW139 helicopter

This order marks the entrance of the AW139 helicopter into the Malaysian government market and follows the earlier success of the aircraft in the Malaysian commercial market. The MMEA adds to the growing number of customers which have placed orders for or are already operating the AW139 for homeland security, maritime patrol and search and rescue missions, including the Japan Coast Guard, Korean Coast Guard, Spanish Marine Safety Agency (Sasemar), Estonian Border Guard, UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Italian Coast Guard. A new generation medium twin-turbine helicopter setting new standards against which all new medium twin are measured, the AW139 has been designed with inherent multi-role capability and flexibility of operation, offering unmatched performance and safety levels as well as the largest cabin in its class. With a maximum cruise speed of 165 kts (306 km/h), a maximum range of 573 nm (1061 km) and over 5 hours endurance, the AW139 helicopter offers class leading mission capability. State-of-the-art mission-dedicated technology and equipment and outstanding performance features enable the AW139 to accomplish the most demanding operations in the harshest weather and environmental conditions. Orders for more than 400 AW139s have been placed by over 100 customers from around 40 countries for several applications including EMS/SAR, law enforcement, offshore transport, VIP/corporate transport, fire fighting, utility and other commercial and government roles. Following the recent establishment of its Malaysian subsidiary AgustaWestland Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the company continues to expand its presence in Malaysia to get closer to its customers offering total capability solutions. A new regional maintenance and support centre was set up earlier this year, located at Kuala Lumpur’s Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport. (ends) AgustaWestland Signs Contract Worth Over 200 Million Dollars to Supply AW139 Helicopters to Malaysia (Source: Finmeccanica; issued October 30, 2008) AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, has signed a contract worth over 200 million dollars with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) for the supply of three AW139 helicopters plus options for several additional aircraft. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency will use the helicopters for search and rescue, coastal patrol and law enforcement duties. The agreement marks the entrance of the AW139 in the Malaysian government market and further confirms its success worldwide. Over 400 units have been ordered so far by more than 100 customers in over 40 countries, making the AW139 the best selling medium twin helicopter worldwide. The AW139 is more and more setting the new standard for a number of roles including search and rescue, patrolling and fire fighting and it has been chosen by leading operators in several countries comprising Italy, UK, Spain, Estonia, Japan and the Republic of Korea. The AW139 has also achieved a remarkable success for other roles including VIP/corporate, offshore, emergency medical service, utility, military duties, law enforcement, homeland security and border patrol.

Army Awards Development Contracts for JLTV

U.S. Army Awards Development Contracts for JLTV (NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - October 31, 2008: The Army announced today the awarding of three contracts for technology development on the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. Together, the three contracts are worth a combined total of approximately $166 million. They have been awarded to: BAE Systems Land & Armament Systems – Ground Systems Division, Santa Clara, Calif.; General Tactical Vehicles (A Joint Venture of General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc. and AM General, LLC), Sterling Heights, Mich.; and Lockheed Martin Systems Integration – Owego; Owego, N.Y. The JLTV is a joint program between the Army, the Marine Corps and U.S. Special Operations Command, where the Army has been designated as the lead agency. The JTLV family of vehicles will provide the Joint Services with a balance between three key factors: performance, payload and protection, said Col. John Myers, Project Manager for the Army's Joint Combat Support Services.

Industry teams led by BAE Systems, General Dynamics (photo) and Lockheed Martin have been short-listed for the Pentagon’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle program.

At the same time, the JLTV must remain transportable and provide expeditionary mobility, said Lt. Col. Wolfgang Petermann, JLTV product manager for the Army, located at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich. He explained that the JLTV will replace a portion of the Humvee fleet, but it is not meant to serve as a direct replacement for that vehicle. The technology development phase specified by the contracts will last 27 months, during which time contractors must each develop seven prototype vehicles to represent the three payload categories required by the JLTV program.. Contractors must also develop companion prototype trailers that meet many of the same requirements as the JLTV in terms of mobility, transportability and payload. The three JLTV payload categories include sub-configurations to, among other things, carry infantry, perform reconnaissance, act as command and control vehicles carry heavy guns and serve as an ambulance. During the TD phase, vehicle armor, ballistic hulls, vehicles and trailers will undergo performance and reliability testing, including assessments from joint warfighters, added Lt. Col. Ben Garza, JLTV Program Manager for the Marine Corps located at Quantico, Va. With their prototypes, contractors must demonstrate a "family of vehicles" approach across the three payload categories. The vehicles must share a commonality of components, and demonstrate technical maturity, requirements achievability and integration capabilities. "We are confident that we will successfully achieve JLTV requirements, and we are eagerly looking forward to demonstrating the technical capabilities during the TD phase," Petermann said. While the winners of the contracts will ultimately produce refined prototypes of the JLTV and its companion trailers at the end of the TD phase, Myers said the Army's current intention is to hold another full and open competition for the System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase which will allow all interested parties to compete. Right now, the Army, Marine Corps and SOC are refining their respective tactical vehicle strategies, therefore a final planned quantity has not yet been determined, Petermann said. However, for production cost-estimating and other analyses, the request for proposals included a projected production quantity of approximately 60,000 systems to be delivered over an eight-year span. (ends) Pentagon Contract Announcement (Source: US Department of Defense; issued Oct. 29, 2008) -- Lockheed Martin Systems Integration, Owego, N.Y., was awarded Oct. 29, 2008, a $35,942,059 cost plus fixed fee contract. The contract is for Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) Family of Vehicles (FoV) Technology Development Phase. Work will be performed in Owego, N.Y., and Sealy, Texas with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2011. Bids were solicited via the Web with seven bids received. Tank & Automotive Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-08-C-0431). -- General Tactical Vehicles, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded Oct. 29, 2008 a $45,061,720 cost share contract for Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) Family of Vehicles (FoV) Technology Development Phase. Work will be performed in Livonia, Mich., Sterling Heights, Mich., Muskegon, Mich., and South Bend, Ind., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2011. Bids were solicited via the Web with seven bids received. Tank & Automotive Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity ((W56HZV-08-C-0430). -- BAE Systems Land & Armaments-Grounds System Division, Santa Clara, Calif., was awarded Oct. 29, 2008 a $40,493,203 cost share contract for Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) Family of Vehicles (FoV) Technology Development Phase. Work will be performed in Santa Clara, Calif., Warrenville, Ill., Johnson City, N.Y., and Troy, Mich., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2011. Bids were solicited via the Web with seven bids received. Tank & Automotive Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity ((W56HZV-08-C-0426). (ends) BAE Systems – Navistar Defense Team Selected for Technology Demonstration Phase of Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Program (Source: BAE Systems; issued Oct. 29, 2008) ARLINGTON, Virginia – BAE Systems, through its Ground Systems line of business, and teammate Navistar Defense, LLC have been awarded a $40.5 million contract to participate in a 27-month technology demonstration phase of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program. JLTV is the U.S. multi-service initiative for fielding a family of future light tactical vehicles. The BAE Systems-Navistar team was one of three teams selected for the technology demonstration program. “We have matured our concept through a full year of engineering, prototyping and testing, and incorporated real operational lessons from MRAP. As a result, we believe we have an agile yet highly protected vehicle that is very close to being fielded in the war fight,” said Raj Rajagopal, president of Land & Armaments, Ground Systems. “From the human engineered crew compartment to the advanced ballistic hull, every part of our JLTV prototype was built with the soldier and marine in mind, providing unmatched survivability and mission effectiveness.” During the demonstration phase, the BAE Systems-Navistar team will submit seven prototype vehicles and four trailers for evaluation and testing by the Army. The BAE Systems-Navistar JLTV proposal is named the Valanx. Valanx is a family of v-hulled, blast-resistant vehicles that optimize what's referred to as the "iron triangle" – payload, protection and performance – to meet all requirements of the JLTV program. There are several variations of the Valanx designed to meet scouting, general mobility, infantry carrying, ambulatory and other needs for combat troops. Vehicle models for the various Valanx variations will be designed and fabricated during 2009 and tested in 2010, leading to the selection of two teams for a JLTV system development and demonstration (SDD, Milestone B) in 2011. "We believe the Valanx provides the foundation for a family of vehicles that will offer unmatched strength, protection and support for the Warfighter for decades to come," said Kevin Thomas, director, product creation for Navistar Defense, an affiliate of Navistar International Corporation. "Our team is eager to move forward and continue our partnership with the Joint Services as they determine the best tactical vehicle solution for our men and women in uniform.” The Valanx design incorporates lessons learned from the U.S. Department of Defense's Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle program and features the latest in lightweight, advanced armor and a v-shaped hull design to provide unmatched crew protection. The vehicle will out-perform existing tactical systems by providing exportable power that exceeds JLTV requirements and existing MRAP capabilities. Its modular design maximizes commonality across JLTV variants and enables the seamless integration of future technologies. The team unveiled its first Valanx prototype in February 2008. The BAE Systems Ground Systems-Navistar team builds off the two company’s current leadership in armored and tactical vehicle development and support, which includes the team working together for the benefit of the joint U.S. customer on programs like MRAP. Combined, the BAE Systems Ground Systems-Navistar team maximizes JLTV program value through proven capabilities, lean manufacturing and extensive worldwide logistics support. The team also includes Arvin Meritor to manufacture the lightweight independent suspension and drivetrain solutions for the Valanx. The company is a leading designer and manufacturer of automotive advanced mobility systems and is the largest axle supplier to the U.S. military. The BAE Systems-Navistar team draws on top talent from across the country. Sites participating in the development include: York, Pennsylvania; Ontario, San Diego and Santa Clara, California; Dearborn Heights, Sterling Heights and Troy, Michigan; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Johnson City, New York; Austin, Texas; Nashua, Hew Hampshire; Reston, Virginia; Melrose Park and Warrenville, Illinois; Fort Wayne, Indiana; West Point, Mississippi; Huntsville, Alabama; and Laurinberg and York, South Carolina. BAE Systems is the premier global defense and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 100,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15.7 billion (US $31.4 billion) in 2007. Navistar Defense is an affiliate of Navistar International Corporation, a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates produce International brand commercial and military vehicles, MaxxForce brand diesel engines, IC brand school and commercial buses, and Workhorse brand chassis for motor homes and step vans. (ends) General Dynamics and AM General JLTV Team Awarded JLTV TD Contract (Source: General Tactical Vehicles (GTV); issued Oct. 29, 2008) STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. --- General Tactical Vehicles (GTV), a joint venture between General Dynamics Land Systems and AM General, has been awarded a $45 million Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) 27-month Technology Demonstration (TD) contract from the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command. GTV is one of three awardees to receive TD contracts under this program. The GTV JLTV solution will provide the U.S. Army and Marine Corps with a family of more survivable vehicles with greater protection, payload and mobility than the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). The innovative GTV JLTV design features a robust light-weight hybrid hull, semi- active suspension system, digital cockpit, and over 95 percent common components across the entire JLTV family of vehicles. Key deliverables under the JLTV TD contract include seven vehicles and four trailers representing the three mission role variants (infantry, general purpose, utility) comprising the JLTV Family of Vehicles; designs for each of 10 sub-configurations; and ballistic hulls and sample armor components for government testing. "The GTV solution meets or exceeds the JLTV protection, payload and performance requirements, offering a low-risk, innovative, adaptable family of vehicles and trailers with commonality of components exceeding 95 percent, resulting in speed to production and low life-cycle cost," said Don Howe, GTV senior program director. "The GTV JLTV design ensures capability growth opportunities and planned product improvements and the GTV Team's significant experience with deployed global forces provides a unique and valuable insight to the needs of the warfighter. The GTV Team offers our customer the optimum combination of survivability, innovation, performance, reliability, supportability and affordability," said Howe. "The GTV Team is very appreciative of the confidence that the Army and Marines have shown in our JLTV solution and joint capabilities. GTV offers a full-spectrum combat and tactical platform capable team, with the strength of more than 120 years of combined experience in the design, production and global support of over one million combat and tactical vehicles," Howe said. General Tactical Vehicles is a joint venture between AM General and General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics, formed to provide the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps a low-risk, affordable, technically advanced and economically sustainable solution to their Joint Light Tactical Vehicle requirements. General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 85,600 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. Headquartered in South Bend, Indiana, AM General operates manufacturing facilities in Mishawaka, Indiana, and an Engineering and Product Development Center in Livonia, Michigan. The company has more than 3,000 employees, of whom 2,300 work in the South Bend/Mishawaka area. The company also provides spare parts, field service and training support for all its products, and its Engineering and Product Development Center provides integrated logistics support and systems technical support for a variety of military systems in addition to the HMMWV. (ends) Lockheed Martin JLTV Team Awarded $36 Million Contract, Advances to Program's Technology Development Phase (Source: Lockheed Martin; issued Oct. 29, 2008) OWEGO, N.Y. --- The U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps today selected Lockheed Martin as one of three companies to continue development on the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program. Lockheed Martin Systems Integration, Owego, NY, which leads the JLTV Team as prime contractor, will receive a $35.9 million contract from the two services for the program's 27-month technology development phase. "We are honored that trust has been placed in Lockheed Martin and our JLTV Team to continue development of this vital program," said Louis DeSantis, vice president and general manager of Ground Vehicle Systems at Lockheed Martin. "We are committed to meeting the demanding program requirements and providing the lowest-risk, most technically innovative vehicle that serves our Soldiers and Marines." The technology development contract will be 27 months in duration. The first 15 months require competitors to develop and deliver seven JLTV variants, four trailers, four blast hulls, and ballistic panels that will be used for testing. The remaining 12 months are scheduled for government testing. The Technology Development phase will then be followed by a Systems Design and Development phase and, later, by a production contract. Lockheed Martin currently has three operational prototypes: the JLTV Category B model, which is designed as an infantry carrier and was unveiled in October 2007; the Utility Vehicle Light Category C model, which is designed with a focus on payload and was introduced in February 2008; and the General Purpose Mobility Category A model, which was unveiled earlier this month at the Association of the United States Army's Annual Meeting and Exhibition. Lockheed Martin is currently in the process of building its fourth JLTV prototype, an additional variant of the Infantry Carrier, and anticipates completing production in November. The Lockheed Martin-led JLTV Team includes: -- BAE Systems Mobility & Protection Systems, providing advanced armor solutions and production facilities for high volume assembly; -- Alcoa Defense, supplying materials experience, design services and aluminum components that give the vehicle its structural strength at reduced weight; and -- JWF - Defense Systems, offering state-of-the-art machining and cost-effective fabrication. Lockheed Martin serves as the prime contractor and design agent, providing systems engineering, platform integration, design expertise, and program and supply chain management. Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.