government of Benazir Bhutto.
Brigadier Mumtaz Ahmad, an ex-director of Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) claimed that Sharif had sought Osama Bin Laden's help for toppling Bhutto's government in the 1990s. (Image: Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif leads the second-largest political party in the nuclear-armed country).
"Former Premier Nawaz Sharif had met al-Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden ... all funds to topple the government of Benazir Bhutto in late 90's were provided by al-Qaeda," he said in an interview with a local TV channel.
The revelation comes days after Khalid Khwaja; a former official from Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) claimed that he himself had arranged five meetings between Bin Laden and Sharif.
While reacting to the statement, the PML-N spokesman Ehsan Iqbal described the remarks as baseless and said that no such meetings had ever taken place, according to a Press TV correspondent.
Bhutto, 54, who was assassinated in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi in late 2007, spent three decades of her life navigating the turbulent and often violent world of Pakistani politics.
Bhutto was first elected prime minister after years of military rule in 1988. Sharif was elected premier after the dismissal of Bhutto's government in 1990.
US officials believe that Bin Laden, the alleged mastermind of the September 11 attacks, is hiding somewhere in Pakistan's volatile tribal belt bordering Afghanistan.
Monday, September 28, 2009
DTN News: Pakistan's Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Blamed Over Bin Laden links
DTN News: Pakistan's Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Blamed Over Bin Laden links
*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - September 28, 2009: A former Pakistani intelligence officer alleges that PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif had held a series of meetings with Bin Laden to conspire against the former 
government of Benazir Bhutto.
Brigadier Mumtaz Ahmad, an ex-director of Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) claimed that Sharif had sought Osama Bin Laden's help for toppling Bhutto's government in the 1990s. (Image: Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif leads the second-largest political party in the nuclear-armed country).
"Former Premier Nawaz Sharif had met al-Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden ... all funds to topple the government of Benazir Bhutto in late 90's were provided by al-Qaeda," he said in an interview with a local TV channel.
The revelation comes days after Khalid Khwaja; a former official from Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) claimed that he himself had arranged five meetings between Bin Laden and Sharif.
While reacting to the statement, the PML-N spokesman Ehsan Iqbal described the remarks as baseless and said that no such meetings had ever taken place, according to a Press TV correspondent.
Bhutto, 54, who was assassinated in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi in late 2007, spent three decades of her life navigating the turbulent and often violent world of Pakistani politics.
Bhutto was first elected prime minister after years of military rule in 1988. Sharif was elected premier after the dismissal of Bhutto's government in 1990.
US officials believe that Bin Laden, the alleged mastermind of the September 11 attacks, is hiding somewhere in Pakistan's volatile tribal belt bordering Afghanistan.
government of Benazir Bhutto.
Brigadier Mumtaz Ahmad, an ex-director of Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) claimed that Sharif had sought Osama Bin Laden's help for toppling Bhutto's government in the 1990s. (Image: Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif leads the second-largest political party in the nuclear-armed country).
"Former Premier Nawaz Sharif had met al-Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden ... all funds to topple the government of Benazir Bhutto in late 90's were provided by al-Qaeda," he said in an interview with a local TV channel.
The revelation comes days after Khalid Khwaja; a former official from Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) claimed that he himself had arranged five meetings between Bin Laden and Sharif.
While reacting to the statement, the PML-N spokesman Ehsan Iqbal described the remarks as baseless and said that no such meetings had ever taken place, according to a Press TV correspondent.
Bhutto, 54, who was assassinated in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi in late 2007, spent three decades of her life navigating the turbulent and often violent world of Pakistani politics.
Bhutto was first elected prime minister after years of military rule in 1988. Sharif was elected premier after the dismissal of Bhutto's government in 1990.
US officials believe that Bin Laden, the alleged mastermind of the September 11 attacks, is hiding somewhere in Pakistan's volatile tribal belt bordering Afghanistan.
DTN News: Northrop Grumman Partners With University of Central Florida Research Foundation and the NASA Florida Space Grant Consortium On College.....
DTN News: Northrop Grumman Partners With University of Central Florida Research Foundation and the NASA Florida Space Grant Consortium On College Training Program
*Source DTN News / Northrop Grumman
(NSI News Source Info) HERNDON, Va., - September 28, 2009: Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) recently partnered with the University of Central Florida (UCF) Research Foundation and the NASA Florida Space Grant Consortium to sponsor several programs that will encourage students to continue their studies in science-based programs at universities and colleges in Florida. The programs will be administered using a $25,000 grant Northrop Grumman awarded to UCF Research Foundation.
Participating in the check presentation at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Rocket Garden are, from left, Robert Crabbs, associate director of UCF's Florida Space Institute; Jaydeep Mukherjee, director, NASA Florida Space Grant Consortium, and interim director, Florida Space Institute; Sreela Mallick, assistant director, NASA Florida Space Grant Consortium; Roy D. Bridges, Jr., director, Space and Science Services, Northrop Grumman Technical Services, and Roy Tharpe, director, Space and Science Services, Northrop Grumman Technical Services and chairman of the National Space Club Florida Committee.
A photo accompanying this release is available at http://media.globenewswire.com/noc/
The grant supports the Northrop Grumman Academy, a specialized training program for college students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Thirty-two students will participate in one of two five-day sessions taking place during their winter and spring breaks. The Academy consists of classes taught at the Kennedy Space Center's Center for Space Education at the KSC Visitor Complex, tours of the KSC and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station facilities as well as the opportunity to design, construct and release scientific balloon payloads.
A program to recruit and train Brevard Community College students as technicians to support the launch of high-altitude sounding rockets is also supported by the grant.
"Northrop Grumman is honored to sponsor the Northrop Grumman Academy and sounding rocket launch training for the students of Florida colleges and universities. I would have been thrilled to attend a program like this when I was in college," said Roy Bridges, director of Space and Science Services for Northrop Grumman Technical Services. "As a major employer in Brevard County, we recognize the critical need for STEM- educated graduates for our workforce today and well into the future."
Space Florida and the NASA Florida Space Grant Consortium have conducted the undergraduate academy since 2006. The two academies were renamed the Northrop Grumman Academy. A recent survey of past students indicated that a majority of past attendees are working successfully in STEM fields, many for NASA and major space contractors.
"We want to support STEM students locally who have the capability to be hired by the local space industry," said Jaydeep Mukherjee, director of the NASA Florida Space Grant Consortium and interim director of UCF's Florida Space Institute.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.
CONTACT: Michelle Bohlen
Northrop Grumman Technical Services
(443) 825-7236
michelle.bohlen@ngc.com
Bryan Culbert
Northrop Grumman Technical Services
(321) 868-3605
bryan.culbert@ngc.com
Participating in the check presentation at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Rocket Garden are, from left, Robert Crabbs, associate director of UCF's Florida Space Institute; Jaydeep Mukherjee, director, NASA Florida Space Grant Consortium, and interim director, Florida Space Institute; Sreela Mallick, assistant director, NASA Florida Space Grant Consortium; Roy D. Bridges, Jr., director, Space and Science Services, Northrop Grumman Technical Services, and Roy Tharpe, director, Space and Science Services, Northrop Grumman Technical Services and chairman of the National Space Club Florida Committee.
A photo accompanying this release is available at http://media.globenewswire.com/noc/
The grant supports the Northrop Grumman Academy, a specialized training program for college students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Thirty-two students will participate in one of two five-day sessions taking place during their winter and spring breaks. The Academy consists of classes taught at the Kennedy Space Center's Center for Space Education at the KSC Visitor Complex, tours of the KSC and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station facilities as well as the opportunity to design, construct and release scientific balloon payloads.
A program to recruit and train Brevard Community College students as technicians to support the launch of high-altitude sounding rockets is also supported by the grant.
"Northrop Grumman is honored to sponsor the Northrop Grumman Academy and sounding rocket launch training for the students of Florida colleges and universities. I would have been thrilled to attend a program like this when I was in college," said Roy Bridges, director of Space and Science Services for Northrop Grumman Technical Services. "As a major employer in Brevard County, we recognize the critical need for STEM- educated graduates for our workforce today and well into the future."
Space Florida and the NASA Florida Space Grant Consortium have conducted the undergraduate academy since 2006. The two academies were renamed the Northrop Grumman Academy. A recent survey of past students indicated that a majority of past attendees are working successfully in STEM fields, many for NASA and major space contractors.
"We want to support STEM students locally who have the capability to be hired by the local space industry," said Jaydeep Mukherjee, director of the NASA Florida Space Grant Consortium and interim director of UCF's Florida Space Institute.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.
CONTACT: Michelle Bohlen
Northrop Grumman Technical Services
(443) 825-7236
michelle.bohlen@ngc.com
Bryan Culbert
Northrop Grumman Technical Services
(321) 868-3605
bryan.culbert@ngc.com
DTN News: Lockheed Martin-Built IKONOS Satellite Marks 10 Years In Operations
DTN News: Lockheed Martin-Built IKONOS Satellite Marks 10 Years In Operations
*Source: DTN News / Lockheed Martin
(NSI News Source Info) DENVER, USA - September 28, 2009: The world’s first commercial, high-resolution,
Earth imaging satellite, IKONOS, will achieve its 10th year of operation on Sept. 24. Built by Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT], the satellite continues to provide high-resolution imagery of the Earth to commercial and government customers around the world. IKONOS is owned and operated by GeoEye [NASDAQ: GEOY] of Dulles, Va.
“When we launched IKONOS in 1999, many said it would change the way we look at the world, and that prediction has certainly come to fruition,” said Jim Crocker, vice president and general manager of Sensing and Exploration Systems at Lockheed Martin Space Systems.
The spacecraft collects 0.82-meter resolution black-and-white imagery while simultaneously collecting four-meter resolution multispectral data. These map-accurate images are used for applications in land management, environmental monitoring, local and regional government, national security, disaster relief, and many other geospatial applications.
IKONOS is based on the Lockheed Martin LM900 LEO, three-axis stabilized, remote sensing bus. At a weight of 1600 pounds (720 kg), it’s a stable, highly agile, precision pointing spacecraft ideally suited for high resolution remote sensing missions. In 2007, Lockheed Martin performed a life expectancy analysis of the spacecraft and determined it may continue to be fully operational into the next decade. IKONOS is one of 150 small satellites developed by Lockheed Martin, all of which have met or exceeded their design life.
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 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.
Earth imaging satellite, IKONOS, will achieve its 10th year of operation on Sept. 24. Built by Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT], the satellite continues to provide high-resolution imagery of the Earth to commercial and government customers around the world. IKONOS is owned and operated by GeoEye [NASDAQ: GEOY] of Dulles, Va.
“When we launched IKONOS in 1999, many said it would change the way we look at the world, and that prediction has certainly come to fruition,” said Jim Crocker, vice president and general manager of Sensing and Exploration Systems at Lockheed Martin Space Systems.
The spacecraft collects 0.82-meter resolution black-and-white imagery while simultaneously collecting four-meter resolution multispectral data. These map-accurate images are used for applications in land management, environmental monitoring, local and regional government, national security, disaster relief, and many other geospatial applications.
IKONOS is based on the Lockheed Martin LM900 LEO, three-axis stabilized, remote sensing bus. At a weight of 1600 pounds (720 kg), it’s a stable, highly agile, precision pointing spacecraft ideally suited for high resolution remote sensing missions. In 2007, Lockheed Martin performed a life expectancy analysis of the spacecraft and determined it may continue to be fully operational into the next decade. IKONOS is one of 150 small satellites developed by Lockheed Martin, all of which have met or exceeded their design life.
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 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.
DTN News: Lockheed Martin Awarded $30 Million Contract To Provide Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods To Royal Moroccan Air Force
DTN News: Lockheed Martin Awarded $30 Million Contract To Provide Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods To Royal Moroccan Air Force
*Source: DTN News / Lockheed Martin
(NSI News Source Info) ORLANDO, FL., - September 28, 2009: Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has signed a foreign military sales contract to deliver Sniper® Advanced Targeting Pods (ATPs) to the Royal Moroccan 
Air Force. The $30 million contract includes integration support, product spares and logistics support. The Sniper ATPs will fly on the Royal Moroccan Air Force’s newly-purchased F-16 block 50 aircraft.
“The Royal Moroccan Air Force selected the Sniper ATP for its unmatched ability to provide precision targeting, as well as its non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (NT-ISR) capability,” said Hulan Woods, program manager of Sniper ATP Morocco at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “We look forward to working with the Royal Moroccan Air Force to provide the multi-mission capable Sniper pod for their F-16 aircraft.”
Packaged in a single lightweight pod, Sniper ATP’s enhanced image clarity provides critical long-range positive identification of targets and real-time targeting. Its state-of-the-art tracker enables employment of advanced laser-guided weapons against moving targets. Sniper ATP also incorporates meta-data in every frame of video to ensure accuracy throughout intelligence and command and control functions.
The Sniper pods will include a video down link that relays high-resolution, streaming video to forward-deployed forces for non-traditional ISR and rapid target coordination via the widely-used Rover ground receiver. The Royal Moroccan Air Force will take delivery of Sniper pods over the next two years to support aircraft integration and fielding.
Deployed in theater since January 2005, Sniper ATP is in service with the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard and 11 international air forces and coalition partners.
The Sniper pod is operational on U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard and multinational F-16, F-15, B-1, F-18, Harrier, A-10 and Tornado aircraft. It is currently being integrated and is flying on the B-52. Its common software and hardware interface design enables users to “plug and play” across services and multiple platforms, providing a common software and hardware configuration across aircraft fleets.
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 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.
Air Force. The $30 million contract includes integration support, product spares and logistics support. The Sniper ATPs will fly on the Royal Moroccan Air Force’s newly-purchased F-16 block 50 aircraft.
“The Royal Moroccan Air Force selected the Sniper ATP for its unmatched ability to provide precision targeting, as well as its non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (NT-ISR) capability,” said Hulan Woods, program manager of Sniper ATP Morocco at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “We look forward to working with the Royal Moroccan Air Force to provide the multi-mission capable Sniper pod for their F-16 aircraft.”
Packaged in a single lightweight pod, Sniper ATP’s enhanced image clarity provides critical long-range positive identification of targets and real-time targeting. Its state-of-the-art tracker enables employment of advanced laser-guided weapons against moving targets. Sniper ATP also incorporates meta-data in every frame of video to ensure accuracy throughout intelligence and command and control functions.
The Sniper pods will include a video down link that relays high-resolution, streaming video to forward-deployed forces for non-traditional ISR and rapid target coordination via the widely-used Rover ground receiver. The Royal Moroccan Air Force will take delivery of Sniper pods over the next two years to support aircraft integration and fielding.
Deployed in theater since January 2005, Sniper ATP is in service with the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard and 11 international air forces and coalition partners.
The Sniper pod is operational on U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard and multinational F-16, F-15, B-1, F-18, Harrier, A-10 and Tornado aircraft. It is currently being integrated and is flying on the B-52. Its common software and hardware interface design enables users to “plug and play” across services and multiple platforms, providing a common software and hardware configuration across aircraft fleets.
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 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.
DTN News: Boeing Statement On Release of KC-X Tanker Draft Request For Proposal
DTN News: Boeing Statement On Release of KC-X Tanker Draft Request For Proposal
*Source: DTN News / Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) ARLINGTON, Va., - September 28, 2009: The Boeing Company Sept. 25, 2009 received the Draft Request for Proposal document for the KC-X Tanker competition from the U.S. Air Force, and released the following statement: 
Boeing invented boom refueling 60 years ago, and has since built and delivered more than 2,000 of the best aerial refueling tankers in the world, setting the global standard for tanker refueling and continuing to push the leading edge of refueling technology. So when the United States put out the request for a new tanker, Boeing gathered all of its tanker know-how into one place: the new KC-7A7 tanker.
"Our next step is to conduct a detailed review of the document. We want to understand how requirements will be defined and prioritized and how the proposals will be evaluated. That information will help us decide which plane to offer or whether to offer both planes. We appreciate that there will be frequent, open discussion with the U.S. Air Force as we go forward. Both the Air Force and the American taxpayer will benefit from the tanker options we can offer. Boeing has a KC-7A7 'family of tankers' available to meet the warfighter's requirements. Whether it's the agile, flexible 767-based tanker or the large 777-based tanker, Boeing will deliver a combat-ready tanker with maximum capability at the lowest cost."
More information on the KC-7A7 is available at www.unitedstatestanker.com
Boeing invented boom refueling 60 years ago, and has since built and delivered more than 2,000 of the best aerial refueling tankers in the world, setting the global standard for tanker refueling and continuing to push the leading edge of refueling technology. So when the United States put out the request for a new tanker, Boeing gathered all of its tanker know-how into one place: the new KC-7A7 tanker.
"Our next step is to conduct a detailed review of the document. We want to understand how requirements will be defined and prioritized and how the proposals will be evaluated. That information will help us decide which plane to offer or whether to offer both planes. We appreciate that there will be frequent, open discussion with the U.S. Air Force as we go forward. Both the Air Force and the American taxpayer will benefit from the tanker options we can offer. Boeing has a KC-7A7 'family of tankers' available to meet the warfighter's requirements. Whether it's the agile, flexible 767-based tanker or the large 777-based tanker, Boeing will deliver a combat-ready tanker with maximum capability at the lowest cost."
More information on the KC-7A7 is available at www.unitedstatestanker.com
DTN News: Boeing Receives A-10 Modernization Contracts From US Air Force
DTN News: Boeing Receives A-10 Modernization Contracts From US Air Force
*Source: DTN News / Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) ST. LOUIS, USA - September 28, 2009: The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] announced Sept. 24, 2009 that it has received two separate contracts from the U.S. 
Air Force to support modernization of the service's fleet of 365 A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. The contracts, which have a total value of $4.2 million, consist of several tasks ranging in duration from three to 18 months.
The first contract, which will be performed by Boeing and Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), provides engineering services for the A-10 Aircraft Structural Integrity Program (ASIP). The program centers on updating and aligning modern structural analysis tools, processes and standards for the A-10 fleet.
The second contract, which will be performed by Boeing and industry team partners Raytheon Technical Services and BAE Systems Platform Solutions, is for a Trade Study Analysis and Operational Assessment/Proof of Concept for the Upgraded Data Transfer Unit (UDTU). The goal of this contract is to update the aircraft's avionics architecture to improve memory and data capability.
The ASIP and the UDTU contracts are two of many that will be awarded as part of the $1.6 billion A-10 Thunderbolt Life-Cycle Program Support (TLPS) contract. A-10 TLPS is designed to support the sustainment of the A-10 and integration of current and future requirements. In June, Boeing was selected as one of three contractors to fulfill several A-10 TLPS task and delivery orders for the Air Force.
Other A-10 contracts Boeing has received include a services contract that provides the Air Force with on-site engineering support and 3-D models of the A-10 wing, and a contract for fuselage lofting (transfer of a scaled-down plan to full size). The $2 billion A-10 Wing Replacement Program, which Boeing received in June 2007, plans to manufacture up to 242 enhanced wing assemblies. Work remains on schedule as Boeing continues to develop the 3-D models that provide the engineering foundation for production of the new wings. The models allowed the Air Force to quickly resolve wing-crack issues that temporarily grounded the A-10 fleet last year.
"We are honored to continue supporting the Air Force and the A-10 fleet," said Bill Moorefield, A-10 program manager for Boeing. "We are committed to the standard of excellence we have exhibited on the A-10 Wing Replacement Program, and we look forward to delivering the same outstanding level of customer satisfaction and performance on this contract."
The A-10, also known as the Warthog, was introduced into the Air Force inventory in 1976. The twin-engine aircraft provides close-air support of ground forces and employs a wide variety of conventional munitions, including general-purpose bombs. The simple, effective and survivable single-seat aircraft can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. The aircraft is supporting warfighters in Afghanistan and Iraq today.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.
Air Force to support modernization of the service's fleet of 365 A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. The contracts, which have a total value of $4.2 million, consist of several tasks ranging in duration from three to 18 months.
The first contract, which will be performed by Boeing and Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), provides engineering services for the A-10 Aircraft Structural Integrity Program (ASIP). The program centers on updating and aligning modern structural analysis tools, processes and standards for the A-10 fleet.
The second contract, which will be performed by Boeing and industry team partners Raytheon Technical Services and BAE Systems Platform Solutions, is for a Trade Study Analysis and Operational Assessment/Proof of Concept for the Upgraded Data Transfer Unit (UDTU). The goal of this contract is to update the aircraft's avionics architecture to improve memory and data capability.
The ASIP and the UDTU contracts are two of many that will be awarded as part of the $1.6 billion A-10 Thunderbolt Life-Cycle Program Support (TLPS) contract. A-10 TLPS is designed to support the sustainment of the A-10 and integration of current and future requirements. In June, Boeing was selected as one of three contractors to fulfill several A-10 TLPS task and delivery orders for the Air Force.
Other A-10 contracts Boeing has received include a services contract that provides the Air Force with on-site engineering support and 3-D models of the A-10 wing, and a contract for fuselage lofting (transfer of a scaled-down plan to full size). The $2 billion A-10 Wing Replacement Program, which Boeing received in June 2007, plans to manufacture up to 242 enhanced wing assemblies. Work remains on schedule as Boeing continues to develop the 3-D models that provide the engineering foundation for production of the new wings. The models allowed the Air Force to quickly resolve wing-crack issues that temporarily grounded the A-10 fleet last year.
"We are honored to continue supporting the Air Force and the A-10 fleet," said Bill Moorefield, A-10 program manager for Boeing. "We are committed to the standard of excellence we have exhibited on the A-10 Wing Replacement Program, and we look forward to delivering the same outstanding level of customer satisfaction and performance on this contract."
The A-10, also known as the Warthog, was introduced into the Air Force inventory in 1976. The twin-engine aircraft provides close-air support of ground forces and employs a wide variety of conventional munitions, including general-purpose bombs. The simple, effective and survivable single-seat aircraft can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. The aircraft is supporting warfighters in Afghanistan and Iraq today.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.
DTN News: Boeing Submits Proposal For NASA Commercial Crew Transport System
DTN News: Boeing Submits Proposal For NASA Commercial Crew Transport System
*Source: DTN News / Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) ST. LOUIS, USA - September 28, 2009: The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] submitted a proposal to NASA on Sept. 22 to accelerate the development of commercial human space transportation as defined by NASA in its Commercial Crew 
Development (CCDev) announcement. Boeing's submission, which draws on the company's experience with proven human-rated spacecraft, proposes development of technologies that will mature its Commercial Crew Transportation System concept.
NASA's CCDev initiative is intended to stimulate private-sector development of a commercially managed system that could be used to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station, Bigelow Aerospace's Orbital Space Complex, and other potential destinations in low Earth orbit.
"Boeing's knowledge of the space station and our long history of supporting NASA with proven human-rated systems should allow us to work closely with NASA to develop a commercially viable, yet safe, crew transportation system," said Keith Reiley, Boeing program manager for the CCDev proposal. "Boeing has a lot to offer NASA in this new field of commercial crew transportation services. To show our commitment, we are willing to make a substantial investment in research and development."
Boeing has strong project management skills, commercial manufacturing experience using Lean management practices, one of the strongest supplier networks in the United States, and a team of talented engineers with practical human spaceflight experience. Most recently, Boeing has applied this experience on its Ares I and Constellation work in support of NASA's exploration mission. Boeing can apply these skills and capabilities to meeting specific milestones to show progress in developing a reliable and safe commercial crew transportation system.
Joining Boeing on the CCDev team will be Las Vegas-based Bigelow Aerospace, LLC. Bigelow Aerospace will provide additional investment, requirements for crew transportation to its Orbital Space Complex, and its expertise from testing and validating the technologies necessary to construct and deploy a full-scale, crewed, commercial orbital space complex.
To support the commercial space industry with space-platform and human-rated systems experience, Boeing also has joined three other teams competing for CCDev agreements. These teams are submitting their own separate proposals.
NASA has announced it will sign funded agreements with one or more teams in November, using funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The value of the Space Act Agreements can vary, but NASA has said approximately $50 million is available to distribute and that the funded, fixed-price agreements will run through September 2010.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.
Development (CCDev) announcement. Boeing's submission, which draws on the company's experience with proven human-rated spacecraft, proposes development of technologies that will mature its Commercial Crew Transportation System concept.
NASA's CCDev initiative is intended to stimulate private-sector development of a commercially managed system that could be used to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station, Bigelow Aerospace's Orbital Space Complex, and other potential destinations in low Earth orbit.
"Boeing's knowledge of the space station and our long history of supporting NASA with proven human-rated systems should allow us to work closely with NASA to develop a commercially viable, yet safe, crew transportation system," said Keith Reiley, Boeing program manager for the CCDev proposal. "Boeing has a lot to offer NASA in this new field of commercial crew transportation services. To show our commitment, we are willing to make a substantial investment in research and development."
Boeing has strong project management skills, commercial manufacturing experience using Lean management practices, one of the strongest supplier networks in the United States, and a team of talented engineers with practical human spaceflight experience. Most recently, Boeing has applied this experience on its Ares I and Constellation work in support of NASA's exploration mission. Boeing can apply these skills and capabilities to meeting specific milestones to show progress in developing a reliable and safe commercial crew transportation system.
Joining Boeing on the CCDev team will be Las Vegas-based Bigelow Aerospace, LLC. Bigelow Aerospace will provide additional investment, requirements for crew transportation to its Orbital Space Complex, and its expertise from testing and validating the technologies necessary to construct and deploy a full-scale, crewed, commercial orbital space complex.
To support the commercial space industry with space-platform and human-rated systems experience, Boeing also has joined three other teams competing for CCDev agreements. These teams are submitting their own separate proposals.
NASA has announced it will sign funded agreements with one or more teams in November, using funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The value of the Space Act Agreements can vary, but NASA has said approximately $50 million is available to distribute and that the funded, fixed-price agreements will run through September 2010.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.
DTN News: Airlines News TODAY September 28, 2009 ~ Boeing And FedEx Express Celebrate Carrier's First 777 Freighter Delivery
DTN News: Airlines News TODAY September 28, 2009 ~ Boeing And FedEx Express Celebrate Carrier's First 777 Freighter Delivery
*Source: DTN News / Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) EVERETT, Wash., - September 28, 2009: Boeing (NYSE: BA) and FedEx Express September 22, celebrated the delivery of the world's largest air cargo carrier's first 777 Freighter. The world's largest and most capable twinjet freighter will help FedEx Express deliver more cargo even faster, allowing the carrier to offer customers greater flexibility.
FedEx Express ordered 15 Boeing 777 Freighters in 2006 and is the largest customer for the highly efficient twinjet freighter.
This is Boeing's ninth 777 Freighter delivery and marks the first 777 Freighter to enter service with a U.S.-based global freight carrier.
"The 777F is a game changer," said Michael L. Ducker, president, International, FedEx Express. "Its operational efficiencies and environmental benefits alone are impressive, but combine those advantages with the service improvements it delivers and FedEx Express will be able to take international shipping to another level. Our customers around the world will benefit from more point-to-point routes and the shorter flight times, increasing their competitiveness in the global marketplace."
With the 777 Freighter, transit times from points in Asia to the FedEx hub in Memphis, Tenn., for example, will drop by one to three hours compared with the MD-11 Freighter. This will allow FedEx to accept packages from its customers later in the day and still deliver them on time.
"The 777 Freighter will have a unique role for FedEx Express, providing exceptional range that brings new efficiency to the airline and its customers," said Kevin Schemm, vice president, North America Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 777 Freighter will allow FedEx Express to operate point-to-point routes that save valuable flying time, coupled with outstanding fuel efficiency and environmental responsibility."
In the FedEx Express operation, the 777 Freighter can fly 5,800 nautical miles (6,675 statute miles, 10,740 km), an increase of 2,100 nautical miles (2,410 statute miles, 3,890 km) versus the airline's MD-11 Freighter fleet. The FedEx 777 Freighter has a revenue payload capacity of 215,000 pounds (97.5 metric tons), a 37,000-pound (16.7-metric-ton) increase over the MD-11 Freighter.
The 777 Freighter uses 18 percent less fuel than the MD-11 Freighter on comparable FedEx Express routes, reduces maintenance cost and provides quieter takeoffs and landings that meet airport noise standards.
Some 58 customers have ordered more than 1,100 777s, including 71 777 Freighters.
FedEx Express ordered 15 Boeing 777 Freighters in 2006 and is the largest customer for the highly efficient twinjet freighter.
This is Boeing's ninth 777 Freighter delivery and marks the first 777 Freighter to enter service with a U.S.-based global freight carrier.
"The 777F is a game changer," said Michael L. Ducker, president, International, FedEx Express. "Its operational efficiencies and environmental benefits alone are impressive, but combine those advantages with the service improvements it delivers and FedEx Express will be able to take international shipping to another level. Our customers around the world will benefit from more point-to-point routes and the shorter flight times, increasing their competitiveness in the global marketplace."
With the 777 Freighter, transit times from points in Asia to the FedEx hub in Memphis, Tenn., for example, will drop by one to three hours compared with the MD-11 Freighter. This will allow FedEx to accept packages from its customers later in the day and still deliver them on time.
"The 777 Freighter will have a unique role for FedEx Express, providing exceptional range that brings new efficiency to the airline and its customers," said Kevin Schemm, vice president, North America Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 777 Freighter will allow FedEx Express to operate point-to-point routes that save valuable flying time, coupled with outstanding fuel efficiency and environmental responsibility."
In the FedEx Express operation, the 777 Freighter can fly 5,800 nautical miles (6,675 statute miles, 10,740 km), an increase of 2,100 nautical miles (2,410 statute miles, 3,890 km) versus the airline's MD-11 Freighter fleet. The FedEx 777 Freighter has a revenue payload capacity of 215,000 pounds (97.5 metric tons), a 37,000-pound (16.7-metric-ton) increase over the MD-11 Freighter.
The 777 Freighter uses 18 percent less fuel than the MD-11 Freighter on comparable FedEx Express routes, reduces maintenance cost and provides quieter takeoffs and landings that meet airport noise standards.
Some 58 customers have ordered more than 1,100 777s, including 71 777 Freighters.
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