The Boeing Standoff Land Attack Missile Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) team successfully demonstrated its new retargeting capability recently at Point Mugu, Calif. Operating from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis located in the Naval Air Weapons Station Sea Test Range, an F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 25 (VFA-25), launched a SLAM-ER to destroy a simulated radar site on San Nicolas island, in the Pacific Ocean, used by the U.S. Navy for test and training missions. The SLAM-ER changed direction when the Hornet pilot identified a new target on the island and sent a land midcourse update. Within several miles of the simulated surface-to-air missile site, the SLAM-ER began to transmit real-time video to an S-3B Viking aircrew assigned to Sea Control Squadron 35 (VS-35). The crew utilized the data to pinpoint the new target and destroy it.
The 100th launch occurred during a U.S. Navy Air Wing training exercise. The missile was launched from an F/A-18C aircraft and received aimpoint updates from an F/A-18F, striking a simulated command and control building. This milestone includes operational launches as well as those conducted for tests and training. The first SLAM ER launch took place in March 1997.
"With these program achievements, SLAM ER continues to prove that it is a very capable and reliable system," said Jim Young, Boeing Harpoon/SLAM ER Weapons program manager. "The launch from the F-16 adds yet another launch platform for SLAM ER, and the 100th launch is proof that the missile consistently performs its missions as designed and provides warfighters a capability they can count on."
SLAM ER is a highly adaptable day and night, all-weather, over-the-horizon precision strike missile capable of hitting stationary or moving targets on land or at sea. It can be launched from safe standoff ranges of more than 150 nautical miles and is the Navy’s weapon of choice for surgical strikes against high-value land targets and ships in port and at sea. The missile is fully integrated onto F/A-18A+/C/D/E/F, F-15K, P-3C and S-3B aircraft. It now has been demonstrated on the F-16E/F and is currently being integrated onto P-8A and F-16C/D.
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.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
DTN News: Boeing SLAM ER Missile System Achieves 2 Launch Milestones
DTN News: Boeing SLAM ER Missile System Achieves 2 Launch Milestones
*Source: DTN News / Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) ST. LOUIS, - October 1, 2009: The Boeing [NYSE: BA] Standoff Land Attack Missile Expanded Response (SLAM ER) missile system recently reached two program milestones -- the first launch from an F-16 aircraft and the 100th missile launch. Both flights took place at the U.S. Naval Air Weapons Station in China Lake, Calif. The Boeing Standoff Land Attack Missile Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) team successfully demonstrated its new retargeting capability recently at Point Mugu, Calif. Operating from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis located in the Naval Air Weapons Station Sea Test Range, an F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 25 (VFA-25), launched a SLAM-ER to destroy a simulated radar site on San Nicolas island, in the Pacific Ocean, used by the U.S. Navy for test and training missions. The SLAM-ER changed direction when the Hornet pilot identified a new target on the island and sent a land midcourse update. Within several miles of the simulated surface-to-air missile site, the SLAM-ER began to transmit real-time video to an S-3B Viking aircrew assigned to Sea Control Squadron 35 (VS-35). The crew utilized the data to pinpoint the new target and destroy it.
The 100th launch occurred during a U.S. Navy Air Wing training exercise. The missile was launched from an F/A-18C aircraft and received aimpoint updates from an F/A-18F, striking a simulated command and control building. This milestone includes operational launches as well as those conducted for tests and training. The first SLAM ER launch took place in March 1997.
"With these program achievements, SLAM ER continues to prove that it is a very capable and reliable system," said Jim Young, Boeing Harpoon/SLAM ER Weapons program manager. "The launch from the F-16 adds yet another launch platform for SLAM ER, and the 100th launch is proof that the missile consistently performs its missions as designed and provides warfighters a capability they can count on."
SLAM ER is a highly adaptable day and night, all-weather, over-the-horizon precision strike missile capable of hitting stationary or moving targets on land or at sea. It can be launched from safe standoff ranges of more than 150 nautical miles and is the Navy’s weapon of choice for surgical strikes against high-value land targets and ships in port and at sea. The missile is fully integrated onto F/A-18A+/C/D/E/F, F-15K, P-3C and S-3B aircraft. It now has been demonstrated on the F-16E/F and is currently being integrated onto P-8A and F-16C/D.
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.
The Boeing Standoff Land Attack Missile Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) team successfully demonstrated its new retargeting capability recently at Point Mugu, Calif. Operating from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis located in the Naval Air Weapons Station Sea Test Range, an F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 25 (VFA-25), launched a SLAM-ER to destroy a simulated radar site on San Nicolas island, in the Pacific Ocean, used by the U.S. Navy for test and training missions. The SLAM-ER changed direction when the Hornet pilot identified a new target on the island and sent a land midcourse update. Within several miles of the simulated surface-to-air missile site, the SLAM-ER began to transmit real-time video to an S-3B Viking aircrew assigned to Sea Control Squadron 35 (VS-35). The crew utilized the data to pinpoint the new target and destroy it.
The 100th launch occurred during a U.S. Navy Air Wing training exercise. The missile was launched from an F/A-18C aircraft and received aimpoint updates from an F/A-18F, striking a simulated command and control building. This milestone includes operational launches as well as those conducted for tests and training. The first SLAM ER launch took place in March 1997.
"With these program achievements, SLAM ER continues to prove that it is a very capable and reliable system," said Jim Young, Boeing Harpoon/SLAM ER Weapons program manager. "The launch from the F-16 adds yet another launch platform for SLAM ER, and the 100th launch is proof that the missile consistently performs its missions as designed and provides warfighters a capability they can count on."
SLAM ER is a highly adaptable day and night, all-weather, over-the-horizon precision strike missile capable of hitting stationary or moving targets on land or at sea. It can be launched from safe standoff ranges of more than 150 nautical miles and is the Navy’s weapon of choice for surgical strikes against high-value land targets and ships in port and at sea. The missile is fully integrated onto F/A-18A+/C/D/E/F, F-15K, P-3C and S-3B aircraft. It now has been demonstrated on the F-16E/F and is currently being integrated onto P-8A and F-16C/D.
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 Connects 2 More F-15E Simulators To US Air Force Global Training Network
DTN News: Boeing Connects 2 More F-15E Simulators To US Air Force Global Training Network
*Source: DTN News / Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) ST. LOUIS, - October 1, 2009: Boeing [NYSE: BA] has connected two additional F
-15E Mission Training Centers (MTC) to the U.S. Air Force's Distributed Mission Operations Network (DMON) -- one at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., and one at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom.
These two sites join the F-15E MTC at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, which Boeing connected to the DMON in June. F-15E pilots at all three bases now can train virtually with military aircraft pilots located around the world.
Distributed Mission Operations (DMO) provides an advanced training environment in which simulators flown by front-line aircrew are linked via the DMON from their home bases.
(Image: F-15E Simulators) "Having all three MTCs on the network is a significant achievement," said Mark McGraw, Boeing vice president, Training Systems and Services. "Now warfighters at these three bases can benefit from the realistic training provided by the MTCs without incurring the financial or environmental costs or safety risks of live-fly training exercises."
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Boeing's first delivery of MTCs in support of a networked and distributed training environment. The first MTCs on the DMON connected F-15C pilots at the Eglin and Langley Air Force bases. Today, Boeing connects 10 MTC sites at Air Force bases around the world for pilots to train on F-15E and F-16 platforms. Boeing expects to add the F-22 Raptor to the DMON by 2010; the system also has the capability to incorporate airlift and tanker missions.
The DMO configuration has enabled Boeing-developed and -operated MTC sites around the world to network to one another throughout the past decade, improving the scale and fidelity of multisquadron training operations.
"DMO allows the Air Force to simulate combat and training between several bases and dissimilar aircraft, allowing aircrews to 'train as they fight,' right from their home base," added McGraw.
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.
-15E Mission Training Centers (MTC) to the U.S. Air Force's Distributed Mission Operations Network (DMON) -- one at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., and one at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom.
These two sites join the F-15E MTC at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, which Boeing connected to the DMON in June. F-15E pilots at all three bases now can train virtually with military aircraft pilots located around the world.
Distributed Mission Operations (DMO) provides an advanced training environment in which simulators flown by front-line aircrew are linked via the DMON from their home bases.
(Image: F-15E Simulators) "Having all three MTCs on the network is a significant achievement," said Mark McGraw, Boeing vice president, Training Systems and Services. "Now warfighters at these three bases can benefit from the realistic training provided by the MTCs without incurring the financial or environmental costs or safety risks of live-fly training exercises."
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Boeing's first delivery of MTCs in support of a networked and distributed training environment. The first MTCs on the DMON connected F-15C pilots at the Eglin and Langley Air Force bases. Today, Boeing connects 10 MTC sites at Air Force bases around the world for pilots to train on F-15E and F-16 platforms. Boeing expects to add the F-22 Raptor to the DMON by 2010; the system also has the capability to incorporate airlift and tanker missions.
The DMO configuration has enabled Boeing-developed and -operated MTC sites around the world to network to one another throughout the past decade, improving the scale and fidelity of multisquadron training operations.
"DMO allows the Air Force to simulate combat and training between several bases and dissimilar aircraft, allowing aircrews to 'train as they fight,' right from their home base," added McGraw.
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: U.S. Navy Awards Lockheed Martin $8 Million Contract To Advance Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Technology
DTN News: U.S. Navy Awards Lockheed Martin $8 Million Contract To Advance Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Technology
*Source: DTN News / Lockheed Martin
(NSI News Source Info) MANASSAS, VA, - October 1, 2009: The U.S. Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) recently awarded Lockheed Martin [NYSE: 
LMT] an $8.12 million contract to further develop Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) technology, which leverages the temperature difference between warmer water at the ocean’s surface and colder water below to produce renewable and reliable power.
Under the contract, a Lockheed Martin-led industry team will develop critical OTEC system components and further mature its design for an OTEC pilot plant, an incremental step in developing large-scale utility plants. A key part of maturing the plant design includes developing an interface between the system’s cold water pipe and the platform.
“OTEC has the potential to play a critical role in securing our nation’s and our military’s energy needs,” said Rich Lockwood, vice president of Lockheed Martin’s New Ventures line of business. “This contract provides Lockheed Martin the opportunity to further demonstrate the feasibility of generating electricity from the ocean in an environmentally benign way.”
Lockheed Martin's experience with OTEC technology dates back to the 1970s when the company built “Mini-OTEC.” This early prototype remains the world’s only floating OTEC system to generate power in excess of what is required for self-sustainment. Since that time, Lockheed Martin has continued to mature and validate the critical technologies necessary for an OTEC system that could generate a utility-scale power supply. In 2008, Lockheed Martin was awarded a U.S. Department of Energy contract to demonstrate a modern fabrication approach for a cold water pipe, a key component of the OTEC system.
In addition to its work on OTEC, Lockheed Martin is working with its customers to address the nation’s energy and climate challenges in the areas of next-generation alternative energy, energy efficiency, storage and climate monitoring.
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.
LMT] an $8.12 million contract to further develop Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) technology, which leverages the temperature difference between warmer water at the ocean’s surface and colder water below to produce renewable and reliable power.
Under the contract, a Lockheed Martin-led industry team will develop critical OTEC system components and further mature its design for an OTEC pilot plant, an incremental step in developing large-scale utility plants. A key part of maturing the plant design includes developing an interface between the system’s cold water pipe and the platform.
“OTEC has the potential to play a critical role in securing our nation’s and our military’s energy needs,” said Rich Lockwood, vice president of Lockheed Martin’s New Ventures line of business. “This contract provides Lockheed Martin the opportunity to further demonstrate the feasibility of generating electricity from the ocean in an environmentally benign way.”
Lockheed Martin's experience with OTEC technology dates back to the 1970s when the company built “Mini-OTEC.” This early prototype remains the world’s only floating OTEC system to generate power in excess of what is required for self-sustainment. Since that time, Lockheed Martin has continued to mature and validate the critical technologies necessary for an OTEC system that could generate a utility-scale power supply. In 2008, Lockheed Martin was awarded a U.S. Department of Energy contract to demonstrate a modern fabrication approach for a cold water pipe, a key component of the OTEC system.
In addition to its work on OTEC, Lockheed Martin is working with its customers to address the nation’s energy and climate challenges in the areas of next-generation alternative energy, energy efficiency, storage and climate monitoring.
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 Supports Successful International PAC-3 Missile Test At White Sands Missile Range
DTN News: Lockheed Martin Supports Successful International PAC-3 Missile Test At White Sands Missile Range
*Source: DTN News / Lockheed Martin
(NSI News Source Info) DALLAS, TX, - October 1, 2009: Airmen of the Japanese Self Defense Force and Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] successfully conducted the second Japanese PAC-3 Missile flight test recently at White Sands Missile Range, NM. The PAC-3 Missiles fired in this test were assembled in Taketoyo, Japan, under a licensed production agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Lockheed Martin. The missiles successfully intercepted and destroyed a tactical ballistic missile (TBM) target. 
Lockheed Martin is producing the combat-proven Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile under production contracts from the U.S. Army Air and Missile Defense Program Executive Office and multiple international customers. The PAC-3 Missile is being incorporated into the Patriot air defense system. The ‘hit-to-kill’ PAC-3 Missile is the world’s most advanced, capable and powerful terminal air defense missile. It defeats the entire threat: tactical ballistic missiles (TBMs), cruise missiles and aircraft. The PAC-3 Missile is a quantum leap ahead of any other air defense missile when it comes to the ability to protect the Warfighter in their defining moments. The PAC-3 Missile is a high velocity interceptor that defeats incoming targets by direct, body-to-body impact. PAC-3 Missiles, when deployed in a Patriot battery, will significantly increase the Patriot system's firepower, since 16 PAC-3s load-out on a Patriot launcher, compared with four of the legacy Patriot PAC-2 missiles. One hundred percent effective in Operation Iraqi Freedom, PAC-3 Missiles are now deployed with U.S. and allied forces.
The flight test demonstrated the Patriot Configuration-3 upgrades to Japanese Patriot ground system, and the addition of the PAC-3 Missile Segment to detect, track, engage and destroy a TBM target in a realistic battlefield environment.
“This test success is a milestone in international cooperation between the Governments and industries of Japan and the United States,” said Mike Trotsky, vice president – Air & Missile Defense Programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “The PAC-3 system provides robust hit-to-kill defense against ballistic missiles and is a key element in the Japanese defense architecture.”
The PAC-3 Missile is the world’s most advanced, capable and powerful theater air defense missile. It defeats the entire Patriot Air Defense System threat spectrum: tactical ballistic missiles, evolving cruise missiles and fixed and rotary winged aircraft. PAC-3 Missiles significantly increase the Patriot system’s firepower, since 16 PAC-3s load out on a Patriot launcher, compared with four legacy Patriot PAC-2 missiles.
Lockheed Martin achieved the first-ever hit-to-kill intercept of a ballistic missile target in 1984 with the Homing Overlay Experiment, using force of impact alone to destroy a mock warhead outside of the Earth’s atmosphere. Further development and testing produced today’s PAC-3 Missile, which won a competition in 1993 to become the first hit-to-kill interceptor produced by the U.S. government. The PAC-3 Missile has been the technology pathfinder for today’s total conversion to kinetic energy interceptors for all modern missile defense systems.
Lockheed Martin is a world leader in systems integration and the development of air and missile defense systems and technologies, including the first operational hit-to-kill missile. It also has considerable experience in missile design and production, infrared seekers, command and control/battle management, and communications, precision pointing and tracking optics, as well as radar and signal processing. The company makes significant contributions to all major U.S. missile defense systems and participates in several global missile defense partnerships.
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.
Lockheed Martin is producing the combat-proven Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile under production contracts from the U.S. Army Air and Missile Defense Program Executive Office and multiple international customers. The PAC-3 Missile is being incorporated into the Patriot air defense system. The ‘hit-to-kill’ PAC-3 Missile is the world’s most advanced, capable and powerful terminal air defense missile. It defeats the entire threat: tactical ballistic missiles (TBMs), cruise missiles and aircraft. The PAC-3 Missile is a quantum leap ahead of any other air defense missile when it comes to the ability to protect the Warfighter in their defining moments. The PAC-3 Missile is a high velocity interceptor that defeats incoming targets by direct, body-to-body impact. PAC-3 Missiles, when deployed in a Patriot battery, will significantly increase the Patriot system's firepower, since 16 PAC-3s load-out on a Patriot launcher, compared with four of the legacy Patriot PAC-2 missiles. One hundred percent effective in Operation Iraqi Freedom, PAC-3 Missiles are now deployed with U.S. and allied forces.
The flight test demonstrated the Patriot Configuration-3 upgrades to Japanese Patriot ground system, and the addition of the PAC-3 Missile Segment to detect, track, engage and destroy a TBM target in a realistic battlefield environment.
“This test success is a milestone in international cooperation between the Governments and industries of Japan and the United States,” said Mike Trotsky, vice president – Air & Missile Defense Programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “The PAC-3 system provides robust hit-to-kill defense against ballistic missiles and is a key element in the Japanese defense architecture.”
The PAC-3 Missile is the world’s most advanced, capable and powerful theater air defense missile. It defeats the entire Patriot Air Defense System threat spectrum: tactical ballistic missiles, evolving cruise missiles and fixed and rotary winged aircraft. PAC-3 Missiles significantly increase the Patriot system’s firepower, since 16 PAC-3s load out on a Patriot launcher, compared with four legacy Patriot PAC-2 missiles.
Lockheed Martin achieved the first-ever hit-to-kill intercept of a ballistic missile target in 1984 with the Homing Overlay Experiment, using force of impact alone to destroy a mock warhead outside of the Earth’s atmosphere. Further development and testing produced today’s PAC-3 Missile, which won a competition in 1993 to become the first hit-to-kill interceptor produced by the U.S. government. The PAC-3 Missile has been the technology pathfinder for today’s total conversion to kinetic energy interceptors for all modern missile defense systems.
Lockheed Martin is a world leader in systems integration and the development of air and missile defense systems and technologies, including the first operational hit-to-kill missile. It also has considerable experience in missile design and production, infrared seekers, command and control/battle management, and communications, precision pointing and tracking optics, as well as radar and signal processing. The company makes significant contributions to all major U.S. missile defense systems and participates in several global missile defense partnerships.
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 Delivers First Set Of P-3 Orion New Production Wings To Norway
DTN News: Lockheed Martin Delivers First Set Of P-3 Orion New Production Wings To Norway
*Source: DTN News / Lockheed Martin
(NSI News Source Info) MARIETTA, Ga, - October 1, 2009: Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] delivered the first set of new production P-3 Orion wings to the company’s launch customer, the Royal Norwegian Air Force, on Sept. 25. The milestone delivery ushers in a new era of P-3 life cycle sustainment.
Once the Norwegian P-3s are fitted with these new wings and the accompanying ASLEP components, the RNoAF will be able to execute their maritime patrol missions with confidence well into the future.
“These new wings take Lockheed Martin’s long-standing commitment to the sustainment and support of the P-3 Orion to the next level,” said Ray Burick, Lockheed Martin P-3/S-3 Programs vice president. “Working with our many P-3 customer operators worldwide, we identified a coming need to replace P-3 wings. We established the P-3 wing production line to meet that need and to ensure that our customers’ P-3s are patrolling the skies for decades to come. We’re proud to announce that our customers, beginning with the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF), will begin to reap the benefits of those efforts.”
The new production wings are the cornerstone of Lockheed Martin’s P-3 Aircraft Service Life Extension Program (ASLEP). ASLEP replaces the outer wings, center wing lower surface assembly, horizontal stabilizer, wing and horizontal stabilizer leading edges and various filet fairings. All necessary fatigue-life limiting structures are replaced, leading to significantly reduced maintenance and sustainment costs. New alloys are employed that provide a fivefold increase in corrosion resistance. ASLEP is the only solution that removes all current airframe flight restrictions on the P-3.
The RNoAF will receive six life extension kits, two conditional kits and engineering support under the contract. Other ASLEP customers to date include U.S. Customs & Border Protection, Canada and Taiwan. Additionally, the U.S. Navy has contracted with Lockheed Martin for 13 sets of P-3 outer wings.
“Lockheed Martin is committed to the complete life cycle sustainment of its aircraft, and our total range of P-3 support capabilities epitomizes that commitment,” said Rob Weiss, Lockheed Martin Global Sustainment executive vice president. “Once the Norwegian P-3s are fitted with these new wings and the accompanying ASLEP components, the RNoAF will be able to execute their maritime patrol missions with confidence well into the future.”
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.
Once the Norwegian P-3s are fitted with these new wings and the accompanying ASLEP components, the RNoAF will be able to execute their maritime patrol missions with confidence well into the future.
“These new wings take Lockheed Martin’s long-standing commitment to the sustainment and support of the P-3 Orion to the next level,” said Ray Burick, Lockheed Martin P-3/S-3 Programs vice president. “Working with our many P-3 customer operators worldwide, we identified a coming need to replace P-3 wings. We established the P-3 wing production line to meet that need and to ensure that our customers’ P-3s are patrolling the skies for decades to come. We’re proud to announce that our customers, beginning with the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF), will begin to reap the benefits of those efforts.”
The new production wings are the cornerstone of Lockheed Martin’s P-3 Aircraft Service Life Extension Program (ASLEP). ASLEP replaces the outer wings, center wing lower surface assembly, horizontal stabilizer, wing and horizontal stabilizer leading edges and various filet fairings. All necessary fatigue-life limiting structures are replaced, leading to significantly reduced maintenance and sustainment costs. New alloys are employed that provide a fivefold increase in corrosion resistance. ASLEP is the only solution that removes all current airframe flight restrictions on the P-3.
The RNoAF will receive six life extension kits, two conditional kits and engineering support under the contract. Other ASLEP customers to date include U.S. Customs & Border Protection, Canada and Taiwan. Additionally, the U.S. Navy has contracted with Lockheed Martin for 13 sets of P-3 outer wings.
“Lockheed Martin is committed to the complete life cycle sustainment of its aircraft, and our total range of P-3 support capabilities epitomizes that commitment,” said Rob Weiss, Lockheed Martin Global Sustainment executive vice president. “Once the Norwegian P-3s are fitted with these new wings and the accompanying ASLEP components, the RNoAF will be able to execute their maritime patrol missions with confidence well into the future.”
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: Oshkosh Defense Awarded $801 Million Delivery Order For New And Recapitalized HEMTTs, PLS Trailers
DTN News: Oshkosh Defense Awarded $801 Million Delivery Order For New And Recapitalized HEMTTs, PLS Trailers
*Source: DTN News / Oshkosh Corporation
(NSI News Source Info) OSHKOSH, Wis. - October 1, 2009: Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), announced Sept. 29, that its Defense division has received a delivery order valued at $801 million from the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command Life Cycle Management Command (TACOM LCMC) for more than 2,450 new and recapitalized Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTT) and Palletized Load System Trailers (PLST). Work is expected to be completed by May 2011. 
The Oshkosh HEMTT A3 is at the forefront of a new generation of severe-duty vehicles. The A3 features revolutionary ProPulse® diesel-electric drive technology that improves fuel efficiency by at least 20% over current HEMTT models. And the onboard generator can deliver more than 100KW of military-grade AC power for external operations. This advanced vehicle can climb a 60 percent grade, thunder across the most challenging terrain and achieve 65 mph on secondary roads. In short, the A3 allows fuel, equipment and supplies to keep pace with forward units to ensure you arrive first in every situation.
The delivery order calls for Oshkosh Defense to produce more than 1,190 new next-generation HEMTT A4s, more than 180 new HEMTT A2s and more than 80 PLSTs for the U.S. Army. Oshkosh also will deliver more than 1,020 recapitalized HEMTT A4s.
“As an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of tactical wheeled vehicles and the Army’s Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles (FHTV), Oshkosh continues to deliver high-performance vehicles and respond to our customer’s needs in a timely manner,” said Robert G. Bohn, Oshkosh Corporation chairman and chief executive officer. “Our recapitalization services complement our robust manufacturing capabilities and ultimately provide like-new vehicles to our soldiers at a lower cost to the taxpayer.”
Oshkosh has produced more than 67,000 military-class vehicles at its facilities, including more than 30,000 FHTV vehicles. Oshkosh has the available capacity, highly skilled workforce and proven manufacturing capability to deliver this FHTV order as well as vehicles for other Army and Defense programs, including the MRAP All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) and Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV).
The Oshkosh® HEMTT’s 13-ton payload and off-road capabilities make it the backbone for the U.S. Army’s logistics fleet. Since its introduction in 1985, the HEMTT has helped keep the Army on the move during major conflicts such as Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. Improvements to create the HEMTT A4 include: a fully air-conditioned and armor-ready cab; more powerful drivetrain; improved suspension; and other structural changes to make installation of add-on armor in the field quicker and easier.
Built to load and unload a variety of cargo, the PLS is designed to meet the U.S. Army’s distribution and resupply needs in even the most challenging military missions. The PLS truck and trailer form a self-contained system that reduces the need for forklifts or other material-handling equipment. Additionally, they both carry a demountable cargo bed, also known as a flatrack that features a 16.5-ton payload capacity.
Through Oshkosh’s remanufacturing and recapitalization services, heavily used vehicles are returned to Oshkosh, stripped to their frame rails, completely rebuilt to like-new condition and upgraded to the new A4 configuration. Recapitalized vehicles are considered to have zero miles and zero hours, at a significantly reduced cost compared to new vehicles. These vehicles are put through the same road tests, performance tests and inspection procedures as new vehicles before being delivered with the same bumper-to-bumper warranty provided for new HEMTTs.
About Oshkosh Defense
Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, is an industry-leading global designer and manufacturer of tactical military trucks and armored wheeled vehicles, delivering a full product line of conventional and hybrid vehicles, advanced armor options, proprietary suspensions and vehicles with payloads that can exceed 70 tons. Oshkosh Defense provides a global service and supply network including full life-cycle support and remanufacturing, and its vehicles are recognized the world over for superior performance, reliability and protection. For more information, visit www.oshkoshdefense.com.
About Oshkosh Corporation
Oshkosh Corporation is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency and military vehicles and vehicle bodies. Oshkosh Corp. manufactures, distributes and services products under the brands of Oshkosh®, JLG®, Pierce®, McNeilus®, Medtec®, Jerr-Dan®, BAI™, Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles, Frontline™, SMIT™, CON-E-CO®, London® and IMT®. Oshkosh products are valued worldwide in businesses where high quality, superior performance, rugged reliability and long-term value are paramount. For more information, log on to www.oshkoshcorporation.com.
The Oshkosh HEMTT A3 is at the forefront of a new generation of severe-duty vehicles. The A3 features revolutionary ProPulse® diesel-electric drive technology that improves fuel efficiency by at least 20% over current HEMTT models. And the onboard generator can deliver more than 100KW of military-grade AC power for external operations. This advanced vehicle can climb a 60 percent grade, thunder across the most challenging terrain and achieve 65 mph on secondary roads. In short, the A3 allows fuel, equipment and supplies to keep pace with forward units to ensure you arrive first in every situation.
The delivery order calls for Oshkosh Defense to produce more than 1,190 new next-generation HEMTT A4s, more than 180 new HEMTT A2s and more than 80 PLSTs for the U.S. Army. Oshkosh also will deliver more than 1,020 recapitalized HEMTT A4s.
“As an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of tactical wheeled vehicles and the Army’s Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles (FHTV), Oshkosh continues to deliver high-performance vehicles and respond to our customer’s needs in a timely manner,” said Robert G. Bohn, Oshkosh Corporation chairman and chief executive officer. “Our recapitalization services complement our robust manufacturing capabilities and ultimately provide like-new vehicles to our soldiers at a lower cost to the taxpayer.”
Oshkosh has produced more than 67,000 military-class vehicles at its facilities, including more than 30,000 FHTV vehicles. Oshkosh has the available capacity, highly skilled workforce and proven manufacturing capability to deliver this FHTV order as well as vehicles for other Army and Defense programs, including the MRAP All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) and Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV).
The Oshkosh® HEMTT’s 13-ton payload and off-road capabilities make it the backbone for the U.S. Army’s logistics fleet. Since its introduction in 1985, the HEMTT has helped keep the Army on the move during major conflicts such as Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. Improvements to create the HEMTT A4 include: a fully air-conditioned and armor-ready cab; more powerful drivetrain; improved suspension; and other structural changes to make installation of add-on armor in the field quicker and easier.
Built to load and unload a variety of cargo, the PLS is designed to meet the U.S. Army’s distribution and resupply needs in even the most challenging military missions. The PLS truck and trailer form a self-contained system that reduces the need for forklifts or other material-handling equipment. Additionally, they both carry a demountable cargo bed, also known as a flatrack that features a 16.5-ton payload capacity.
Through Oshkosh’s remanufacturing and recapitalization services, heavily used vehicles are returned to Oshkosh, stripped to their frame rails, completely rebuilt to like-new condition and upgraded to the new A4 configuration. Recapitalized vehicles are considered to have zero miles and zero hours, at a significantly reduced cost compared to new vehicles. These vehicles are put through the same road tests, performance tests and inspection procedures as new vehicles before being delivered with the same bumper-to-bumper warranty provided for new HEMTTs.
About Oshkosh Defense
Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, is an industry-leading global designer and manufacturer of tactical military trucks and armored wheeled vehicles, delivering a full product line of conventional and hybrid vehicles, advanced armor options, proprietary suspensions and vehicles with payloads that can exceed 70 tons. Oshkosh Defense provides a global service and supply network including full life-cycle support and remanufacturing, and its vehicles are recognized the world over for superior performance, reliability and protection. For more information, visit www.oshkoshdefense.com.
About Oshkosh Corporation
Oshkosh Corporation is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency and military vehicles and vehicle bodies. Oshkosh Corp. manufactures, distributes and services products under the brands of Oshkosh®, JLG®, Pierce®, McNeilus®, Medtec®, Jerr-Dan®, BAI™, Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles, Frontline™, SMIT™, CON-E-CO®, London® and IMT®. Oshkosh products are valued worldwide in businesses where high quality, superior performance, rugged reliability and long-term value are paramount. For more information, log on to www.oshkoshcorporation.com.
DTN News: At Least 113 Dead In Pacific Tsunami ~ Reports
DTN News: At Least 113 Dead In Pacific Tsunami ~ Reports
*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) APIA, Samoa - October 1, 2009: At least 113 people are dead after a huge Pacific earthquake and tsunami hit the Samoan islands and Tonga on Tuesday, a hospital worker and officials said.
"There has to be more than a hundred, the last count was at 2:00 pm (0100 GMT Wednesday) and there were 84 bodies," a worker at Samoa's Tupua Tamasese Hospital told AFP.
In this photo taken Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009, devastation after a tsunami triggered by an undersea earthquake is seen in Lalomanu in Samoa. A powerful quake in the South Pacific hurled massive tsunami waves at the shores of Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga flattening villages and sweeping cars and people back out to sea. ** NEW ZEALAND OUT, FAIRFAX OUT.*
Officials said 22 had died in American Samoa and another seven in Tonga.
Dozens more people were missing and feared dead, but officials in South Pacific islands said communications were down to many outlying villages. Facts: Islands hit by tsunami
In American Samoa, about 100 kilometres (63 miles) from Samoa, Homeland Security director Michael Sala said the tsunami which followed about 20 minutes after the earthquake, did most of the damage.
"We have 22 confirmed dead and it could go much higher," said Sala, who added the wall of water, which he estimated at 25-feet (7.5 metres) high, swept ashore demolishing buildings. Related article: US, Australia response
The eastern part of American Samoa was without power and water supplies after the devastating earthquake, which struck at 6:48 am (1748 GMT).
In Tonga, government officials said there were seven dead and three missing on the small island of Niuatoputapu. Scene: Sea of devastation
The officials flew over the island from the capital Nuku'alofa but were unable to land because of damage to the airstrip.
They said they would make their way there by sea overnight to assess the full extent of the damage.
In this photo taken Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009, devastation after a tsunami triggered by an undersea earthquake is seen in Lalomanu in Samoa. A powerful quake in the South Pacific hurled massive tsunami waves at the shores of Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga flattening villages and sweeping cars and people back out to sea. ** NEW ZEALAND OUT, FAIRFAX OUT.*
Officials said 22 had died in American Samoa and another seven in Tonga.
Dozens more people were missing and feared dead, but officials in South Pacific islands said communications were down to many outlying villages. Facts: Islands hit by tsunami
In American Samoa, about 100 kilometres (63 miles) from Samoa, Homeland Security director Michael Sala said the tsunami which followed about 20 minutes after the earthquake, did most of the damage.
"We have 22 confirmed dead and it could go much higher," said Sala, who added the wall of water, which he estimated at 25-feet (7.5 metres) high, swept ashore demolishing buildings. Related article: US, Australia response
The eastern part of American Samoa was without power and water supplies after the devastating earthquake, which struck at 6:48 am (1748 GMT).
In Tonga, government officials said there were seven dead and three missing on the small island of Niuatoputapu. Scene: Sea of devastation
The officials flew over the island from the capital Nuku'alofa but were unable to land because of damage to the airstrip.
They said they would make their way there by sea overnight to assess the full extent of the damage.
DTN News: Guinea TODAY October 1, 2009 ~ Fresh Violence In Guinea After Stadium Bloodbath
DTN News: Guinea TODAY October 1, 2009 ~ Fresh Violence In Guinea After Stadium Bloodbath
*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) CONAKRY, Guinea - October 1, 2009: Guinea troops carried out new attacks Tuesday after they killed at least 157 people, wounded more than 1,000, and raped women in a crackdown on an opposition rally the previous day, rights activists said.
Guinean police arrest a protester on September 28, 2009 in front of the biggest stadium in the capital Conakry during a protest banned by Guinea's ruling junta. Opposition political parties, labor unions and civil society groups reacted by swiftly agreeing to proceed with the rally to protest against junta leader Captain Moussa Dadis Camara Camara running in a presidential election. The protest was dispersed with tear gas. Speaking on national television on September 27, Interior Minister Frederic Kolie declared that 'all demonstrations on national territory are prohibited until the national holiday on October 2.'
The country's military ruler said he was sorry for the violence, but a human rights group alleged junta soldiers killed three more people outside the capital Conakry Tuesday and kidnapped victims of the crackdown from hospitals.
"Today we recorded three more deaths from army shootings, two in Wanidara and one in Cosa," both neighbourhoods outside Conakry, said Thierno Maadjou Sow, an official with the Guinean Organisation for the Defence of Human Rights.
"The young people went outside and the soldiers shot at them."
Sow also alleged that soldiers removed wounded people from hospitals and took them to unknown locations.
"Soldiers went to take away the injured being treated at the Donka hospital (in the capital) to bring them to an unknown destination as well as women who had been raped and were being treated at the local health centre in Ratoma (outside the capital)," he said.
The United Nations, African Union and European Union all expressed alarm over the killings when tens of thousands of people Monday attended a stadium rally against junta leader Moussa Dadis Camara, who took power in December last year. Key facts about Guinea
Camara on Tuesday made his first appearance in public since the crackdown, visiting two hospitals in Conakry to meet with the wounded, witnesses said.
"It's unfortunate, it's dramatic," Camara told French radio station RFI. "Very frankly speaking, I'm very sorry, very sorry."
The opposition has accused junta forces of collecting bodies in a bid to hide "the scale of the massacre" which the Guinea rights group said left at least 157 dead and 1,253 wounded. .
Sydia Toure, one of two former prime ministers injured at the protest, told AFP that the shootings were "a deliberate attempt" to eliminate the opposition.
Mamadi Kaba, head of the Guinean branch of the African Encounter for the Defence of Human Rights (RADDHO), said the rapes of women began in the Conakry stadium.
"The military raped women" at the stadium and later at army barracks, police posts and other parts of Conakry, Kaba said, adding that there were reports of new rape attacks by soldiers on Tuesday. Opposition activist Mouctar Diallo said he saw soldiers putting their rifles into the vaginas of naked women. "I saw this myself," he told RFI. "They were raping women publicly," Diallo added. "Soldiers were shooting everywhere and I saw people fall."
Red Cross source said military commanders ordered all bodies at the stadium taken to the Alpha Yaya Diallo military camp, the junta headquarters, rather than to morgues.
A source at Conakry's Ignace Deen hospital told AFP an army truck took away "dozens of bodies" after the violent clampdown on the banned demonstration.
Witnesses and rights group said the military was massively deployed throughout the capital on Tuesday and more violent actions by soldiers were reported. "The bad behaviour continues in the suburbs, carried out by the military. Even if there's nobody on the street, they shoot in the air, loot shops and beat people up," Kaba said.
UN chief Ban Ki-moon slammed the "excessive use of force" and said he was "shocked by the loss of life, the high number of people injured and the destruction of property."
The African Union said it "strongly condemns the indiscriminate firing on unarmed civilians, which left dozens dead and many others injured, while serious other violations of human rights were committed."
In Brussels, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana deplored the "high number of victims" and called for the immediate release of arrested opposition leaders. EU reaction.
Former colonial ruler France condemned "the violent repression," suspended military cooperation with Guinea and urged caution on expatriates, while a senior US official in Washington said: "We're deeply concerned about the general breakdown in security in Conakry." France's reaction.
The protesters had gathered in the stadium to oppose any bid by the junta leader to run for president in an election due in January. Camara also faces strong international pressure to step down.
Camara took over the west African nation after leading a bloodless coup within hours of the death of Guinea's strongman leader Lansana Conte, who had ruled the west African country since 1984.
Guinean police arrest a protester on September 28, 2009 in front of the biggest stadium in the capital Conakry during a protest banned by Guinea's ruling junta. Opposition political parties, labor unions and civil society groups reacted by swiftly agreeing to proceed with the rally to protest against junta leader Captain Moussa Dadis Camara Camara running in a presidential election. The protest was dispersed with tear gas. Speaking on national television on September 27, Interior Minister Frederic Kolie declared that 'all demonstrations on national territory are prohibited until the national holiday on October 2.'
The country's military ruler said he was sorry for the violence, but a human rights group alleged junta soldiers killed three more people outside the capital Conakry Tuesday and kidnapped victims of the crackdown from hospitals.
"Today we recorded three more deaths from army shootings, two in Wanidara and one in Cosa," both neighbourhoods outside Conakry, said Thierno Maadjou Sow, an official with the Guinean Organisation for the Defence of Human Rights.
"The young people went outside and the soldiers shot at them."
Sow also alleged that soldiers removed wounded people from hospitals and took them to unknown locations.
"Soldiers went to take away the injured being treated at the Donka hospital (in the capital) to bring them to an unknown destination as well as women who had been raped and were being treated at the local health centre in Ratoma (outside the capital)," he said.
The United Nations, African Union and European Union all expressed alarm over the killings when tens of thousands of people Monday attended a stadium rally against junta leader Moussa Dadis Camara, who took power in December last year. Key facts about Guinea
Camara on Tuesday made his first appearance in public since the crackdown, visiting two hospitals in Conakry to meet with the wounded, witnesses said.
"It's unfortunate, it's dramatic," Camara told French radio station RFI. "Very frankly speaking, I'm very sorry, very sorry."
The opposition has accused junta forces of collecting bodies in a bid to hide "the scale of the massacre" which the Guinea rights group said left at least 157 dead and 1,253 wounded. .
Sydia Toure, one of two former prime ministers injured at the protest, told AFP that the shootings were "a deliberate attempt" to eliminate the opposition.
Mamadi Kaba, head of the Guinean branch of the African Encounter for the Defence of Human Rights (RADDHO), said the rapes of women began in the Conakry stadium.
"The military raped women" at the stadium and later at army barracks, police posts and other parts of Conakry, Kaba said, adding that there were reports of new rape attacks by soldiers on Tuesday. Opposition activist Mouctar Diallo said he saw soldiers putting their rifles into the vaginas of naked women. "I saw this myself," he told RFI. "They were raping women publicly," Diallo added. "Soldiers were shooting everywhere and I saw people fall."
Red Cross source said military commanders ordered all bodies at the stadium taken to the Alpha Yaya Diallo military camp, the junta headquarters, rather than to morgues.
A source at Conakry's Ignace Deen hospital told AFP an army truck took away "dozens of bodies" after the violent clampdown on the banned demonstration.
Witnesses and rights group said the military was massively deployed throughout the capital on Tuesday and more violent actions by soldiers were reported. "The bad behaviour continues in the suburbs, carried out by the military. Even if there's nobody on the street, they shoot in the air, loot shops and beat people up," Kaba said.
UN chief Ban Ki-moon slammed the "excessive use of force" and said he was "shocked by the loss of life, the high number of people injured and the destruction of property."
The African Union said it "strongly condemns the indiscriminate firing on unarmed civilians, which left dozens dead and many others injured, while serious other violations of human rights were committed."
In Brussels, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana deplored the "high number of victims" and called for the immediate release of arrested opposition leaders. EU reaction.
Former colonial ruler France condemned "the violent repression," suspended military cooperation with Guinea and urged caution on expatriates, while a senior US official in Washington said: "We're deeply concerned about the general breakdown in security in Conakry." France's reaction.
The protesters had gathered in the stadium to oppose any bid by the junta leader to run for president in an election due in January. Camara also faces strong international pressure to step down.
Camara took over the west African nation after leading a bloodless coup within hours of the death of Guinea's strongman leader Lansana Conte, who had ruled the west African country since 1984.