DTN News: Technology News TODAY October 7, 2009 ~ Microsoft's CEO To Visit Taiwan To Promote Windows 7

DTN News: Technology News TODAY October 7, 2009 ~ Microsoft's CEO To Visit Taiwan To Promote Windows 7

*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) TAIPEI, Taiwan - October 7, 2009: Microsoft Corp.'s CEO Steve Ballmer will make a personal visit to Taiwan in November to attend Microsoft Taiwan's 20th anniversary and call on the firm's Taiwanese partners in the PC making industry to promote Windows 7, which is slated for launch on October 23.

In addition to Microsoft Taiwan's 20th birthday, Ballmer will attend Asus's presentation of PCs installed with Windows 7 system during his trip on the island, according to industry insiders.

In fact, Taiwanese PC OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and ODMs (original design manufacturers) are just like unsung heroes behind Microsoft success, because their excellent production capability and achievements in cost efficiency help to boost popularity of PCs and the firm's Windows series PC operating systems with consumers around the world.

Therefore, the world's largest software developer has built strong ties with these Taiwanese PC makers, including Quanta Computer Inc., Compal Electronics Inc., Asustek Computer Inc. and Acer Inc, all of which have been wielding their influence in the global PC industry.

Accordingly, Ballmer will also visit these companies then to consolidate cooperation with them, considering emergence and threat of Google in the market for handset and PC operating systems.

Google recently launched Android and Chrome operating systems, respectively, for smartphones and netbook PCs, which are free of charge and hence attract a couple of Taiwanese handset developers and PC OEMs to adopt.

For instance, High Tech Computer Corp., a world-caliber smartphone developer, has already worked out the world`s first Android-based phone, while Acer has decided to launch Android-powered netbook PCs. Plus, Acer and Asus will also promote their netbook PCs installed with Chrome OS by the end of next year.

http://cens.com//cens/html/en/news/news_inner_29605.html

DTN News: White House Defends Delay In President Barack Obama Meeting His Holiness Dalai Lama

DTN News: White House Defends Delay In President Barack Obama Meeting His Holiness Dalai Lama

*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON, DC - October 7, 2009: As President Barack Obama faced criticism for putting off a meeting with the Dalai Lama until after his China trip next month, the White House defended the move saying a strong relationship with Beijing helps the Tibetans.

WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 06: The Dalai Lama participates in a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol on October 6, 2009 in Washington, DC. The Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice hosted the ceremony to honor the Dalai Lama as the first recipient of the Lantos Human Rights Prize.

The Dalai Lama and his supporters 'understand a strong relationship-a stronger relationship that we have with China benefits the Tibetan people,' White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told reporters Tuesday.

Denying as 'simply inaccurate' reports that Obama had postponed the meeting until after his November summit with Chinese leader Hu Jintao to gain favour with China , he said: 'We're concerned about the people in Tibet and we're concerned about the Chinese.'

Asked if the president was not meeting with the Dalai Lama this week because he was worried about irritating Chinese leaders before his visit, Gibbs said: 'There was an agreement to do this (meeting with the Dalai Lama) later in the year, and that's what's going to happen.

'It's important that Tibetans - Tibetan people know that our relationship, our strong relationship with China helps them. So I think this was mutually agreed upon, and it's what's going to happen,' he added.

'Our relationship with China - having a strong relationship and a good dialogue with them allows us to talk to them about the cares and concerns of the Tibetan people,' Gibbs said adding 'I believe we have mentioned human rights in meeting with the Chinese.'

The Obama spokesman said in discussions with the Dalai Lama and his staff it was agreed that a meeting would be had later in the year. ' It's the time in which both parties thought it would be the best time to meet,' he said but could not give a precise date.But even as Obama was strategically avoiding the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader was at the Capitol Tuesday picking up a prize for fighting for human rights.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a longtime China critic, presented him the Lantos Human Rights Prize, named after the late Democrat Representative Tom Lantos, a human rights proponent, who was the only member of Congress to survive the Holocaust. He died of throat cancer last year.

'The Dalai Lama is one of the most highly honoured peacemakers of our time,' Pelosi said expressing the hope that the Chinese government would take up the Dalai Lama's offer of direct engagement and work towards a peaceful resolution of the Tibetan issue.

'For more than 20 years His Holiness has advocated for Tibetan autonomy within the framework of the People's Republic of China. His Holiness has expressed a desire to visit China and to engage directly with Chinese officials,' she said .

'It is our hope that the Chinese government will welcome this opportunity for a peaceful resolution of the issue of Tibet,' Pelosi said.

'The cause of Tibet is a challenge to the conscience of the world. We must not fail to meet that challenge. In fact, unless we speak out for human rights in China and in Tibet, we lose all moral authority to talk about human rights anywhere in the world,' she said.

DTN News: India To Seek Partners For Naval Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Development

DTN News: India To Seek Partners For Naval Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Development *Source: DTN News / Defense Media (NSI News Source Info) NEW DELHI, India - October 7, 2009: India has decided to look for global partners in developing the naval version of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), as Lockheed Martin failed to get needed security clearances. Meanwhile, the Indian Navy has ordered six naval versions of the single-engine LCA, giving a boost to the homegrown program. The move is seen as a further commitment by the Navy to the LCA program, said a senior Navy official. Lockheed Martin ran out of time in getting the necessary clearances from the U.S. government to enter into a contract with India on providing consulting services in the design and development of the naval version of the LCA, said a senior Indian Defence Ministry official. The ministry has no choice but to look for partners in the Western world other than the United States, so that the LCA (naval) program does not suffer further delays, the ministry official added. Lockheed executives based in India were unavailable for comment. The Navy only last month ordered six naval-version LCAs and has committed about $30 million for each aircraft. The naval version of the LCA is a small, lightweight, multirole supersonic fighter jet. It is under development and is required to operate from an aircraft carrier with a “ski-jump” takeoff ramp and arrested recovery system. The first naval prototype is being built by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), Bangalore, and is scheduled for integration tests and first flight toward the end of this year. The naval LCA will be used on a domestically built aircraft carrier, the Air Defence Ship, which is due to enter service with the Navy in 2014. India is looking for an overseas partner to help in optimizing the landing gear design and making associated changes in the aircraft’s structural configuration to bring down the weight of the aircraft by at least 500 kilograms. As the LCA would be operating from am aircraft carrier, the Defence Ministry will seek the help of an overseas vendor in determining the location and attachment of the arrester hook system on the deck of the ship, and aerodynamic fixes to improve the plane’s takeoff and landing performance on the carrier, said a scientist with the Bangalore-based Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), which is developing the LCA. The overseas partner also will advise Indian scientists on the need for an alternative engine with higher thrust. In addition, the foreign partner will advise the ADA on ways to test the arrestor hook system. The LCA (naval) version has been designed with structural and landing gear modifications to the existing Air Force version to handle larger loads and arrested recovery. The need for a foreign partner arose during the course of the design and construction of the LCA (naval) version after it was observed that the weight of the naval version compared with the Air Force version is higher than originally planned and budgeted. With the General Electric (GE) F404 jet engine and the aircraft’s mass, the performance of aircraft was found to be lower then anticipated. The Indian Air Force’s version of the LCA also is being powered by the GE 404, but the Air Force wants a higher-thrust engine, as there has been an increase in the weight of the aircraft due to increased demands by the user.

DTN News: Airlines News TODAY October 7, 2009 ~ Japan Airlines To Focus On Internal Restructure, Talks With Delta Air Lines And American Deferred

DTN News: Airlines News TODAY October 7, 2009 ~ Japan Airlines To Focus On Internal Restructure, Talks With Delta Air Lines And American Deferred

*Source: DTN News / Centre For Aviation (NSI News Source Info) TOKYO, Japan - October 7, 2009: Japan Airlines (JAL) has reportedly deferred talks with Delta Air Lines and American Airlines over possible equity investments. This will allow JAL (and the government) to focus on developing a restructuring plan with a government-backed task force, according to the Kyodo newspaper. The move, if confirmed, would suggest the heavily indebted and loss-making JAL has gained some reassurances the government will guarantee the carrier’s funding arrangements at least until the end of the current financial year. For American Airlines – and the oneworld alliance its represents – the report, if confirmed, provides a welcome delay as a cold winter approaches, reducing the need for an imminent capital outlay, while continuing current alliance linkages. For the cashed-up Delta, the move is a potential disappointment, as the SkyTeam Alliance has no partner in Japan and US-Japan bilateral open skies talks are still on track for conclusion by the end of 2009. It is quite possible that the extraordinarily (by non-Japanese standards) complex network of JAL's subsidiaries and associated companies would actually create a nightmare for any sort of due diligence. In this report, we review some of the features of Japan Airlines’ (JAL) operations that, if addressed by the restructure, could make it a more attractive acquisition target. Unwieldy structure – 286 subsidiaries and affiliates JAL Group’s unwieldy structure involves, at last count in its 2008/09 Annual Report, some 203 consolidated and non-consolidated subsidiaries and 83 affiliates. Created over many years, through acquisitions in the good times and via restructuring exercises in the past, JAL’s arcane subsidiary and affiliate structure has ensured continued employment for thousands of JAL workers. But it has also created a massive management burden and will be complex to unravel. JAL’s major consolidated subsidiaries are as follows: Japan Airlines International Co Ltd Japan Transocean Air Co Ltd J-Air Co Ltd JALWAYS Co Ltd JAL express Co Ltd Japan Air Commuter Co Ltd JALPAK Co Ltd JAL tours Co Ltd JAL hotels company Co Ltd JAL Group’s structure comprises five main branches (Air Transportation, Airline-related, Travel Services, Credit Card/Leasing Services and ‘Other’ business), as well as its Hotel/Resorts business and a Wholesaling/Retailing arm.

READ full story at Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation....(Click here for link)

DTN News: Russia To Showcase Advanced Weaponry At Airshow In Libya

DTN News: Russia To Showcase Advanced Weaponry At Airshow In Libya *Source: DTN News / RIA Novosti

(NSI News Source Info) TRIPOLI, Libya - October 7, 2009: Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport said on Monday it will exhibit a wide range of aircraft, air defense systems and high-precision guided missiles at an airshow in Libya. The 4th Arab-African Aviation Exhibition and Conference LAVEX-2009 will be held in Tripoli, the capital of Libya, on October 5-8. "Rosoboronexport will showcase in Tripoli a wide range of Russian aircraft, air defense systems and other advanced weaponry due to their high popularity in the Middle East and North Africa," a company's official told RIA Novosti. According to the official, the countries in the region expressed a high interest in the Russian Su-35 Flanker-E multi-role heavy fighter. The Su-35 fighter, powered by two 117S engines with thrust vectoring, combines high maneuverability and the capability to effectively engage several air targets simultaneously using both guided and unguided missiles and weapon systems. The aircraft also features the new Irbis-E radar with a phased antenna array, which allows the pilot to detect and track up to 30 air targets, while simultaneously engaging up to eight targets. It is equipped with a 30-mm cannon with 150 rounds, and can carry up to eight metric tons of combat payload on 12 external mounts. Russia plans to export at least 160 Su-35 fighters to several countries, including Algeria. "We will also exhibit the new S-400 Triumf air defense system, developed to counter all existing and future types of airborne threat," the Rosoboronexport official said. The S-400 Triumf (SA-21 Growler) is capable of intercepting and destroying airborne targets at a distance of up to 400 kilometers (250 miles), and can simultaneously engage up to six targets. Saudi Arabia, which has traditionally bought only Western, mainly U.S.-made, civilian and military equipment, has recently expressed an interest in acquiring S-400 air defense systems. Rosoboronexport will also promote high-precision "air-to-air" and "air-to-ground" missiles, guided bombs, on-board radars and fire-control systems, navigation and communications equipment and computer-assisted training systems for air defense personnel. "We are expecting to sign a number of new, in certain respect breakthrough, deals [during the airshow in Libya]," said Alexander Mikheyev, deputy general director of Rosoboronexport and the head of the Russian delegation at the LAVEX-2009.

DTN News: Russia's Black Sea Fleet Conducts Anti-Submarine Warfare Drills

DTN News: Russia's Black Sea Fleet Conducts Anti-Submarine Warfare Drills

*Source: DTN News / RIA Novosti (NSI News Source Info) SEVASTOPOL, Crimea - October 7, 2009: Warships and aircraft from the Russian Black Sea Fleet are carrying out a series of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercises involving live-firing drills, a fleet's spokesman said on Tuesday. "The aim of the exercises is to practice anti-submarine search-and-destroy missions. The drills involve warships, aircraft and a submarine from the Black Sea Fleet," the spokesman said. According to the official, the Smetlivy destroyer and three ASW corvettes, assisted by two Be-12 Mail ASW aircraft will simulate an attack with torpedoes and depth charges on a "hostile" submarine near the Russian coast. The drills will end on Thursday. The fleet's ASW contingent comprises two ASW cruisers, an ASW destroyer, and at least six ASW corvettes. The fleet has only one submarine in active service, a Kilo-class Alrosa vessel.

DTN News: Astrium Signs Major Contract With Kazakhstan During President Sarkozy’s Visit To Astana

DTN News: Astrium Signs Major Contract With Kazakhstan During President Sarkozy’s Visit To Astana

*Astrium will build two Earth observation satellites for the Republic of Kazakhstan *This contract follows the decision of the Republic of Kazakhstan in choosing France and Astrium as strategic partners for the development of its space activities

*Source: DTN News / EADS (NSI News Source Info) ASTANA, Kazakhstan - October 7, 2009: The partnership between Astrium and JSC NC Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary (KGS), the national company charged with the development of Kazakhstan’s space programme, has reached another major milestone with the signature of a contract for two Earth observation satellites, and the foundation documents to create a Joint Venture for the construction of an Assembly, Integration and Test Facility in Astana.

Kazakh President Noursoultan Nazarbaev welcomes French President Nicolas Sarkozy prior a bilateral meeting in Ak Orda Presidential Palace in Asatana on October 6 2009. President Nicolas Sarkozy praised the strategic importance of Kazakhstan Tuesday, as French firms signed deals worth six billion dollars with the Central Asian state despite concerns on its rights record. The most significant deal was an agreement worth one billion euros (1.5 billion dollars) between Total and GDF Suez and the Kazakhstan state energy company to develop the Khvalynkskoye gas field in the Caspian Sea.

Astrium and KGS signed the two agreements during the State visit of the French President, Mr Sarkozy, to Mr Nazarbaev, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the 5th and 6th October.

François Auque, CEO of Astrium declared after the signature:

“2009 is a great year for the partnership of KGS and Astrium. This new space system will provide the Republic of Kazakhstan with access to a wide range of civil applications including monitoring natural resources and agriculture as well as providing mapping data and rescue operation support in the event of a disaster. It will also put the Republic of Kazakhstan at the forefront of current space technology and complement the country’s space heritage, most famous for the Baikonur spaceport. The images from the Earth observation satellites will also be distributed globally by Astrium’s subsidiary Spot Image.”

Under the satellites contract Astrium will: Provide a space system with two Earth observation satellites - one of high resolution with a ground resolution of 1m, the other medium resolution with a ground resolution of 7m and a wide coverage swath.

The high resolution satellite will be entirely provided by Astrium in France and will be based on the already well known platform of THEOS and Formosat-2. The camera will be based on the Silicon Carbide technology that is now used on all Astrium optical instrument design. This technology, developed by Astrium and unique in the world, has already been used on numerous instruments on board satellites, including the recent Herschel-Planck ESA mission.

The medium resolution satellite is also remarkable as it is the result of the first collaboration between Astrium and its recently acquired subsidiary SSTL in the UK. Under this contract, SSTL will provide the satellite based on the SSTL 150 platform. Provide the associated Ground Segment, both for the control and for the image data reception, which will be implemented in Astana Train Kazakh engineers in satellite technology. Under the foundation agreement, Astrium and KGS have agreed to set up a Joint Venture in Kazakhstan. Objectives of this Joint Venture will be: To implement an Assembly, Integration and Test facility in Astana To jointly manage this facility and implement the Republic of Kazakhstan’s space programme The two companies have already concluded the preliminary design of the Centre for Integration and Test of Satellites that will soon be established in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. This first step was signed in June 2009 during the Paris Air Show.

Kazakhstan has been involved in spaceflight since the very beginning. In 1957, the USSR chose Baikonur as the launch site for the first satellite, the legendary Sputnik 1. Then, in 1961, the world’s first astronaut, Yuri Gagarin, took off from Baikonur. Baikonur is still Russia’s primary launch site under lease from the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan is now developing new ambitions in space as part of the programme "A New Kazakhstan in a New World".

One of the goals of this programme – launched ten years ago by the President of the Kazakh Republic, Mr Nursultan Nazarbayev – is to provide the country with the most advanced technology and to develop Kazakhstan’s own industrial expertise. Astrium, the European leader in space technology, is offering the Kazakhs its know-how via a strategic and technological partnership that will help the country fulfil its space ambitions. Worldwide position in Earth Observation solutions This contract allows Astrium to confirm its worldwide position as the predominant provider of Earth observation solutions from space. As the leading space company in Europe, Astrium has been successful in both the telecommunications and Earth observation markets, achieving major successes for countries wishing to develop their space activities in a cooperative manner. About JSC NC Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary JSC NC Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary is the National Company in charge of the development of the Space Program in Kazakhstan. The Company headquarter is located in Astana City. President is Mr Gavyllatyp Murzakulov. The Company reports directly to the National Space Agency Kazcosmos, headed by Mr Talgat Musabaev (Former Cosmonaut and hero of the Republic of Kazakhstan). KGS Company has been founded in 2005 and has already established technical centres located in Almaty and Baikonur. About Astrium Astrium, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, is dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems and services. In 2008, Astrium had a turnover of €4.3 billion and 15,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands. Its three main areas of activity are Astrium Space Transportation for launchers and orbital infrastructure, Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground segment and Astrium Services for the development and delivery of satellite services.

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2008, EADS generated revenues of €43.3 billion and employed a workforce of more than 118, 000.

DTN News: Arotech Unveils The Tiger Light Protected Vehicle

DTN News: Arotech Unveils The Tiger Light Protected Vehicle *Source: DTN News / Arotech Corporation

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON, DC - October 7, 2009: Arotech Corporation (NASDAQ: ARTX) October 5., unveiled at the Annual Meeting of the association of the US Army (AUSA) its new Light Protected Vehicle -- the Tiger. Based on a commercial off-the-shelf Dodge RAM 5500 platform, the MDT Tiger is a cost effective, highly armored Light Protected All Terrain Vehicle for a crew of 6-9. The Tiger is mine and blast protected, with various add-on armor options, including reactive armor. Its 5 doors and a roof hatch offer easy loading and unloading of soldiers and equipment. The wide and spacious cabin, with its large payload capacity can be tailored to many missions. A powerful Cummins 350 HP diesel engine, large wheels, and a 127" wheel base offer exceptional all terrain capabilities. The advanced suspension system ensures a comfortable ride for the crew. The 8.8 ton GVWR allows -- with a standard armor package -- for a 1.5 ton payload, or 6 passengers plus 900 kg of equipment. The add-on armor panels can be removed, repaired, replaced or upgraded. An optional upgrade to a 10.4 ton GVW allows for an improved armor suite, including reactive armor defeating RPG rockets and EFP charges. The MDT Tiger LPV was designed to be cost effective. The COTS Dodge platform ensures widespread support and cost effective maintenance. The unique encapsulated cabin allows easy access to all components. The capsule can easily be removed and re-mounted, allowing its installation on a new platform, increasing its life and ensuring low life cycle cost. The spacious cabin, with a flat floor throughout and vertical walls, allows for various seating and equipment mission-dependent arrangements. The front row has three-in-a-row seats for driver, navigator and commander. In the rear, 3, 4 or 5 passengers can ride facing forward. The rear cabin can also accommodate 6 passengers in two side-facing rows. A 2 or 4 liter MedVac option is also available. Windows on all 4 sides allow for improved situation awareness. Optional gun-ports on all 4 directions allow for accurate small arms operation. A roof mounted remote controlled weapon station, or man-operated turret are optional. "The Tiger expands our reach into the military vehicle market," said Robert Ehrlich, Arotech's Chairman and CEO. "With the new Tiger, the well established David and the recently announced Gideon, we now offer military armored vehicles ranging from 1.5 to 10.5 tons." About Arotech's Armor Division Arotech's Armor Division is an innovative leader in lightweight armoring for vehicles, aircraft and their operators. The Armor Division has years of battlefield and commercial protection experience and has provided life saving protection under the most extreme conditions. Arotech's Armor Division consists of MDT Armor Corporation (www.mdt-armor.com), M.D.T. Protective Industries, Ltd. (www.mdtisrael.com), and Armour of America (www.aoa-usa.com). About Arotech Corporation Arotech Corporation is a leading provider of quality defense and security products for the military, law enforcement and homeland security markets. Arotech provides multimedia interactive simulators/trainers, lightweight armoring and advanced zinc-air and lithium batteries and chargers. Arotech operates through three major business divisions: Armor, Training and Simulation, and Batteries and Power Systems. Arotech is incorporated in Delaware, with corporate offices in Ann Arbor, Michigan and research, development and production subsidiaries in Alabama, Michigan and Israel. Except for the historical information herein, the matters discussed in this news release include forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including the effect of any share repurchases by Arotech. Forward-looking statements reflect management's current knowledge, assumptions, judgment and expectations regarding future performance or events. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such statements are reasonable, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as they are subject to various risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to vary materially. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks relating to: product and technology development; the uncertainty of the market for Arotech's products; changing economic conditions; delay, cancellation or non-renewal, in whole or in part, of contracts or of purchase orders; dilution resulting from issuances of Arotech's common stock upon conversion or payment of its outstanding convertible debt, which would be increasingly dilutive if and to the extent that the market price of Arotech's stock decreases; and other risk factors detailed in Arotech's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Arotech assumes no obligation to update the information in this release. Reference to the Company's website above does not constitute incorporation of any of the information thereon into this press release.

DTN News: First Oshkosh M-ATVs On The Ground In Afghanistan Protecting Warfighters

DTN News: First Oshkosh M-ATVs On The Ground In Afghanistan Protecting Warfighters

*Source: DTN News / Oshkosh Corporation (NSI News Source Info) OSHKOSH, Wis. - October 7, 2009: Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) announced October 5., that the first MRAP All Terrain Vehicles (M-ATV) are on the ground and in theater in Afghanistan. The vehicle’s delivery comes just three months after Oshkosh was awarded the M-ATV contract. The Oshkosh M-ATV represents a new level of mobility and protection for the Warfighters in Afghanistan (Photo provided by the U.S. Air Force) Oshkosh designed the combat vehicle based on a battle-proven platform, incorporating superior survivability and suspension technology to provide the protection and mobility needed for missions in the mountainous terrain in Afghanistan. Having so far received awards valued at $2.3 billion for 4,296 M-ATVs, spare parts and support services, Oshkosh has delivered vehicles ahead of the government’s schedule every month and is on its way to ramping up production to 1,000 vehicles per month by this December. “Protecting our Warfighters is the number one priority at Oshkosh, and the delivery of the M-ATVs earlier than initial estimates is a testament to our employees’ dedication to meeting our customer’s needs,” said Robert G. Bohn, Oshkosh Corporation chairman and chief executive officer. “The rapid rate at which we are producing these vehicles is the result of a companywide commitment to answer the urgent need of our men and women in Afghanistan.” The Oshkosh® M-ATV is based on the Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) platform and uses the advanced Oshkosh TAK-4® independent suspension system to give the vehicle a 70 percent off-road profile capability for exceptional operation on Afghanistan’s rugged cross-country terrain and unimproved roads. The TAK-4 system also is being retrofitted on more than 2,400 legacy MRAPs for improved mobility in Afghanistan and is featured on more than 10,000 MTVRs. The system is also used on the Army’s next-generation Palletized Load System (PLS) and the Marine Corps’ Logistics Vehicle System Replacement (LVSR). Oshkosh Defense teamed with Plasan North America to provide an advanced armor solution for the M-ATV. Plasan also developed the armor system used on more than 5,000 legacy MRAPs and thousands of Oshkosh MTVR Armored Cabs already in theater. Oshkosh Defense is the leading manufacturer of both medium and heavy tactical wheeled vehicles in the U.S. defense industry. More than 67,000 military-class vehicles have been produced in the company’s manufacturing facilities. 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 ®, ™ All brand names referred to in this news release are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies. Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that the Company believes to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s future financial position, business strategy, targets, projected sales, costs, earnings, capital expenditures, debt levels and cash flows, and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “should,” “project” or “plan” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include the consequences of financial leverage associated with the JLG acquisition, including the level of the Company’s borrowing costs, the increased interest rates the Company would face if it experienced a deterioration or downgrade in credit agency ratings and the Company’s ability to maintain compliance with its financial covenants under its credit agreement; the cyclical nature of the Company’s access equipment, commercial and fire & emergency markets, especially during a global recession and credit crisis; the duration of the global recession, which could lead to additional impairment charges related to many of the Company’s intangible assets; risks related to the required increase in the rate of production for the M-ATV and FMTV contracts, and the amount, if any, of additional orders for M-ATVs and/or FMTVs that the Company may receive; the outcome of the formal protests of the FMTV award to the Company: the expected level and timing of U.S. Department of Defense procurement of products and services and funding thereof; risks related to reductions in government expenditures and the uncertainty of government contracts; risks related to production delays as a result of the economy’s impact on the Company’s suppliers; the potential for commodity costs to rise sharply in a future economic recovery; risks associated with international operations and sales, including foreign currency fluctuations; risks related to the collectibility of receivables during a recession, particularly for those businesses with exposure to construction markets; and the potential for increased costs relating to compliance with changes in laws and regulations. Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company assumes no obligation, and disclaims any duty, to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

DTN News: Oshkosh Defense Exhibits Latest Vehicles, Technologies and Donation Effort At AUSA

DTN News: Oshkosh Defense Exhibits Latest Vehicles, Technologies and Donation Effort At AUSA

*Source: DTN News / Oshkosh Corporation

(NSI News Source Info) OSHKOSH, Wis. - October 7, 2009: Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), is displaying the latest in tactical wheeled vehicles and technologies in Washington D.C. today through Wednesday at the annual Association of United States Army (AUSA) meeting and exposition, including the new MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV), the Oshkosh HEMTTA3, Pro-Pulse™ and TAK-4® independent suspension. The Armed Forces Foundation, with the support of Oshkosh Defense, is offering the chance to win one of two custom-painted bikes, the “American Soldier Salute,” left, and the “Semper Fidelis Salute,” right, in the “Rumble With a Cause” sweepstakes. Oshkosh is also a supporter of the Armed Forces Foundation sweepstakes, “Rumble With a Cause.” Attendees at the show will be automatically entered in the sweepstakes when making a $10 donation to AFF through the sweepstakes website. Up to twenty entries per person are permitted. Entrants are asked to select entry into either the sweepstakes for the Marine Corps-themed “Semper Fidelis Salute” or the sweepstakes for the Army-themed “American Soldier Salute” motorcycle. No donation is necessary to enter the sweepstakes and winners must meet eligibility requirements. Proceeds will support the Armed Forces Foundation’s mission of supporting active and retired members of the U.S. military and their families. “Oshkosh Corporation is proud to be at AUSA and show our support and commitment to the Army,” said Andy Hove, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Defense. “We’ve built our reputation on being able to serve the Army’s needs with our vehicles and technologies, and AUSA is a perfect venue to demonstrate once again our commitment to protecting and supporting our men and women in uniform.” On Wednesday of the three-day expo, AUSA will present the prestigious John W. Dixon award to Oshkosh Corporation Chairman and CEO Robert G. Bohn, for his contributions to national defense and his support of the U.S. Army. Among the vehicles being displayed, the M-ATV offers durable, best-in-class mobility and superior crew protection for operations on the harsh mountainous terrain and unimproved road networks found in Afghanistan. To date, Oshkosh has received four awards valued at $2.3 billion for 4,296 M-ATVs. Oshkosh will utilize its available capacity and robust manufacturing capabilities to ramp up M-ATV production to 1,000 vehicles per month by December and continue at that rate as needed to meet the U.S. Armed Forces’ urgent need for the vehicle. In addition to the M-ATV, the company is featuring the following vehicles and technologies at AUSA: • The Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) A3, a hybrid diesel-electric drive vehicle designed to help transform the Army’s tactical wheeled vehicle fleet and support modularization. It is equipped with the Oshkosh proprietary ProPulse® technology, which allows this HEMTT to export 100kW of military-grade A/C power and improves the vehicle’s fuel efficiency by at least 20 percent compared to other HEMTT models. It will be displayed along with a Load Handling System (LHS) Mobile-Folding Blade Turbine System (M-FBTS) and solar panel mission module concept that produces energy from natural resources to further reduce liquid fuel consumption. • A demonstration vehicle equipped with multiple advanced Oshkosh technologies, including a ProPulse™ hybrid-electric drivetrain, Command Zone™ computer diagnostics system and a sensor suite from the TerraMax™ autonomous vehicle system. • An Oshkosh TAK-4® independent suspension system, which is used on all three display vehicles. The TAK-4 system, which Oshkosh is retrofitting on more than 2,400 legacy MRAPs for operations in Afghanistan, has undergone more than 400,000 miles of government testing and results in vehicle off-road mission profile capabilities of 70 percent and higher. 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: AgustaWestland Awarded Apache Integrated Operational Support Contract - Delivering Cost and Capability Benefits

DTN News: AgustaWestland Awarded Apache Integrated Operational Support Contract - Delivering Cost and Capability Benefits

*Source: DTN News / AgustaWestland

(NSI News Source Info) LONDON, UK - October 7, 2009: AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company is pleased to announce the award of the Apache Integrated Operational Support (IOS) contract by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to meet the Apache Attack Helicopter Future Support Arrangements (FSA) requirement.

The contract valued at £439 million (€480 million), for the initial period to March 2014, was announced today by the Minister of State for Defence Equipment and Support, Quentin Davies MP during a visit to Wattisham Airfield, the British Army’s main Apache AH Mk.1 operating base. (Image: Apache Attack Helicopter ) The Apache IOS contract will deliver greater aircraft availability whilst reducing through life costs by more than £50 million in the initial period and builds on the success of similar IOS availability based contracts for the UK MoD’s AW101 Merlin and Sea King helicopter fleets.

The contract is output-based, whereby AgustaWestland is incentivised to improve the levels of operational output whilst seeking continuous improvement to reduce through life costs. Minister of State for Defence Equipment and Support, Quentin Davies said, “I am delighted to announce the award of this contract to meet the Apache Attack Helicopter Future Support Arrangements requirement.

It provides a more efficient way of doing business, representing excellent value for British taxpayers whilst sustaining and improving today’s level of service.” Graham Cole, Managing Director, AgustaWestland said at the announcement “The Apache IOS contract is further evidence of our continuing commitment to partnering with the Ministry of Defence to deliver innovative industry leading support solutions in a cost effective manner.

The Apache is proving its worth every day on operations in Afghanistan and we, along with our partners, are committed to ensure they and the entire Apache force in the UK get the absolute best possible support.” Apache IOS prime contractor AgustaWestland has formed an industrial alliance with Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Longbow International to deliver logistical, engineering, depth maintenance and technical support for the UK MoD’s fleet of 67 Apache AH Mk1s. AgustaWestland and its industrial partners will deliver a complete spares provisioning service, enhanced technical support services including aircraft safety management, mission avionics systems rig support and training course material.

At Wattisham AgustaWestland will continue to manage the Depth Support Unit and the associated workshops, ensuring the throughput of the facility matches the requirements of the Army. At Middle Wallop AgustaWestland will continue to be responsible for the provision of Apache aircraft on the flight line at the School of Army Aviation, delivering the required number of flight hours to match the Army’s training requirements.

The Apache IOS contract has now commenced and will be fully operational from 1st April 2010. The contract is expected to continue for at least 22 years when the Apache is currently scheduled to be taken out of service. At regular intervals there will be price and value for money reviews to ensure performance targets are being met. The contract represents another stage in the helicopter plans set out in the MoD-AgustaWestland Strategic Partnering Arrangement and strengthens the relationship between industry and the MoD.

DTN News: India to Put Upgraded MiG-29s Near Indo-Pak border And Add Su-30MKI Near Future

DTN News: India to Put Upgraded MiG-29s Near Indo-Pak border And Add Su-30MKI Near Future *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) NEW DELHI, India - October 7, 2009: The Indian Air Force has decided to station its upgraded MiG-29 aircraft close to the Pakistan border. (Image: MiG-29) The first lot of the 62 upgraded Russian-built aircraft will be deployed at Adampur air base in the border state of Punjab, a Defence Ministry official said. The first six MiG-29s will be delivered by mid-2010 following upgrades in Russia, with the remaining aircraft to follow by 2013, the official said. Under an $850 million contract signed with Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG in early 2008, the 62 MiGs are being upgraded from aerial interceptor and air dominance aircraft to fighter-bombers capable of striking mobile and stationary targets on the ground and at sea, in all weather conditions, with high-precision weapons. Upgrades to the MiG-29s will include multifunctional Zhuk-ME radar, and new weapon control and avionics systems. The aircraft also will be capable of beyond-visual-range combat, armed with new-generation air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, and smart aerial bombs. Additionally, the Air Force's remaining MiG-29 fleet will be retrofitted at the service's repair depot at Nashik, under transfer of technology from Russia, extending their service life to 40 years and turning the air-superiority fighters into more lethal multi-role jets. The IAF will provide more teeth to its fleet along the Indo-Pak border by ramping up its all-round capabilities in Punjab with induction of new fighter squadrons, including Sukhois, and air defence radars. The IAF's sword-arm Western Air Command (WAC) is preparing to host two squadrons with 4.5-generation Sukhois at the Halwara fighter base near Ludhiana within two years from now. It will also base all three squadrons flying the fourth generation MiG-29 air superiority fighters in Punjab to improve its air strike capabilities. In addition to these fighter jets, the IAF will deploy indigenously developed and manufactured Rohini Radars from the DRDO and BEL in Punjab, apart from three Active Phased Array Radars there to make the air defence surveillance robust. "We will get the first of the Su-30 squadrons to be based under the WAC by 2011 at the Halwara air base," a senior IAF officer said. The IAF has already started the work to develop the infrastructure for deploying the squadrons with the most potent fighter aircraft in its fleet at the air base, which hosted the MiG-23BN squadrons till March this year.

"We have started developing infrastructure for the Su-30 MKIs' deployment there. Work on the runway and other facilities has started and it’s going to be fully prepared for the aircraft in the next two years," the officer said. (Image: Su-30MKI)

The two Su-30 MKI squadrons would be deployed at Halwara simultaneously and these would be the first Sukhoi fighter squadrons under the WAC, the largest of IAF's five operational commands.

At the same time, the IAF will move one of its MiG-29 squadrons from Jamnagar in Gujarat to Adampur airbase in Punjab, which already hosts two MiG-29 squadrons, another IAF officer said.

The 28 'First Supersonics' Squadron will move from Jamnagar to join 47 'Black Archers' Squadron and 223 'Tridents' Squadron to provide more teeth to the air defence of Punjab.