ir France will be the first European airline receiving an A380 when its no. 1 aircraft is accepted during a ceremony at Airbus' Hamburg, Germany delivery centre on 30 October.
Live video streaming of the event is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. French time
(10:00 a.m. GMT) on the www.Airbus.com website.
Video stockshots will be available for members of the news media on 29 October,
followed by downlink transmissions of the 30 October delivery ceremony and the A380’s
subsequent departure from Hamburg to Air France’s Paris home base:
Thursday 29 Octobre – Stockshots
Transmission on Eutelsat W2 (@ 16° East) from 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM GMT
Downlink: 12676.83 Mhz (TXP F6 – Channel A)
Polarization: Vertical
Symbol Rate: 6.1113
FEC: 3/4
Transmission on DVBS QPSK 4.2.0
Format SD 625 16/9
Friday 30 Octobre - A380 delivery ceremony
Transmission on Eutelsat W3 (@ 7° East) from 09:45 AM to 11:15 AM GMT (PGM)
Downlink: 10976.5 Mhz (TXP B2 – Channel 2D6)
Polarization: Vertical
Symbol Rate: 4.4340 FEC: 7/8
Transmission on DVBS QPSK 4.2.0
Format SD 625 16/9
Audio 1 & 2: International version
Audio 3: French version
Audio 4: English version
Friday 30 Octobre - Air France A380 take-off from Hamburg, Germany to Paris, France
Transmission on Eutelsat W2 (@ 16° East) from 12:30 to 1:30 PM GMT
Downlink: 12676.83 Mhz (TXP F6 – Channel A)
Polarization: Vertical
Symbol Rate: 6.1113 FEC: 3/4
Transmission on DVBS QPSK 4.2.0
Format SD 625 16/9
Audio 1 & 2: International version
Audio 3: French version
Audio 4: English version
Thursday, October 29, 2009
DTN News: Airlines News TODAY October 30, 2009 ~ First A380 Delivery To Air France
DTN News: Airlines News TODAY October 30, 2009 ~ First A380 Delivery To Air France
*Source: DTN News / Airbus
(NSI News Source Info) HAMBURG, Germany - October 30, 2009: A
ir France will be the first European airline receiving an A380 when its no. 1 aircraft is accepted during a ceremony at Airbus' Hamburg, Germany delivery centre on 30 October.
Live video streaming of the event is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. French time
(10:00 a.m. GMT) on the www.Airbus.com website.
Video stockshots will be available for members of the news media on 29 October,
followed by downlink transmissions of the 30 October delivery ceremony and the A380’s
subsequent departure from Hamburg to Air France’s Paris home base:
Thursday 29 Octobre – Stockshots
Transmission on Eutelsat W2 (@ 16° East) from 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM GMT
Downlink: 12676.83 Mhz (TXP F6 – Channel A)
Polarization: Vertical
Symbol Rate: 6.1113
FEC: 3/4
Transmission on DVBS QPSK 4.2.0
Format SD 625 16/9
Friday 30 Octobre - A380 delivery ceremony
Transmission on Eutelsat W3 (@ 7° East) from 09:45 AM to 11:15 AM GMT (PGM)
Downlink: 10976.5 Mhz (TXP B2 – Channel 2D6)
Polarization: Vertical
Symbol Rate: 4.4340 FEC: 7/8
Transmission on DVBS QPSK 4.2.0
Format SD 625 16/9
Audio 1 & 2: International version
Audio 3: French version
Audio 4: English version
Friday 30 Octobre - Air France A380 take-off from Hamburg, Germany to Paris, France
Transmission on Eutelsat W2 (@ 16° East) from 12:30 to 1:30 PM GMT
Downlink: 12676.83 Mhz (TXP F6 – Channel A)
Polarization: Vertical
Symbol Rate: 6.1113 FEC: 3/4
Transmission on DVBS QPSK 4.2.0
Format SD 625 16/9
Audio 1 & 2: International version
Audio 3: French version
Audio 4: English version
ir France will be the first European airline receiving an A380 when its no. 1 aircraft is accepted during a ceremony at Airbus' Hamburg, Germany delivery centre on 30 October.
Live video streaming of the event is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. French time
(10:00 a.m. GMT) on the www.Airbus.com website.
Video stockshots will be available for members of the news media on 29 October,
followed by downlink transmissions of the 30 October delivery ceremony and the A380’s
subsequent departure from Hamburg to Air France’s Paris home base:
Thursday 29 Octobre – Stockshots
Transmission on Eutelsat W2 (@ 16° East) from 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM GMT
Downlink: 12676.83 Mhz (TXP F6 – Channel A)
Polarization: Vertical
Symbol Rate: 6.1113
FEC: 3/4
Transmission on DVBS QPSK 4.2.0
Format SD 625 16/9
Friday 30 Octobre - A380 delivery ceremony
Transmission on Eutelsat W3 (@ 7° East) from 09:45 AM to 11:15 AM GMT (PGM)
Downlink: 10976.5 Mhz (TXP B2 – Channel 2D6)
Polarization: Vertical
Symbol Rate: 4.4340 FEC: 7/8
Transmission on DVBS QPSK 4.2.0
Format SD 625 16/9
Audio 1 & 2: International version
Audio 3: French version
Audio 4: English version
Friday 30 Octobre - Air France A380 take-off from Hamburg, Germany to Paris, France
Transmission on Eutelsat W2 (@ 16° East) from 12:30 to 1:30 PM GMT
Downlink: 12676.83 Mhz (TXP F6 – Channel A)
Polarization: Vertical
Symbol Rate: 6.1113 FEC: 3/4
Transmission on DVBS QPSK 4.2.0
Format SD 625 16/9
Audio 1 & 2: International version
Audio 3: French version
Audio 4: English version
DTN News: Oshkosh Corporation Awarded Contracts To Support M-ATVs In Afghanistan
DTN News: Oshkosh Corporation Awarded Contracts To Support M-ATVs In Afghanistan
*Source: DTN News / Oshkosh Corporation
(NSI News Source Info) OSHKOSH, Wis. - October 30, 2009: Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), announced today that through its Defense division, it has received two contracts valued at more than $28 million for spare parts and support of its MRAP All Terrain Vehicles (M-ATV) in Afghanistan.
Oshkosh Corporation, announced today that through its Defense division, it has received two contracts valued at more than $28 million for spare parts and support of its MRAP All Terrain Vehicles (M-ATV) in Afghanistan.
The contracts include a $16 million order from the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for spare parts and a $12 million order for aftermarket support from the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command Life Cycle Management Command (TACOM LCMC).
“Oshkosh Corporation’s broad range of offerings, including our parts supply network and fully trained field service team, will provide our Armed Forces with an unparalleled level of support,” said Robert G. Bohn, Oshkosh Corporation chairman and chief executive officer. “Our in theater M-ATV service and support will help ensure these highly mobile vehicles operate at full capability in very challenging conditions.”
Under the contract, Oshkosh Defense will provide M-ATV spare parts to the DLA to be used as in the field replacements after the parts delivered with the vehicles have been consumed. These parts will ship without delay as vehicles arrive to maintain optimal readiness rates.
Additionally, Oshkosh field service representatives (FSR) will support the M-ATV program in-theater through September 2010. Oshkosh Defense provides the complete spectrum of service and support to the M-ATV fleet in the Afghan theater. Building on its experience from Operation Iraqi Freedom, Oshkosh FSRs can operate service facilities on any of the forward operating bases that might require more support than internal assets can provide.
Oshkosh will complete production of the current M-ATV contract, valued at more than $2.7 billion, for 5,219 vehicles in March 2010. The company has delivered ahead of schedule each month since the contract award on June 30, 2009, and expects to ramp production up to 1,000 vehicles per month in December. The first Oshkosh M-ATVs were delivered to Afghanistan on Oct. 1, 2009, just three months after Oshkosh was awarded the M-ATV contract.
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 Armored Cab MTVRs already in theater.
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®, 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.
Oshkosh Corporation, announced today that through its Defense division, it has received two contracts valued at more than $28 million for spare parts and support of its MRAP All Terrain Vehicles (M-ATV) in Afghanistan.
The contracts include a $16 million order from the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for spare parts and a $12 million order for aftermarket support from the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command Life Cycle Management Command (TACOM LCMC).
“Oshkosh Corporation’s broad range of offerings, including our parts supply network and fully trained field service team, will provide our Armed Forces with an unparalleled level of support,” said Robert G. Bohn, Oshkosh Corporation chairman and chief executive officer. “Our in theater M-ATV service and support will help ensure these highly mobile vehicles operate at full capability in very challenging conditions.”
Under the contract, Oshkosh Defense will provide M-ATV spare parts to the DLA to be used as in the field replacements after the parts delivered with the vehicles have been consumed. These parts will ship without delay as vehicles arrive to maintain optimal readiness rates.
Additionally, Oshkosh field service representatives (FSR) will support the M-ATV program in-theater through September 2010. Oshkosh Defense provides the complete spectrum of service and support to the M-ATV fleet in the Afghan theater. Building on its experience from Operation Iraqi Freedom, Oshkosh FSRs can operate service facilities on any of the forward operating bases that might require more support than internal assets can provide.
Oshkosh will complete production of the current M-ATV contract, valued at more than $2.7 billion, for 5,219 vehicles in March 2010. The company has delivered ahead of schedule each month since the contract award on June 30, 2009, and expects to ramp production up to 1,000 vehicles per month in December. The first Oshkosh M-ATVs were delivered to Afghanistan on Oct. 1, 2009, just three months after Oshkosh was awarded the M-ATV contract.
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 Armored Cab MTVRs already in theater.
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®, 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: Lockheed Martin Demonstrates First Successful Flight Test For paveway II Plus Laser Guided Bombs
DTN News: Lockheed Martin Demonstrates First Successful Flight Test For paveway II Plus Laser Guided Bombs
*Source: DTN News / Lockheed Martin
(NSI News Source Info) ARCHBALD, PA, - October 30, 2009: Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] successfully completed the first in a series of flight tests of the paveway II Plus Lase
r Guided Bomb (LGB) guidance kit. The paveway II Plus LGB uses an enhanced laser guidance package, significantly improving precision when compared to existing paveway II LGBs.
The flight test consisted of two GBU-10s released from a U.S. Navy Super Hornet at the Navy’s China Lake, CA, test ranges. Each weapon included the new paveway II Plus MAU-209C/B Computer Control Group. Both weapons, which were also equipped with telemetry instrumentation, were released using a set of pre-determined flight conditions, initiated laser guidance as planned and successfully guided to direct hits on the target.
“The paveway II Plus is a revolutionary performance improvement to the paveway II LGB weapon system,” said Joe Serra, senior manager for Precision Guided Systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “Our team fully embraced the challenge to cost effectively improve the precision of this mature weapon system without impacting logistics. The paveway II Plus provides significantly better impact accuracy without any changes to the aircraft platform or weapon employment.”
Lockheed Martin is a qualified provider of the paveway II LGB, of all three variants of the paveway II MK-80 series LGBs, and is the sole provider of the paveway II Enhanced Laser Guided Training Round and Dual Mode Laser Guided Bomb.
Paveway II LGB guidance kits improve weapon accuracy and reduce risk to U.S. and allied ground forces by converting gravity weapons into precision-guided munitions. Each kit consists of a computer control group, which is the front-end guidance system, plus an air foil group which adds stability fins on the back of each weapon.
Lockheed Martin’s LGB kits can be carried on U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and most international aircraft platforms currently authorized to carry and release LGBs. Kits are fully compatible and interoperable with existing paveway II LGB logistics infrastructure, equipment, procedures and aircrew operations.
Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 55,000 LGB kits to the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and international customers. Laser-guided bombs have been used successfully in Operation Iraqi Freedom and current overseas contingency operations.
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.
r Guided Bomb (LGB) guidance kit. The paveway II Plus LGB uses an enhanced laser guidance package, significantly improving precision when compared to existing paveway II LGBs.
The flight test consisted of two GBU-10s released from a U.S. Navy Super Hornet at the Navy’s China Lake, CA, test ranges. Each weapon included the new paveway II Plus MAU-209C/B Computer Control Group. Both weapons, which were also equipped with telemetry instrumentation, were released using a set of pre-determined flight conditions, initiated laser guidance as planned and successfully guided to direct hits on the target.
“The paveway II Plus is a revolutionary performance improvement to the paveway II LGB weapon system,” said Joe Serra, senior manager for Precision Guided Systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “Our team fully embraced the challenge to cost effectively improve the precision of this mature weapon system without impacting logistics. The paveway II Plus provides significantly better impact accuracy without any changes to the aircraft platform or weapon employment.”
Lockheed Martin is a qualified provider of the paveway II LGB, of all three variants of the paveway II MK-80 series LGBs, and is the sole provider of the paveway II Enhanced Laser Guided Training Round and Dual Mode Laser Guided Bomb.
Paveway II LGB guidance kits improve weapon accuracy and reduce risk to U.S. and allied ground forces by converting gravity weapons into precision-guided munitions. Each kit consists of a computer control group, which is the front-end guidance system, plus an air foil group which adds stability fins on the back of each weapon.
Lockheed Martin’s LGB kits can be carried on U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and most international aircraft platforms currently authorized to carry and release LGBs. Kits are fully compatible and interoperable with existing paveway II LGB logistics infrastructure, equipment, procedures and aircrew operations.
Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 55,000 LGB kits to the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and international customers. Laser-guided bombs have been used successfully in Operation Iraqi Freedom and current overseas contingency operations.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.
DTN News: Boeing Receives Follow-On Contract To Upgrade B-1 Bomber's Avionics Software
DTN News: Boeing Receives Follow-On Contract To Upgrade B-1 Bomber's Avionics Software
*Source: DTN News / Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) LONG BEACH, Calif., - October 30, 2009: The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] toda
y announced it has received an $84 million contract from the U.S. Air Force for additional upgrades of the B-1 bomber fleet's avionics software.
The award continues a software-sustainment program that has continually updated and improved the B-1's operational capabilities since the aircraft entered service in 1989. This new contract authorizes Boeing to start work on Sustainment Block 16 (SB 16).
Each software sustainment block includes changes to navigation; weapon delivery; radar; electrical multiplexing; communication/navigation management system software; and controls and displays. Boeing engineers in Long Beach and Oklahoma City deliver the latest avionics software once a year for the Air Force's fleet of 66 B-1s. SB 14 is in flight test at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., and will be delivered to the Air Force in 2011. SB 15 will be delivered in 2012, and design and development work for SB 16 will begin immediately.
"We are honored to continue providing these upgrades to the Air Force and are excited about all the B-1 potential that will be provided with SB 16," said Mahesh Reddy, B-1 program director for Boeing. "This major block will enhance the aircraft's color cockpit displays, data link, radar and navigation in ways that will significantly improve B-1 aircrews' ability to execute their missions."
Another B-1 milestone that Boeing accomplished this year was the July 30 first flight of a B-1 upgraded with the Fully Integrated Data Link (FIDL). This upgrade includes new processors, color displays and communications architecture, enhancing B-1 crews' situational awareness and communications capability. The FIDL aircraft is also in flight test at Edwards.
The multi-mission B-1 has been carrying the largest strike payload in the Air Force inventory since its combat debut. Its low radar cross-section, variable-geometry wings, advanced avionics, and afterburning engines combine to provide long range, maneuverability, high speed and survivability.
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.
y announced it has received an $84 million contract from the U.S. Air Force for additional upgrades of the B-1 bomber fleet's avionics software.
The award continues a software-sustainment program that has continually updated and improved the B-1's operational capabilities since the aircraft entered service in 1989. This new contract authorizes Boeing to start work on Sustainment Block 16 (SB 16).
Each software sustainment block includes changes to navigation; weapon delivery; radar; electrical multiplexing; communication/navigation management system software; and controls and displays. Boeing engineers in Long Beach and Oklahoma City deliver the latest avionics software once a year for the Air Force's fleet of 66 B-1s. SB 14 is in flight test at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., and will be delivered to the Air Force in 2011. SB 15 will be delivered in 2012, and design and development work for SB 16 will begin immediately.
"We are honored to continue providing these upgrades to the Air Force and are excited about all the B-1 potential that will be provided with SB 16," said Mahesh Reddy, B-1 program director for Boeing. "This major block will enhance the aircraft's color cockpit displays, data link, radar and navigation in ways that will significantly improve B-1 aircrews' ability to execute their missions."
Another B-1 milestone that Boeing accomplished this year was the July 30 first flight of a B-1 upgraded with the Fully Integrated Data Link (FIDL). This upgrade includes new processors, color displays and communications architecture, enhancing B-1 crews' situational awareness and communications capability. The FIDL aircraft is also in flight test at Edwards.
The multi-mission B-1 has been carrying the largest strike payload in the Air Force inventory since its combat debut. Its low radar cross-section, variable-geometry wings, advanced avionics, and afterburning engines combine to provide long range, maneuverability, high speed and survivability.
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: Russia May Offer More Help In Afghanistan ~ NATO
DTN News: Russia May Offer More Help In Afghanistan ~ NATO
*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) BRUSSELS, Belgium - October 30, 2009: Russia may provide assistance in training and equipping the embattled Afghan government security fo
rces, alliance spokesman James Appathurai said today.
NATO's Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen is scheduled meet with President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin when he visits Moscow on Nov 15 for a two-day visit. They will discuss areas of joint interest, primarily Afghanistan, Appathurai said.
"There is the possibility of Russian support for equipping the Afghan security forces (and) possibly offering other kinds of training," he said.
Relations between NATO and Russia have warmed steadily since they were briefly frozen in the aftermath of the Russo-Georgian war in August 2008.
Moscow has repeatedly expressed its willingness to help the war effort in Afghanistan, because it fears any return to power by Taliban extremists would destabilise Central Asia and endanger Russia's own security.
rces, alliance spokesman James Appathurai said today.
NATO's Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen is scheduled meet with President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin when he visits Moscow on Nov 15 for a two-day visit. They will discuss areas of joint interest, primarily Afghanistan, Appathurai said.
"There is the possibility of Russian support for equipping the Afghan security forces (and) possibly offering other kinds of training," he said.
Relations between NATO and Russia have warmed steadily since they were briefly frozen in the aftermath of the Russo-Georgian war in August 2008.
Moscow has repeatedly expressed its willingness to help the war effort in Afghanistan, because it fears any return to power by Taliban extremists would destabilise Central Asia and endanger Russia's own security.
DTN News: US Quietly Expedites Aid For Pakistan Military Operations ~ NY Times
DTN News: US Quietly Expedites Aid For Pakistan Military Operations ~ NY Times
*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) KARACHI, Pakistan - October 30, 2009: The United States has quietly rushed millions of dollars worth of military equipment to Pakistani forces in recent months, the NYTimes quoted American and Pakistani officials as saying.
‘We are doing everything within our power to assist Pakistan in improving its counterinsurgency capabilities:’ official.
Prior to the Swat operation in the spring, Pakistan’s army chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani asked that the US quickly deliver 10 Russian-built Mi-17s. According to the US newspaper, both US President Barack Obama and US army chief Admiral Mike Mullen personally intervened to fulfil his request; four copters were leased in June and the remaining provided to Pakistan under various authorities.
The report (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/29/world/asia/29weapons.html?ref=world) says that a whole range of other weapons, hardware and sensors have been provided to the Pakistan army. These include spare parts for Cobra helicopter gunships, night vision goggles, body armour and eavesdropping equipment.
Presently, American military surveillance drones are supporting the Waziristan operation by feeding video images and target information to Pakistani ground commanders. The Pentagon has also quietly provided the Pakistani Air Force with high-resolution, infrared sensors for its F-16 warplanes, which Pakistan is using to target its attacks on Taliban strongholds in South Waziristan.
‘We’ve put military assistance to Pakistan on a wartime footing, as up to now it has been in a peacetime process,’ the paper quoted Lt. Col. Mark Wright, a Pentagon spokesman, as saying. ‘We are doing everything within our power to assist Pakistan in improving its counterinsurgency capabilities.’
The number of American Special Forces soldiers and support personnel who are training and advising Pakistani Army and paramilitary troops has doubled in the past eight months, to 150.
Despite the expedited assistance, Pakistani officials are still upset with the pace of disbursement of all kinds of aid. Pakistani officials are particularly unhappy about the US’s refusal to share some sought-after high-tech military equipment, like Apache helicopters and Predator drones.
Pakistani authorities are also reluctant to publicize the aid they have been receiving for the ongoing operations, the report notes. It points to army spokesman Athar Abbas’s statement that the South Waziristan action was a purely Pakistani enterprise, unaided by the US. ‘Let us finish the job on our own,’ he told reporters,
However, the report indicates that the US govt does not have a problem with the Pakistani authorities downplaying its involvement. An American adviser in Pakistan, who was granted anonymity to discuss internal United States policy, said, ‘US current military assistance either demonstrates US resolve and offsets anti-Americanism, or is deliberately underplayed to boost Pakistani military and political credibility, and the latter meets our policy objectives more closely.’ — NYTimes (www.nytimes.com)
‘We are doing everything within our power to assist Pakistan in improving its counterinsurgency capabilities:’ official.
Prior to the Swat operation in the spring, Pakistan’s army chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani asked that the US quickly deliver 10 Russian-built Mi-17s. According to the US newspaper, both US President Barack Obama and US army chief Admiral Mike Mullen personally intervened to fulfil his request; four copters were leased in June and the remaining provided to Pakistan under various authorities.
The report (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/29/world/asia/29weapons.html?ref=world) says that a whole range of other weapons, hardware and sensors have been provided to the Pakistan army. These include spare parts for Cobra helicopter gunships, night vision goggles, body armour and eavesdropping equipment.
Presently, American military surveillance drones are supporting the Waziristan operation by feeding video images and target information to Pakistani ground commanders. The Pentagon has also quietly provided the Pakistani Air Force with high-resolution, infrared sensors for its F-16 warplanes, which Pakistan is using to target its attacks on Taliban strongholds in South Waziristan.
‘We’ve put military assistance to Pakistan on a wartime footing, as up to now it has been in a peacetime process,’ the paper quoted Lt. Col. Mark Wright, a Pentagon spokesman, as saying. ‘We are doing everything within our power to assist Pakistan in improving its counterinsurgency capabilities.’
The number of American Special Forces soldiers and support personnel who are training and advising Pakistani Army and paramilitary troops has doubled in the past eight months, to 150.
Despite the expedited assistance, Pakistani officials are still upset with the pace of disbursement of all kinds of aid. Pakistani officials are particularly unhappy about the US’s refusal to share some sought-after high-tech military equipment, like Apache helicopters and Predator drones.
Pakistani authorities are also reluctant to publicize the aid they have been receiving for the ongoing operations, the report notes. It points to army spokesman Athar Abbas’s statement that the South Waziristan action was a purely Pakistani enterprise, unaided by the US. ‘Let us finish the job on our own,’ he told reporters,
However, the report indicates that the US govt does not have a problem with the Pakistani authorities downplaying its involvement. An American adviser in Pakistan, who was granted anonymity to discuss internal United States policy, said, ‘US current military assistance either demonstrates US resolve and offsets anti-Americanism, or is deliberately underplayed to boost Pakistani military and political credibility, and the latter meets our policy objectives more closely.’ — NYTimes (www.nytimes.com)
DTN News: Airlines News (Part #2) TODAY October 29, 2009 ~ Ryanair Threatens To Pull Boeing Orders In Price Spat
DTN News: Airlines News (Part #2) TODAY October 29, 2009 ~ Ryanair Threatens To Pull Boeing Orders In Price Spat
*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) HAMBURG, Germany - October 29, 2009: Ryanair Holdings Plc, 
Europe's biggest discount airline, said it will cancel existing aircraft orders with Boeing Co. if the U.S. manufacturer doesn't cut the asking price for a new batch of planes.
Negotiations with Boeing over a contract for as many as 200 short-haul aircraft are progressing "slowly," Chief Executive Officer Michael O'Leary said today at a briefing in Hamburg. Ryanair may respond by shelving the requirement and scrapping and deferring some current contracts, he said.
"There would certainly be cancellations," O'Leary said. "We're only committed to whoever sells us the lowest-price airplanes. We're not wasting any more time."
Ryanair had a fleet of 199 Boeing 737-800 jetliners as of July 31, with another 113 planes on order for delivery over the next three years, equivalent to 5 percent of the 737 backlog. O'Leary said today that Airbus SAS, which has previously regarded Ryanair as a solid Boeing customer, should take his airline's requirements "more seriously" and enter talks.
The CEO said that if Dublin-based Ryanair can't buy new planes at the right price he'll rein in growth plans and focus on preserving cash.
Boeing spokesman Jim Condelles in Seattle said the company doesn't comment on discussions with customers.
"My instinct is that they will eventually reach an agreement, though that doesn't mean you won't see Ryanair throw their toys out of the pram in the meantime," said Gerald Khoo, an analyst at Arbuthnot Securities in London with a "neutral" rating on the stock.
Khoo said O'Leary's bargaining position is plausible.
"The slower growth strategy that Ryanair has suggested they may pursue is a credible alternative, even if it is not the preferred alternative," the analyst said.
Ryanair closed down 4.5 percent at 2.97 euros in Dublin as European stocks fell the most in three weeks. Chicago-based Boeing was little changed at $47.65 at 12:52 p.m. in New York.
Europe's biggest discount airline, said it will cancel existing aircraft orders with Boeing Co. if the U.S. manufacturer doesn't cut the asking price for a new batch of planes.
Negotiations with Boeing over a contract for as many as 200 short-haul aircraft are progressing "slowly," Chief Executive Officer Michael O'Leary said today at a briefing in Hamburg. Ryanair may respond by shelving the requirement and scrapping and deferring some current contracts, he said.
"There would certainly be cancellations," O'Leary said. "We're only committed to whoever sells us the lowest-price airplanes. We're not wasting any more time."
Ryanair had a fleet of 199 Boeing 737-800 jetliners as of July 31, with another 113 planes on order for delivery over the next three years, equivalent to 5 percent of the 737 backlog. O'Leary said today that Airbus SAS, which has previously regarded Ryanair as a solid Boeing customer, should take his airline's requirements "more seriously" and enter talks.
The CEO said that if Dublin-based Ryanair can't buy new planes at the right price he'll rein in growth plans and focus on preserving cash.
Boeing spokesman Jim Condelles in Seattle said the company doesn't comment on discussions with customers.
"My instinct is that they will eventually reach an agreement, though that doesn't mean you won't see Ryanair throw their toys out of the pram in the meantime," said Gerald Khoo, an analyst at Arbuthnot Securities in London with a "neutral" rating on the stock.
Khoo said O'Leary's bargaining position is plausible.
"The slower growth strategy that Ryanair has suggested they may pursue is a credible alternative, even if it is not the preferred alternative," the analyst said.
Ryanair closed down 4.5 percent at 2.97 euros in Dublin as European stocks fell the most in three weeks. Chicago-based Boeing was little changed at $47.65 at 12:52 p.m. in New York.
DTN News: Airlines News TODAY October 29, 2009 ~ Azerbaijan Airlines Orders Four Boeing Jets
DTN News: Airlines News TODAY October 29, 2009 ~ Azerbaijan Airlines Orders Four Boeing Jets
*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) BAKU, Azerbaijan - October 29, 2009: Ex-Soviet Azerbaijan's flagship carrier AZAL said Wednesday it had ordered four new Boeing airplanes for its growing fleet, including two of the US company's 787 Dreamliner long-haul jets.
Boeing and Azerbaijan Airlines have finalized an order for two Boeing Next-Generation 737-900ERs and two 767-300ERs. The order is valued at $449 million at list prices. One of the 767s is a substitution for a previously ordered 787, as reflected today on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries Web site.
"Two Boeing 767s will be delivered to Azerbaijan in 2011-12. The date for the arrival of the two more Boeing 787s is not yet known," Azerbaijan Airlines spokesman Maharram Safarli told AFP. He refused to disclose any financial conditions of the deal.
"These airplanes have proven their quality internationally. Most importantly, Boeing's conditions are more acceptable to us," he said.
AZAL has expanded in recent years amid a major economic boom in energy-rich Azerbaijan. The company's last big purchase was of four Airbus A-319 passenger airliners in 2005.
Boeing launched the Dreamliner program in April 2004 and the highly anticipated long-haul aircraft is seen as key to the US aerospace giant's future. But the project has been plagued by repeated delays, with Boeing announcing the fifth postponement earlier this year.
Boeing is facing stiff competition in the aviation market from Airbus, a unit of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company.
Boeing and Azerbaijan Airlines have finalized an order for two Boeing Next-Generation 737-900ERs and two 767-300ERs. The order is valued at $449 million at list prices. One of the 767s is a substitution for a previously ordered 787, as reflected today on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries Web site.
"Two Boeing 767s will be delivered to Azerbaijan in 2011-12. The date for the arrival of the two more Boeing 787s is not yet known," Azerbaijan Airlines spokesman Maharram Safarli told AFP. He refused to disclose any financial conditions of the deal.
"These airplanes have proven their quality internationally. Most importantly, Boeing's conditions are more acceptable to us," he said.
AZAL has expanded in recent years amid a major economic boom in energy-rich Azerbaijan. The company's last big purchase was of four Airbus A-319 passenger airliners in 2005.
Boeing launched the Dreamliner program in April 2004 and the highly anticipated long-haul aircraft is seen as key to the US aerospace giant's future. But the project has been plagued by repeated delays, with Boeing announcing the fifth postponement earlier this year.
Boeing is facing stiff competition in the aviation market from Airbus, a unit of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company.
DTN News: Economy News TODAY October 29, 2009 ~ Extra-Fast Recovery In India, China, Australia-IMF
DTN News: Economy News TODAY October 29, 2009 ~ Extra-Fast Recovery In India, China, Australia-IMF
* Recovery especially rapid in India, China, Australia-IMF
* IMF comments suggest three face pressures to tighten
* Monetary policy not best response to asset price growth-IMF
*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) SEOUL, South Korea - October 29, 2009: The IMF said on Thursday the economies of India, China and Australia were recovering especially
rapidly, suggesting it notices growing pressures for authorities there to tighten monetary policy ahead of others in the region.
"In a few special cases...the recovery is advancing so rapidly that output gaps are already starting to close and pressures are already emerging," the International Monetary Fund said in a regional economic outlook report, released in Seoul.
It called the three economies special cases, while adding a tightening of monetary policy seemed unnecessary elsewhere in the region in the near future.
The comments add to growing expectations among global traders that some major emerging economies would start to raise interest rates and remove stimulus measures far ahead of advanced economies.
Australia's central bank already raised its interest rate this month, becoming the first major economy to tighten monetary policy since the financial crisis started.
The Indian central bank on Tuesday laid the groundwork for a rise in interest rates by tightening credit to the commercial property sector, lifting its inflation forecast and warning of the threat of asset price bubbles.
The IMF upgraded economic growth forecasts for Singapore for 2009 and 2010 from its previous projections announced on Oct. 1, but did not elaborate.
The IMF said the recovery in the region was tentative and that the pick-up in economic activity had so far been supported by factors that were either temporary or could turn out to be so.
"The risks of inflation at present are low. In most countries, large output gaps are likely to persist for some time and are even expected to widen next year in many cases, as growth is projected to remain below potential," it added.
It also advised Asian central banks not to raise interest rates only to calm asset price growth, saying lifting rates ahead of advanced economies could attract "carry trade-type" capital inflows and aggravate asset price pressures.
"For all these reasons, it would seem preferable, at least initially, to address incipient asset price pressures through targeted prudential measures rather than the blunt instrument of monetary policy," it said.
The Washington-based organisation did not specify economies facing particularly serious asset price pressures.
rapidly, suggesting it notices growing pressures for authorities there to tighten monetary policy ahead of others in the region.
"In a few special cases...the recovery is advancing so rapidly that output gaps are already starting to close and pressures are already emerging," the International Monetary Fund said in a regional economic outlook report, released in Seoul.
It called the three economies special cases, while adding a tightening of monetary policy seemed unnecessary elsewhere in the region in the near future.
The comments add to growing expectations among global traders that some major emerging economies would start to raise interest rates and remove stimulus measures far ahead of advanced economies.
Australia's central bank already raised its interest rate this month, becoming the first major economy to tighten monetary policy since the financial crisis started.
The Indian central bank on Tuesday laid the groundwork for a rise in interest rates by tightening credit to the commercial property sector, lifting its inflation forecast and warning of the threat of asset price bubbles.
The IMF upgraded economic growth forecasts for Singapore for 2009 and 2010 from its previous projections announced on Oct. 1, but did not elaborate.
The IMF said the recovery in the region was tentative and that the pick-up in economic activity had so far been supported by factors that were either temporary or could turn out to be so.
"The risks of inflation at present are low. In most countries, large output gaps are likely to persist for some time and are even expected to widen next year in many cases, as growth is projected to remain below potential," it added.
It also advised Asian central banks not to raise interest rates only to calm asset price growth, saying lifting rates ahead of advanced economies could attract "carry trade-type" capital inflows and aggravate asset price pressures.
"For all these reasons, it would seem preferable, at least initially, to address incipient asset price pressures through targeted prudential measures rather than the blunt instrument of monetary policy," it said.
The Washington-based organisation did not specify economies facing particularly serious asset price pressures.
DTN News: Financial News TODAY October 29, 2009 ~ US Economy Likely To Post First Growth In Year
DTN News: Financial News TODAY October 29, 2009 ~ US Economy Likely To Post First Growth In Year
*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON, USA - October 29, 2009: The US government is set to report that the recession-wracked economy grew in the third quarter after a year of contraction following the worst financial crisis in decades.
A portrait of George Washington is seen on the front of the one dollar note. The US government is set to report that the recession-wracked economy grew in the third quarter after a year of contraction following the worst financial crisis in decades.
Markets braced for the first official estimate of gross domestic product, the broadest measure of the output of goods and services, for the July-September period after economic data this week rattled hopes that a sustainable recovery is taking root.
The Commerce Department is due to report the initial GDP estimate at 8:30 am (1230 GMT) Thursday.
Most analysts expect the reading to show GDP rose an annualized 3.2 percent in the third quarter.
After shrinking a severe 6.4 percent in the first quarter, the world's largest economy has been showing signs of life in response to authorities' multibillion-dollar emergency stimulus and support measures. The contraction eased to a 0.7 percent dip in the second quarter.
"While the report is backward-looking, it is closely watched due to its comprehensive nature and potential impact on monetary policy," said Charles Schwab & Co. analysts.
Grim reports on consumer confidence and new-home sales this week unnerved investors, stoking fears that the green shoots of recovery are withering.
On Wall Street, stocks plunged to their worst loss of the month Wednesday.
As bearish data led economists to slash their GDP estimates, "traders decided to brace themselves for the worst ahead of tomorrow's preliminary GDP report, and most equities spent the day swimming in red ink," said Elizabeth Harrow of Schaeffer's Investment Research.
The anxiety was palpable beyond financial markets amid high unemployment that could continue to drag down any recovery. The jobless rate rose to 9.8 percent in September, a 26-year record, and is expected to rise into double digits even after the economy recovers.
According to a Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll published Wednesday, Americans are growing increasingly pessimistic about the economy after a mild upturn in attitudes in September.
Fifty-eight percent of those surveyed in the October 22-25 poll said the downturn would get worse, up from 52 percent in September and back to the level of pessimism expressed in July.
The "main concern, naturally, is about the sustainability of the US recovery," said Ed Yardeni, chief investment strategist of Yardeni Research.
"A frequent question is: 'What happens when your fiscal stimulus wears off?'"
Analysts point out that much of the growth will be the result of businesses rebuilding inventories following sharp production cuts, and from government stimulus efforts that may not be sustained.
Some project the expansion will slow to a rate of around 2.0 percent in the fourth quarter.
Ann Sonders and Brad Sorensen, analysts at Charles Schwab, said they remain optimistic because of the potential of even a modest uptick in the demand side of the economy.
"While some worry that the economic recovery will take a step back after government stimulus programs expire, we see signs that the 'coiled spring' represented by significant declines in inventories, production and jobs could be getting ready to pop."
The United States officially entered recession in December 2007 but whether it is over is a more complex question.
The economy may linger for months in a "no-man's land" in which GDP is expanding but no one is sure if the recession is "officially" ended, because of the way business cycles are defined in the United States.
For decades, the US government and economic community have recognized a panel of academicians with the private National Bureau of Economic Research as the official arbiter of business cycles.
The NBER panel does not use the definition employed in many countries of recession as two consecutive quarters of declining GDP.
NBER says a recession is "a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy, lasting more than a few months, normally visible in real GDP, real income, employment, industrial production, and wholesale-retail sales."
A portrait of George Washington is seen on the front of the one dollar note. The US government is set to report that the recession-wracked economy grew in the third quarter after a year of contraction following the worst financial crisis in decades.
Markets braced for the first official estimate of gross domestic product, the broadest measure of the output of goods and services, for the July-September period after economic data this week rattled hopes that a sustainable recovery is taking root.
The Commerce Department is due to report the initial GDP estimate at 8:30 am (1230 GMT) Thursday.
Most analysts expect the reading to show GDP rose an annualized 3.2 percent in the third quarter.
After shrinking a severe 6.4 percent in the first quarter, the world's largest economy has been showing signs of life in response to authorities' multibillion-dollar emergency stimulus and support measures. The contraction eased to a 0.7 percent dip in the second quarter.
"While the report is backward-looking, it is closely watched due to its comprehensive nature and potential impact on monetary policy," said Charles Schwab & Co. analysts.
Grim reports on consumer confidence and new-home sales this week unnerved investors, stoking fears that the green shoots of recovery are withering.
On Wall Street, stocks plunged to their worst loss of the month Wednesday.
As bearish data led economists to slash their GDP estimates, "traders decided to brace themselves for the worst ahead of tomorrow's preliminary GDP report, and most equities spent the day swimming in red ink," said Elizabeth Harrow of Schaeffer's Investment Research.
The anxiety was palpable beyond financial markets amid high unemployment that could continue to drag down any recovery. The jobless rate rose to 9.8 percent in September, a 26-year record, and is expected to rise into double digits even after the economy recovers.
According to a Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll published Wednesday, Americans are growing increasingly pessimistic about the economy after a mild upturn in attitudes in September.
Fifty-eight percent of those surveyed in the October 22-25 poll said the downturn would get worse, up from 52 percent in September and back to the level of pessimism expressed in July.
The "main concern, naturally, is about the sustainability of the US recovery," said Ed Yardeni, chief investment strategist of Yardeni Research.
"A frequent question is: 'What happens when your fiscal stimulus wears off?'"
Analysts point out that much of the growth will be the result of businesses rebuilding inventories following sharp production cuts, and from government stimulus efforts that may not be sustained.
Some project the expansion will slow to a rate of around 2.0 percent in the fourth quarter.
Ann Sonders and Brad Sorensen, analysts at Charles Schwab, said they remain optimistic because of the potential of even a modest uptick in the demand side of the economy.
"While some worry that the economic recovery will take a step back after government stimulus programs expire, we see signs that the 'coiled spring' represented by significant declines in inventories, production and jobs could be getting ready to pop."
The United States officially entered recession in December 2007 but whether it is over is a more complex question.
The economy may linger for months in a "no-man's land" in which GDP is expanding but no one is sure if the recession is "officially" ended, because of the way business cycles are defined in the United States.
For decades, the US government and economic community have recognized a panel of academicians with the private National Bureau of Economic Research as the official arbiter of business cycles.
The NBER panel does not use the definition employed in many countries of recession as two consecutive quarters of declining GDP.
NBER says a recession is "a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy, lasting more than a few months, normally visible in real GDP, real income, employment, industrial production, and wholesale-retail sales."
DTN News: Computer Game Deployed To Combat Phishing
DTN News: Computer Game Deployed To Combat Phishing
*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON, USA - October 29, 2009: State Department employees are being encouraged to play a computer game to familiarize themselves with the global threat posed by phishing, an increasingly sophisticated 
form of identity fraud that can entice unsuspecting computer users into divulging sensitive personal information.
The game, called Phil by Pittsburgh-based developer Wombat Security Technologies, is designed especially to train employees of security-conscious organizations to be aware of the devious and sublime methods used by fraudsters to persuade computer users to reveal information they use for logging into secure government sites, financial domains and other sensitive Internet locations.
Most of these domains are usually considered off limits to unauthorized computer users.
Wombat said Phil, the training game, will be made available worldwide to all 55,000 employees of the U.S. Department of State.
Phishing is a broad term used to describe a range of techniques used by fraudsters to hoodwink computer users who may be in a position of influence or power, or have wealth the phishers have their eyes on.
A typical phishing e-mail is disguised as an official message from a fictional bank or organization. The sender attempts to trick the recipient into revealing confidential information by "confirming" it at a Web site purporting to be the genuine article but usually a fake one set up by the phisher.
Although anti-phishing campaigners warn potential victims to look out for spelling errors and grammatical mistakes, security sources say that phishing now is far too sophisticated for that kind of tell-tale notion of fraud.
Even the prospect of catching a phisher through a suspicious Web site address has been dealt with by fraudsters that can replicate the Uniform Resource Locator of a genuine Web site.
Although phishing began as an e-mail scam, it has now spread to instant messaging and other media, including social networking Web sites and devices such as phones and mini-computers, security sources said.
Phil is an engaging training game packed with fun that was originally developed at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, and is now commercialized by Wombat. The game has been shown to be significantly more effective at training people to recognize phishing attacks than more traditional training solutions used in the computer security industry, Wombat said.
The company cited a rise in phishing attacks over the past several years and the ability of the attackers to defeat anti-spam software and other security measures.
"We are honored to add the U.S. Department of State to our rapidly growing list of customers," said Norman Sadeh, founder and CEO of Wombat Security Technologies. "With the continuing increase in sophistication of phishing attacks, it is critical for government organizations as well as private sector organizations to turn to more effective ways of training their workforce."
Wombat Security Technologies says it is a global leader in cybersecurity awareness and training.
form of identity fraud that can entice unsuspecting computer users into divulging sensitive personal information.
The game, called Phil by Pittsburgh-based developer Wombat Security Technologies, is designed especially to train employees of security-conscious organizations to be aware of the devious and sublime methods used by fraudsters to persuade computer users to reveal information they use for logging into secure government sites, financial domains and other sensitive Internet locations.
Most of these domains are usually considered off limits to unauthorized computer users.
Wombat said Phil, the training game, will be made available worldwide to all 55,000 employees of the U.S. Department of State.
Phishing is a broad term used to describe a range of techniques used by fraudsters to hoodwink computer users who may be in a position of influence or power, or have wealth the phishers have their eyes on.
A typical phishing e-mail is disguised as an official message from a fictional bank or organization. The sender attempts to trick the recipient into revealing confidential information by "confirming" it at a Web site purporting to be the genuine article but usually a fake one set up by the phisher.
Although anti-phishing campaigners warn potential victims to look out for spelling errors and grammatical mistakes, security sources say that phishing now is far too sophisticated for that kind of tell-tale notion of fraud.
Even the prospect of catching a phisher through a suspicious Web site address has been dealt with by fraudsters that can replicate the Uniform Resource Locator of a genuine Web site.
Although phishing began as an e-mail scam, it has now spread to instant messaging and other media, including social networking Web sites and devices such as phones and mini-computers, security sources said.
Phil is an engaging training game packed with fun that was originally developed at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, and is now commercialized by Wombat. The game has been shown to be significantly more effective at training people to recognize phishing attacks than more traditional training solutions used in the computer security industry, Wombat said.
The company cited a rise in phishing attacks over the past several years and the ability of the attackers to defeat anti-spam software and other security measures.
"We are honored to add the U.S. Department of State to our rapidly growing list of customers," said Norman Sadeh, founder and CEO of Wombat Security Technologies. "With the continuing increase in sophistication of phishing attacks, it is critical for government organizations as well as private sector organizations to turn to more effective ways of training their workforce."
Wombat Security Technologies says it is a global leader in cybersecurity awareness and training.
DTN News: Israel Drones To Be Used By Germany In Afghanistan
DTN News: Israel Drones To Be Used By Germany In Afghanistan
*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) JERUSALEM, Israel - October 29, 2009: Israel Aerospace Industries said Wednesday it would supply unmanned spy planes to Germany that will see action in Afghanistan early next year.
An Israeli army Heron unmanned drone aircraft, used for surveillance missions, flies during a display at the Palmahim Air Force Base, Israel. Israel Aerospace Industries said Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009 that it will supply unmanned spy planes to Germany that will see action in Afghanistan early next year.
The Heron drones will be deployed by the German air force in northern Afghanistan in early 2010 for reconnaissance missions, the company said in a statement.
It would not reveal how many drones were sold or for how much but said it was a multimillion dollar deal.
Germany's Federal Office of Defense Technology and Procurement confirmed it had signed an agreement to purchase the aircraft.
Israeli drones have previously been supplied to coalition forces to gather intelligence data on Islamic militants in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The Heron is Israel's largest surveillance drone, with a 54-foot wingspan and an ability to fly for as long as 30 hours at a time at a speed of 140 mph (225.3 kph) and a height of 30,000 feet (9,144 meters).
An Israeli army Heron unmanned drone aircraft, used for surveillance missions, flies during a display at the Palmahim Air Force Base, Israel. Israel Aerospace Industries said Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009 that it will supply unmanned spy planes to Germany that will see action in Afghanistan early next year.
The Heron drones will be deployed by the German air force in northern Afghanistan in early 2010 for reconnaissance missions, the company said in a statement.
It would not reveal how many drones were sold or for how much but said it was a multimillion dollar deal.
Germany's Federal Office of Defense Technology and Procurement confirmed it had signed an agreement to purchase the aircraft.
Israeli drones have previously been supplied to coalition forces to gather intelligence data on Islamic militants in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The Heron is Israel's largest surveillance drone, with a 54-foot wingspan and an ability to fly for as long as 30 hours at a time at a speed of 140 mph (225.3 kph) and a height of 30,000 feet (9,144 meters).
DTN News: Dmitry Donskoy Submarine Prepares For Future Bulava Missile Tests
DTN News: Dmitry Donskoy Submarine Prepares For Future Bulava Missile Tests
*Source: DTN News / RIA Novosti
(NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW, Russia - October 29, 2009: Russia's Dmitry Donskoy strategic nuclear-powered submarine returned on Wednesday from a 
short sea test run to prepare for upcoming test launches of the troubled Bulava missile.
"The sub left the base in Severodvinsk on Monday to test the readiness of the equipment for future launches of the Bulava missile," a Severodvinsk administration official said, without specifying the date for the next test of the missile.
The Typhoon-class submarine, based at a naval facility in northern Russia's Severodvinsk, is the only vessel in service with the Russian Navy capable of testing the new Bulava submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).
The Russian military expects the Bulava, along with Topol-M land-based ballistic missiles, to become the core of Russia's nuclear triad.
However, the Bulava's development has been dogged by a series of setbacks, which has officially suffered six failures in 11 tests.
The latest Bulava failure during the launch from Dmitry Donskoy in the North Sea on July 15 was caused by a defective steering system in its first stage, a defense industry source said on Monday.
The future development of the Bulava has been questioned by some lawmakers and defense industry officials, who have suggested that all efforts should be focused on the existing Sineva SLBM.
But the Russian military has insisted that there is no alternative to the Bulava and pledged to continue testing the missile until it is ready to be put in service with the Navy.
The Bulava (SS-NX-30) SLBM carries up to 10 MIRV warheads and has a range of over 8,000 kilometers (5,000 miles). The three-stage solid-propellant ballistic missile is designed for deployment on Borey-class nuclear-powered submarines.
short sea test run to prepare for upcoming test launches of the troubled Bulava missile.
"The sub left the base in Severodvinsk on Monday to test the readiness of the equipment for future launches of the Bulava missile," a Severodvinsk administration official said, without specifying the date for the next test of the missile.
The Typhoon-class submarine, based at a naval facility in northern Russia's Severodvinsk, is the only vessel in service with the Russian Navy capable of testing the new Bulava submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).
The Russian military expects the Bulava, along with Topol-M land-based ballistic missiles, to become the core of Russia's nuclear triad.
However, the Bulava's development has been dogged by a series of setbacks, which has officially suffered six failures in 11 tests.
The latest Bulava failure during the launch from Dmitry Donskoy in the North Sea on July 15 was caused by a defective steering system in its first stage, a defense industry source said on Monday.
The future development of the Bulava has been questioned by some lawmakers and defense industry officials, who have suggested that all efforts should be focused on the existing Sineva SLBM.
But the Russian military has insisted that there is no alternative to the Bulava and pledged to continue testing the missile until it is ready to be put in service with the Navy.
The Bulava (SS-NX-30) SLBM carries up to 10 MIRV warheads and has a range of over 8,000 kilometers (5,000 miles). The three-stage solid-propellant ballistic missile is designed for deployment on Borey-class nuclear-powered submarines.
DTN News: Russia Sells Special Purpose Weaponry To NATO According To Rosoboronexport
DTN News: Russia Sells Special Purpose Weaponry To NATO According To Rosoboronexport
*Source: DTN News / RIA Novosti
(NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW, Russia - October 29, 2009: Russia supplies weaponry and equipment for police and special purpose military units in several NATO countries, state arms exporter Rosoboronexport said on Wednesday. 
"Our main customers are ex-Soviet states, the Middle East, Latin American and African countries, but we also deliver special purpose weaponry and equipment to several NATO countries," said Vyacheslav Ovchinnikov, an advisor to Rosoboronexport general director.
More than 300 Russian companies, including 23 defense firms, are participating in the Interpolitex 2009 International Exhibition of State Security Technology in Moscow October 27-30.
According to Ovchinnikov, foreign clients are mostly interested in weaponry for anti-terrorism police task forces, optical and infrared equipment, means of individual protection and non-lethal weapons.
The official said that at least four foreign delegations at the show have expressed interest in purchasing several types of Russian-made equipment.
"The negotiations have entered an active phase and this work will continue after the show," Ovchinnikov said.
Delegations from Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Canada, The Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, Taiwan and Ukraine are participating in Interpolitex 2009.
"Our main customers are ex-Soviet states, the Middle East, Latin American and African countries, but we also deliver special purpose weaponry and equipment to several NATO countries," said Vyacheslav Ovchinnikov, an advisor to Rosoboronexport general director.
More than 300 Russian companies, including 23 defense firms, are participating in the Interpolitex 2009 International Exhibition of State Security Technology in Moscow October 27-30.
According to Ovchinnikov, foreign clients are mostly interested in weaponry for anti-terrorism police task forces, optical and infrared equipment, means of individual protection and non-lethal weapons.
The official said that at least four foreign delegations at the show have expressed interest in purchasing several types of Russian-made equipment.
"The negotiations have entered an active phase and this work will continue after the show," Ovchinnikov said.
Delegations from Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Canada, The Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, Taiwan and Ukraine are participating in Interpolitex 2009.
DTN News: Boeing Ready For Production Of Fighter Jets In India
DTN News: Boeing Ready For Production Of Fighter Jets In India
*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) NEW DELHI, India - October 29, 2009: After successfully completing trials for the contract of 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft with India, US firm Boeing Wednesday announced its intention to transfer technology to build F/A-18IN Super Hornet fighter jets in India.
The combat-proven F/A-18 Hornet is a twin-engine, multi-mission, tactical aircraft. It converts between air-to-air fighter missions and air-to-ground strike missions while on the same sortie with the flick of a switch. Currently serving the armed services of eight nations, the F/A-18 fulfills the following types of assignment: fighter escort, suppression of enemy air defenses, reconnaissance, forward air control, close air support, and day and night strike missions.
We fully intend for Super Hornet to be built in India, said Boeing Military Aircraft Integrated Defence Systems president Christopher M. Chadwick here.
While Russia has been giving technology transfer to India more readily, US firms have a strict code when it comes to technology transfer to their customers.
We plan to build 18 aircraft in the US and from the 19th aircraft it will be built in India…. we will continue transfer of technology to India so that they not only assemble but make lots of part of the aircraft in India…. actually building the aircraft here, Chadwick added.
With the approval of US Congress required, the transfer of technology could actually be a key element in deciding the winner of the competition for the whopping Indian contract.
Boeing’s F/A-18IN has completed first two phases of trials for the Indian Air Force.
The first phase was completed in the US and the second at Bangalore, Jaisalmer and Leh.
The third phase trials will be held in February 2010 in the US.
The other aircraft in the fray for the IAF’s $10 billion order are the Lockheed Martin F-16I Super Viper, the Dassault Rafale, the Saab Gripen, the Russian MiG-35, and the European consortium EADS Eurofighter Typhoon.
The IAF plans to acquire 18 aircraft in fly-away conditions, with the rest being manufactured by HAL under a technology transfer deal. The aircraft are meant to replace the IAF’s ageing fleet of MiG-21 that were inducted in the 1960s.
The combat-proven F/A-18 Hornet is a twin-engine, multi-mission, tactical aircraft. It converts between air-to-air fighter missions and air-to-ground strike missions while on the same sortie with the flick of a switch. Currently serving the armed services of eight nations, the F/A-18 fulfills the following types of assignment: fighter escort, suppression of enemy air defenses, reconnaissance, forward air control, close air support, and day and night strike missions.
We fully intend for Super Hornet to be built in India, said Boeing Military Aircraft Integrated Defence Systems president Christopher M. Chadwick here.
While Russia has been giving technology transfer to India more readily, US firms have a strict code when it comes to technology transfer to their customers.
We plan to build 18 aircraft in the US and from the 19th aircraft it will be built in India…. we will continue transfer of technology to India so that they not only assemble but make lots of part of the aircraft in India…. actually building the aircraft here, Chadwick added.
With the approval of US Congress required, the transfer of technology could actually be a key element in deciding the winner of the competition for the whopping Indian contract.
Boeing’s F/A-18IN has completed first two phases of trials for the Indian Air Force.
The first phase was completed in the US and the second at Bangalore, Jaisalmer and Leh.
The third phase trials will be held in February 2010 in the US.
The other aircraft in the fray for the IAF’s $10 billion order are the Lockheed Martin F-16I Super Viper, the Dassault Rafale, the Saab Gripen, the Russian MiG-35, and the European consortium EADS Eurofighter Typhoon.
The IAF plans to acquire 18 aircraft in fly-away conditions, with the rest being manufactured by HAL under a technology transfer deal. The aircraft are meant to replace the IAF’s ageing fleet of MiG-21 that were inducted in the 1960s.