DTN News: Hey....You're Boblin & 60 Year Old On December 15, Happy Birthday ~ DTN News

DTN News: Hey....You're Boblin & 60 Year Old On December 15, Happy Birthday ~ DTN News

*Source: DTN News

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - December 15, 2009: Happy Birthday Bob....there is a saying "Youth is happy because it has the ability to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old." Also, You've heard of the three ages of man - youth, age, and "you are looking wonderful." There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of the people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will have truly defeated age.

DTN News: China And Azerbaijan Sealed Contract For FC-1/JF-17 Multipurpose Fighters

DTN News: China And Azerbaijan Sealed Contract For FC-1/JF-17 Multipurpose Fighters *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) BEIJING, China - December 15, 2009: China intends to supply FC-1 multipurpose fighters to Azerbaijan, according official reports referring to the information that design was made with the assistance of Russian Aircraft Corporation “MiG”. China is developing the FC-1 (Fighter China 1) lightweight multipurpose fighter based on the design for the MiG-33, which was rejected by the Soviet Air Force. The FC-1 is being developed with a total investment in excess of $500 million, including support from the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC), mainly for export to replace the 120 F-7M/P fighters currently in service in the Pakistani Air Force, though it is possible that the Chinese Air Force will use this aircraft as well. The deal to manufacture 150 FC-1 (Fighter China) jets was struck when General Musharraf visited China just before the Kargil war in 1998. According to the source, the contract for FC-1 production was signed by Rosoboronexport with the approval of Russian Federal Service of Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC). Zimbabwe is also among the potential buyers, whereas Beijing intends to launch a serial manufacturing of the fighters in Pakistan. Azeri Military Expert Uzeir Jafarov confirmed the information and added, “As far as I know, negotiations were held and our country intends to buy the hardware from China. Thus, I deem our defense ministry plans to purchase the equipment from the PRC.” Meanwhile, the expert was puzzled with potential possibility of Chinese equipment purchase – which he considers is not widely used. As per Chinese and Pakistani experts, up to 800 fighters might be sold. FSMTC seems to be comfortable about it, intending to supply China with 100 engines for FC-1, official says. Rouslan Pukhov, Russian defense analyst and director of the Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, declared that without Russian engines there cannot be any major export of Chinese fighters. “It’s another matter that China might act in its own way. They can sign a contract with us assuring the engines are intended for them, however resell them further, thus causing a direct damage to us,” Pukhov underlined.

DTN News: Boeing Completes 787 Dreamliner High-Speed Taxi Test

DTN News: Boeing Completes 787 Dreamliner High-Speed Taxi Test *Source: DTN News / Boeing (NSI News Source Info) EVERETT, Wash., - December 15, 2009:Boeing (NYSE: BA) completed high-speed taxi tests on the first 787 Dreamliner Dec. 12, 2009. This is the last in a series of functional tests planned in preparation for first flight. "Our pilots told me the airplane performed beautifully," said Mike Delaney, vice president and chief project engineer for the 787. "We're going through and analyzing the data to ensure we're ready for first flight. From evaluations we've done so far, everything looks good." During the testing, the airplane reached a top speed of approximately 130 knots (150 mph, 240 kph), and the pilots lifted the nose gear from the pavement. Video highlights of the taxi testing will be available by the end of the day Monday at www.boeing.com and www.newairplane.com. Taxi test is the last testing planned before first flight.

DTN News: Oshkosh Corporation Believes The Army’s FMTV Award Decision Will Be Maintained

DTN News: Oshkosh Corporation Believes The Army’s FMTV Award Decision Will Be Maintained *Source: DTN News / Oshkosh Corporation (NSI News Source Info) OSHKOSH, Wis. - December 15, 2009: Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) today announced it was informed by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) of its decision regarding the protest of the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) contract, awarded to Oshkosh on August 26. The majority of the protesters’ claims were denied, including challenges to the evaluation of the Oshkosh Corporation price. “At Oshkosh, we appreciate the GAO’s thorough review and welcome the Army’s re-evaluation of the two narrow issues recommended for reconsideration. We believe that our FMTV offer was, and continues to be, the best value for the U.S. Army, our troops and the U.S. taxpayer,” said Robert G. Bohn, Oshkosh Corporation chairman and chief executive officer. “It is important to realize that today’s decision did not recommend proposal revisions nor did it recommend termination of our contract.” Bohn added, “We believe that when these narrow issues are reconsidered, the Army’s decision to award Oshkosh Corporation the FMTV contract will be maintained.” Oshkosh Corporation will continue to lean forward on the FMTV program, including preparation for the construction of a new 150,000-square-foot electrocoat (E-Coat) paint facility at its Oshkosh, Wis., campus in support of FMTV production and possibly other Oshkosh vehicle programs. Oshkosh remains the only current manufacturer of both medium and heavy tactical wheeled vehicles in the U.S. defense industry, having produced more than 70,000 military-class vehicles in its manufacturing facilities. Oshkosh Corporation’s proven production capabilities were recently recognized by the National Center for Advanced Technologies (NCAT), which awarded Oshkosh with a 2009 Defense Manufacturing Excellence Award for its M-ATV launch team, which has exceeded delivery requirements for every month since the contract award on June 30, 2009. 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: Airlines News TODAY December 15, 2009 ~ Boeing, Panama's Copa Airlines Announce Order For Two Additional 737-800s

DTN News: Airlines News TODAY December 15, 2009 ~ Boeing, Panama's Copa Airlines Announce Order For Two Additional 737-800s *Source: DTN News / Boeing (NSI News Source Info) SEATTLE,- December 15, 2009: Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Copa Airlines, Panama's flagship air carrier, announced an order for two more Next-Generation 737-800s, bringing to 15 the number of 737-800s the airline has ordered this year. The order is valued at $152 million at list prices. Copa Airlines, is an airline in Panama based in Panama City. Its main base of operations is Tocumen International Airport, from where it operates approximately 148 daily scheduled flights to 45 destinations in 24 countries in North America, Central America, South America and The Caribbean. As of May 31, 2007, the airline has firm commitments to purchase four Boeing 737-Next Generation(series -800) and ten Embraer E-190, with a list price of approximately $1.1 billion. On December 30th, 2008, Copa Airlines has announced the firm order for another four Boeing 737-800. On July 16th, 2009, the Panamanian carrier Copa Airlines has announced the firm order for 13 Boeing 737-800 that will come with the new Boeing's signature "Sky Interior". "The Next-Generation 737 plays a major role in achieving our goal of offering our passengers world-class service, the most extensive route network in Latin America and one of the youngest fleets on the continent," said Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines. "With these aircraft we will continue to consolidate and strengthen our leadership position in the Latin American airline industry, providing our passengers a truly attractive product and our company a highly efficient aircraft with superior economics." Including this order, the airline has 29 Next-Generation 737s remaining to be delivered. In July, Copa placed an order for 13 airplanes. "Copa is a valued partner and continues to demonstrate the positive contribution the Next-Generation 737 makes to an airline's bottom line," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Copa has selected Boeing's signature Sky Interior for its 737s on order, featuring new 787-style modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals that will provide passengers with a greater connection to the flying experience. The new airplanes also will benefit from performance enhancements expected to result in a 2 percent reduction in fuel consumption by 2011 through a combination of airframe and engine improvements. The Next-Generation 737 is the newest and most technologically advanced airplane in its class. It flies higher, faster and farther than previous models and competitors. In addition, its flight deck features the latest liquid-crystal flat-panel displays and is designed to accommodate new communications and flight-management capabilities. Copa was the first carrier in the Americas to incorporate Blended Winglets on its 737s. All of its Next-Generation 737s use the distinctive curved wing ends, which improve fuel efficiency and lift while reducing engine wear and carbon dioxide emissions. Copa also was the first in the region to order Next-Generation 737s with the Vertical Situation Display system, which provides pilots with an easy-to-understand flight-path view. Copa operates from Tocumen International Airport in Panama, a time-saving hub on long routes between the United States, South and Central America, and the Caribbean. It flies five of the world's longest 737 routes from there -- to Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Santiago, Sao Paulo and Los Angeles -- thanks to the 737's exceptional range.

DTN News: Lockheed Martin’s Maritime Systems And Sensors Unit Achieves CMMI® Maturity Level 5

DTN News: Lockheed Martin’s Maritime Systems And Sensors Unit Achieves CMMI® Maturity Level 5

*Source: DTN News / Lockheed Martin

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON, - December 15, 2009: Lockheed Martin’s [NYSE: LMT] Maritime Systems and Sensors (MS2) business unit has successfully completed a Maturity Level 5 appraisal against the Capability Maturity Model® Integration (CMMI®) for Development. The CMMI Level 5 rating comes after a rigorous, third-party evaluation of Lockheed Martin MS2’s businesses processes, ensuring they are repeatable, consistent and predictable, and focused on continuous improvement and eliminating unnecessary costs. Customers, including the Department of Defense, often use the CMMI rating in determining a company’s ability to successfully meet requirements throughout the lifecycle of a program. “This achievement is a discriminator for Lockheed Martin and can be an advantage when we bid on future proposals,” said Fred Moosally, president, Lockheed Martin MS2. “I’m proud of the work by our Process Standardization Team, program teams and our entire MS2 organization to get us to this recognized level of excellence.” Specifically, five programs represented the business in the CMMI Level 5 appraisal, including the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense 4.0.1 Weapon System, DDG-1000 sensors and systems, the Enhanced AN/TPQ-36 (EQ-36) counterfire target acquisition radar, the Joint Strike Fighter integrated core processor and the Spanish S-80 diesel submarine integrated combat system. “Our CMMI Level 5 rating puts us ahead of many of our competitors,” said Tina Schechter, vice president, Mission Success & Information Technology, for Lockheed Martin MS2 and executive champion for the business unit’s CMMI initiative. “This rating demonstrates to our customers that we use proven processes when performing on contracts – and that we are committed to a rigorous process improvement plan to continue to up the ante.” 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. About the CMMIThe CMMI model is a process improvement maturity model for the development of products and services. It consists of best practices that address development and maintenance activities that cover the product lifecycle from conception through delivery and maintenance. The CMMI is managed by the Software Engineering Institute, which is a federally funded research and development center sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense.

DTN News: Boeing Delivers 500th Combat Track II Airborne Intelligence System To US Air Force

DTN News: Boeing Delivers 500th Combat Track II Airborne Intelligence System To US Air Force *Source: DTN News / Boeing (NSI News Source Info) ARLINGTON, Va., - December 15, 2009: Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that it has delivered the 500th Combat Track II kit, an airborne intelligence system for U.S. Air Force cargo and bomber aircraft that enhances situational awareness, increases aircrew survivability and improves airframe effectiveness. The 500th unit is part of the current production lot of 46 that was awarded to Boeing in April. Boeing has received $100 million in Combat Track II contracts since 1995. "These systems allow air crews to respond to threats more quickly and effectively," said Capt. Scott Frank, Air Force program manager for Combat Track. "Combat Track II has become critical to our mission, providing timely intelligence to support combat forces." The 500th system will be deployed to the 17th Air Force at Ramstein Air Base in Germany in support of the United States Africa Command. The systems also are installed on C-130, C-17, B-52 and B-1 aircraft operated by the Air Force Air Mobility Command, Air Combat Command, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves. "These systems allow warfighters to quickly respond to changing threat conditions with rapid, secure communications," said Dewey Houck, Boeing Intelligence and Security Systems director of Mission Systems. "This net-enabled capability enhances a warfighter's situational awareness and improves decision-making with tools that speed up information-sharing." The Combat Track II system provides aircrews with command and control information as well as secure, beyond line-of-sight, encrypted communications between the aircraft and Air Operations Centers worldwide. 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: Israel To India ~ Buy F-16s, Not Swedish Gripen Fighter Jets

DTN News: Israel To India ~ Buy F-16s, Not Swedish Gripen Fighter Jets

*Source: DTN News / The Jerusalem Post By Yaakov Lappin

(NSI News Source Info) JERUSALEM, Israel - December 14, 2009: Over the past year, Israel has advised India to purchase American F-16 fighter jets rather than Swedish-made Gripen warplanes. The F-16IN Super Viper is a unique new fighter sharing a heritage with the world's only fifth generation fighters – the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter and the F-22 Raptor. Evolutionary integration of fifth generation technologies makes the F-16IN the most advanced fourth generation fighter in the world today. This ultimate fourth generation fighter is tailored exclusively to meet or exceed all of India’s Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) requirements. The F-16IN is the right choice for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and is ready for integration into India’s infrastructure and operations now. The ability of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics to incorporate the latest technologies into the F-16IN is the key to expanding mission roles and improving combat capability, therefore creating the most effective multi role fighter today. With a robust upgrade capacity and the continuous insertion of technology, the F-16IN can be readily equipped with emerging capabilities throughout its lifecycle. The Super Viper has the most advanced technologies and capabilities available today on the international market. It is truly the ultimate fourth generation fighter with all it brings to the battlefield. The F-16 has been in direct competition with the JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft and India has been mulling over which plane to purchase for the Indian Air Force (IAI). Israel defense officials advised their Indian counterparts to purchase the F16s, telling them that the US warplane performed better and was better priced.

DTN News: Breakthrough For Elbit Systems In The Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Field ~ Successful Maiden Flight For Elbit Systems' Hermes(R) 900 UAV

DTN News: Breakthrough For Elbit Systems In The Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Field ~ Successful Maiden Flight For Elbit Systems' Hermes(R) 900 UAV *Source: DTN News / Defense News ....click here for link (NSI News Source Info) HAIFA, Israel - December 14, 2009: The New Hermes(R) 900 Builds on the Rich Operational Experience of the Hermes(R) 450, Offering Additional Capabilities Such as Flight Altitude of Over 30,000 ft, Long Endurance, Large Payload Capacity (up to 300kg), Modular Design Allowing Fast Payload Replacement and Flight Capabilities in Adverse Weather Conditions Serial Production of the UAV Will Commence Shortly, Following Completion of Additional Test Flights (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080408/300441 ) Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT), announced today that its Hermes(R) 900 UAV completed a successful Maiden Flight and will commence serial production following the completion of additional flight tests. The Hermes(R) 900 is based on the successful track record of the Hermes(R) 450, that has accumulated over 170,000 flight hours and is one of less than handful of UAVs in the world to cross the 100,000 operational flight hour's barrier. The new Hermes(R) 900 offers additional key capabilities, such as longer endurance, flight altitude of more than 30,000 ft, large payload capacity (up to 300kg), modular design allowing fast payload replacement and flight capabilities in adverse weather conditions. Hermes(R) 900 offers an advanced satellite communication channel and is operated from Elbit Systems' universal command & control ground station (UGCS), enabling advanced mission management, automatic taxiing, autonomous flight and automatic takeoff and landing systems common to all the UAVs and in the Hermes(R) family. The Hermes(R) 900 also includes innovative avionics and electronic systems and a silent engine, as well as systems required for flight in a combined civil and unmanned aviation area. The new UAV offers additional cutting edge technologies and applications such as electro-optic systems, laser designators and electronic intelligence sensors (ELINT, COMINT). Haim Kellerman, Co-General Manager of Elbit Systems UAS Division, noted that the Hermes(R) 900 broadens out the Elbit Systems UAS portfolio, offering customers a variety of mission capabilities, from the mini-UAV system designed for the soldier level, through battalion-level UAVs, and up to higher chains of command for both Armies and Air Forces. The operational experience accumulated by the Hermes(R) systems for the Israeli Defense Forces and other leading armies worldwide, as well as the ongoing improvements based on its operational track record, have maintained this UAV family's leadership in performance, reliability, variety of mission-oriented payloads and more. Kellerman further noted that the fact that the Hermes(R) 900 builds on existing applications and similar infrastructure of the Hermes(R) 450, allows Elbit Systems to transfer the new UAV directly into serial production. Elbit Systems is enhancing its production abilities in order to meet the growing demand of this new addition to the Hermes(R) UAV family. To download the Hermes(R) 900 Maiden Flight Video copy the following link to your browser: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/457672/HERMES900%20flight.wmv About Elbit Systems Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international defense electronics company engaged in a wide range of defense-related programs throughout the world. The Company, which includes Elbit Systems and its subsidiaries, operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance ("C4ISR"), unmanned air vehicle (UAV) systems, advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space systems, EW suites, airborne warning systems, ELINT systems, data links and military communications systems and radios. The Company also focuses on the upgrading of existing military platforms and developing new technologies for defense, homeland security and commercial aviation applications. For additional information, please visit us at : http://www.elbitsystems.com.