Wednesday, January 06, 2010

DTN News: Brazil Air Force Prefers Swedish Gripen JAS-39 Jets - Report

DTN News: Brazil Air Force Prefers Swedish Gripen JAS-39 Jets - Report *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) BRASILIA, Brazil - January 07, 2010: The Brazilian Air Force would prefer to buy its next-generation fighter jets from Sweden, putting it at odds with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's preference for French planes, a newspaper reported on Tuesday. The deal, which could initially be worth more than $4 billion, has sparked fierce competition among aircraft manufacturers. An Air Force report said Sweden's Saab (SAABb.ST) had presented the best overall project among the three finalists, Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper reported on Tuesday. The U.S.-made Boeing (BA.N) F-18 was runner-up in the report, and France's Dassault Aviation (AVMD.PA) placed last with its Rafale jet. The Brazilian government said last year that it was in the final stages of talks to acquire the Rafale. Accused by critics of cutting short the bidding process, the government insisted no final decision had been made. Lula said he would have the final word and that his decision would be political and strategic. Brazil has signed a strategic defense agreement with France worth billions of dollars, including the local assembly of helicopters and conventional and nuclear-powered submarines. Brazil is seeking a generous technology transfer offer and local assembly as part of a contract to buy 36 jet fighters. The deal could eventually rise to more than 100 aircraft. Saab's Gripen NG jet had a lower purchase and maintenance cost and would allow for more technology to be transferred to Brazil, Folha cited the Air Force report as saying. Unlike the Rafale, which is a finished product, the Gripen NG would be developed with Brazilian participation, the Air Force said according to Folha. French officials sought to dismiss the report."It's an unofficial, technical, internal report which we haven't seen, so we're not commenting on what appears to be a rumor," a source at the French defense ministry said."The two aircraft are not comparable, it's like mixing apples and oranges. They don't have the same technical characteristics, not the same function," the source added. The Veja news magazine reported this week that Defense Minister Nelson Jobim told friends there might not be a decision on the deal before he steps down in April to run for public office in October general elections. For more than a decade, Brazil has been studying how to replace its aging fleet of fighter jets.The Air Force said it had completed the report but had not yet presented it to Jobim. The defense ministry was not immediately available to comment.

DTN News: Iveco Latin America And The Brazilian Army In €2.5 Billion Defence Vehicle Supply Contract

DTN News: Iveco Latin America And The Brazilian Army In €2.5 Billion Defence Vehicle Supply Contract *Source: DTN News / Iveco (NSI News Source Info) TORINO, Italy -January 07, 2010: The Brazilian Army and Iveco Latin America recently signed a contract for the supply of 2044 units of the base model of the new family of armoured personnel carriers (VBTP-MR). The vehicles will replace the old models Urutu used today by the Brazilian armed forces. The contract is valued at 6 billion Brazilian Reais (about €2.5 billion) over 20 years. The manufacturing batch of 2044 units is planned to start in 2012, with completion in 2030. The production of models, including engines, will take place in Brazil, where Iveco will prepare a production area purposely designed to meet this demand. The local supply chain will involve more than 100 direct suppliers and some hundreds of indirect suppliers. The agreement was signed at a ceremony held at the Army Headquarters in Brasilia, attended by General Enzo Martins Peri, Commander of the Brazilian Army, General Fernando Sérgio Galvão, Chief of Army Staff, the President of Iveco Latin America, Marco Mazzù and the General Manager of Iveco Defence Vehicles, Pietro Borgo.

DTN News: Navistar Defense Wins Foreign Military Sale From Israel

DTN News: Navistar Defense Wins Foreign Military Sale From Israel * Company Also Receives Second MRAP Support Contract; Awards Equate to $90 Million
*Source: DTN News / Navistar Defense (NSI News Source Info) WARRENVILLE, IL -January 07, 2010: Navistar Defense, LLC January 5, 2009., announced that it has made a new foreign military sale to the Israel Ministry of Defense. Under the $12 million contract, Navistar will deliver 114 medium tactical vehicles by June 2010. In addition to the Israel contract, the company also received a second four-year, System Technical Support (STS) contract for up to $78 million to support its International® MaxxPro® Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. “Medium tactical vehicles provide a solid base for our U.S. business and our ability to customize these vehicles allows Navistar to also support the mission needs of allied armed forces,” said Archie Massicotte, president, Navistar Defense. “We are honored to help serve U.S. allies and we will continue to focus on growing our foreign military sales in 2010.” Based on Navistar’s commercial International® WorkStar®, or 7000 Series, platform, vehicle variants for Israel will include cargo, recovery and tow trucks. Parts and service are not included in the contract. Though the company will target growth in markets outside the United States as part of its 2010 strategy, the company remains dedicated to its U.S. customers. Under Navistar’s four-year STS contract, the company will provide hardware to accompany work conducted under the previous MRAP STS engineering award announced November 9, which is also a four-year contract for up to $78 million. Navistar’s STS awards allow the company to improve MaxxPro MRAP vehicle reliability, support combat issues encountered in theater, as well as provide new vehicle enhancements. “As one of the leading providers of MRAP vehicles, we have a duty to evolve our vehicles to help counter changing in-theater threats,” said Massicotte. “Both our STS contracts will enable us to quickly serve those who require new vehicle features to tackle the road - or lack of road - in Afghanistan.” The company currently supports several vehicle fleets for the U.S. armed forces, including more than 6,400 MaxxPro MRAP vehicles. Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV) is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates produce International® brand commercial and military trucks, MaxxForce® brand diesel engines, IC Bus™ brand school and commercial buses, Monaco RV brands of recreational vehicles, and Workhorse® brand chassis for motor homes and step vans. It also is a private-label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. The company also provides truck and diesel engine service parts. Another affiliate offers financing services. Additional information is available at www.Navistar.com/newsroom.

DTN News: Oshkosh Defense HEMTT A4 Selected For Boeing High Energy Laser Technology Demonstrator Program

DTN News: Oshkosh Defense HEMTT A4 Selected For Boeing High Energy Laser Technology Demonstrator Program *Source: DTN News / Oshkosh Corporation (NSI News Source Info) OSHKOSH, Wis. - January 07, 2010: Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), is providing its Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT A4) to The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) as the platform for the U.S. Army’s High Energy Laser Technology Demonstrator (HEL TD) program. Having completed a critical design review, Boeing will now build a rugged beam control system on the widely used Oshkosh tactical wheeled vehicle.
Andy Hove, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Defense, speaks during a Dec. 17 ceremony at which Boeing accepted the HEMTT A4, which will be used as the platform for the U.S. Army's HEL TD program. Boeing officials received the HEMTT A4 last month at the Oshkosh headquarters in Wisconsin. Integration of the HEL TD system will begin in spring 2010 at Boeing’s Huntsville, Ala. facility. “Oshkosh Defense vehicles systems have the flexibility, payload capacity and durability to support a wide range of new and advanced operations such as the HEL TD program,” said Andy Hove, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Defense. “Our objective at Oshkosh Defense is to provide vehicle systems that complement and enable a full systems engineering approach to programs such as this.” 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. ®, ™ All brand names referred to in this news release are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies.

DTN News: Sikorsky Aerospace Services And Goodrich Collaborate To Offer Health And Usage Monitoring Systems To BLACK HAWK Helicopter Users Worldwide

DTN News: Sikorsky Aerospace Services And Goodrich Collaborate To Offer Health And Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS) To BLACK HAWK Helicopter Users Worldwide *Source: DTN News / Sikorsky Aerospace (NSI News Source Info) STRATFORD, Connecticut - January 07, 2010: Helicopter Support Inc. (HSI) today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Goodrich Corporation to collaboratively promote an advanced aircraft maintenance solution to the worldwide rotary aircraft market. HSI is a support and distribution company of Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS), the aftermarket business of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). The Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS) developed by Goodrich’s Sensors and Integrated Systems business is a series of networked diagnostic sensors that continuously and comprehensively monitors the mechanical performance of the entire aircraft. This powerful system provides real-time data that enhances predictive maintenance. Integrating the HUMS data with Sikorsky Aerospace Services’ OEM installation expertise and support capabilities enables a breakthrough, proactive maintenance system that lowers operating costs and increases fleet availability. “Our global OEM expertise, diverse specialties and experience position SAS as the premiere one-stop service provider in today’s demanding market,” said David Adler, President of Sikorsky Aerospace Services. “We are able to sell, support and maintain the Goodrich HUMS, and this full capacity exemplifies the unparalleled value we offer our customers worldwide.” “We are the leading supplier of Vehicle Health Management Systems to the U.S. military,” said Jan Mathiesen, Vice-President of Goodrich Sensors and Integrated Systems. “Our systems have been validated on multiple aircraft including the Sikorsky BLACK HAWK helicopter, with documented reduction in maintenance time and costs. It’s a natural progression to offer our HUMS systems for international BLACK HAWK helicopter fleets, and we are pleased to collaborate with Sikorsky Aerospace Services and HSI to enable international customers to benefit from the total aircraft care package they can provide.” Goodrich Corporation is a Fortune 500 company and global supplier of systems and services to aerospace, defense and homeland security markets. With one of the most strategically diversified portfolios of products in the industry, Goodrich serves a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and service facilities. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. Its Sikorsky Aerospace Services business designs and applies advanced logistics and supply chain solutions for commercial rotary, military rotary and fixed wing customers. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries worldwide.

DTN News: Lockheed Martin Awarded $118 Million Contract To Provide Sniper® Advanced Targeting Pods and LANTIRN ER Navigation Pods To Turkish Air Force

DTN News: Lockheed Martin Awarded $118 Million Contract To Provide Sniper® Advanced Targeting Pods and LANTIRN ER Navigation Pods To Turkish Air Force *Source: DTN News / Lockheed Martin (NSI News Source Info) ORLANDO, FL, -January 07, 2010: Lockheed Martin has signed a foreign military sales contract to deliver Sniper® Advanced Targeting Pods (ATPs) and LANTIRN™ Enhanced Resolution (ER) navigation pods to the Turkish Air Force. Valued at $118 million, the contract will provide Sniper ATP and LANTIRN ER navigation pods to equip Turkish Air Force F-16 Block 40 and Block 50 Peace Onyx aircraft. “Sniper ATPs and LANTIRN ER navigation pods will provide a significant capability upgrade to the Turkish Air Force’s F-16 fleet,” said Rich Lovette, program director for Fixed-Wing Fire Control at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “LANTIRN ER’s 3rd generation navigation FLIR and enhanced image processing will allow aircrews to go far beyond their current capability. The Sniper ATP will provide enhanced target detection and identification capability, expanding the F-16’s ability to conduct non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.”The Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod's superior range lets pilots complete missions safely, and rock-steady stabilization provides unequaled accuracy. Packaged in a single lightweight pod, the Sniper ATP provides critical long-range, positive identification of both moving and stationary air and ground targets. It also possesses a video downlink equipped with the widely used Rover ground receiver to relay high-resolution streaming video to forward-deployed forces for non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and rapid target coordination. Designed, developed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the Sniper ATP provides unrivaled precision engagement through its high-resolution, mid-wave forward-looking infrared (FLIR) and TV sensors, which operate in conjunction with a dual-mode laser, permitting eye-safe operation and precise geolocation in urban environments. Combat proven on the F-16, F-15E, B-1, A-10 and Harrier GR7 and GR9 aircraft, the Sniper ATP is also flying on the F/A-18 and B-52. With advanced integration across U.S. Air Force and multinational aircraft, the Sniper ATP’s common software and hardware interface design enables users to “plug and play” across services and multiple platforms, providing a common software and hardware configuration across aircraft fleets for greater interoperability. LANTIRN ER navigation pod, an upgraded version of the highly successful LANTIRN navigation pod, delivers multi-mission success with a significantly reduced cost of ownership. Featuring terrain-following radar, a 3rd generation mid-wave FLIR, enhanced image signal processing and increased image quality, the LANTIRN ER navigation pod allows aircrews to operate worldwide, in daylight or darkness, at mission altitudes from sea level to 40,000 feet. Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

DTN News: Lockheed Martin Awarded $968 Million For Patriot Missile Systems

DTN News: Lockheed Martin Awarded $968 Million For Patriot Missile Systems *Source: U.S. Department of Defense dated January 06, 2010 (NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - January 07, 2010: Lockheed Martin Corp., Missile and Fire Control, Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded on Dec. 30, 2009, a $968,727,585 firm-fixed-price contract. Patriot is a long-range, all-altitude, all-weather air defence system to counter tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and advanced aircraft. Patriot (MIM-104) is produced by Raytheon in Massachusetts and Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in Florida. This contract is for the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 fiscal year 10 production buy for 253 tactical missiles, 5 test missiles, 20 launcher modification kits, 15 motor control units, 13 fire solution computers, 13 programmable array logic systems, 13 shorting plugs, 6 telemetry kits, and 1 lot each of the following: United States storage and aging, replenishment spares, obsolescence; United States/United Arab Emirates/Taiwan basic missile tooling upgrades, command and launch control tooling; United Arab Emirates unique cost; Taiwan unique cost; Taiwan spares, ground support equipment; German concurrent spares; and United States contractor field support and data items. Work is to be performed in Dallas, Texas (88.7 percent); Camden, Ark. (4.0 percent); Lufkin, Texas (2.4 percent); Chelmsford, Mass. (3.5 percent); and Ocala, Fla. (1.4 percent), with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-10-C-0002).

DTN News: Oshkosh Defense Receives $290 Million Delivery Order For The U.S. Army Family Of Heavy Tactical Vehicles

DTN News: Oshkosh Defense Receives $290 Million Delivery Order For The U.S. Army Family Of Heavy Tactical Vehicles *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) OSHKOSH, Wis. - January 07, 2010: Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK) announced that its Defense division has received a delivery order valued at more than $290 million from the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command Life Cycle Management Command (TACOM LCMC) to deliver more than 725 next-generation Palletized Load Systems (PLS) A1. The order was issued under the U.S. Army’s existing Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles (FHTV) contract. Production will begin in April 2010 and be completed in September 2011. The PLS A1, which features a Long Term Armor Strategy (LTAS)-compliant cab and a 600-hp engine, is the next generation of the PLS. “The modernized PLS A1 delivers superior performance and protection capabilities to help deliver supplies and equipment in some of the U.S. Army’s most demanding operations,” said Andy Hove, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Defense. “The PLS truck and trailer combination can load and unload a variety of heavy-payload cargo, which helps eliminate the need for material-handling equipment and results in leaner, more efficient logistics units.” The PLS A1 is the next generation of the PLS, which Oshkosh has manufactured for the U.S. Army’s distribution and resupply needs for its most challenging military missions. The vehicle features a Long Term Armor Strategy (LTAS)-compliant cab and a 600-hp engine. It also uses the Oshkosh-patented TAK-4® independent front suspension for greater off-road mobility. Additionally, the truck and trailer carry a demountable cargo bed, also known as a flatrack, which features a 16.5-ton payload capacity. Oshkosh has the available capacity, highly skilled workforce and proven manufacturing capability to deliver this FHTV order and vehicles for other Army and Defense programs, including the MRAP All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) and Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV), as well as any surges in production. 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.