Thursday, January 14, 2010

DTN News: India, Germany To Ink Pacts On Technology, Defence Training

DTN News: India, Germany To Ink Pacts On Technology, Defence Training *Source: DTN News / Earth Times (NSI News Source Info) NEW DELHI, India - January 15, 2010: India and Germany are likely to sign cooperation agreements in the areas of technology and defence training, news reports said Thursday. The agreements were scheduled to be signed during German President Horst Koehler's visit to India in February, Thomas Matussek, Germany's ambassador to the South Asian country, was quoted as saying by the IANS news agency. Koehler was scheduled to visit New Delhi, Mumbai and Pune on his six-day trip beginning February 1. "We will sign an agreement on economy-technology cooperation worth 350 million euros [508 million dollars] and one to fight terrorism," Matussek said, adding that Germany had offered to train Indian commandos in fighting terrorists. "Two or three more agreements are in the pipeline," the ambassador said. He said Germany would cooperate with India in the fields of nuclear safety and civilian nuclear cooperation: "The details are still being worked out. India has an impeccable non-proliferation record, and so we agreed to its civil nuclear deal with the US." Matussek said that in regards to trade in defence equipment, Germany was ready to offer aircraft and submarines to India. He said his country could offer full technology for the multi-role fighter jet Typhoon and even start manufacturing the aircraft in India without insisting on an end-user agreement.

DTN News: Raytheon's Standard Missile-6 Completes Guided Test Vehicle Launch

DTN News: Raytheon's Standard Missile-6 Completes Guided Test Vehicle Launch *Source: DTN News / Raytheon (NSI News Source Info) WHITE SANDS, N.M., - January 15, 2010: Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Standard Missile-6 successfully completed its fourth guided test vehicle launch, clearing the way for the missile's at-sea testing this year. "All GTV engineering test objectives were met, demonstrating the SM-6's capabilities in this critical engagement," said Frank Wyatt, Raytheon's vice president of Naval Weapon Systems. "With its over-the-horizon protection, SM-6 will provide the surface Navy with an increased battlespace against anti-air warfare threats. We now move forward with initial operational capability flights of this extended-range AAW system." SM-6 takes full advantage of the legacy Standard Missile airframe and propulsion elements while incorporating advanced signal processing and guidance control capabilities of Raytheon's Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile. The merger of these two proven technologies allows SM-6 to use both active and semiactive modes. "The last year has been very important for SM-6," said Wyatt. "We demonstrated integrated fire control, concluded the land-based test flights and entered low rate initial production. Importantly, SM-6 continues to be on time and on budget and is now ready for sea." Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.

DTN News: Raytheon BBN Technologies To Protect Military Networks Against Malicious Cyberattacks

DTN News: Raytheon BBN Technologies To Protect Military Networks Against Malicious Cyberattacks *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) CAMBRIDGE, Mass., - January 15, 2010: Raytheon BBN Technologies has been awarded a $2.9 million contract by the Air Force Research Laboratory to develop new approaches to better protect Department of Defense Service-Oriented Architectures (SOA) against malicious attacks. A South Korean police officer walks in front of a screen detailing the cyberattacks at National Police Agency headquarters in Seoul. Hackers extracted lists of files from computers that they contaminated with the virus that triggered cyberattacks last week in the United States and South Korea, police in Seoul said recently. The attacks, in which floods of computers tried to connect to a single Web site at the same time to overwhelm the server, caused outages on prominent government-run sites in both countries. Raytheon BBN Technologies is a wholly owned subsidiary of Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN). SOAs help developers build reliable new applications faster and at lower costs because they can incorporate previously developed software components but apply them in innovative ways. Military information systems are increasingly based on SOAs and are called upon to support complex tasks and missions. The advanced security features that Raytheon BBN Technologies will develop under the Advanced Protected Services (APS) program will handle the multifaceted and dynamic information exchange demanded by network-centric operations more quickly and cost effectively. The goal of the APS program is to enable future military service-oriented information systems to detect, protect and adapt to survive attacks from motivated, well-resourced and determined enemies. "Defense against malicious adversaries is an inherently difficult problem. An adversary needs to find only one flaw to exploit, but the defense needs to identify and address as many as possible," said Partha Pal, APS principal investigator, Raytheon BBN Technologies. "Cyberattackers are constantly advancing and adapting and, as a leader in network and information security, we are committed to ensuring the safety of our government's sensitive information and network assets," said Tad Elmer, president, Raytheon BBN Technologies. "This work will help our nation's military networks defend against the rapidly evolving variations of network and information attacks." Raytheon BBN Technologies is a research and development organization with expertise spanning information security, speech and language processing, networking, distributed systems, and sensing and control systems. For more information, visit www.bbn.com. Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.

DTN News: Lockheed Martin Delivers First Two Upgraded P-3C Maritime Surveillance Aircraft For Pakistan

DTN News: Lockheed Martin Delivers First Two Upgraded P-3C Maritime Surveillance Aircraft For Pakistan *Source: DTN News / Lockheed Martin (NSI News Source Info) EAGAN, MINN.,- January 15, 2010: Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] recently delivered two of seven upgraded P-3C maritime surveillance aircraft for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan under the U.S. Government's Foreign Military Sales program. The 2nd P-3C maritime surveillance aircraft prepares for take off on Jan 7 to be delivered to the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Fla. The most recent aircraft delivery occurred on Jan. 7 to the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Fla., for subsequent transfer to Pakistan. Lockheed Martin delivered the first plane in October 2009. Lockheed Martin is upgrading the P-3Cs' aircraft and mission systems and providing maintenance under a 2006 contract from the U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Systems Command. The aircraft support anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare missions and will enhance Pakistan’s ability to conduct maritime surveillance in littoral and deep-water environments. The aircraft are designed to have a single integrated tactical picture of the battle space, drawing upon data from aircraft sensors and information from other platforms. “These aircraft incorporate a variety of enhanced features including communications, electro-optic and infrared systems, data management, controls and displays, mission computers and acoustic processing,” said Mike Fralen, director for Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors' maritime surveillance programs. The P-3 is the primary maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft operated by the U.S. Navy and 16 allied countries. Its roles include anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, surveillance and reconnaissance, search and rescue, drug interdiction, economic zone patrol, airborne early warning and electronic warfare. 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: VIH Cougar Helicopters Inc. Takes Delivery Of An AW139

DTN News: VIH Cougar Helicopters Inc. Takes Delivery Of An AW139 *Source: DTN News / AgustaWestland (NSI News Source Info) RESTON, VA, - January 15, 2010: AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the VIH Cougar Helicopters Inc. of USA has taken delivery of an AW139 medium twin helicopter during an official ceremony recently held at Vergiate plant (Italy). This 12 seat-configured helicopter will be operated for offshore transport missions in the Gulf of Mexico. Emilio Dalmasso, Senior Vice President Commercial Business Unit, AgustaWestland said, “We are delighted that such a leading customer is taking delivery of this helicopter. This handover marks the addition of a fourth offshore operator for the AW139 helicopter in the Gulf of Mexico, further strengthening the already impressive success achieved by this model in the oil & gas support industry. The AW139 will enable the operator to deliver enhanced levels of service.” The AW139 has quickly become the aircraft of choice in its class for offshore oil and gas support operations offering unparalleled features in terms of performance, capacity and safety. The AW139 is ideally suited for the offshore role, with its large cabin and baggage compartments allowing it to transport 12 to 15 passengers, offering ease of access and egress with its large sliding doors. The superior power of the two engines ensures the AW139 has the best performance in its weight class in all operating conditions. With its power reserve, the AW139 assures Category A (Class 1) superior performance from a helipad (elevated or at ground level) at maximum take-off weight with a superior one engine inoperative capability. Excellent payload and performance ensure unmatched productivity for offshore operations. Energy-absorbing landing gear, fuselage and seats as well as high main and tail rotor ground clearance provide added safety for the passengers and maintenance teams whilst on the ground. More than 440 AW139 helicopters have been ordered so far by over 120 customers in almost 50 countries to perform various roles including offshore transport, EMS/SAR, VIP/Corporate transport, law enforcement, utility. With over 50 consecutive years of helicopter management experience, the VIH Aviation Group is well positioned to provide quality helicopter services throughout the world. The VIH Aviation Group services many helicopter charter markets including forestry, oil and gas, air ambulance services, offshore oil personnel transport, mining exploration and aerial construction. The VIH Aviation Group includes a variety of unique aviation companies and divisions comprising Cougar Helicopters Inc., providing leading offshore oil and gas helicopter services with permanent facilities supporting the oil and gas fields off the East coast of the USA.

DTN News: U.S. Officials Wary Of Chinese Military Buildup

DTN News: U.S. Officials Wary Of Chinese Military Buildup *Source: Marine Corps News By Rick Maze - Staff writer (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - January 15, 2010: In what could be a foreshadowing of the Quadrennial Defense Review’s recommendations about U.S. security policy for Asia, senior defense officials said uncertainty about China’s intentions requires continued vigilance and high levels of readiness in Asia-based or deployed forces. “We remain troubled by China’s continued lack of openness and transparency in military affairs,” said Wallace Gregson, assistant defense secretary for Asian and Pacific security affairs, in Wednesday testimony before the House Armed Services Committee. “China’s neighbors have voiced similar concerns.” Adm. Robert Willard, chief of the U.S. Pacific Command, supported that view. “China’s interest in a peaceful and stable environment that will support the country’s developmental goals is difficult to reconcile with new military capabilities that appear designed to challenge U.S. freedom of activity in the region and, if necessary, enforce China’s influence over its neighbors, including our regional allies and partners,” Willard said. He said China’s leaders have claimed that their double-digit increases in military spending and dramatic increases in capabilities, especially in terms of the ability to engage in intense, short-term conflicts, are defensive in nature and contribute to regional stability. But that stance appears “incompatible with the extent of sophisticated weaponry China produces today,” Willard said. Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Mo., the armed services committee chairman, agreed that China’s “transparency on defense matters is still limited” and that “questions remain regarding China’s strategic intentions.” “China is not necessarily destined to be a threat to the United States, but there are trends and ambiguities that concern us,” Skelton said. The committee’s ranking Republican, Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon of California, said China’s unannounced test of its missile defense system on Monday is an example of his concerns about what he called the “umbrella of uncertainty” surrounding China’s future. McKeon said he would closely monitor the final Quadrennial Defense Review, due out in early February, to ensure that China remains a priority for U.S. strategic planners. “My fear is that we will downgrade the China threat in an attempt to justify last year’s and future cuts to key defense programs,” he said, adding that such cuts in capabilities “will only invite China to seek strategic parity with the United States.”

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated January 14, 2010

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated January 14, 2010 *Source: DoD issued January 14, 2010 ((NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - January 14, 2010: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued January 14, 2010 are undermentioned; CONTRACTS
NAVY ~Candelaria Corp.*, Glendale, Ariz. (N62473-10-D-4802); Brown and White, Inc./Hunter Contracting Co., JV*, Tucson, Ariz. (N62473-10-D-4803); Hal Hays Construction, Inc.*, Yuma, Ariz. (N62473-10-D-4804); and MRM Construction Services, Inc.*, Phoenix, Ariz. (N62473-10-D-4805), are each being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award design-build construction contract for airfield paving and heavy duty paving for military operations vehicles at the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. The maximum dollar value, including the base period and four option years, for all four contracts combined is $60,000,000. Work will be performed in Yuma, Ariz., and work is expected to be completed January 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with 11 proposals received. These four contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, Resident Officer in Charge of Construction, Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, Calif., is the contracting activity. ~ViaSat, Carlsbad, Calif., is being awarded a $14,351,804 firm-fixed-price order for Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS) limited production terminals. The MIDS JTRS terminal is a software communications architecture compliant upgrade to the MIDS-Low volume terminal that supports legacy and advanced networking JTRS compliant waveforms enabling integrated navigation, identification, voice and data communications, information security, networking, and networking applications to meet Department of Defense software defined radio initiatives and requirements. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, Calif. (35 percent), in various other sites within the U.S. (65 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2010. This order was competitively procured with two proposals solicited and two offers received. The synopsis was released via the Federal Business Opportunities Web site. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00039-00-D-2101). ~DEI Services Corp., Winter Park, Fla., is being awarded a $8,217,977 performance-based indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity hybrid contract consisting of cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price contract line item number for the analysis, design, development, fabrication, manufacturing, installation, implementation, testing and system support of training systems/training devices for the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. Work will be performed in Winter Park, Fla., and is expected to be completed by January 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Federal Business Opportunities, with one offer received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head, Md., is the contracting activity (N00174-10-D-0004). ~L3 Services Inc., Mount Laurel, N.J., is being awarded $6,164,170 for task order #0088 under previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (M67854-02-A-9010). The scope of this effort is to provide project management, logistics and engineering domain services to support the conduct of training, exercises and range operations aboard Marine Corps installations and other training sites. The contractor will implement and support training programs, facilitate conduct of exercises and instruction, and training gaps assessments meeting local and Marine Corps training objectives. Work will be performed in Twentynine Palms, Calif. (53 percent); Bridgeport, Calif. (24 percent); Camp Pendleton, Calif. (16 percent); and Yuma, Ariz. (7 percent). Work is expected to be completed in January 2011. Contract funds will expire Sept. 30, 2010. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY ~GE Healthcare, Wauwatosa, Wis. is being awarded a maximum $43,200,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for patient monitoring systems. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There were originally seventeen proposals solicited with nine responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is January 13, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM2D1-09-D-8300).
*Small business

DTN News: BAE Systems Receives Contract For Long Range Land Attack Projectile

DTN News: BAE Systems Receives Contract For Long Range Land Attack Projectile *Source: DTN News / BAE Systems (NSI News Source Info) MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota - January 14, 2010: BAE Systems has received a $185.3 million contract from the U.S. Navy for the completion of qualification of the 155mm Long Range Land Attack Projectile (LRLAP). The 155mm LRLAP is being developed for the U.S. Navy DDG 1000 program and will be fired from the Advanced Gun System (AGS). "BAE Systems has been lead developer and integrator for munitions, including the 155mm LRLAP, for the U.S. Navy DDG 1000 program," said Jim Schoppenhorst, vice president and general manager of Armament Systems for BAE Systems. "The 155mm LRLAP provides the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps with a premiere naval surface fire support land attack capability." The 155mm LRLAP is an all-weather, precision-guided munition that has demonstrated successful gun launch and engineering-guided flight to ranges in excess of 63 nautical miles. The 155mm LRLAP qualification program contract will conclude in December 2012. Work will be performed at the BAE Systems facilities in Minneapolis and Louisville and at Lockheed Martin's facility in Orlando. About BAE Systems BAE Systems is the premier global defense, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.

DTN News: The First Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules Produced For Canada Leaves The Company’s Paint Facility In Marietta, Georgia

DTN News: The First Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules Produced For Canada Leaves The Company’s Paint Facility In Marietta, Georgia *Source: Lockheed Martin dated January 13th, 2010 (NSI News Source Info) Marietta, GA,- January 14, 2010: The first Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules produced for Canada leaves the company's paint facility in Marietta, Georgia.During the evening of December 7th, the first two of Canada’s 17 CC-130Js moved to the front of the production line in Marietta. The CC-130J on the left in the photo below is the first and is in the position for interior trim. The CC-130J on the right is in the final assembly position. The aircraft will be delivered in the spring of 2010. Canada's new fleet of 17 C-130Js will fly farther, faster, with more payload and much higher reliability than Canada's older C-130s. All the new aircraft will be delivered over the next two years.

DTN News: Raytheon Miniature Air Launched Decoy-Jammer Completes First Free-Flight Test

DTN News: Raytheon Miniature Air Launched Decoy-Jammer Completes First Free-Flight Test
*Program set for critical design review, engineering and manufacturing development *Source: DTN News / Raytheon (NSI News Source Info) TUCSON, Ariz., - January 14, 2010: The U.S. Air Force and Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) completed the first free-flight test of the Miniature Air Launched Decoy-Jammer. The completion of this flight test sets the stage for a critical design review in 2010 and the conclusion of Phase II risk reduction. The MALD-J™ adds radar-jamming capability to the basic MALD platform. MALD is a state-of-the-art, low-cost flight vehicle that is modular, air-launched and programmable. It weighs less than 300 pounds and has a range of approximately 500 nautical miles (about 575 statute miles). "Achieving this milestone proves MALD-J has a technology readiness level 7 and sets the stage for the system to enter engineering and manufacturing development," said Ken Watson, the U.S. Air Force's MALD program manager. MALD-J recently completed numerous captive carry test missions and a milestone C decision - the decision to go into production - is expected in early 2011. "The modular MALD-J gives the warfighter expendable, stand-in jamming capability," said Scott Muse, Raytheon's MALD program director. "MALD-J will eliminate or reduce the need to send aircrews into danger to conduct suppression of enemy air defense missions." Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.

DTN News: Japan TODAY January 14, 2010 ~ Clinton Accepts Japan's Delay On US Base Decision

DTN News: Japan TODAY January 14, 2010 ~ Clinton Accepts Japan's Delay On US Base Decision *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (AP) (NSI News Source Info) HONOLULU - January 14, 2010: Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Tuesday the Obama administration feels assured of Japan's commitment to a continuing security alliance with the United States, even as Tokyo weighs abandoning a 2006 deal on a U.S. Marine air base. "The Japanese government has explained the process they are pursuing to reach a resolution" on relocating the Futenma air station, "and we respect that," she told a news conference after meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada at a Honolulu hotel. Clinton apparently received no explicit promise from Okada that Japan would not force Futenma off its territory entirely. The U.S. military views Futenma as critical to its strategy for defending not only Japan but also reinforcing allied forces in the event of war on the Korean peninsula. Okada told reporters that he reiterated his government's pledge to reach a decision on relocation of Futenma by May. He said Tokyo would determine the future of the air station in a way that would have "minimal impact on the U.S.-Japan alliance." In a nod to Japanese sensitivities, Clinton said it was important for the U.S. to maintain its role in contributing to stability in the Asia-Pacific region while keeping in mind the need to reduce the impact of jet noise and other inconveniences to local communities near U.S. bases. Clinton also delivered a speech designed to clarify the Obama administration's views on modernizing the groupings of Asian and Pacific nations in ways that would enhance their cooperation on a wide range of issues, including regional security, trade and the environment. Speaking on a hillside terrace at the East-West Center on the campus of the University of Hawaii, Clinton was met upon arrival by a few dozen protesters lining the street and shouting "End the wars!" and hoisting signs demanding that the U.S. withdraw its military forces from Okinawa. None attended the speech. Clinton stressed that the first U.S. priority in the Asia-Pacific is to maintain the country-to-country alliances it already has, while exploring ways in which the United States can play a role in any new or reconfigured associations. "The ultimate purpose of our cooperation should be to dispel suspicions that still exist as artifacts of the region's turbulent past," she said. No country, including the U.S., should dominate in the region, she said. But the role of the United States is irreplaceable, she added. "We can provide resources and facilitate cooperation in ways that other regional actors cannot replicate, or in some cases are not trusted to do." She described the region as a source of potential instability. "Asia is home not only to rising powers, but also to isolated regimes; not only to long-standing challenges, but also unprecedented threats," she said. For decades the main U.S. ties to the Asia-Pacific region have been through security and trade agreements with individual countries, such as the 50-year-old security treaty with Japan that allows the basing of U.S. forces on Japanese territory. The case of Futenma air station, on the southern Japanese island of Okinawa, has become particularly sensitive. That it must be moved is not in dispute — the two countries signed a deal in 2006 to relocate it on the island. The problem is where to put it. And the U.S. position is that it cannot be shut down until a replacement is established elsewhere on Okinawa — an idea most Okinawans oppose. A new left-leaning Japanese government that took office in September is reassessing the U.S.-Japan alliance. It also is investigating agreements long hidden in government files that allowed nuclear-armed U.S. warships to enter Japanese ports, violating a hallowed anti-nuclear principle of postwar Japan. The findings are due out this month. At her news conference with Okada, Clinton played down the friction over Futenma, stressing the many other areas of long-standing cooperation between the two countries. And she made clear that satisfying U.S. needs for the Marine base is equally in Japan's own interest. "We look to our Japanese allies and friends to follow through on their commitments, including on Futenma," she said. "I know Japan understands and agrees that our security alliance is fundamental to the future of Japan and the region." The Hawaiian setting for Tuesday's meeting, in the 50th year of the U.S.-Japan defense alliance, inevitably stirred memories of darker times. After her session with Okada, Clinton visited the World War II memorial to the sunken USS Arizona, which still lies in Pearl Harbor with its dead. She chatted briefly with two survivors and laid a wreath before a wall containing names of those who died on the ship. Nearly 2,400 Americans were killed and almost 1,180 injured when Japanese fighters bombed and sank 12 naval vessels and heavily damaged nine others on Dec. 7, 1941. The Arizona, which sank in less than nine minutes after an armor-piercing bomb breached its deck and exploded in the ship's ammunition magazine, lost 1,177 sailors and Marines. About 340 of its crew members survived.

DTN News: Financial News TODAY January 14, 2010 ~ JAL Budget Carrier Eyed

DTN News: Financial News TODAY January 14, 2010 ~ JAL Budget Carrier Eyed *JAL shares rise on heavy speculative trade after hitting all-time low, Jan. 14 (Kyodo) Shares of Japan Airlines ended at 8 yen Thursday, up 1 yen or about 14 percent, amid heavy speculative trading on continued concerns about an imminent delisting of the stock from the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
*Kyocera founder to be new boss
*Source: DTN News / The Japan Times (NSI News Source Info) TOKYO, Japan - January 14, 2010: The state-backed body tasked with rehabilitating Japan Airlines is looking to set up a budget carrier in the JAL group that would fly from two domestic airports to popular tourist locales in and outside Japan, sources said Wednesday. Enterprise Turnaround Initiative Corp. of Japan would aim toward starting the discount flights by March 2013, offering low fares while saving costs, the sources said. The turnaround body is considering operating discount routes from Kansai International Airport in Osaka and Chubu International Airport near Nagoya to popular tourist spots in Asia and domestic locations, including Hokkaido and Okinawa, the sources said. ETIC is compiling a court-led rehabilitation plan for JAL that is likely to involve the elimination of 14 international and 12 domestic routes. Meanwhile, Kazuo Inamori, honorary chairman and founder of Kyocera Corp., accepted Wednesday the government's offer to be JAL's chief executive officer. Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama met Inamori, 77, and asked to him to take up the position the same day. Inamori will work unpaid three to four days a week at JAL's office, sources said. "After listening to what they had to say, I told them that JAL's restructuring is possible if the plan is implemented as it is," Inamori told reporters earlier in the day. In addition to restructuring, sources said ETIC is also preparing measures to make sure JAL can stay competitive amid the growing popularity of budget airlines worldwide. Also to help save costs, ETIC is considering relocating JAL's headquarters from Higashi Shinagawa in Tokyo to a site closer to Haneda airport. Under study is a plan to set up the proposed low-cost carrier with other firms, including some from outside the airline business. The budget airline might take over some routes linking the Kansai and Chubu airports with popular domestic and overseas tourist destinations, which are now operated by a group firm, JAL Express Co. The proposed discount airline would reduce costs by trimming the size of flight crews, charging for drinks and offering only economy-class seats on domestic flights. Also under consideration is selling some of the shares JAL holds in its group firms — Japan Trans Ocean Air Co. and Ryukyu Air Commuter Co., which serve Japan's remote islands — to local authorities. If the plan goes through, the two airlines would no longer be JAL's consolidated subsidiaries.