DTN News: The T-50 Fifth-Generation Fighter ~ INFOGRAPHICS

DTN News: The T-50 Fifth-Generation Fighter ~ INFOGRAPHICS *Source: DTN News / RIA Novosti (NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW, Russia - February 20, 2010: PAK FA T-50, A fifth generation jet fighter, it is designed to directly compete with the American F-22 Raptor and American/British F-35 Lightning II. The T-50 performed its first flight January 29, 2010. Second flight was on February, 6. Third one on February, 12. The PAK FA when fully developed is intended to replace the MiG-29 Fulcrum and Su-27 Flanker in the Russian inventory and serve as the basis of the Sukhoi/HAL FGFA project being developed with India.

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated February 19, 2010

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated February 19, 2010 *Source: U.S. DoD issued February 19, 2010

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - February 20, 2010: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued February 19, 2010 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS

U.S. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND

~ iGov Technologies of McLean, Va., is the current contractor for the USSOCOM Tactical Local Area Network contract providing TACLAN family of system acquisition, design, integration, production, and delivery in support of Special Operations Forces' mission requirements. This sole source effort is to increase the TACLAN contract maximum from $300,000,000 to $450,000,000. The original contract was awarded through a competitive action. The contract number for the increase is 92222-08-D-0017, Modification. ARMY ~ GM GDLS Defense Group LLC., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Feb. 8, 2010 a $176,185,164 firm-fixed-price contract for 103 each of Stryker vehicles. Work is to be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., (60 percent), and London, Ontario, and Canada, (40 pecent) with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2012. One bid was solicted with one bid recived. Tank Automotive & Armament Command, SFAE-GCS-BCT-P, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-D-M112). ~ Lockheed Martin Missiles and fire control, Orlando, Fla., was awarded on Feb. 5, 2010 a $76,578,606 firm-fixed-price and time and material contract. This contract is for the issuance of an underfinitized contract action for the purchase of AH-64 Apache modernized target acquisition designation sight/pilots night vision sensor arrowhead kits, partial B-kits, tad electronic display and control, associated spares and support for the United States, Taiwan and the government of Israel. Work is to be performed in Orlando, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2013. One bid solicted with one bid received. Army Contracting Command, Aviation & Missile Command Contracting Center, CCAM-AP-B, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-C-0169). ~ Oshkosk Corp., Oshkosh, Wisc., was awarded on Feb. 5, 2010 a $52,090,900 firm-fixed-price contract for 1,451 each quanity of retrofit kits for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance suite and battery upgrade/silent watch on the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All Terrain Vehicle. Work is to be performed in Ishkosh, WI., with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2012. Five bids were solicted with five bids received. TACOM, CCTA-ADC-A, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0111). ~ Dyncorp International LLC., Falls Church, Va., was awarded on Feb. 12, 2010 a $44,881,488 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the Combined Sercurity Transition Command. This is training and mentoring services contract with a two-year base period of performance and one (1) one-year option. Work is to be performed in Afghanistan, with an estimated completion date of Apr. 13, 2013. Bids were solicted on the World Wide Web with five bids received. U.S. Army research, Development and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-10-C-0030). ~ Cajun Constructors, Inc., Baton Rouge, La., was awarded on Feb. 10, 2010 a $42,805,800 construction-firm-fixed-price contract for the West Bank and vicinity, New Orleans, Louisiana, Hurrican Protection Project, Westwego to Harvey Canal. Work is to be performed in Jefferson Parish, La., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 14, 2011. Bids were solicted on the World Wide Web with seven bids recived. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-10-C-0046). ~ Phylway Construction, LLC., Thibodaux, La., was awarded on Feb. 4, 2010 a $41,308,168 firm-fixed-price contract for the West Bank and vicinity, New Orleans, Louisiana, Hurrican Protection Project, Westwego to Harvey Canal, New Westwego Pumping Stations to Orleans Village Levee, third enlargement. Work is to be performed in Jefferson Parish, La., with an estimated completion date of June 20, 2011. Bids were solicted via Fedteds with four bids recived. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-09-D-0046). ~ Opus Northwest Construction LLC., Denver, Colo., was awarded on Feb. 9, 2010 a $37,759,000 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the desgn/build contract for the design and construction of a new Armed Forces Reserve Center with field maintenance shop in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Work is to be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 18, 2011. Bids were solcited through ASFI with 40 bid recived. USPFO for Iowa, Johnston, Iowa, is the contracting activity (W912LP-10-C-0002). ~ Hensel Phelps Contruction, Orlando, Fla., was awarded on Feb. 4, 2010 a $37,583,000 firm-fixed-price contract for Special Forces complex Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. This project will require construction of the primary facilities. Work is to be performed in Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 8, 2011. Bids were solicted on the World Wide Web with 16 bids received. U.S. Corps of Engineers, Moblie Regional Contracting Center, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-10-C-0026). ~ Genral Atomics Aeronautical System, Poway, Calif., was awarded on Feb. 12, 2010 a $36,683,850 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. This contract is for logistics support contract for warrior alpha/warrior block 0 unmanned aircraft systems at multiple OCONUS locations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Work is to be performed in San Diego, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 15, 2011. One bid was solicted with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, AMCOM Contracting Center, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-10-C-0044). ~Lockheed Martin Corp., Missiles and Fire Control, Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded on Feb. 4, 2010 a $26,884,609 firm-fixed-price contract for High Moblity Artillery Rocket System Full Rate Production 5, option exercise for 12 Jordan Launchers. Work is to be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas, (40 percent) and East Camden, Ark., (60 percent) with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2012. One bid was solicted with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aviation & Missile Command Contracting Center, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting actiivty (W31P4Q-08-C-0001). ~ Lyda Swinerton, San Antonio, Texas., was awarded on Feb. 11, 2010 a $23,483,762 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the construction of the Lackland Airman Training Center dining/classroom Facility #1. Work is to be performed on Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 2, 2011. Bids were solicted on the World Wide Web with 16 bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Distict, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-10-C-0017). ~ Mantech Telecommunications and Information Systems Corp, Chantilly, Va., was awarded on Feb. 12, 2010 a $23,389,656 time and material contract for services in Afghanistan. Work is to be performed in Afghanistan, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. One bid was solicted with one bids received. TACOM- Warren, AMSTA-AQ-ADED, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-C-0540). ~ AveroVironment, Incorp., Simi Valley, Calif., was awarded on Feb. 16, 2010 a $20,731,991 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract exercises priced options for 113 Army Digital Data Link (DDL) Systems, 113 Army initial spares packages and 127 Army DDL retrofit kits. Work is to be performed in Simi Valley, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 1, 2010. One bid was solicted with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command/CCAM-AR-A is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-C-0338). ~DRS Sustainment Systems, Inc., St. Louis, Mo., was awarded on Feb. 10, 2010 a $20,231,594 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for resent of 42 each of M1200 armored Knight vehicles. Work is to be performed in St.Louis, Mo., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2011. One bid was solicted with one bids received. TACOM Contracting Center, Warren, CCTA-AHL-C, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-10-C-0173). ~ Head, Inc., Columbus, Ohio, was awarded on Feb. 4, 2010 a $19,032,984 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract includes, but is not limited to replacement of the existing asphalt taxiway keels, widening the taxiway keel, and narrowing the existing taxiway width. Work also includes mill and overlay of existing taxiway shoulders, replacement of taxiway edge lighting and airfield pavement markings. Work is to be performed at Altus Air Force Base, Okla., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 29, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with six bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District, Tulsa, Okla., is the contracting activity (W912BV-10-C-2001). ~Edward Kraemer & Sons, Inc., Plain, WI., was awarded on Feb. 12, 2010 a $19,025,000 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the design/build constuction contract to design and construct safety improvements on the Mississippi River along the lower embankments at Lock & Dam 3, near Red Wing, Minn. Work is to be performed in Diamond Bluff, WI., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2011. Three bids were solicted with two bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, St. Paul, Minn., is the contracting activity (W912ES-10-C-0011).

~TRU-Hitch, Inc., Pleasant, Vallet, Conn., was awarded on Feb. 16, 2010 a $17,733,259 firm-fixed-price contract for 105 each Interim Stryker recovery systems with associated basic issue items, logistic packages and authorized stockage list package. Work is to be performed in Pleasant Vally., Conn., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. One bid was solicted with one bid received. TACOM-Warren, CCTA-ATB-D-Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-C-0498). ~Niche, Inc., New Bedford, Mass., was awarded on Feb. 16, 2009 a $16,718,685 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 9,111 each low velocity parachute systems. Work is to be performed in New Bedford, Mass., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2010. Four bids were solicted with fpur bids received. Research Development & Engineering Command Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W58P05-09-D-0007). NAVY ~Parker-Hannifin Corp., Irvine Calif., is being awarded a $46,044,353 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum ordering quantity of 141 hydraulic subsystems kits. The initial delivery order is for ten kits and is valued at $3,154,740. Additional support items procured under this action include technical and program support items such as manuals, configuration management, and spare parts kits. Work will be performed in Albany, Ga., and work is expected to be complete by Feb 19, 2015. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is a full and open competition award to Parker-Hannifin Corporation as they won the competition for the M9 Ace Hydraulic Upgrades. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-09-D-5019). ~Raytheon Co., Integrated Defense Systems, Tewksbury, Mass., is being awarded a $27,828,683 not-to-exceed modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-5346) for common display system (CDS) hardware and software integration with the Integrated Bridge Console and Distributed Control Workstation hardware in support of shipyard hull mechanical and electrical activation. The purpose of this modification is to incorporate the CDS hardware and software integration related changes in support of DDG 1000 program ship activation activities in the 2011 timeframe. These integration efforts represent changes to the current requirements of total ship computing environment software development. Work will be performed in Portsmouth, R.I., (66.1 percent); Tewksbury, Mass., (22.9 percent); Moorestown, N.J., (8.3 percent); and the remaining 2.7 percent of effort will be performed in San Diego, Calif., Andover, Mass., and Sudbury, Mass. Work is expected to be completed by May 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. ~Booz Allen Hamilton, McLean, Va. (N00421-10-D-0005);

~Deloitte Consulting, LLP, Alexandria, Va., (N00421-10-D-000);

~National Technologies Associates, Inc., Alexandria, Va. (N00421-10-D-0007); and

~Science Applications International Corp., San Diego, Calif. (N00421-10-D-0008), are each being awarded indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity multiple award contracts for management, organizational, and business improvement services, financial and business solutions, and human resources services supporting Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Corporate Operations and Comptroller offices. The aggregate not-to-exceed amount for these multiple award contracts combined is $16,338,000, and the companies will have the opportunity to bid on each individual task order. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md., however, services may be performed at any of the following NAVAIR sites: St. Inigoes, Md.; Lakehurst N.J.; Point Mugu, Calif.; China Lake, Calif.; Orlando Fla.; Cherry Point, N.C.; Jacksonville, Fla., and North Island, Calif. Work performed under these contracts is expected to be completed in February 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $40,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. These contracts were solicited via a multiple award electronic request for proposals and five offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. ~Boeing Co., Huntington Beach, Calif., is being awarded an $8,010,427 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for engineering and technical services in support of the AN/USQ-82(V) design agent, and configuration management and technical engineering services lifecycle support of the Data Multiplex System, Fiber Optic Data Multiplex System, Gigabit Ethernet Data Multiplex System and Ship’s Data Multiplex System networks installed in the fleet and at land-based test sites. Work will be performed in Huntington Beach, Calif., (40 percent); Philadelphia, Pa., (25 percent); Moorestown, N.J., (6 percent); Wallops Island, Va., (6 percent); Orlando, Fla., (6 percent); Dam Neck, Va., (6 percent); Great Lakes, Ill., (6 percent); and various other locations (5 percent), and is expected to be completed by February 2015. Contract funds in the amount of $213,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N65540-10-D-0006). ~The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $6,067,051 not-to-exceed modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-08-D-0013) to provide 300 hours of persistent unmanned aerial vehicle intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance services in support of naval maritime missions. Work will be performed in Bingen, Wash., (65 percent) and St. Louis, Mo., (35 percent), and is expected to be completed in July 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $6,067,051 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE ~Lockheed Martin Corp, of Marietta, Ga., was awarded a $86,200,000 contract which will provide for the C-5M reliability enhancement and reengineering program. At this time, $23,169,488 has been obligated. 716 AESG/SYK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8625-09-D-6485). ~Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., of San Diego, Calif., was awarded a $15,386,715 contract which will provide design of test articles, fabrication of test articles, integration, qualification and tests as appropriate for Spiral 3 changes. At this time, $9,500,000 has been obligated. 303 AESG/SYK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (F33657-0I-C-4600). ~Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., was awarded a $10,114,526 contract which will provide the Air Force Material Command Air Force global logistics support with emerging automation identification technology analysis, enterprise data reports and control validation reports in order to develop innovative and secure solutions for potential application throughout the Air Force enterprise. At this time, $129,446 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska is the contracting activity (SP0700-98-D-4002). ~Applied Research Associates, Incorporated of Albuquerque, New Mexico was awarded a $7,827,547 contract which will provide the development and demonstration of one Automated Field Intravenous Reconstitution System to Air Force requirement specifications. This unit is to develop compact, energy-efficient automated systems that will be capable of producing packaged intravenous fluids on demand for use in military field hospitals. At this time, $2,209,000 has been obligated. 77th AESG/PSK, Brooks City-Base, Texas is the contracting activity (FA8902-07-C-1012). ~Rockwell Collins, Inc. of Cedar Rapids, Iowa was awarded a $6,497,108 contract which will provide for the building and testing of ten tactical targeting network technology terminals that meet very specific requirements. At this time, $6,497,108 has been obligated. AFRL/RIKD of Rome, New York is the contracting activity (FA8650-06-D-7636). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY ~Integrys Energy Services, Inc., De Pere, Wis. is being awarded a maximum $12,946,555 firm fixed price contract for electricity. Other locations of performance are throughout Illinois. Using services are Army, Air Force and federal civilian agencies. There were originally 74 proposals solicited with three responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is May 31, 2012. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-10-D-8005). ~Omega Apparel, Incorporated, Smithville, Tenn.,* is being awarded a maximum $6,868,800 firm fixed price, total set-aside, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for men’s dress trousers. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. The original proposal was solicited with ten responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is June 18, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-10-D-1041). *Small Business

DTN News: US Missile Plans Holding Up Nuclear Treaty ~ Report

DTN News: US Missile Plans Holding Up Nuclear Treaty ~ Report *Source: DTN News / AP (NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW, Russia - February 19, 2010: A Russian official said Friday that U.S. plans for a revamped missile defense system in Romania are stalling talks on a new nuclear arms reduction treaty. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told the Interfax news agency that Washington's plans "in the most immediate sense" are "influencing" Russian-U.S. negotiations on a replacement to a Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty that expired in 2009. Washington and Moscow said minor issues in the new treaty prevented a signing last year. Washington is in negotiations to station anti-ballistic missile interceptors in Romania, which Russia considers too close and a detriment to its own defense capability. Meanwhile, Bulgaria said Friday that it has not held talks with the U.S. about hosting part of a U.S. missile shield, despite an earlier indication that it planned such a meeting. U.S. Ambassador to Moscow John Beyrle said earlier this month that the U.S. has agreed to include treaty language sought by Russia that would acknowledge the link between defensive systems - such as the missile shield - with offensive systems.

DTN News: JSF May Breach Cost Limits

DTN News: JSF May Breach Cost Limits *Source: By Greg Grant DoD Buzz (NSI News Source Info) - February 19, 2010: Air Force Chief Gen. Norton Schwartz has confirmed what most everybody assumed would transpire, that the oft-delayed F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program will most likely breach the Nunn-McCurdy statute that requires the Pentagon notify Congress if a weapon’s cost is spiraling out of control. “I would say it is a possibility and maybe even [be] likely,” Schwartz told reporters at the Air Force Association’s air warfare symposium,” Defense News reports. The Nunn-McCurdy Amendment requires congressional notification at a 15 percent unit cost increase and program termination at a 25 percent unit cost increase over the original baseline cost estimate; considered a “critical” termination. Although, it’s not really that critical because the amendment says that if the defense secretary certifies the program as vital to national security, then it continues on its course. Since SecDef Robert Gates said the F-35 was “the root of the core of our combat tactical aircraft in the future,” while visiting a Lockheed Martin facility in Texas last summer, the program won’t be terminated. However, that doesn’t mean the overall buy of some 2,500 aircraft might not be trimmed if costs continue to climb at the rate they are. Cutting the buy, of course, boosts per unit costs. Disclaimer statement Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information supplied herein, DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Unless otherwise indicated, opinions expressed herein are those of the author of the page and do not necessarily represent the corporate views of DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News.

DTN News: Defense-Technology News SALUTES Our Own Canadian Last World War I Warrior

DTN News: Defense-Technology News SALUTES Our Own Canadian Last World War I Warrior

* Canada’s last World War I veteran, John Babcock, dies 109 marks 'end of an era' *Source: DTN News By Roger Smith (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 19, 2010: John Henry Foster "Jack" Babcock was born in July 23, 1900 into a family of thirteen children on a farm in Frontenac County, Ontario. Babcock enlisted to join the war at the tender age of 16. He lied about his age to join the Canadian Expeditionary Force in Sydenham, Ont., and arrived in England a few months later.Because of his age, Babcock wasn't allowed on the front lines. The truth about his age caught up to him. So in August 1917, Babcock was sent to the Boys Battalion — 1,300 young soldiers training until they were old enough to fight the Germans. But peace came first — the war ended a few months after Babcock's 18th birthday. He never saw front-line action. Ninety years later, he expressed regrets about being a "tin soldier" who didn't see combat. "I think if I had a chance, I would have gone to France, taken my chances like the rest of them did," he said in 2007. "A lot of good men got killed." In the 1920s, Babcock moved to the United States and later served in the U.S. army, becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1946. At the time, dual citizenship was not allowed, so Babcock had to give up his Canadian ties.

Babcock married his second wife, Dorothy, after his first wife Elsie died in the late 1970s. Despite his age, he still liked to go to his favourite restaurant where he would flirt with the waitresses before ordering a burger and fries.

His son, Jack Jr. said his father could come across as a polite elderly gentleman with plenty of stories to tell, but he was also strong-willed. "He's humble and bashful about being the last guy and very realistic about it. But you don't do what he's done in his lifetime without getting a little self-assurance." At his 107th birthday party in 2007, Babcock said he was touched by the good wishes. "It means a hell of a lot. It means very much to me because although I'm an American citizen, I still love Canada," he said. During an April 2008 visit at his home from Canadian Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson, Babcock mentioned that he'd like to get his Canadian citizenship back. Thompson encouraged him to contact Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Babcock did so immediately, writing a note on the nearest sheet of paper, which happened to be decorated with pictures of American flags and teddy bears, according to a Canwest News report. "Dear PM," the note said, according to the report. "Could I have my citizenship restored? I would appreciate your help. Thank you, John Babcock." Thompson presented the note to Harper at a cabinet meeting, and Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean agreed to grant Babcock his citizenship. Canadian officials flew to Babcock's home for an official swearing-in ceremony. "We are proud to welcome Mr. Babcock back into the Canadian family and to honour the service he gave our country," Harper said in a release at the time. "He symbolizes a generation of Canadians who, in many ways, were the authors of modern Canadian nationhood."

Tributes pour in Babcock spent his final years living in Spokane, Wash. On Thursday night, Harper issued a statement in Ottawa mourning his death. "As a nation, we honour his service and mourn his passing," Harper said. "The passing of Mr. Babcock marks the end of an era." Babcock was the last link to the 650,000 Canadian men and women who served in the First World War, Harper noted. "His family mourns the passing of a great man. Canada mourns the passing of the generation that asserted our independence on the world stage and established our international reputation as an unwavering champion of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law." Jean said Babcock always gave the best of himself. "You know how dear the members of the Canadian Forces and our veterans are to my heart ... May his accomplishments and his example inspire many future generations to serve their nation," the Governor General said in a statement. 'I think it would be nice if all the different people in the world could get along together.' —John Babcock Rudyard Griffiths of the Historica-Dominion Institute, an organization dedicated to promoting Canadian history, called Babcock "both an individual and a symbol." "While he didn't serve, he was emblematic of that generation and of a certain kind of feistiness," said Griffiths. "I know he felt quite proud of the Canadian period of his life," said Duncan Graham, a Korean War veteran whose father served in the First World War. He said Babcock was the last living member of a generation that he and other veterans looked up to. "I've got great respect for them. The war they fought was completely different from the war I fought, where we had the luxury of tanks and armoured vehicles," he said. "What they went through during the war in the trenches... we didn't have to see what they had to see." Houchang Hassan-Yari, a professor of international relations at the Royal Military College, said Canadians need to know about the Great War to understand how the country was born. "Babcock's generation was important because they witnessed a transition for Canada from a member of the British Dominion to an independent state," he said, explaining that Canada's military presence on the international stage helped the country find its own identity. When once asked what lessons this generation should take from the First World War, Babcock had a simple reply. "I think it would be nice if all the different people in the world could get along together so we weren't having wars. I don't suppose that'll ever happen, though."

DTN News: Pakistan TODAY February 19, 2010 ~ U.S. Drone Kills Militant Leader's Brother

DTN News: Pakistan TODAY February 19, 2010 ~ U.S. Drone Kills Militant Leader's Brother *Source: DTN News / By Zahid Hussain WSJ (NSI News Source Info) ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - February 19, 2010: A brother of Sirajuddin Haqqani, a militant leader linked to both the Taliban and al Qaeda, was killed in the latest U.S. drone-launched missile strike in northwestern Pakistan, dealing yet another blow to the insurgents engaged in fighting the U.S.-led coalition forces in Afghanistan.US Air Force shows an RQ-4 Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) landing at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. The increasing demand for drones raises complex questions because the aircraft are piloted remotely, often from thousands of miles away. Their intrusion into crowded air traffic lanes would require constant monitoring and coordination to avoid airliners, small propeller planes, tall buildings and possibly each other. Mohammed Haqqani and three associates were killed when missiles fired from a pilotless aircraft Thursday evening struck a compound in Dande Darpa Khel village in North Waziristan tribal region, a Pakistani security official said. The strike was apparently aimed at Sirajuddin who is the head of the powerful Haqqani network that has been responsible for some recent major attacks in the Afghan capital of Kabul. But he was not present in the area at the time of the attack. The death of Mohammed Haqqani, who was also actively involved in the Afghan insurgency, comes as a blow to the insurgent group and reinforces the effectiveness of the controversial U.S. campaign of drone strikes in Pakistan's lawless tribal region along the border with Afghanistan. The Obama administration's policy of using Predator drones as a major weapon in the attacks on militant sanctuaries has taken out many senior al Qaeda and Taliban leaders in the past year. Despite public statements by Pakistani leaders criticizing the action as an infringement on the country's sovereignty, the attacks are carried out with the collaboration of Pakistani security agencies.

Pakistani soldiers take part in a military exercise in Multan February 19, 2010. Pakistan's arrest of an Afghan Taliban commander was not done under pressure from its U.S. ally and shows the sincerity of its fight against terrorism, the foreign minister said. The latest strike followed a wave of arrests of Afghan Taliban commanders in Pakistan, indicating a shift in Islamabad's policy of allowing the insurgent leadership safe haven on its soil. American officials have long accused the Inter-Services Intelligence agency, or ISI, Pakistan's premier spy agency, of actively aiding the Afghan Taliban. The arrests earlier this month of Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban's No. 2 leader, and of Taliban "shadow governors" of two Afghan provinces are seen as a clear indication that Pakistan is now more willing to go after the Afghan Taliban leadership believed to be hiding in Karachi and other Pakistani cities. The crackdown also comes as U.S., NATO and Afghan troops launched the biggest offensive against the insurgents since 2001 in the Taliban stronghold of Marjah in southern Afghanistan. The arrest of Mullah Baradar, who was considered second in command to Mullah Omar, in a joint operation is seen as an indication of growing cooperation between the U.S. and Pakistani intelligence services. The Haqqani network, which is closely linked with al Qaeda, was believed to be involved in a suicide attack by a Jordanian double agent on a forward base of Central Intelligence Agency in eastern Afghanistan in December. The bombing killed seven CIA operatives. The U.S. drone strikes on North Waziristan, which is considered a stronghold of the Haqqani network, have increased significantly after the CIA base attack. The vast compound in Dande Darpa Khel village that was hit on Thursday also served as the Haqqani family home. More than one dozen people, including the wife of one brother and some children, were killed last year in a similar attack. The U.S. considers the network one of the biggest threats to its operations in Afghanistan, and has pressed Pakistan to move against its sanctuaries. Pakistan has held off on any major operation in the area, but provides active assistance to the U.S. missile campaign. The network's leader, Jalaluddin Haqqani, was a legendary commander and key U.S ally in the Mujahideen war against the Soviet occupation forces in 1980s. The aging guerrilla leader had also hosted Osama bin Laden. The group still provides sanctuary to scores of al Qaeda fighters on both sides of the border. Sirajuddin has taken over the leadership of the network after failing health and age forced the father to retire. Though loosely connected to the Afghanistan's Taliban movement led by Mullah Omar, the group operates as an autonomous faction. Sirajuddin represents the new generation of militant commander and is regarded as smarter and more ferocious than other warlords.

DTN News: Tata Motors Enters Combat Vehicle Market

DTN News: Tata Motors Enters Combat Vehicle Market *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) NEW DELHI, India - February 19, 2010: India's domestic manufacturer Tata Motors, best known for cars and trucks, is to enter the combat vehicle market and bid for sales with the Indian army, senior management said. The announcement was made as Tata unveiled its new Mine Protected Vehicle at the Sixth International Land and Naval Defense Systems Exhibition in New Delhi. Tata, the country's largest vehicle maker and which has supplied the army since 1958, already manufactures troop carriers and logistics trucks. The addition of the MPV to its lineup is part of company's strategy to widen its defense business to include frontline combat vehicles, a company statement said. P.M. Telang, managing director of Tata Motors' Indian operations, said the aim "is to participate in the entire defense value chain" and also look for partnerships with foreign and national manufacturers, including other divisions of the wider Tata Group. Tata's air-conditioned three-door MPV has a V-shaped hull that deflects blasts under the vehicle away from the unit, making it ideally suited for counterinsurgency operations, Tata said. It includes two roof-top observation hatches, nine firing ports and a 360-degree roof-mounted rotating turret for either light or heavy machine guns. Underbelly protection can be customized to order. Similarly, it comes in troop carrier, battlefield ambulance and combat post variants with capacity for eight to 12 occupants. Interior space is also available for an ADNAV system allowing night operations and mobility in extremely poor weather conditions. The 245 PS diesel engine has a top speed of just less than 65 mph and handles a 60 percent gradient with its 860-mm ground clearance. Power-to-weight ratio is 20 horse power per ton. Operating temperature ranges from minus 20C to 55C and tires are all run-flat systems. Tata will offer the vehicle also to paramilitary and police forces, the statement said. Tata officials would not comment openly on numbers of any new contract with the Indian army but a first order is believed to be as high as 1,000 units, a report by the national vehicle news Web site Wheels Unplugged said. Tata's MPV will be up against a similar unit from Defense Land Systems India, a joint venture between the Indian company Mahindra and Mahindra and global defense manufacturer BAE Systems. It's new Mine Protected Vehicle India, the first product from the joint venture, is based on BAE System's RG family of vehicles derived from mine-protected vehicles from South Africa. The MPV-I was developed for the counterinsurgency work against the communist Naxalite movement in the northeast state of West Bengal. Also in the running is Ashok Leyland with an MPV based on its Stallion 4x4 armored car, joint development with South African company Paramount Group. It has a maximum road speed of nearly 50 mph and a road range exceeding 600 miles without refueling, Ashok Leyland claims. Tata displayed several of its production vehicles at Defexpo. These included its mobile 8x8 weapon platform, a light specialist vehicle for fast mobility and its 4X4 LPA 713 light armored troop carrier. The ATC has a maximum speed of around 65 mph and has optional automatic transmission. According to Wheels Unplugged, another senior Tata official said the company would "participate in production of futuristic infantry combat vehicles which would work as a system integrator, besides participating in the upgrading and overhaul program of the Indian army's T-72 tank."

DTN News: Malaysia TODAY February 19, 2010 ~ First Malaysian Women To Be Caned Make Statements

DTN News: Malaysia TODAY February 19, 2010 ~ First Malaysian Women To Be Caned Make Statements *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - February 19, 2010: The first Malaysian women to be caned under Islamic law for having illicit sex have reportedly said they regretted their actions and welcomed the punishment. The three women, whose identities were not revealed, gave the first account of the caning which took place earlier this month, drawing condemnation from human rights activists and applause from some Muslim groups. "On the day I was caned, I was scared but, at the same time, I knew I deserved it and was willing to take the punishment," said one of the women, a 25-year-old who went by the name of "Ayu". She told the New Straits Times that the punishment -- administered while they were fully clothed and by a female prison officer wielding a thin rattan cane -- did not hurt. "Those out there who are having sex before marriage should really consider the consequences and not only think about momentary pleasure," she told the daily. The three women said they turned themselves in to religious authorities after being wracked by guilt over having pre-marital sex. "Ayu" has a one-year-old daughter with her boyfriend, who she plans to marry, and the other two women also gave birth out of wedlock. Human rights campaigners, who were stunned by the caning of the three women which had not been foreshadowed by authorities, were sceptical over the comments published in several Malaysian newspapers. "These three women are just normal people who have been surrounded by all kinds of legal mumbo jumbo and pressured into agreeing to be caned," one activist told AFP, declining to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue. Islamic authorities triggered uproar last year when they sentenced mother-of-two Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno to six strokes of the cane after she was caught drinking beer in a hotel nightclub. Her case, which was to have been the first time a woman was caned under Islamic law in Malaysia, is still under review after she was given a last-minute reprieve amid intense media coverage. Malaysia's Bar Council has said it was "shocking" that the caning of the three women went ahead while the Kartika case was unresolved. Legal commentators have said that the Islamic courts -- which operate in parallel to the civil system in Malaysia -- are becoming increasingly confident, threatening Malaysia's status as a secular nation. The Sharia courts have been clamping down on rarely enforced religious laws that apply to Muslim Malays who dominate the population -- including a ban alcohol and sex between unmarried couples.

DTN News: U.S. Army Selects Northrop Grumman's 100kW Solid-State Laser For Field Tests At Its High Energy Laser Systems Test Facility

DTN News: U.S. Army Selects Northrop Grumman's 100kW Solid-State Laser For Field Tests At Its High Energy Laser Systems Test Facility *Source: DTN News / Northrop Grumman (NSI News Source Info) REDONDO BEACH, Calif., - February 19, 2010: The solid-state laser system from Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) that produced the most powerful beam ever from a continuous wave, electric laser last year is joining other pioneering speed-of-light weapons demonstrators for field tests at the Army's High Energy Laser System Test Facility (HELSTF), N.M. In cooperation with the U.S. Army's Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, which operates the test range at White Sands Missile Range in southeastern New Mexico, BAE Systems has contracted with Northrop Grumman to relocate the Joint High Power Solid State Laser (JHPSSL) Phase 3 system from the company's laser factory in Redondo Beach, Calif., to HELSTF. Field testing is expected to begin this year. This laser will be integrated with the beam control and command and control systems from another Northrop Grumman-built system, the Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL), to provide the Army with the world's first high-power, Solid State Laser Testbed Experiment (SSLTE). "Northrop Grumman will have a lead role in integrating and operating the Army's solid-state laser test bed," said Steve Hixson, vice president of Advanced Concepts – Space and Directed Energy Systems for Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector. "We bring substantial expertise to this project from our many years of experience building and demonstrating tactically-relevant laser systems." The SSLTE will be used to evaluate the capability of a 100kW-class solid-state laser to accomplish a variety of missions. Those results will be the basis for directing future development of solid-state lasers as a weapon system. "Solid-state lasers have achieved militarily useful power levels and packaging densities," said Dan Wildt, vice president of Directed Energy Systems. "We have been demonstrating laser performance at HELSTF and other test sites for many years, unequivocally proving their lethality against a wide variety of potential threats." These include missiles of various sizes and speeds, helicopters, drones, rockets, artillery, mortar rounds and submunitions. Both the relocation of the JHPSSL Phase 3 device and the THEL facility refurbishment are being carried out under an Army contract with BAE Systems, which has overall responsibility for the SSLTE systems engineering and test planning. BAE Systems is also developing a modular and transportable enclosure to house the JHPSSL device and its control room at the site. Under the JHPSSL program, Northrop Grumman became the first company to reach the 100kW power level threshold for a solid-state laser. The achievement also included turn-on time of less than one second and continuous operating time of greater than five minutes, with very good efficiency and beam quality. The JHPSSL program is funded by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology; Office of the Secretary of Defense – High Energy Laser Joint Technology Office, Albuquerque, N.M.; Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.; and the Office of Naval Research, Arlington, Va. Responsibility for program execution is assigned to USASMDC/ARSTRAT in Huntsville, Ala. Northrop Grumman designed and built the Mid-Infrared Advanced Chemical Laser (MIRACL) for the U.S. Navy, which was a megawatt-class, continuous wave chemical laser. The company also developed the first standalone, fully integrated laser weapon system demonstrator, the THEL test bed, which was a joint effort by the Army and Israel's Ministry of Defence to engage short-range Katyusha l rockets. Both MIRACL and THEL were high-power lasers based at HELSTF within the grounds of White Sands Missile Range. At HELSTF, the Army tests high-energy laser technologies and weapon systems for propagation, lethality, survivability and dynamic engagements. HELSTF has access to the 3,200 square miles of restricted land area and 7,000 square miles of restricted airspace at White Sands to conduct such tests. Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.

DTN News: Oshkosh Defense Awarded $24 Million For M-ATV Upgrade Kits

DTN News: Oshkosh Defense Awarded $24 Million For M-ATV Upgrade Kits *Source: DTN News / Oshkosh Corporation (NSI News Source Info) OSHKOSH, Wis. - February 19, 2010: Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), announced today it has received two awards valued at more than $24 million from the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command Life Cycle Management Command (TACOM LCMC) for MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) kits for the support of communication equipment and electrical system upgrades. The combined undefinitized orders consist of more than 2,090 upgrade kits for the vehicles. The kits will support the installation of Command, Control, Communication, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) suites composed of electronic equipment such as communications hardware, jammer systems, tracking technology and driver vision enhancement. The kits also will support the addition of “silent watch” capability, which allows the M-ATV to operate C4ISR equipment for extended periods of time with reduced noise and heat signatures from the vehicle. “The C4ISR technology and silent watch capability that these kits support will further enhance the M-ATV’s effectiveness in combat operations in Afghanistan,” said Andy Hove, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Defense. “Our advanced manufacturing capabilities, highly skilled workforce and available capacity ensure these upgrades can be completed without impacting our continued rapid delivery of any of our military vehicles under contract.” Since January 2010, Oshkosh has been incorporating the M-ATV upgrades into the production process at both its M-ATV production facilities, Oshkosh and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command will install the upgrade kits on vehicles already built. Oshkosh has exceeded the accelerated M-ATV delivery schedule for seven consecutive months. To date, the aggregate amount of awards Oshkosh has received for 6,619 M-ATVs, upgrade kits, spare parts kits and aftermarket support is valued at more than $4 billion. Existing Oshkosh manufacturing facilities have available production capacity for these M-ATV orders and all other Defense programs, including the U.S. Army’s Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV), as well as any surges in production. The Oshkosh® M-ATV uses the Oshkosh-patented TAK-4® independent suspension system for superior mobility in harsh environments, including 16 inches of independent wheel travel and a 70 percent off-road profile capability. The TAK-4 system has undergone more than 500,000 miles of government testing and is being retrofitted on more than 2,400 legacy MRAPs for improved mobility in Afghanistan. The TAK-4 system is featured on more than 10,000 Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements (MTVR), used by the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy Seabees, as well as on the Army’s next-generation Palletized Load System (PLS) and the Marine Corps’ Logistics Vehicle System Replacement (LVSR). 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: Stardust-NExT Spacecraft Fires Engines To Delay Arrival At Comet

DTN News: Stardust-NExT Spacecraft Fires Engines To Delay Arrival At Comet

* Lockheed Martin-Built Spacecraft One Year Away From Encounter with Tempel 1 *Source: DTN News / Lockheed Martin (NSI News Source Info) DENVER,- February 19, 2010: NASA’s Stardust-NExT (New Exploration of Tempel) spacecraft fired its engines for 22 minutes 53 seconds on Feb. 17 to purposely delay its arrival at comet Tempel 1 by 8 hours 21 minutes. In one year, the Lockheed Martin- [NYSE: LMT] built spacecraft will still fly by the comet on Feb. 14, 2011, Valentines’ Day, but the encounter time will now be 8:42 p.m. PT. The low-cost Discovery Program Mission of Opportunity will expand the investigation of comet Tempel 1 initiated by NASA’s Deep Impact spacecraft. The mission uses the still-healthy Stardust spacecraft to perform a flyby of comet Tempel 1 and obtain high-resolution images of the comet and hopefully the crater made by Deep Impact in July 2005. The delayed arrival will provide project scientists the best chance of seeing both previously imaged areas and news areas of Tempel 1. By taking photos of previously imaged areas of the comet, scientists can analyze terrain changes caused by the comet’s close approach to the Sun on a successive orbit five and one-half years later. The engine burn was performed autonomously at 2:00 p.m. PST while the spacecraft was out of contact from Earth. Spacecraft engineers at Lockheed Martin sent the trajectory correction maneuver commands to the spacecraft on Monday, Feb. 15. The maneuver reduced the spacecraft’s velocity, relative to the sun, by 54 mph (24 meters per second). The spacecraft’s velocity relative to the sun is 47,500 mph (21 km per second). The robust spacecraft recently completed it 4,000th day of flight and had traveled approximately 3.4 billion miles (5.4 billion kilometers) since its launch 11 years ago. Throughout its two-mission life, Stardust has had many January and February milestones.

• Feb. 7, 1999 launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

• Jan. 15, 2001 Earth gravity assist to meet up with comet Wild 2

• Jan. 2, 2004 encounter with comet Wild 2

• Jan. 15, 2006 sample return capsule returned safely back to Earth

• Jan. 14, 2009 Earth gravity assist to meet up with comet Tempel 1

• Feb. 14, 2011 future encounter with comet Tempel 1 Dr. Joseph Veverka at Cornell University is the principal investigator of the Stardust-NExT mission. JPL is managing Stardust-NExT for the NASA Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company designed and built the Stardust spacecraft and performs flight operations for the mission. 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 2009 sales of $45.2 billion. MEDIA CONTACT: Gary Napier, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company; (303) 971-4012; gary.p.napier@lmco.com

Stardust-NExT Related Links Mission Web

Stardust-NExT Illustrations

Allan Cheuvront video comments

DTN News: Raytheon Miniature Air Launched Decoy Jammer Completes Critical Design Review

DTN News: Raytheon Miniature Air Launched Decoy Jammer Completes Critical Design Review *Source: DTN News / Raytheon (NSI News Source Info) ORLANDO, Fla., - February 19, 2010: Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Miniature Air Launched Decoy Jammer (MALD-J™) variant completed a major milestone when it passed a U.S. Air Force critical design review (CDR). MALD™ is a state-of-the-art, low-cost, decoy 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). The MALD-J adds radar-jamming capability to the basic MALD platform. "The men and women of Raytheon have every right to be proud of achieving this milestone because passing a critical design review is no easy feat," said Ken Watson, the U.S. Air Force's MALD program manager. "The Air Force conducted a rigorous multi-disciplined technical evaluation of the MALD-J and determined MALD-J has reached a technical readiness level 7. MALD-J is preparing to enter the engineering, manufacturing and development (EMD) phase of the program." Passing the CDR comes on the heels of the completion of the first MALD-J free-flight test. During the December 2009 test, the MALD-J used new software against representative threats. "The CDR builds on the success of the MALD program and Raytheon's track-record of excellence in program management," said Harry Schulte, vice president of Raytheon Missile Systems' Air Warfare Systems product line. "The baseline MALD is currently in production, and we look forward to starting MALD-J EMD soon to meet our 2012 required asset availability commitment to the warfighter." Raytheon Company, with 2009 sales of $25 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 88 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 75,000 people worldwide. Note to Editors: More than 125 Raytheon employees design and build the MALD and MALD-J in Tucson, Ariz.; Goleta, Calif.; and El Segundo, Calif. Hundreds of employees in scores of businesses across the U.S. design and manufacture MALD and MALD-J components. Major suppliers include: AML Communications, Camarillo, Calif.; AUSCO, Port Washington, N.Y.; BAE, Berthoud, Colo.; CEI, Sacramento, Calif.; Celestica, Austin, Texas; Eagle Pitcher, Joplin, Mo.; EDO, Bohemia, N.Y.; Enser, Pinellas Park, Fla.; Engineered Fabrics Corp, Rockmart, Ga.; GDOTS, Redmond, Wash.; Hamilton-Sundstrand, Rockford, Ill.; Hamilton-Sundstrand, San Diego; LaBarge, Joplin, Mo.; Moog, East Aurora, N.Y.; Tecom, Westlake Village, Calif.

DTN News: Russian Helicopters Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant Delivers Four Mi-171s To Azerbaijan

DTN News: Russian Helicopters Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant Delivers Four Mi-171s To Azerbaijan *Source: DTN News / Russian Helicopters (NSI News Source Info) ULAN-UDE, Russia - February 19, 2010: Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, part of the rotorcraft industry holding managed by Russian Helicopters, delivered one passenger and three cargo Mi-171 helicopters to International Handling Company Ltd. of Azerbaijan. Pursuant to the contract, the helicopters are equipped for oil & gas operations – carrying loads, apparatus, passengers, and shift teams to locations including offshore rigs. They can also perform surveillance and integrity missions. For additional safety and ease of navigation in offshore operations the helicopters are equipped with modern navigation and landing systems, satellite navigation, radio beacons, emergency water landing systems. “We were very thorough in performing our contractual obligations in our cooperation with Azerbaijan and are happy with the results,” Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant Managing Director Leonid Belykh said. “The passenger Mi-171 was unique. Its cabin was made using cutting-edge technology, much in the same way as VIP cabins for our corporate Mi-171s. We worked with AirTaxi-Service, our long-time partner in VIP helicopter interiors.” For higher comfort the passenger Mi-171 delivered to Azerbaijan is equipped with various systems. The new highly efficient sound insulation reduce cabin noise, so passengers don’t have to raise their voice to be heard. Russian Helicopters is expecting demand for Mi-171s with such cabins from state and corporate customers. The fact that Azerbaijan’s International Handling Company Ltd. ordered Russian rotorcraft proves their increasing competitiveness for helicopter operations in the region. 30 countries operate the Mi-171. These helicopters are highly reliable, boasting outstanding capabilities. They are intended for the rational operator who makes the choice based on comparative analysis of price and flight hour costs. The Mi-171 is certified by the Interstate Aviation Committee and its type certificate has been approved in Asian and European countries. An important feature of the Mi-171 is the use of fixed-wing aircraft production technologies that the Ulan-Ude Plant possesses that are used in its manufacture. The Mi-171 is a heavily modernised version of the world-famous Mi-8. The helicopter was designed by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant and is produced at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant. The Mi-171 can carry up to 37 fully-equipped troops/passengers on troop seats, up to 26 people on chairs, loads up to 4000 kg internally and externally, up to 12 injured in medevac missions. It can perform search and rescue, firefighting missions and loading/unloading in flight. The Mi-171 has a Russian type certificate, and approval of this certificate has been issued by China, South Korea, Slovakia, and Mongolia. Over 500 Mi-171 helicopters in various modifications are currently operated in Central and South-East Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the CIS. Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, JSC The enterprise in Russia making both helicopters and airplanes. The manufacturing and technological capacities of the Plant makes it possible to quickly start production of new aircraft types and combine the manufacture of prototypes and mass production. The Plant builds the Mi-171, Mi-171Sh, and Mi-8T helicopters and the Su-25UB and Su-39 assault aircraft. Russian Helicopters, JSC is an affiliated company of UIC Oboronprom. It is the managing body of the following helicopter industry enterprises: Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, Kamov, Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, Kazan Helicopters, Rostvertol, Progress Arsenyev Aviation Company, Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise, Vpered Moscow Machine-Building Plant, Stupino Machine Production Plant, Reductor-PM and Helicopter Service Company (VSK).