Friday, May 21, 2010

DTN News: Premium AEROTEC To Make Its Appearance At ILA Berlin Air Show 2010

DTN News: Premium AEROTEC To Make Its Appearance At ILA Berlin Air Show 2010
*Premium AEROTEC is taking part in the ILA Berlin Air Show for the first time. This year’s Air Show will take place from 8 to 13 June. The company will have its own stand (Hall 7, Stand 101) and also a chalet (No. 13).
Source: DTN News / EADS
(NSI News Source Info) AUGSBURG - May 22, 2010: Premium AEROTEC’s core business comprises the development and manufacture of titanium, aluminium and carbon composite structures and production systems for civil and military aircraft. Operational since 1 January 2009, Premium AEROTEC has already become firmly established as a leader in its sector: it is the number one supplier of aerostructures in Europe and ranks fifth worldwide.
At its exhibition stand, Premium AEROTEC will present a mock-up of one of the structural components for the new Airbus A350 XWB long-haul aircraft to demonstrate its skills in carbon fibre-reinforced plastics (CFRP) technology. The full-scale model measuring 4.20 by 4.50 metres is a demonstrator for the pressure bulkhead, which is manufactured using VAP® (Vacuum Assisted Process) technology. Premium AEROTEC is the world’s largest supplier of fuselage structures for the new A350 XWB. The company will also present a demonstrator for a fuselage segment (barrel), likewise manufactured using VAP® technology. In addition, numerous other models displayed at Premium AEROTEC’s ILA stand will illustrate the company’s development and production expertise.
Premium AEROTEC GmbH has over 6,000 employees and generated revenues of 1.1 billion euros in 2009. Its core business is the development and manufacturing of metal and carbon composite aerostructures and the associated equipment and production systems. The company has production plants in Augsburg, Bremen, Nordenham and Varel in Germany, and will soon have another plant in Braşov County, Romania.
Contact: Edmund Reitter Tel.: +49 (0) 171 7650 322

DTN News: Northrop Grumman To Deliver Information Technology Services To The Defense Intelligence Agency Through The SITE Contract

DTN News: Northrop Grumman To Deliver Information Technology Services To The Defense Intelligence Agency Through The SITE Contract
Source: DTN News / Northrop Grumman Corporation
(NSI News Source Info) RESTON, Va., - May 22, 2010: Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been awarded a contract by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) under the Solutions for the Information Technology Enterprise (SITE) contract vehicle. The company will provide worldwide IT coverage and technical support services to the government, including system design, development, fielding, and sustainment of global intelligence and command and control assets vital to national security. Northrop Grumman was one of six large business prime contractors selected for SITE, an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contract structure with a ceiling of $6.6 billion, collectively, over five years.. "This award leverages Northrop Grumman's vast experience providing all levels of IT and technical support services," said John Olesak, vice president of integrated intelligence systems for Northrop Grumman Information Systems. "The SITE contract is a testament to our longstanding relationship and strong performance history with the DIA." The SITE contract vehicle is designed to enable streamlined execution, simplify purchase requests, standardize acquisition documentation, improve enterprise program management for customers, provide better reporting capability, improve contracting performance and data integrity and make the DIA's overall IT acquisition processes more efficient. Although managed by DIA, the contract will also incorporate IT requirements from customers across the Defense Intelligence Enterprise and Intelligence Community. SITE will replace the multiple awards for DIA's Department of Defense Intelligence Information System (DODIIS) Integration and Engineering Support Contracts (DIESCON3) and replace the Air Force's longstanding Intelligence Information, Command and Control, Equipment and Enhancements (ICE2) single award contract vehicle. 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.
CONTACT:
Megan Mitchell Northrop Grumman Information Systems (703) 345-8548 megan.mitchell@ngc.com

DTN News: Boeing, Air Force Research Lab, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne To Conduct X-51A WaveRider Flight Test On May 25

DTN News: Boeing, Air Force Research Lab, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne To Conduct X-51A WaveRider Flight Test On May 25
Source: DTN News / Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., - May 22, 2010: The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] announced on May 20., that the X-51A WaveRider will make its first hypersonic flight test attempt from Edwards Air Force Base on Tuesday, May 25. The unmanned aerial vehicle will be released from a B-52 bomber off the southern California coast. The X-51A is expected to fly autonomously for five minutes -- powered by a supersonic combustion ramjet (scramjet) motor -- accelerate to about Mach 6 and transmit large amounts of data to ground stations before it splashes down into the Pacific and breaks up, as planned. There are no plans to recover the flight test vehicle, one of four built. "In those 300 seconds, we hope to learn more about hypersonic flight with a practical scramjet engine than all previous flight tests combined," said Charlie Brink, X-51A program manager with the Air Force Research Laboratory's Propulsion Directorate at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The longest previous hypersonic scramjet flight test, performed by a NASA X-43 in 2004, was faster, but lasted only about 10 seconds and used less logistically supportable hydrogen fuel. The X-51A program is a collaborative effort of the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, with industry partners The Boeing Company and Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. The May 25 attempt will be the only hypersonic flight attempt this fiscal year, a change from the original test plan, which was to fly once in December 2009 and three more times in 2010. A combination of factors, including high demand for flight-test and range assets such as the B-52, contributed to the pause. "This is an experimental X-plane and it's a complicated test. We knew the original schedule was aggressive and we would need to be flexible," said Brink. "It's also expensive to keep a staff of engineers and support staff at the ready and then not be able to fly when supporting assets aren’t available. So we elected to make only one hypersonic try this spring and then pause for a few months to conserve funding." Alex Lopez, Boeing vice president of Advanced Network & Space Systems, said the X-51A program will pave the way to hypersonic weapons and future access to space. "This is been a major team effort for the past seven years," said Lopez. "If the test flight meets even a subset of our expectations, the leap in engine technology will be the equivalent to the post-World War II leap from propellers to jet engines. It will be a historic event." A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide. NOTE TO NEWS MEDIA: The X-51A flight test at Edwards is not open to news media. Boeing and the Air Force will publish a release, still and video imagery following the test and post on www.af.mil and www.dvidshub.net. Broadcast-quality interviews with program-affiliated personnel, X-51 b-roll video and animation are already available at www.dvidshub.net. Contact: Christina E. Kelly
Boeing Phantom Works Communications
714-756-0378

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated May 21, 2010

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated May 21, 2010 Source: U.S. DoD issued May 21, 2010 (NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - May 22, 2010: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued May 21, 2010 are undermentioned; CONTRACTS AIR FORCE ~Alion Science and Technology Corp., Chicago, Ill. (FA1500-10-D-0001); ~Applied Research Associates, Inc., Albuquerque, N.M. (FA1500-10-D0002); ~Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, Ohio (FA1500-10-D0003); ~Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc., McLean, Va. (FA1500-10-D0004); ~ITT Corp., Advanced Engineering & Sciences Division, Herndon, Va. (FA1500-10-D0005); ~L-3 Communications Corp., Camden, N.J. (FA1500-10-D0006); ~MacAulay-Brown, Inc., Dayton, Ohio (FA1500-10-D0007); ~Science Applications International Corp., San Diego, Calif. (FA1500-10-D0008); and ~Wyle Laboratories, Inc., Huntsville, Alabama (FA1500-10-D0009) were awarded a $2,000,000,000 contract which will provide research, development, test and evaluation services, as well as advisory and assistance services, related to research and development efforts for technical area tasks within software, information technology networks, information assurance, information sharing, knowledge management, and modeling and simulation focus areas. At this time, no money has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity. ~Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded a $325,485,969 contract which will provide for the development, integration and delivery of 35 mid-life upgrade kits for the Foreign Military Sales Pakistan Block 15 F-16A/B aircraft, and 18 retrofit kits for the Block 52 F-16C/D aircraft. At this time, $121,209,418 has been obligated. 312 AESG/SYK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8615-07-C-6032). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY ~BAE Systems, Specialty Group., Jessup, Pa., is being awarded a maximum $131,430,290 firm-fixed-price contract for modular lightweight load-carrying equipment items. Other locations of performance are Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Arizona, Wisconsin and Puerto Rico. Using service is Army. The original proposal was Web solicited with six responses. This contract is exercising the second option year period. The date of performance completion is October 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM1C1-08-D-1080). ~CFM International, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio, is being awarded a maximum $6,058,200 firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract for turbine nozzle support. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is Dec. 31, 2010. The Defense Logistics Agency, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8104-08-G-0002-UNY1). ~US Foodservice Lexington, Lexington, S.C., is being awarded a maximum $4,500,000 firm-fixed-price, prime-vendor contract for food and beverage support. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Bamberg Job Corp, Bamberg, S.C. The original proposal was Web solicited with four responses. The date of performance completion is June 19, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM300-08-D-3057). MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY ~International Business Machines (IBM) Corp., U.S. Federal/Global Government Industry Division, Bethesda, Md., is being competitively awarded a cost-plus-award-fee indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (H95001-10-D-0002) with a price ceiling of $50,000,000. IBM will develop a decision support system of people, business processes, workflows, system automation, decision models, dashboards, and displays with governance and standards to support Missile Defense Agency leadership in synchronizing and integrating ballistic missile defense system baselines for rapid development of decision options and trade-offs for program management. Work will be peformed in Colorado Springs, Colo., and Huntsville, Ala., and will take place from July 1, 2010 through June 20, 2015. Fiscal 2010 research, development, test and evaluation funds, in the amount of $9,105,559, will be used for the initial task order. This contract was competitively procured with six proposals received. Missile Defense Integration and Operations Center, Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., is the contracting activity. NAVY ~Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $10,838,944 contract modification to increase the ceiling amount to previously awarded contract N00024-07-C-5454 for the rebaselining of the system design and development of the Block 2 upgrade to the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) guided missile weapon system. The RAM guided missile weapon system is co-developed and co-produced under a NATO cooperative program between the governments of the U.S. and Germany, and designed to provide anti-ship missile defense for multiple ship platforms. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by December 2011. The Naval Sea System Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. ~General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, Burlington, Vt., is being awarded a $9,831,278 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the procurement of 30 M61A2 20mm lightweight gatling gun systems for the F/A-18E/F aircraft. Work will be performed in Burlington, Vt. (50 percent), and Saco, Maine (50 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00421-10-C-0024).

DTN News: Saab Receives Order For UAS from FMV / Saab To Provide Shadow UAVs To Swedish Armed Forces

DTN News: Saab Receives Order For UAS from FMV / Saab To Provide Shadow UAVs To Swedish Armed Forces
Source: DTN News / SAAB 20 May 2010, in Press Release
(NSI News Source Info) STOCKHOLM, Sweden - May 22, 2010: Sweden's defence company Saab will provide two Shadow 200 Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems (TUAS) and related support service to the Swedish defence forces. Saab has got an order worth 500 million Swedish kronor ($63.36 million) from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to deliver two such aircraft along with ground stations, intelligence units and other related equipment.
The Swedish company has contracted the US-based AAI Corporation, which is manufacturing the Shadow UAVs, to supply the aircraft and associated services at a cost of $31.4 million, AAI said.
As per the contract awarded to Saab, it will be responsible for the entire UAV programme, including operating the system for over three years, providing training to personnel besides supplying the necessary equipment, technical maintenance and spare parts, Saab said in a statement.
The Shadow 200 is a combat-proven unmanned aerial vehicle used by the US Army and Marine Corps for reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting purposes. The aircraft can see targets up to 125 kilometers away from the brigade tactical operations center, and recognize tactical vehicles up to 8,000 feet above the ground at more than 3.5 kilometers slant range, day or night.
A single Shadow system includes four aircraft; two one system ground control station (OSGCS) and ground data terminals; four one system remote video terminals (OSRVTs); a one system portable ground control station; and associated components and support equipment.

DTN News: United Kingdom To Buy 102 Mastiff/Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles

DTN News: United Kingdom To Buy 102 Mastiff/Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles
Source: DTN News / British Ministry of Defence (MoD)
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON- May 22, 2010: The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress May 19 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the United Kingdom of 102 Mastiff/MRAP Cougar Category II 6X6 modified vehicles and associated equipment, parts, and logistical support for an estimated cost of $122 million.
The Government of the United Kingdom has requested a possible sale of 102 Mastiff/MRAP Cougar Category II 6X6 modified vehicles, tools and test equipment, maintenance support, contractor technical and logistics personnel services, support equipment, spare and repair parts, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $122 million.
The United Kingdom is a major political and economic power in NATO and a key democratic partner of the U.S. in ensuring peace and stability in this region and around the world.
The United Kingdom requests these capabilities to provide for the safety of its deployed troops in support of overseas contingency operations. This program will ensure the United Kingdom can effectively operate in hazardous areas in a safe, survivable vehicle, and enhance the United Kingdom's interoperability with U.S. forces.
The United Kingdom is a staunch supporter of the U.S. in Iraq and Afghanistan. The United Kingdom's troops are deployed in Afghanistan, where United Kingdom and U.S. forces are currently utilizing Cougar Based MRAP vehicles. By acquiring these additional MRAP vehicles, the United Kingdom will be able to provide the same level of protection for its own forces as that provided by the United States for its forces. The United Kingdom will have no difficulty absorbing these vehicles into its Armed Forces.

DTN News: Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. – Results From The First Quarter of 2010

DTN News: Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. – Results From The First Quarter of 2010
Source: DTN News / Israel Aerospace Industries
(NSI News Source Info) TEL AVIV, Israel - May 22, 2010: On May 16th, 2010, the company signed an agreement with Eurocom Communications Ltd, in which IAI sold all of its shares of "Spacecom Ltd" to Eurocom in a private transaction. The shares comprise 14.57% of all issued and outstanding Spacecom shares, which have a total worth of 167,325,000 shekels

• Company backlog at $9.4 billion, an increase of $1.6 billion since the beginning of the year (an increase of 20%) • Net profit of $17 million, an increase of 13% compared to the first quarter of 2009 • Sales at $769 million • Positive cash flow from current activities stands at $330 million

Mr. Yair Shamir, Chairman of the Board of IAI Mr. Itzhak Nissan, President and CEO of IAI

Company backlog as of March 31st 2010 had a net growth of $1.55 billion since the beginning of the year, reaching a record high of $9.4 billion. Exports comprise 83% of the backlog orders. Company sales for the first quarter of 2010 reached $769 million, much like the first quarter of 2009. Export sales reached $624 million, an increase of 2% compared to the same quarter in 2009. Gross profit for the quarter reached $112 million (15% of sales), compared to $129 million (17% of sales) in the same quarter in 2009. The decrease in gross profit is primarily a result of the revaluation of the Israeli shekel, which affected the company's shekel-based expenses. Research and development expenses in the first quarter of 2010 were $32 million (4.1% of sales), compared to $28 million (3.7% of sales) in the first quarter of 2009, an increase of 12%.

Marketing, management, and general expenses in the first quarter of 2010 reached $50 million, compared to $47 million in the first quarter of 2009. The increase in expenses stems from the revaluation of the shekel. Other expenses (revenue), net in the first quarter were $10 million, a similar amount to that of the same quarter in 2009. The increase in expenses is a result of the shekel revaluation, which has also affected the company's fiscal responsibilities to its employees.

The company's financial revenues came primarily from income from bonds and from currency hedging operations, both of which are affected by changes in the exchange rate. Net profit for the first quarter was $17 million, compared to $15 million in the first quarter of 2009. This profit was reached in 2010 despite the shekel revaluation and the significant slowdown in certain commercial sectors in which the company operates. Positive cash flow from current activities was $330 million, compared to $209 million as of December 31st, 2009. The improved cash flow reflects the company's financial stability. On May 16th, 2010, the company signed an agreement with Eurocom Communications Ltd, in which IAI sold all of its shares of "Spacecom Ltd" to Eurocom in a private transaction. The shares comprise 14.57% of all issued and outstanding Spacecom shares, which have a total worth of 167,325,000 shekels. At the Board of Directors meeting in which the 2010 first quarter financial statements were approved, Yair Shamir, Chairman of the Board, said: "The company's $17 million net profit for the first quarter of 2010 is greater than the net profit of the same quarter in 2009, and significantly greater than the results of the last quarter. The profit was reached despite the slowdown in the commercial sector, and reflects the company's stability and success in the military sector. In the current quarter there has been a 2% increase in company sales to the military market, and an 8% decrease in sales to the commercial market, as compared to the same quarter in 2009. The slowdown in the commercial sector is continuing, despite some signs of recovery in certain areas, such as passenger-to-freighter aircraft conversions." IAI's President and CEO, Itzhak Nissan, said: "The company's backlog as of the end of the first quarter of 2010 reached $9.4 billion, following a number of new contracts totaling $2.6 billion signed during the quarter. The backlog can last for a number of years, ensuring the company's security in the short and the long term. 83% of the backlog is made up of exports to a variety of customers throughout the world. Export sales, worth $624 million, display a 2% increase compared to export sales in the same quarter of last year." Nissan added, "The company increased its research and development expenses using equity capital from $28 million in the first quarter of 2009, to $32 million in the first quarter of 2010, an increase of 12%. 4.1% of sales is invested in new product development of advanced technologies, contributing to the realization of the goals that company management has set, and thereby ensuring the future and continuing development of the company." IAI's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Menashe Sagiv, emphasized that the company's cash balance is at $1.6 billion, and the cash flow from joint activities has reached $330 million – both of which reflect the financial strength of the company. The CFO went on the note that "the company conducts currency hedging operations in order to minimize exposure to the exchange rate. The company's current ratio is 1.14, and its quick ratio is 0.99."

About Israel Aerospace Industries Israel Aerospace Industries is Israel's leading technological-industrial company, with approximately 16,400 employees. IAI has gained worldwide recognition as a leading developer of aviation and aerospace technology in both military and civilian markets. IAI provides the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and its foreign customers with unique, high-quality technological solutions that meet a wide range of needs on the ground, in the sea, in the air, in space and in the field of homeland security. IAI is a world leader in a wide range of advanced technologies, including the development, production, renovation, upgrading, repair and maintenance of aircraft, missiles, launchers, communications satellites, observation satellites and ground services, electronic systems, avionics systems, advanced radar, precision-guided munitions, and unmanned aerial vehicles.

For more information, please contact: Doron Suslik Deputy Vice President of Communications Tel: 03-935-8509 Fax: 03-935-8512 Email: hpaz@iai.co.il

DTN News: General Dynamics Selected By Defense Intelligence Agency For The Solutions For The Information Technology Enterprise Contract

DTN News: General Dynamics Selected By Defense Intelligence Agency For The Solutions For The Information Technology Enterprise Contract
Source: DTN News / General Dynamics
(NSI News Source Info) FAIRFAX, Va. - May 21, 2010: General Dynamics Information Technology, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has been selected by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) as one of the awardees for the Solutions for the Information Technology Enterprise (SITE) contract.
The five-year, indefinite delivery / indefinite quantity contract has a total potential value of $6.6 billion to all awardees if all options are exercised.General Dynamics will provide receptive, adaptive and timely solutions to satisfy current and future information technology (IT) requirements for global intelligence and command and control assets.
Departments and agencies supported by the contract include the Defense Intelligence Agency, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Combatant Commands, other Defense agencies and Civilian agencies.Work will consist of a multitude of services, such as systems engineering, operations support, network operation and administration, web services and content management, information assurance, security management as well as training.
Much of this work will support sites worldwide and include maintenance of IT enterprises, data center design, installation and management in addition to technology refresh and network modernization.
“General Dynamics is truly committed to DIA’s mission to provide timely, objective and cogent military intelligence to warfighters, defense planners and defense and national security policymakers and is pleased to be selected to continue this support through the SITE contract,” said Dan Johnson, president of General Dynamics Information Technology.
“After a 45-year relationship with the Defense Intelligence Community, we continue to be dedicated to the mission, supporting our customers’ IT infrastructure needs, security and sustainment requirements for successful continuity of operations in preserving national security.”
“We are dedicated to leveraging our systems integration and network support expertise to ensure critical intelligence information is delivered without interruption, across the world and in a timely manner,” said Tom Kirchmaier, senior vice president of General Dynamics Information Technology’s Intelligence Solutions Division.
“Our innovative and customer-oriented solutions keep enterprise IT infrastructures operational, reliable and secure as exemplified by our continued support to the DIA Regional Support Center Transformation initiative. General Dynamics currently maintains a cadre of experienced, cleared IT and mission support personnel that have the ability to deploy quickly to support our customers’ surge requirements. We look forward to sustained support and working side by side with these customers to solve mission needs.”
As a trusted systems integrator for more than 50 years, General Dynamics Information Technology provides information technology (IT), systems engineering, professional services and simulation and training to customers in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, health, federal civilian government, state and local government and commercial sectors.
With approximately 17,000 professionals worldwide, the company manages large-scale, mission-critical IT programs delivering IT services and enterprise solutions. More information about General Dynamics Information Technology is available at www.gdit.com.
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 91,200 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about the company is available on the Internet at www.generaldynamics.com
Contact:
Mark MeudtTel: (703) 246 0525

DTN News: New Chinese Fighter Jet Expected By 2018 According To US Intel

DTN News: New Chinese Fighter Jet Expected By 2018 According To US Intel
*Will be in "ballpark" of F-22, the top U.S. fighter jet
*Date is sooner than previous Pentagon public forecasts
*May show military growing faster than generally expected
Source: DTN News / Reuters By Jim Wolf
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - May 21, 2010: China is building an advanced combat jet that may rival within eight years Lockheed Martin Corp's (LMT.N) F-22 Raptor, the premier U.S. fighter, a U.S. intelligence official said. The date cited for the expected deployment is years ahead of previous Pentagon public forecasts and may be a sign that China's rapid military buildup is topping many experts' expectations. "We're anticipating China to have a fifth-generation fighter ... operational right around 2018," Wayne Ulman of the National Air and Space Intelligence Center testified on Thursday to a congressionally mandated group that studies national security implications of U.S.-China economic ties. "Fifth-generation" fighters feature cutting-edge capabilities, including shapes, materials and propulsion systems designed to make them look as small as a swallow on enemy radar screens. Defense Secretary Robert Gates had said last year that China "is projected to have no fifth-generation aircraft by 2020" and only a "handful" by 2025. He made the comments on July 16 to the Economic Club of Chicago while pushing Congress to cap F-22 production at 187 planes in an effort to save billions of dollars in the next decade. Ulman is China "issues manager" at the center that is the U.S. military's prime intelligence producer on foreign air and space forces, weapons and systems. He said China's military was eyeing options for possible use of force against Taiwan, which Beijing deems a rogue province. The People's Liberation Army, as part of its Taiwan planning, also is preparing to counter "expected U.S. intervention in support of Taiwan," he told the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. He said the PLA's strategy included weakening U.S. air power by striking air bases, aircraft carrier strike groups and support elements if the U.S. stepped in. Attacks against U.S. "basing infrastructure" in the western Pacific would be carried out by China's air force along with an artillery corps' conventional cruise missile and ballistic missile forces, he said outlining what he described as a likely scenario. He described China as a "hard target" for intelligence-gathering and said there were a lot of unknowns about its next fighter, a follow-on to nearly 500 4th generation fighters "that can be considered at a technical parity" with older U.S. fighters. "It's yet to be seen exactly how (the next generation) will compare one on one with say an F-22," Ulman told the commission. "But it'll certainly be in that ballpark." Lockheed Martin, the Pentagon's No. 1 supplier by sales, is in the early stages of producing another fifth-generation fighter, the F-35. Developed with eight partner countries in three models with an eye to achieving economies of scale and export sales, it will not fly as fast nor as high as the F-22. Gates has argued that the United States enjoys a lopsided advantage in fighters, warships and other big-ticket military hardware. Some U.S. congressional decisions on arms programs amount to overkill, out of touch with "real-world" threats and today's economic strains, he said in two speeches on the issue this month. "For example, should we really be up in arms over a temporary projected shortfall of about 100 Navy and Marine strike fighters relative to the number of carrier wings, when America's military possesses more than 3,200 tactical combat aircraft of all kinds?" Gates said on May 8. "Is it a dire threat that by 2020 the United States will have only 20 times more advanced stealth fighters than China?" he added at the Eisenhower presidential library in Abilene, Kansas. Geoff Morrell, the Pentagon press secretary, discounted the gap between the timelines cited by Gates and Ulman. He declined to comment on whether China had made enough progress since last July to change intelligence on the next fighter's debut. Richard Fisher, an expert on the Chinese military at the the private International Assessment and Strategy Center, said Gates' decision to end F-22 production is proving to be "potentially very wrong." "We will need more F-22s if we are going to adequately defend our interests," he said in an interview on Thursday at the hearing. Bruce Lemkin, a U.S. Air Force deputy undersecretary for ties to foreign air forces, told the commission he had visited Taiwan twice in his official capacity and that the capabilities of Taiwan's aging F-16s, also built by Lockheed, were not "keeping up." Whether to meet Taiwan's request for advanced F-16 fighters or upgrade the old ones was still under review by the Obama administration, he said before Ulman spoke.

DTN News: Oshkosh Corporation Awarded More Than $234.8 Million In Delivery Orders For M-ATV Protection Kits

DTN News: Oshkosh Corporation Awarded More Than $234.8 Million In Delivery Orders For M-ATV Protection Kits Source: DTN News / Oshkosh Corporation (NSI News Source Info) OSHKOSH, Wis. - May 21, 2010: Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK), a leading manufacturer of specialty vehicles and vehicle bodies, announced today that its Defense division has received four delivery orders valued at more than $234.8 million from the TACOM Life Cycle Management Command (LCMC) to supply more than 4,300 MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) protection kits. Oshkosh will deliver more than 3,800 rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) protection kits, as well as more than 500 explosively formed penetrator (EFP) add-on armor kits and in-field service and parts. Work under the orders is expected to be completed in April 2011. Oshkosh has now received awards to deliver more than 7,500 RPG protection kits and more than 1,300 EFP armor kits. The kits deliver enhanced protection capabilities for the M-ATV, which is produced with a factory-installed armor package and can accept additional bolt-on armor in the field. Using the Oshkosh TAK-4® independent suspension system, the vehicle can incorporate add-on protection kits while maintaining its full payload capacity of 4,000 pounds. “The M-ATV gives Warfighters MRAP-level survivability, and these kits will provide further protection from threats on the battlefield,” said Andy Hove, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Defense. “We continue to support the U.S. Armed Forces with the complete spectrum of sustainment services for the M-ATV, including the more than 2,000 in theater.” To date, Oshkosh has received awards valued at more than $5 billion for 8,079 M-ATVs, upgrade kits, spare-parts kits and sustainment support. The vehicle is designed to deliver the survivability and off-road mobility needed for harsh environments, such as those found in Afghanistan. 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. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements that the Company believes to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s future financial position, business strategy, targets, projected sales, costs, earnings, capital expenditures, debt levels and cash flows, and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “should,” “project” or “plan” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include the impact on revenues and margins of the planned decrease in M-ATV production rates; the cyclical nature of the Company’s access equipment, commercial and fire & emergency markets, especially during a global recession and tight credit markets; the duration of the global recession, which could lead to additional impairment charges related to many of the Company’s intangible assets and/or a slower recovery in the Company’s cyclical businesses than equity market expectations; the expected level and timing of U.S. Department of Defense procurement of products and services and funding thereof; risks related to reductions in government expenditures, the potential for the government to competitively bid the Company’s Army and Marine Corps contracts, the startup of the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles contract and the uncertainty of government contracts generally; the consequences of financial leverage associated with the JLG acquisition, which could limit the Company’s ability to pursue various opportunities; risks related to the collectability of receivables during a recession, particularly for those businesses with exposure to construction markets; risks related to production delays as a result of the economy’s impact on the Company’s suppliers; the potential for commodity costs to rise sharply, including in a future economic recovery; risks associated with international operations and sales, including foreign currency fluctuations; and the potential for increased costs relating to compliance with changes in laws and regulations. Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update information contained in this press release. Investors should be aware that the Company may not update such information until the Company’s next quarterly earnings conference call, if at all.

DTN News: Advanced Diagnostics By BAE Systems ~ 'Intelligent MOT' For Military Vehicles To Boost Availability And Cut Costs

DTN News: Advanced Diagnostics By BAE Systems ~ 'Intelligent MOT' For Military Vehicles To Boost Availability And Cut Costs
Source: DTN News / BAE Systems
(NSI News Source Info) ARLINGTON, Virginia - May 21, 2010: Engineers from BAE Systems are working to create a pioneering system that will act as a round-the-clock MOT for military vehicles. Able to detect faults in military vehicles before they cause damage and removing the need for unnecessary maintenance, researchers are hopeful that it will save the Ministry of Defence billions of pounds each year. The new system, named Integrated Vehicle Health Management (IVHM), will join together a chain of maintenance and support ideas for military vehicles and is being developed in partnership with Rolls Royce, Thales, Boeing and Cranfield University. IVHM will monitor engines and vehicle structures via built-in sensors and will identify faults using mathematical reasoning in order to establish a diagnosis. This is then communicated to the maintenance crew, who will take relevant action to rectify the problem. Peter Foote, Executive Scientist, at BAE Systems, said: "The current system of replacing parts on a rolling basis is no longer the safest and most efficient way. For some time now we have wanted to make the identification, diagnosis and repair of problems in vehicles more efficient and IVHM holds the key to this." The full system is in early development stages, but key elements of IVHM are already being tested in defence vehicles - fault diagnostic tools are being trailed in the Tornado fighter jet, while the Hawk is using acoustic sensors to detect fatigue cracks. Basic health and usage monitoring systems are also already fitted to both Bulldog and Panther vehicles to provide vital information to support their 'contracting for availability' support arrangements, which make industry more accountable for keeping the vehicles running. BAE Systems expects the system to be in full use across military vehicles on land, sea and air within 5-10 years. It is set to be welcomed by senior military figures, as problems such as corrosion are estimated to cost the armed forces over a billion pounds a year to repair. The technology will not only save costs, but its ability to detect and diagnose faults before they cause damage will also help to guarantee availability of aircraft and armoured vehicles when they are needed most. In focus: how it works IVHM links together a number of processes and technologies. It incorporates sensors, diagnostic software and a logistic infrastructure to bring about an all-encompassing solution. Fault sensors
IVHM includes sensors permanently built into the structures of military vehicles to provide constant monitoring. Corrosion sensors
It incorporates the BAE Systems corrosion monitor system, which degrades at a slightly faster rate than the structure to which it is attached. Simply by electronically measuring the change in the sensor, early signs of corrosion can be registered. A version of this system has been selected for the F-35 programme and a trial fitted to Warrior armoured vehicles is in service with the UK armed forces. Crack detection
Acoustic sensors can be placed on structures to pick up early signals of fatigue cracks. This is done by picking up sounds caused by cracks as they start to grow. The acoustic sensors have already been trialled on the Hawk to detect the emergence of cracks in an experimental test structure fitted beneath the wing. Engine damage
Radar systems applied to jet engines can detect foreign objects that may have been sucked into the engine. The radar can also predict whether the object is likely to cause damage or not and can pick up any faults on the engine turbines from the radar return. Fault diagnostics
Intelligent Fault Diagnosis Technologies (IFDT) is a set of software tools that provide probable causes from an array of symptoms by using mathematical reasoning. IFDT also provides maintenance crews with a confidence rating for the diagnosis so they can use their knowledge to decide on the best course of action. IFDT also has the ability to learn from experience as successful diagnoses are accumulated and confirmed. This means that the more the tool is used, the smarter it gets. IFDT is currently being trialled on the Tornado fighter jet and is also on the ASTRAEA programme and on the MANTIS unmanned aircraft system. Logistic infrastructure The IVHM concept will link the diagnostic software to maintenance crews on the ground. The detection of a fault would trigger a support network which will initiate the corrective action. Benefits
IVHM is the transformation of data into information to support operational decisions. The expected benefits are set to be: **Minimised maintenance **Improved readiness and availability **Product life extension **Enhanced safety and reliability

DTN News: HeliClub Becomes The First Customer For The AW139 In Russia

DTN News: HeliClub Becomes The First Customer For The AW139 In Russia Source: DTN News / AgustaWestland (NSI News Source Info) VERGIATE, Italy - May 21, 2010: AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that HeliClub of Russia has placed an order for one AW139 medium twin helicopter becoming the first customer for the type in Russia. This aircraft, which adds to a Grand light twin helicopter already ordered by the company, will be used to perform corporate and passenger transport missions. Emilio Dalmasso, Senior Vice President Commercial Business Unit, AgustaWestland said “We are delighted to announce the first Russian customer for the AW139. This latest contract represents an important milestone in the long list of successes achieved by the best selling medium twin since it entered the global market only a few years ago. This accomplishment is further confirmation of the AW139’s capability to meet the most stringent requirements from customers all over the world in terms of performance, technology and operational effectiveness. We are confindent that the success of the AW139 will follow that of the AW119Ke, the AW109 Power and the Grand in the Russian market.” Extensively tested in the most extreme conditions such as those encountered in Canada and in the Middle East, the AW139 meets Russian operational requirements whilst delivering the highest levels of technology, safety, flexibility and operational capability. The AW139, thanks to its outstanding features, has been identified and selected by Russian industry as the benchmark helicopter in the light medium weight category to meet various demanding civil requirements in the region. A final assembly line in Russia for the AW139 civil helicopter is to be set up and run by HeliVert, a Russian Helicopters and AgustaWestland Joint Venture. The final assembly line is aimed at satisfying the requirements of the civil markets in Russia and CIS countries primarily and - through the AgustaWestland network - for the rest of the world. An AW139 will perform a three week demonstration tour in Russia soon, visiting various areas towards Siberia, before arriving in Tyumen and Surgut regions. The sole new generation helicopter in its class with almost 300 units already in service and orders for over 460 aircraft placed by more than 130 customers from almost 50 countries worldwide, the AW139 is the best seller in the medium twin category and a proven platform performing a number of roles including offshore transport, emergency medical service, search and rescue, VIP/corporate transport, shuttle service, public utility duties. The largest cabin in its category provides room for 15 passengers or up to four stretchers and four medical attendants. The all new recently certified AW139’s full de-icing configuration based on the Full Ice Protection System (FIPS) further expands the already impressive capabilities of the AW139 by providing real all weather capability required in a growing number of applications. Moreover, a Maximum Gross Weight (MGW) of 6,800 kg (14,991 Ib), a 400 kg (882 Ib) increase on the basic MGW, is also available as an optional kit. The increased MGW and payload enable the AW139, with a maximum range of over 500 nm (926 km), to target the long range offshore transport market currently being met by larger 19-seat types. HeliClub is a leading company in the supply of helicopter pilot training services and the sale of helicopters in Russia. HeliClub offers high level on demand passenger transport services in the country. The deal for the AW139 has been financed through VTB-Leasing.

DTN News: Lockheed Martin Awarded $40 Million Contract To Deliver Additional Sniper® Advanced Targeting Pods

DTN News: Lockheed Martin Awarded $40 Million Contract To Deliver Additional Sniper® Advanced Targeting Pods
Source: DTN News / Lockheed Martin
(NSI News Source Info) ORLANDO, FL, - May 21, 2010: Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has signed a $40 million foreign military sales contract to deliver Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATPs) to the Royal Saudi Air Force. This is the second Sniper ATP purchase in a multi-year precision sensor modernization program to improve precision targeting, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability of Royal Saudi Air Force F-15S aircraft. The Royal Saudi Air Force first purchased Sniper pods in March 2009. Operational evaluation of the pod on the F-15S concluded in January of this year, with the Royal Saudi Air Force declaring the pod mission ready. “Deliveries on the initial F-15S Sniper ATP contract were completed ahead of schedule,” said John Rogers, Saudi Sniper ATP program manager at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “We’ve received very positive feedback from Saudi aircrews flying the Sniper pod, and we look forward to delivering additional pods to support their urgent operational requirement for Sniper ATP capability.” Featuring exceptional image quality and stability due to its next-generation design, the Sniper ATP delivers extremely precise weapon targeting for multiple fixed and moving targets, a high performance datalink for real-time coordination between aircrews and ground troops, and real-time weapon damage estimation radius displays to reduce the potential for collateral damage. The Sniper pod is heavily used as a non-traditional intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance asset for convoy route reconnaissance and battlefield situational awareness. Deployed in theater on U.S. Air Force and coalition partner F-15, F-16, A-10 and B-1 aircraft, the Sniper ATP is also operational on the CF-18 and Harrier GR7 and GR9 aircraft. Platform expansion continues with the B-52, Tornado, Typhoon, unmanned aerial vehicles and additional aircraft. Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 136,000 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. Contacts: Heather Kelly, (407) 356-5351 e-mail heather.kelly@lmco.com For additional information, visit our website: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/mfc

DTN News: Alternate Lockheed F-35 Lightning II Engine Receives Funding

DTN News: Alternate Lockheed F-35 Lightning II Engine Receives Funding
Source: DTN News / DailyTech
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - May 21, 2010: The F-35 Lighting II fighter jet will see further development of the F136 engine manufactured by GE/Rolls-Royce, as Pratt & Whitney has received criticism for its F135 development issues. Although it seemed like the matter was temporarily laid to rest, the House Armed Services Committee recently set aside additional funding in the 2011 budget for a second Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) engine. Some military officials and politicians have stepped forward to welcome the possibility of a secondary engine, noting it won't cost the government any more if a different alternative is developed. "Given the enormity of the JSF program, competing engines on the aircraft is the best way to put the acquisition reform act into action," said David Joyce, GE Aviation CEO. "With the growing concern over cost overruns in defense programs, competition continues to be the best cost-control mechanism." Defense Secretary Robert Gates believes President Barack Obama will veto any proposed defense authorizations related to funding the GE/Rolls-Royce engine. Furthermore, when Obama asks Gates and other senior military officials, they're prepared to eliminate any chances of additional funding for the GE/Rolls-Royce engine development. The U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps have had difficulties with the JSF -- along with the federal government -- as delays, budget issues, and other problems continue to arise. Gates and other military officials have said the JSF will be the future of the U.S. military's warplane arsenal, which is why it is still so widely supported. Despite the funding available now, Gates has warned Congress that the military budget must be kept in check moving forward.

DTN News: Pentagon Contract Announcement For Oshkosh Corporation

DTN News: Pentagon Contract Announcement For Oshkosh Corporation Source: U.S. DoD issued May 20, 2010 (NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - May 21, 2010: In accordance with Pentagon contract for Oshkosh Corporation., details are as undermentioned; ~Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on May 17 a $72,686,593 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 1,460 rocket propelled grenade kits, 45 prescribed loads lists and eight deprocessing spares for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicles. Work is to be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2012. Five bids were solicited with five bids received. TACOM, AMSCC-TAC-ADCA, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0111). The £600,000 Husky will be used by British Army patrols in Helmand province. But the Pentagon has now ordered another armoured off-roader, the Oshkosh M-ATV, which has a V-shaped hull designed to deflect explosions - and costs only £300,000, half as much as the Husky. The cost difference is partly due to the U.S. military buying 2,000 vehicles. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1199136/MoD-chiefs-blew-150m-wrong-trucks-Afghanistan.html#ixzz0oYhMWNTM OR http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1199136/MoD-chiefs-blew-150m-wrong-trucks-Afghanistan.html ~Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on May 17 a $68,914,367 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 509 explosively formed penetrator protection kits and 12 month of a field service representative in the continental U.S. for the M-ATV. Work is to be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2012. Five bids were solicited with five bids received. TACOM, AMSCC-TAC-ADCA, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0111).