DTN News: Russian State Arms Exporter Sees Contracts Worth $38 Billion In 2010

DTN News: Russian State Arms Exporter Sees Contracts Worth $38 Billion In 2010 Source: DTN News / Ria Novosti (NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW, Russia - July 20, 2010: Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport said on Friday its orders so far this year had exceeded $38 billion. It said aircraft and airborne weapon systems accounted for over 50% of all export orders. "Despite serious competition, demand grows from year to year," the company said in a press release. "Our cooperation is expanding with leading foreign manufacturers, especially on new joint projects and R&D programs." Rosoboronexport handles over 80% of Russian arms exports. Russia will showcase an array of warplanes at the Farnborough Air Show (FIA), one of the most preeminent global aviation events, to be held on July 19-25 near London. Russian products will include Su-35 Flanker and MiG-35 Fulcrum-F multirole fighters, the Su-32 fighter-bomber (an export version of the Su-34 Fullback aircraft) and MiG-29 Fulcrum combat aircraft.

DTN News: India In Talks To Buy Iron Dome, David's Sling

DTN News: India In Talks To Buy Iron Dome, David's Sling

Source: DTN News / Ynetnews.com By Stephen Arbib

(NSI News Source Info) JERUSALEM, Israel - July 20, 2010: Procurement of David's Sling or the Iron Dome would be a "pleasure". "Defense News" reports that India is in talks to buy Israel's ground-based rocket and missile interceptor systems Iron Dome and David's Sling. David's Sling, designed to intercept medium-range missiles (70-240 kilometers range), is being developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. and Raytheon Company. Indian Ministry of Defense sources told "Defense News" negotiations between the Israeli and Indian governments on a deal for David's Sling had been going on for more than six months. The sources added that Israel was open to sales of David's Sling, but that it would not transfer the system's technology as part of a deal. An Indian Ministry of Defense official said that neither its aging Russian-built air defense systems nor the PAD system can serve as the country' sole line of defense against potential missile threats from Pakistan or China. He said that the procurement of David's Sling or the Iron Dome would be a "pleasure".

DTN News: Israel To Deploy New Anti-Missile System In November

DTN News: Israel To Deploy New Anti-Missile System In November

Source: DTN News / AFP

(NSI News Source Info) JERUSALEM, Israel - July 20, 2010: Israel will deploy in November its anti-missile system designed to combat threats from the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, the defence ministry said on Monday.

"The Iron Dome interceptor, in conjunction with air force and anti-aircraft systems, successfully downed a large number of threats in fully operational mode," the ministry said in statement. "The first two batteries will become operational in November 2010," it said adding that "the defence ministry will soon place orders for additional batteries." The system is designed to intercept short-range rockets and artillery shells, of which Hamas and the Hezbollah have fired thousands at Israel in the past. The system is expected to be first deployed along the border of Hamas-run Gaza from where a daily barrage of home-made rockets fired at the Jewish state prompted Israel to launch a devastating 22-day offensive on December 27, 2008. It will then be deployed on Israel's border with Lebanon, where the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah fired some 4,000 rockets into northern Israel during a 2006 war. Israel believes Hezbollah now has an arsenal of some 40,000 rockets. Defence Minister Ehud Barak praised the developers for the short timeframe in which they had managed to make the system operational. "We will act to actively deploy the batteries in the field as soon as possible," he said in the statement. In May, US President Barack Obama asked Congress to approve giving Israel 205 million dollars to develop the system, on top of the billions of dollars in aid it gives Israel each year. The Iron Dome will join the Arrow long-range ballistic missile defence system in an ambitious multi-layered programme to protect Israeli cities from rockets and missiles fired from Lebanon, the Gaza Strip, Syria and Iran. A third system specifically aimed at countering medium-range missiles is still in development.

DTN News: "Deep concern" Over Ship Sinking: Asian Forum

DTN News: "Deep concern" Over Ship Sinking: Asian Forum

Source: DTN News / By Ian Timberlake (AFP)

(NSI News Source Info) HANOI, Vietnam - July 20, 2010: HANOI — Asia's largest security forum has "deep concern" over the sinking of a South Korean warship, according to a draft chairman's statement obtained on Monday. "The ministers expressed deep concern over the sinking of the Republic of Korea's naval ship, the Cheonan," says the draft prepared for foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum (ARF), which is to meet Friday in Hanoi. South Korea had said it wanted ARF to condemn North Korea for the torpedo attack which broke the corvette in two in March with the loss of 46 lives. Pyongyang vehemently denies involvement despite the findings of a multinational investigation, and said it was ready to retaliate if punished. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and foreign ministers of North and South Korea, Japan, Russia and China are among those expected at the meeting of the 27-member ARF. The ministers "called on all concerned parties to exercise self-restraint and resolve all disputes by peaceful means for the sake of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region," according to the draft. It said ARF ministers "expressed support for" the statement issued on July 9 by the United Nations Security Council. The UN voiced deep concern at the findings of the multinational investigation and condemned the Cheonan attack. But it did not apportion blame -- a result hailed by Pyongyang as a "great diplomatic victory". Permanent Security Council members China and Russia ensured the UN's statement was "very soft and indirect," contrary to what Washington and Seoul had urged, University of Sydney Korean studies lecturer Leonid Petrov said. In the draft ARF statement, ministers encouraged the parties to return to multilateral talks "with a view to achieving the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula for its lasting peace and stability." The draft was prepared by communist Vietnam, which will chair the ARF meeting. Vietnam has major business links with South Korea but sees the North as an ideological ally. After the UN's statement, nuclear-armed North Korea said it was willing in principle to return to the "Six-Party" disarmament talks which it abandoned last year. The talks involved China, Japan, the two Koreas, Russia and the US. Kurt Campbell, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia, said Pyongyang would have to demonstrate a commitment to change its "provocative ways" before dialogue would start. North Korea can be expected to make more efforts at the ARF to "mend bridges" with Washington and perhaps Seoul, while believing it can "continue extorting concessions and aid," Petrov said. "But it's not going to lead anywhere unless North Korea undertakes a major reform. Pyongyang doesn't understand this," he said. A US aircraft carrier and three destroyers will visit South Korea this week ahead of a naval exercise to deter North Korea following the Cheonan sinking, officials said Monday. Clinton and US Defense Secretary Robert Gates will hold talks with their counterparts in Seoul on Wednesday, in a show of solidarity after the sinking.

DTN News: Boeing, GECAS Announce Order For 40 Next-Generation 737-800s

DTN News: Boeing, GECAS Announce Order For 40 Next-Generation 737-800s

Source: DTN News / Boeing

(NSI News Source Info) FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, - July 19, 2010: Boeing (NYSE: BA) and GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), the commercial aircraft leasing and financing arm of General Electric (NYSE: GE), today announced an order for 40 Next-Generation 737-800s. The order is valued at approximately $3 billion at average list prices. "We are pleased to announce this Boeing order and the further growth of our fleet," said Norman C.T. Liu, president and CEO of GECAS. "Over the years, GECAS has successfully leased many 737s to airlines around the world." "Today's announcement with GECAS reaffirms the Boeing Next-Generation 737 as a highly successful asset, both in operation with airlines as well as in the financial community," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "GECAS has more than 300 Next-Generation 737s in its fleet with another 105 to be delivered to lessees, including today's announcement." Ideal for the leasing market, the Next-Generation 737 offers lessors the widest choice of customers to place the airplane and the best residual value retention of any airplane. GECAS' continuing acquisition of new 737s reflects solid demand for rapid addition of new airplanes by customers throughout the world. With its 737 family of single-aisle airplanes and extensive support capabilities, Boeing excels in meeting the needs of every type of customer, from all parts of the world and every type of business model. This makes the Next-Generation 737 the ideal choice for lessors, who have a wide range of customers requesting the airplane, and for their leasing customers who have confidence in an airplane that delivers on its promises and trust in the manufacturer with the most extensive operational support infrastructure in the world. Voted by readers of Executive Travel Magazine the favorite single-aisle airplane of the most frequent travelers, the 737 is the preferred means of travel among passengers targeted by potential leasing customers. Together with its legendary track record in holding residual value, this proven passenger preference means that the 737 offers the best means to establish secure, long-term leasing business. About GECAS GECAS, the U.S. and Irish commercial aircraft financing and leasing business of GE, has a fleet of over 1,800 owned and managed aircraft with approximately 245 airlines in over 75 countries. GECAS offers a wide range of aircraft types and financing options, including operating leases and secured debt financing, and also provides productivity solutions including spare engine leasing, spare parts financing and management. GECAS, a unit of GE Capital, has offices in 23 cities around the world. http://www.ge.com.

Boeing Contacts:

Andrew Davis

Farnborough

+44 7827-240-093

Andrew.davis2@boeing.com Jim Condelles

SeattleInternational Communications

+1 206-766-2924 Vicki Ray

737 Communications

+1 425-965-9382 GECAS Contact:

Dan Whitney

GECAS Communications

+1 203-585-2268 For more news about Boeing from the Farnborough International Airshow, go to: http://www.boeing.com/farnborough2010/

DTN News: Boeing Delivers Final C-130 Avionics Modernization Program Test Aircraft

DTN News: Boeing Delivers Final C-130 Avionics Modernization Program Test Aircraft

Source: DTN News / Boeing

(NSI News Source Info) SAN ANTONIO, - July 19, 2010: Boeing [NYSE: BA] on June 30 delivered the last of three test aircraft for the U.S. Air Force C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) system design and development contract. Boeing made the final delivery one week ahead of schedule after the aircraft completed a successful functional check flight on June 25. The test aircraft was flown by a joint Boeing and Air Force crew from the Boeing facility in San Antonio to Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., where it will be prepared for programmed depot maintenance. The two other C-130 AMP test aircraft are on their way to Robins Air Force Base, Ga., for programmed depot maintenance. "C-130 AMP is now ready to transition to low-rate initial production [LRIP]," said Mahesh Reddy, C-130 AMP director for Boeing. "This is a significant development for Boeing and the Air Force, as it is the most comprehensive avionics upgrade for the C-130 in its 50 years of Air Force service." C-130 AMP improvements include a fully integrated, night-vision-goggle compatible, digital glass cockpit and new digital avionics that increase situational awareness and enhance safety. The AMP upgrade also brings avionics commonality to the C-130 fleet and flexibility in assigning aircrew, regardless of aircraft model. A total of 20 AMP kits will be installed during LRIP. 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.

DTN News: Sikorsky And Lockheed Martin Team To Jointly Pursue U.S. Air Force’s HH-60 Recap Helicopter Program

DTN News: Sikorsky And Lockheed Martin Team To Jointly Pursue U.S. Air Force’s HH-60 Recap Helicopter Program

Source: DTN News / Sikorsky

(NSI News Source Info) STRATFORD, Connecticut - July 19, 2010: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), and Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:LMT) will compete jointly for the contract to replace the U.S. Air Force’s fleet of combat search and rescue helicopters. The two companies signed a teaming agreement formalizing their intent to offer an advanced version of Sikorsky’s UH-60M BLACK HAWK helicopter for the Air Force’s HH-60 Personnel Recovery Recapitalization program (HH-60 Recap). The agreement positions Sikorsky as prime contractor, with Lockheed Martin as the major subsystems supplier. The HH-60 Recap program seeks to replace the 112 existing HH-60G PAVE HAWKTM helicopter fleet with an equal number of new aircraft requiring minimum airframe modification or mission systems development. The initial operational capability of eight aircraft — four trainers and four mission-ready aircraft, plus test aircraft — is expected in fiscal year 2015. “Our team has the resources and experience to rapidly deliver the proven UH-60M airframe design with mature situational awareness sensors and mission systems,” said Scott Starrett, president of Sikorsky Military Systems. “We believe a UH-60M aircraft missionized for the complexities of the combat search and rescue mission will fit seamlessly into established Air Force training and logistics operations, thus providing a fiscally responsible and reliable platform for rescue operations.” Sikorsky submitted a response to the U.S. Air Force’s HH-60 Recap request for information on April 23. The document details how the UH-60M helicopter would be manufactured and integrated as a low-risk, off-the-shelf solution for the combat search and rescue mission. Operational with the U.S. Army (including as a medevac helicopter in the HH-60M configuration), the UH-60M features a strengthened airframe, wider rotor blades and more powerful engines than earlier-design BLACK HAWK helicopters. Sikorsky has delivered 200 ‘M’ model helicopters to the U.S. Army since 2005. Lockheed Martin has provided integrated avionics and mission systems for other H-60 aircraft, including U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force special operations helicopters, and Air Force combat rescue helicopters. Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin also have a well established working relationship over 38 years, delivering more than 400 SH-60B and MH-60R/S mission-ready aircraft to the U.S. Navy. “Lockheed Martin has 25 years of experience integrating mission systems for special operations and combat rescue helicopters,” said Dan Spoor, Aviation Systems vice president at Lockheed Martin Mission Systems & Sensors in Owego, N.Y. “We also can bring to the HH-60 Recap program the mature systems and readiness from our work on the prior CSAR-X competition.” In April, the companies announced a teaming agreement to compete jointly for the U.S. Navy’s revived VXX Presidential Helicopter program. The companies will share facilities, experience and engineering talent for both opportunities. 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. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries. This press release contains forward looking statements regarding the HH-60 Helicopter Recap program that involve uncertainties and could change, such as future government funding allocations, changes in government procurement priorities and challenges in developing and servicing new technologies. Such uncertainties could affect investment decisions and outcomes.

Media Contact:

Paul Jackson, (203) 386-7143; email: paul.jackson@sikorsky.com

Alex Wildfong, (703) 334-1350; e-mail: alexandra.wildfong@lmco.com For additional information, visit our web site:

http://www.sikorsky.com

http://www.lockheedmartin.com/ms2

DTN News: Afghanistan TODAY July 19, 2010 - Afghan Militants Dismiss New Peace Offer

DTN News: Afghanistan TODAY July 19, 2010 - Afghan Militants Dismiss New Peace Offer

Source: DTN News - this article / report compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources including Sky News

(NSI News Source Info) KABUL, Afghanistan - July 19, 2010: On the eve of an international conference in Kabul on the future of Afghanistan, militant leaders have told Sky News "we will not surrender".

The conference, expected to be attended by representatives from 60 countries, comes as security is tightened across the capital after a suicide bomber struck. Just before noon on Sunday, a suicide bomber attacked a market killing three civilians and wounding dozens. Thousands of Afghan soldiers and police are now being deployed to secure the capital for the one-day meeting. One of the key issues in the conference will be the merits of negotiating with the Taliban and the other insurgent groups fighting coalition forces there. Sky's Alex Crawford met one of those militant groups known as Hezb-e-Islami in eastern Afghanistan. The fighters rely on farming poppies for opium to help fund their fight against Nato and the International Security Assistance Force. The militants Crawford met dismissed Afghan President Hamid Karzai's offer of money and land for peace, saying "we can't be bought". They told her that for them the only peaceful resolution to the war would be the retreat of foreign forces from Afghanistan.

Related content *Video: Afghan Militants Dismiss Govt Offer For Peace

DTN News: GKN Wins $600 Million Engine Deals, A350 Contract

DTN News: GKN Wins $600 Million Engine Deals, A350 Contract

Source: DTN News / Reuters

(NSI News Source Info) FARNBOROUGH, England, - July 19, 2010: England, July 19 (Reuters) - British airplane parts maker GKN (GKN.L) has won contracts to make components for Rolls-Royce (RR.L) and General Electric (GE.N) aircraft engines and parts for Airbus' new 350 XWB plane. Under a deal worth $300 million to GKN, the company will make tail bearings for Rolls' Trent 700 and 1000 model engines at its El Cajon facility in California until 2020. GKN also said it had signed a five-year deal worth $300 million with GE Aviation to supply aluminum and titanium components for a range of commercial and military aircraft engines. The company added that it won two contracts to make composite parts for the landing flaps of the wings for EADS (EAD.PA)-owned Airbus' new wide-body A350 XWB plane. GKN, which declined to give a value for the Airbus deal, said it would deliver the first components for the XWB's developmental flaps in early 2011.

(Reporting by Rhys Jones; Editing by Steve Orlofsky)

DTN News: Bombardier Likely To Unveil C-Series Order - Source

DTN News: Bombardier Likely To Unveil C-Series Order - Source

Source: DTN News / Reuters

(NSI News Source Info) FARNBOROUGH, England, - July 19, 2010: Canada's Bombardier (BBDb.TO) is likely to announce at least one order for its new C-Series plane at the Farnborough Airshow this week, a source familiar with the project told Reuters on Sunday. The move could put pressure on Boeing (BA.N) and Airbus (EAD.PA) to upgrade their own narrow-body airplanes, the source said, asking not to be identified. "There is serious interest in the airplane," said the source, who has direct knowledge of the program. There has been speculation that airlines such as Qatar Airways may place an order for the new 110-130 seat Bombardier jet, which aims to compete with Airbus and Boeing at the lower end of their 110-185 seat short- and medium-haul passenger jets. "We are talking to many customers about C-Series. We are in no position to confirm any new orders for C-Series ... simply because it hasn't happened," said John Arnone, a spokesman for Bombardier Commercial Airplanes. Qatar Airways has called a news conference immediately after Bombardier on Monday, but has not disclosed the subject. The airline is also an active buyer of other aircraft. Asked if Bombardier could make any big announcements at the biennial air show this week, the source said, "That is certainly a strong possibility." Bombardier has secured orders for 90 of the C-Series planes, which sell for around $50 million to $77 million at list prices, as well as 90 options. Arnone added Bombardier has more than 60 active "campaigns," or ongoing talks with potential customers.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal-Esa and Kyle Peterson, Editing by Maureen Bavdek)

DTN News: Boeing 787 Dreamliner Makes First Overseas Landing

DTN News: Boeing 787 Dreamliner Makes First Overseas Landing

* Plane does "tilt and wave" flyover before landing * Carried live on British TV at the touchdown * Major talking point for the week's Airshow

Source: DTN News / Boeing & Reuters By Kyle Peterson

(NSI News Source Info) FARNBOROUGH, England - July 19, 2010: Boeing Co's new 787 Dreamliner touched down in Britain on Sunday on its first trip outside the United States, thrilling hordes of eager planespotters who came out to see the breakthrough carbon-composite plane. A media circus ensued as Boeing executives, including CEO Jim McNerney, emerged smiling from the plane, though McNerney did not actually fly to England with the plane, instead getting on board after landing. Social media was active with blow-by-blow coverage of the arrival, pointing to the intense interest in the plane not only within the business but also in the flight-enthusiast community. The 787 is expected to take the spotlight at next week's Farnborough Airshow. Last-minute technical issues had raised fears in recent weeks that the plane might not make its long-anticipated trip to the show, but the plane arrived doing a flyover with a "tilt and wave" before landing. Boeing executives have said they aim to deliver the first Dreamliner to Japan's All Nippon Airways by the end of 2010, but they have cautioned that the delivery could be delayed to early 2011. Speaking to reporters later in London, Jim Albaugh, chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, reiterated that caution, saying Boeing still hopes to achieve its year-end goal but deliveries could move to next year. GO FLYING Speaking after landing the plane, test pilot Mike Bryan told reporters that landing on Farnborough's "short" runway after the nine-hour flight reminded him of his time landing on aircraft carriers in the Navy. But he was full of praise for the plane, which he flew from Seattle with 16 crew and a full compliment of flight-testing systems. "One thing I can say right now is we could literally put fuel in it and passengers could go flying in it," he said. The plane he flew -- Dreamliner No. 3 -- will never see regular passenger service, though. It is one of three test planes strictly for that purpose. The next three test planes to be built, however, are expected to eventually be sold. The aircraft promises greater fuel efficiency and its lightweight materials and innovative design have captured the imagination of the industry. Yet flight testing has been going more slowly than expected after the twin-engined passenger plane made an inaugural flight last December -- which itself was the subject of frenetic global media coverage. Deliveries of the long-range passenger jet to the first Japanese customer have been delayed by more than two years due to production problems.

The Boeing (NYSE: BA) 787 Dreamliner made its international debut landing at the Farnborough Airport at 9:09 a.m. (local time) in support of the Farnborough International Airshow that begins Monday. "It's an honor to showcase the 787 here at the Farnborough Airshow," said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "I can't think of a finer stage on which to present this highly anticipated airplane." This is the first international trip made by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The airplane came via nonstop flight to Farnborough, U.K., from Seattle. "We took advantage of the flying time to conduct some flight testing on the way," Fancher said. "We're taking every opportunity to complete our testing requirements when we fly."

The third Boeing [NYSE:BA] 787 Dreamliner, ZA003, made its international debut today landing in the UK in time for the opening of the Farnborough International Airshow.

The airplane will be on static display for two days and fly home as the final pass of Tuesday’s flying display. ZA003 features a flight-test interior, including seats and lavatories in addition to the flight test equipment required to monitor the performance of the airplane during operations. The 787 offers many unique passenger amenities including dimmable window shades, larger windows, bigger overhead baggage bins, cleaner air and higher cabin humidity. The combined effect is a better flying experience for passengers. (Writing by Ben Berkowitz, Editing by Jeremy Laurence and David Holmes)