Friday, August 20, 2010

DTN News: Lockheed Martin Awarded Contract Modification To Provide Sustainment For F-22

DTN News: Lockheed Martin Awarded Contract Modification To Provide Sustainment For F-22 Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources including U.S. DoD issued August 20, 2010 - No. 746-10 & Air Power Australia
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - August 21, 2010: Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded a $111,386,931 contract modification to provide sustainment for the F-22 program for calendar year 2010.
At this time, $241,645,563 has been obligated. ASC/WWUK,Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting agency (FA8611-08-C-2897 P00049) .
Why America Needs More F-22 Raptors
*Survival In Combat Against Modern Weapons
Proliferation of Advanced High Technology Missiles and Aircraft Since the end of the Cold War, the Russian and Chinese defence industries have absorbed most of the advanced technology in the globalised market. The most recent generation of radars, Surface to Air Missiles and fighter aircraft they have developed can produce air defence systems which are completely impenetrable to all United States combat aircraft other than the F-22A Raptor and B-2A Spirit. The new stealthy Sukhoi PAK-FA directly challenges the F-22A Raptor. The result of this is that the United States will lose access to many theatres of operation on the global stage, as these new weapons proliferate, unless the United States deploys ~700 F-22A Raptors - the number originally planned for in the first place.
*There Are NO Alternatives to the F-22 Raptor The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is NOT a Substitute for the F-22 Raptor The widely held view in Western bureaucratic circles, that the F-22 and F-35 are interchangeable aircraft, is not true and can never be true. The F-22 provides close to three times the capability of the F-35 at a similar unit procurement cost. The F-35 lacks the performance of the F-22, the survivability of the F-22, the firepower of the F-22, and the deployability of the F-22. The limitations of the F-35 are inherent in its basic design and cannot be fixed by design modifications or upgrades. Poorly defined basic specifications for the F-35 and inadequate prototyping have resulted in an expensive aircraft which cannot be used in combat situations other than benign, requires support by a lot of F-22 Raptors and aerial tankers, and requires long concrete runways for overseas deployments.
*Legacy Fighters Are No Longer Viable Decline of the Legacy US Fighter Fleet of F-15s, F-16s and F/A-18s Most of the legacy US fighter fleet was built during the late Cold War period, and was designed during the 1970-1980s. Not only are these aircraft no longer able to survive against modern Russian designed fighter and air defence technology, but the F-15C, F-16A-D and F/A-18A-D air combat fighters are increasingly suffering from airframe structural fatigue life exhaustion. Much of the F-15C fleet has also suffered from manufacturing defects in their structure, further shortening the life of these fighters. The F-117A Nighthawk stealth fighter fleet was recently retired altogether. Unless the United States industry manufactures a significant number of new and survivable fighters over the next decade, we will observe a large reduction in United States fighter fleet sizes. Of all of the fighters currently being produced in the United States, only the F-22 provides a good return on investment.
*Without sufficient numbers of F-22 Raptors the United States military will soon lose the conventional strategic advantage it has enjoyed since 1945.
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DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated August 20, 2010

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

CONTRACTS

MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY

Harlan Lee & Associates, LLC, Falls Church, Va. (HQ0147-10-D-0030); PeopleTec, Inc., Huntsville, Ala. (HQ0147-10-D-0031); and Total Solutions, Inc., Huntsville, Ala. (HQ0147-10-D-0032) are each being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide advisory and assistance services to the Chief of Staff Directorate, Human Resources Directorate, and Public Affairs at the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). The contractors will assist in providing support services in support of the Ballistic Missile Defense System. Each contract has a not to exceed ordering ceiling of $195,700,000. The companies will have the opportunity to bid on each individual task order. Work under these contracts will be performed in Alaska, Alabama, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Virginia. The performance period is through August 2015. These contracts are being competitively awarded under the Small Business Set-Aside Request for Proposal HQ0147-09-R-0001. Obligations will be made by task orders using research, development, test and evaluation funds. This procurement is managed by the MDA Engineering and Support Services Program Office.

AIR FORCE

Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded a $111,386,931 contract modification to provide sustainment for the F-22 program for calendar year 2010. At this time, $241,645,563 has been obligated. ASC/WWUK,Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting agency (FA8611-08-C-2897 P00049) .

Jacobs Technology, Inc., Tullahoma, Tenn., was awarded a $103,319,031 contract modification which will provide technical, engineering and acquisition support at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and its other tenant units. At this time, no money has been obligated. AAC/PKES, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA9200-07-C-0006; P00042).

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Electronic Systems, Baltimore, Md., was awarded a $9,759,108 contract which will replace narrow band klystron power amplifiers with wide band klystron power amplifiers for the Saudi Arabia and French Airborne Warning and Control System fleets. At this time, the total amount has been obligated. ESC/HBSKI, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (FA8704-10-C-0007).

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., Herndon, Va., was awarded a $9,411,140 contract to provide development planning for aeronautical systems for survivable and lethal capabilities. At this time, $2,496,992 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1830).

Battelle Memorial Institute , Columbus, Ohio, was awarded an estimated $6,338,396 contract to enhance, expand and assess selected components of the Pentagon Shield System to include the high fidelity Pentagon model and staff emergency egress models. At this time, $1,893,300 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-00-D-3180; Delivery Order 0662) .

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, Portsmouth, R.I., is being awarded a maximum $56,000,000 firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract for sonar equipment. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Navy. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is March 31, 2014. The Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPRPA1-09-G-001Y-5008).

Sea Box, Inc.*, Riverton, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $15,977,058 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for shipping and storage containers. Other location of performance is New Jersey. Using service is Army. There were originally two proposals solicited with two responses. The date of performance completion is Aug. 19, 2011. The Defense Logistics Agency Land, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (SPRDL1-10-D-0043).

Charleston Marine Containers, Inc., Charleston, S.C. is being awarded a maximum $15,977,058 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for shipping and storage containers. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There were originally two proposals solicited with two responses. The date of performance completion is Aug. 19, 2011. The Defense Logistics Agency Land, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (SPRDL1-10-D-0044).

NAVY

EDO Communications & Countermeasures Systems, wholly owned by ITT Force Protection Systems, Thousand Oaks, Calif., is being awarded a $17,714,358 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00024-07-C-6311) to exercise options for the production and support of 260 Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) Electronic Warfare (CREW) 2.1 systems with the Band C Engineering Change Proposal upgrade to meet urgent Department of Defense requirements in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. CREW 2.1 systems are vehicle mounted electronic jammers designed to prevent the initiation of RCIED. This contract is for the urgent procurement and support of CREW systems to be used by forces in each of the military services of the Central Command Area of Responsibility. Work will be performed in Thousand Oaks, Calif., and is expected to be completed by April 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $4,708,500 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Old Veteran Construction, Incorporated*, Chicago, Ill., is being awarded an $8,846,417 firm-fixed-price contract for the repair and renovation of Bachelor Enlisted Quarter Building Numbers 633 and 634 at Naval Station , Great Lakes, Ill. Work will be performed in Great Lakes, Ill, and is expected to be completed by March 2012. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured as an 8(a) set-aside via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with 13 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Midwest, Great Lakes, Ill., is the contracting activity (N40083-10-C-0018).

Clark/Balfour Beatty Joint Venture, Bethesda, Md., is being awarded a $6,809,293 firm-fixed price modification to increase the maximum dollar value of a previously awarded firm-fixed price contract (N40080-08-C-0007) for the renovation of Plastic Surgery and Hospital Dentistry Departments at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda. The work to be performed includes major and minor demolition of the existing Ears Nose & Throat Department and the existing Hospital Dentistry Department. Upon demolitions, the new Plastic Surgery & Hospital Dentistry Departments will be constructed. After award of this modification, the total cumulative contract value will be $688,745,865. Work will be performed in Bethesda, Md., and is expected to be completed by Jul. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Officer in Charge of Construction, Bethesda, Md., is the contracting activity.

*Small business

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DTN News: Aerospace/Defense Headlines - News Dated August 20, 2010

DTN News: Aerospace/Defense Headlines - News Dated August 20, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 20, 2010: Comprehensive daily news related on Aerospace/Defense for the world of TODAY.
*Comprehensive daily news related on Aerospace/Defense for the world of TODAY.

Friday August 20, 2010

Thursday August 19, 2010
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DTN News: Lockheed Martin Delivers First Two Upgraded Light Armored Vehicle Command And Control Platforms

DTN News: Lockheed Martin Delivers First Two Upgraded Light Armored Vehicle Command And Control Platforms
Source: DTN News / Lockheed Martin
(NSI News Source Info) OWEGO, NY,- August 20, 2010: Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has delivered the first two of 52 upgraded Command and Control variants of the Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) to the U.S. Marine Corps. The upgraded platforms were signed over to the customer in an acceptance ceremony on August 10. The upgraded LAV Command and Control (C2) variant is a mobile command center providing advanced communication capabilities to Marines in the field, improving their battlefield knowledge and situational awareness. “This highly integrated vehicle incorporates proven technology to give Marines a technically advanced capability that’s also low risk and affordable,” said Steve Ramsey, vice president of Ground Vehicles at Lockheed Martin. “While we are obviously pleased by meeting the first delivery milestone, we’re much more proud of the teamwork we’ve established with our Marine Corps customer. The power of this relationship fuels Lockheed Martin’s focus on mission success.” The contract to produce 52 upgraded LAV C2 platforms was awarded to Lockheed Martin in December 2009. The legacy LAV C2 platforms are provided to Lockheed Martin by the U.S. Marine Corps. Equipment integrated by Lockheed Martin includes an advanced communications suite, improved automated workstations and command systems. Production is currently planned to be completed over the next two years. 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’s 2009 sales from continuing operations were $44.5 billion.
Contact;
Craig Vanbebber, (972) 603-1615
e-mail craig.vanbebber@lmco.com For additional information, visit our website:
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DTN News: Why Pakistan Cannot Have Predators

DTN News: Why Pakistan Cannot Have Predators
Source: Strategy Page
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 20, 2010: For years, Pakistan has pressured the U.S. to sell (or give) them Predator UAVs. The Americans refused, at first quietly, but now openly. The U.S. has offered three units of the smaller (160 kg) Shadow 200 models. These are widely used by the U.S. Army, but are not large enough to carry 45 kg Hellfire missiles, like the one ton Predator does. The U.S. doesn't want Pakistan to have Predator/Hellfire partly to keep the technology away from China, partly to keep the systems from being used to kill tribal leaders the U.S. does not consider hostile. The U.S. also fears Pakistan would use Predators used against India. Above all, these UAVs are in big demand by American and NATO forces, who have priority. The Pakistanis are also prone to corruption, and giving them missile armed Predators would encourage Taliban and tribal leaders to offer money, or cooperation, to avoid a Hellfire missile. You can't bribe the Americans, which is what really annoys many Pakistanis. What also annoys Pakistanis is the Americans constantly pointing out that Islamic terrorists are killing far more Pakistanis than the Indian armed forces, and the two countries have not fought a way for over 30 years. Yet Pakistan still keeps most of its security forces aimed at India, while India pays more attention to the Chinese threat. Pakistan has another problem in that the most prolific exporter of world class UAVs, Israel, is one nation Pakistan officially hates and cannot do business with. The only other supplier of first rate UAVs is the United States. Some European nations are developing first rate UAVs, but these are not available yet. Each RQ-7B Shadow 200 UAV unit requires 20-30 troops to operate and maintain four UAVs and the ground control equipment. Typically, each combat brigade has one Shadow UAV system. Export customers pay about $16 million for each RQ-7B system, and this includes spare parts, technical assistance and training. The Shadow 200 UAVs cost $500,000 each, and can stay in the air six hours per sortie. A day camera and night vision camera is carried on each aircraft. Able to fly as high as 4,900 meters/15,000 feet, the Shadow can thus go into hostile territory and stay high enough (over 3,200 meters/10,000 feet) to be safe from hostile rifle and machine-gun fire. In Iraq and Afghanistan, most Shadow missions were at a lower altitude, and often over a city or town. Brigade and battalion commanders can then get a constant top down view of what's happening down below. Although this sort of thing is technically possible with a commander in a helicopter overhead, the helicopter attracts too much enemy fire to make this practical for any length of time, and are much more expensive to operate. The Shadow UAV, however, can fly high enough in day time to be safe from enemy fire. A night, the Shadow can come down lower because they are difficult to spot in the dark. Meanwhile, the U.S. has also offered Pakistan the smaller ScanEagle UAV, which has a longer endurance. The ScanEagle UAV weighs 18 kg (40 pounds), has a ten foot (three meter) wingspan and uses a new video technology (PixonVision), that provides greater resolution than other video cameras. The ScanEagle can stay in the air for up to 15 hours per flight, and fly as high as 5,200 meters (16,000 feet). The aircraft carries an optical system that is stabilized to keep the cameras focused on an object while the UAV moves. The UAV can operate at least a hundred kilometers from the controller. The ScanEagle is launched from a catapult and landed via a wing hook that catches a rope hanging from a fifty foot pole. Each ScanEagle costs about $100,000, and is widely used by commercial fishing, ocean survey and research ships.
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com 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.
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DTN News: India's FMBT (Future Main Battle Tank) - Son Of Arjun Frightens Indians

DTN News: India's FMBT (Future Main Battle Tank) - Son Of Arjun Frightens Indians
Source: Strategy Page
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 20, 2010: India has begun working on its next generation battle tank. Called the FMBT (Future Main Battle Tank), this vehicle aims to build on the success of the last Indian designed tank, the Arjun. This worries many Indian taxpayers, and soldiers. That's because the government recently ordered another 124 Arjuns. That came about because recent competitive tests between the Indian designed Arjun and Russian T-90 tank resulted in an unexpected victory by the Arjun. The Indian Army was compelled (by pro-Arjun politicians) to conduct a field test between the domestically designed (and largely rejected) Arjun tank, and the Russian T-90 (now considered the army's primary tank). Fourteen of each tank were used, and the results were classified. But journalists had no trouble getting unofficial reports that the Arjun managed to best the T-90 in tests of mobility, endurance and gunnery. This was unusual because, until now, the Arjun was considered an expensive and embarrassing failure. Development of the Arjun began in the 1980s, and until four years ago, the army had received only five of them, for evaluation purposes. The evaluation did not go well. Originally, the Arjun was to have replaced thousands of Russian tanks, but after so many delays, the army only reluctantly accepted 128 Arjuns (equipping the 140th Armored Brigade). The new test reports resulted in renewed pressure on the army to buy more Arjuns. This pitted the Defense Ministry weapons development and procurement bureaucrats against the generals. The bureaucrats won this one. But the battle continues. That's because the recent tests assume that the Arjun has really fixed all the problems it was having with its electronics. In this case, it was the fire control system. But Arjun has also had problems with its engine, and that fact that its size and weight prevents it from being used with current tank transporters. Thus the FMBT is to be lighter (50 tons) and based on what works in the Arjun and other modern tanks. The FMBT is expected to replace older Russian tanks. Meanwhile, last year, an Indian factory delivered the first ten (of a thousand) T-90 tanks to the Indian Army. The Russian designed armored vehicles are being built in India under license. Many of the components are Indian made, and some of the electronics are imported from Western suppliers. The Indian-made T-90s cost about $3 million each. India has already bought 700 Russian made T-90 tanks, at a cost of $3.5 million each. The FMBT is expected to cost over $5 million each. The high price is due to a lot of high tech. This includes an active defense system to defeat anti-tank missiles, a much more powerful engine, lots of electronics and a hermetically sealed crew department to provide protection against chemical weapons and radiation. All this stuff is tricky to develop, just the sort of thing DRDO excels as screwing up. This is mostly the fault of the DRDO bureaucrats, who are not very good at using all the technical and manufacturing talent India has. Four years ago, India adopted the Russian T-90 as its new main battle tank. By 2020, India will have 2,000 upgraded T-72s, over 1,500 T-90s, and few hundred other tanks (including a few Arjuns). This will be the most powerful armored force in Eurasia, unless China moves ahead with upgrades to its tank force. The border between China and India is high in the Himalayan mountains, which is not good tank country. India's tank force is mainly for use against Pakistan. The T-90 is a highly evolved T-72. Originally, the T-90 was done as a fall-back design. The T-80 was supposed to be the successor to the T-72. But like the T-62 and T-64 before it, the T-80 didn't quite work out as planned. So the T-72, with a much improved turret and all manner of gadgets, was trotted out as the T-90. Weighting 47 tons, it's 23 feet long, 11 feet wide and 7.5 feet high. Same package, better contents. And with well trained crews, it can be deadly. The Arjun is a larger vehicle (59 tons, 34.9 feet long and 12.7 feet wide). The FMBT will probably be more similar in size to the T-90. Indian armor experts, both military and civilian, are hoping the FMBT is based more on the T-90 than the Arjun. But the most worrisome aspect of the FMBT project is DRDO (Defense R&D Organization), which also developed Arjun. It's feared that the DRDO wonks have not learned from the many errors made with the Arjun. Journalists are digging to find out how legitimate the field tests between the T-90 and Arjun were. It's feared the competition was fixed, something that is not unknown in Indian defense matters. While military procurement is political in all countries, India has had more than its share of problems here. The hope is that the FMBT will not be another DRDO disaster.
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com
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.
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DTN News: Oshkosh Defense Demonstrates Advanced Vehicles and Technologies at U.S. National Guard Conference

DTN News: Oshkosh Defense Demonstrates Advanced Vehicles and Technologies at U.S. National Guard Conference
Source: DTN News / Oshkosh Corporation
(NSI News Source Info) OSHKOSH, Wis. - August 20, 2010: Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), is supporting the U.S. National Guard’s broad mission with a diverse demonstration of technologies and vehicles at the 132nd National Guard Association of the United States’ (NGAUS) 2010 General Conference and Exhibition at the Austin Convention Center, Austin, Texas. The company will exhibit a U.S. Army Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) dump truck variant, a Pierce Manufacturing Inc. mobile command vehicle and a SandCat™ Tactical Protector Vehicle. “It is important that the men and women serving in the National Guard have modern, highly protected dual-use systems to support their combat missions, national security operations, disaster relief and a variety of other deployments,” said Mike Ivy, Oshkosh Defense vice president and general manager, Army Programs. “Our advanced vehicle platforms give the National Guard the tactical capabilities they need, whether they’re serving on the frontlines overseas or conducting missions at home.” Oshkosh also provides comprehensive, world-class vehicle training to National Guard units through the Oshkosh Product Training Center. Certified Oshkosh instructors train National Guard members in operation, vehicle maintenance and repairs. Training is offered at Oshkosh’s Wisconsin campus or via mobile training teams at unit bases across the U.S. and abroad. “Mobile training has proven very successful as it allows National Guard soldiers to train according to their units’ schedules – in a real-world environment with real-world constraints,” Ivy said. The FMTV 10-ton dump truck replaces obsolete and maintenance-intensive vehicles currently in the fleet. It can perform local and line haul, unit mobility, unit resupply and other missions in combat, combat-support and combat-service-support units. It is rapidly deployable worldwide and operates on primary and secondary roads, trails and cross-country terrain, in all environmental conditions. Pierce mobile command vehicles are used for a wide variety of applications, including incident command and consequence management. They are highly customized to meet specific customer requirements. A wide array of features include audio and video equipment such as multi-band radio interoperability, cell and satellite telephone capability, digital and infrared cameras, along with galleys and slideouts to maximize working space within the vehicle. Pierce is a division of Oshkosh Corporation and is North America’s leading fire and rescue apparatus manufacturer. The protected and highly maneuverable Oshkosh SandCat can be configured to fulfill a variety of roles in a vast array of missions. It is tailored to meet each operational environment to provide the perfect balance of mission performance, protection and payload. Oshkosh is exhibiting Aug. 21-23 in booth #1513 at the 132nd NGAUS General Conference & Exhibition in Austin, Texas. About Pierce Manufacturing
Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation [NYSE: OSK] company, is the leading North American manufacturer of custom fire apparatus. Products include custom and commercial pumpers, aerials, rescue trucks, wildland trucks, minipumpers, elliptical tankers, and homeland security apparatus. In addition, Pierce designs its own foam systems and was the first company to introduce frontal airbags and the Side Roll Protection system to fire apparatus. To learn more about Pierce, visit www.piercemfg.com 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 Corporation 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, visit 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 presentation, 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 projected decrease in M-ATV production rates; the cost of any warranty campaigns related to the Company’s products; the cyclical nature of the Company’s access equipment, commercial and fire & emergency markets, especially during periods of global economic weakness and tight credit markets; the duration of the ongoing global economic weakness, 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. DoD procurement of products and services and funding thereof; risks related to reductions in government expenditures in light of U.S. defense budget pressures and an uncertain DoD tactical wheeled vehicle strategy; the potential for the U.S. government to competitively bid the Company’s Army and Marine Corps contracts; the Company’s ability to start production under the FMTV contract at targeted margins; 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, 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, particularly in a future economic recovery; risks related to costs and charges as a result of facilities consolidation and alignment; risks associated with international operations and sales, including foreign currency fluctuations and compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act; risks related to disruptions in the Company’s distribution networks; 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. The Company disclaims any obligation to update such forward-looking statements. All operating results included in this press release reflect results from continuing operations only. The operating results of Geesink B.V., Geesink Norba Limited and Norba A.B., (collectively, Geesink), which comprised the Company’s former European RCV business, and of the Company’s former European fire apparatus business, BAI Brescia Antincendi International S.r.l. (BAI), have been reclassified for all periods presented to discontinued operations due to the Company’s sale of these businesses in July 2009 and October 2009, respectively.
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DTN News: Force Protection Receives $14.5 Million Award For Field Service Support

DTN News: Force Protection Receives $14.5 Million Award For Field Service Support
(NSI News Source Info) LADSON, SC - August 20, 2010: Force Protection Industries, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Force Protection Inc. (NASDAQ:FRPT), a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of survivability solutions and provider of total life cycle support for those products, today announced that it has received a firm fixed price modification to existing contract M67854-07-D-5031 with a total value of approximately $14.5 million for continuing Field Service Representative (“FSR”) support work and Standard Consumable Kits to support Operations at Vehicle Support Facility-Afghanistan and conduct general maintenance. All work under this modification is expected to be complete by July, 2011.
Randy Hutcherson, Chief Operating Officer for Force Protection Industries, Inc., said, “Maintaining the installed Cougar fleet of vehicles is very critical to current operations. We are proud of the performance of the vehicles in the field and appreciate the continued trust and confidence our customer places in us to perform vital field service support in Afghanistan.”
About Force Protection, Inc.
Force Protection, Inc. is a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of survivability solutions, including blast- and ballistic-protected wheeled vehicles currently deployed by the U.S. military and its allies to support armed forces and security personnel in conflict zones. The Company’s specialty vehicles, including the Buffalo, Cougar and related variants, are designed specifically for reconnaissance and urban operations and to protect their occupants from landmines, hostile fire, and improvised explosive devices (“IEDs”, commonly referred to as roadside bombs). Complementing these efforts, the Company is designing, developing and marketing new vehicle platforms (including the Ocelot & JAMMA) that provide increased modularity, speed, mobility and concealment with enhanced levels of blast- and ballistic-protection. The Company also develops, manufactures, tests, delivers and supports products and services aimed at further enhancing the survivability of users against additional threats. In addition, the Company provides long-term life cycle support services of its vehicles that involve development of technical data packages, supply of spares, field and depot maintenance activities, assignment of highly-skilled field service representatives, and advanced on and off-road driver and maintenance training programs. For more information on Force Protection and its products and services, visit http://www.forceprotection.net/.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward looking statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations. These statements are based on beliefs and assumptions of Force Protection’s management, and on information currently available to management. These forward looking statements include, among other things: the growth, demand and interest for Force Protection’s services and vehicles, including the Cougar; expectations for future modernization and service-related contracts for the Cougar; the benefits and suitability of the Cougar; the ability to meet current and future requirements; the Company’s execution of its business strategy and strategic transformation, including its opportunities to grow the business; and, the Company’s expected financial and operating results, including its revenues, cash flow and gross margins, for future periods. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Examples of these factors include, but are not limited to, ability to effectively manage the risks in the Company’s business; the ability to develop new technologies and products and the acceptance of these technologies and products; and, the other risk factors and cautionary statements listed in the Company’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risks set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and as updated in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010.
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DTN News: Israel TODAY August 20, 2010 - Israeli Defence Ministry No Plans To Upgrade F-16s

DTN News: Israel TODAY August 20, 2010 - Israeli Defence Ministry No Plans To Upgrade F-16s
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources including Flight Global
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 20, 2010: The Israeli defence ministry has decided, pending formal government approval, to purchase an initial 20 Lockheed Martin F-35 fighters. The $2.75 billion deal has been the subject of US-Israeli discussions over Israeli industrial co-operation and the extent to which the country will be allowed to install its own electronic warfare systems in the stealth fighter. A defence ministry source says: "We have the needed understanding with the Americans that allowed us to make the decision." For the Israeli air force, the key fighter procurement consideration is the replacement of older aircraft, and air force sources suggest that as the F-35 is the only option, further orders should be expected to follow the first 20. The sources emphasise that the exact number of new combat aircraft will be determined after the air force gets to know the operational capabilities of the F-35 in the Middle East arena. The original plan was to purchase 75 F-35s, but the number for the initial contract was lowered, because of budget problems and other urgent needs of the air force. One source stresses that the air force has got to maintain a "critical mass" in terms of fighter numbers, as its particular requirements demand the fulfilment of more missions per aircraft than any other air force. The source says that the air force is the "right size" and thus cannot foresee its number of aircraft shrinking under any budget limitations. The source further confirmed that there is no intention to upgrade the air force's Lockheed Martin F-16 A/Bs and that this will affect future procurement plans. The service operates 104 F-16 A/B and if these are phased out gradually in the coming years there will be a requirement for a replacement to keep the number of combat aircraft above the "red line".
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com
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DTN News: Taiwan TODAY August 20, 2010 - Fearing China, Taiwan Pleads For US Warplanes

DTN News: Taiwan TODAY August 20, 2010 - Fearing China, Taiwan Pleads For US Warplanes
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources including RTT News
(NSI News Source Info) TAIPEI, Taiwan - August 20, 2010: Taiwan has repeated its plea for advanced F-16 warplanes from the United States to defend itself -- apparently from a potential Chinese military threat -- in the wake of the latest Pentagon report on China's military might.
Receiving visiting U.S. Senator Roland Burris on Thursday, Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou requested the U.S. government to "cautiously consider selling F-16C/Ds to Taiwan as the balance of cross-Strait military power is tipping in China's favor.
"He justified his persistent appeals for American fighter planes saying that "Taiwan people's top concern is Taiwan's security."
In a report released on Monday, the U.S. Defense Department expressed concern over Beijing's expanding military capabilities directed at Taiwan, saying "the balance of cross-Strait military forces continues to shift in the mainland's favor."
The report drew protest from Chinese government over its "interfering nature, distortion of facts, and baseless speculations." The Chinese Defense Ministry condemned the Pentagon report, and clarified that its military "does not pose a threat to any nation." Responding to the report, Taiwan's Defense Ministry spokesman Yu Sy-Tue said China "has not renounced the use of force against Taiwan yet," and added that the "Ministry is aware of China's military build-up and its military drills." Pentagon's report on Chinese military, updated every year since 2000, is also submitted to the U.S. Congress. The report was published at a time of strained relations between the two countries. America's recent joint military drills with South Korea and Vietnam in the Yellow Sea added to the tensions in China-U.S. ties.
This is the second time within a fortnight that Taipei is pressing Washington for combat-aircraft.
Receiving a delegation from the U.S. Center for Strategic and International Studies earlier this month, Ma Ying-jeou said armament like the C/D versions of F-16 fighter jets are necessary "not to increase our attack power, but to replace outdated warplanes."
He added that while Taiwan-U.S. military cooperation was important to Taipei, equally important was the need to reduce tension in the Taiwan Strait. He reminded Washington to keep its commitment to sell arms under the Taiwan Relations Act.
Ma, who has been taking steps to reduce tension with China since he assumed power in May 2008, made it clear that Taipei was not interested in an arms race with its giant neighbor. At the same time, he repeatedly urged China to remove the missiles facing Taiwan as a condition for Taipei discussing a peace pact with Beijing, which turned a dumb ear to it.
In February, the East Asian island nation sought the supply of 66 advanced F-16C/Ds warplanes and submarines from the U.S. to replace the outdated models. The request is "still being evaluated" by the Obama administration.
China warned the United States to cancel arms sales to Taiwan or face severe consequences. Any action that helps strengthen Taiwanese administration annoys Beijing, which still considers it part of China and does not recognize its political independence.
On the other side, besides being actively engaged in voluminous trade with the U.S., Taiwan also relies on that country as a guarantor of its security against any attack from Communist China, which claims the democratically ruled island as its own under the "one China" policy.
China expedited modernization of its military in the 1990s, which consequently brought it among the world's biggest military spenders with an estimated $100 billion defense budget in 2009, second only to the United States.
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com
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