DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: The Bell AH-1 Super Cobra is The US Marines' Attack Helicopter

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: The Bell AH-1 Super Cobra is The US Marines' Attack Helicopter

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Bell Helicopter
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 10, 2014: The AH-1W Super Cobra is the US Marines' attack helicopter. It is supplied by Bell Helicopter Textron, and entered service in 1985.

As well as the US Marine Corps (USMC), the Super Cobra is operational with the Turkish Land Forces and the armed forces of Taiwan. The AH-1W was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003.

AH-1W Super Cobra orders and deliveries

Around 63 AH-1W helicopters were acquired by the Republic of China Army in 1990. As of January 2010, 59 helicopters were operational.

In 1990, the Turkish Army procured ten AH-1W Super Cobras. Six helicopters were operational as of July 2010. Two more AH-1W helicopters were delivered by the US in 2011 under a foreign military sales contract. About 167 AH-1W Super Cobra helicopters are being operated by the USMC.

The Republic of Korea Army obtained eight AH-1J Cobras in 1978 and three are in service as of January 2010.

The US Navy uses seven AH-1Ws for test and rating purposes on behalf of the USMC. The marine corps took delivery of three upgraded AH-1s from Bell in February 2008. Bell received a contract for 15 upgraded aircraft (11 UH-1Ys and four AH-1Zs) in September 2008 and delivered 20 upgraded H-1 helicopters (14 UH-1Ys and six AH-1Zs) in 2008.

The US Navy ordered 16 Lot 6 H-1 helicopters (five AH-1Zs and 11 UH-1Ys) in March 2009 totalling the entire contract to produce 65 upgraded H-1 aircraft (17 AH-1Zs and 48 UH-1Ys). Bell delivered six AH-1Zs and 17 UH-1Ys in March 2009.
In September 2008, NAVAIR (Naval Air Systems Command) ordered 46 AH-1Zs bringing its total orders to 226.

Super Cobra attack helicopter upgrade programme

A major upgrade of the Bell Super Cobra known as the H-1 programme is underway. The programme calls for the remanufacture of the US Marine Corps fleet of 180 AH-1W Super Cobra and 100 UH-1N utility helicopters to an advanced four-bladed configuration, which will operate to beyond 2020. An upgraded cockpit configuration allows easy co-pilot access to the night targeting system (NTS). These are also remanufactured with "zero-time" airframes comprising advanced technology.

The original two-bladed semi-rigid, teetering rotor system has been replaced with a four-bladed, hingeless, bearingless rotor system. The improvement in flight characteristics provided by the four-bladed configuration has led to increases in flight envelope, maximum speed, vertical rate-of-climb, payload and rotor vibration level.

The USMC subsequently decided on new-build rather than remanufactured UH-1Y helicopters and, in February 2008, awarded Bell a contract for the new build of 40 of the proposed 189 AH-1Z helicopters. Four additional helicopters were ordered in September 2008.

First flight of the AH-1Z took place in December 2000. The AH-1W entered low-rate initial production (LRIP) in October 2003. Five AH-1W helicopters were remanufactured to AH-1Z standard and took part in flight testing at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. Sea trials in May 2005 included the first shipboard landing on USS Bataan, Wasp Class amphibious assault ship.

Developmental testing was completed in February 2006 and two test aircraft began operational evaluation (OPEVAL) with the USMC in May 2006. The first production AH-1Z helicopter was delivered to the USMC in January 2007. Phase II of OPEVAL began in February 2008, and the OPEVAL was completed in October 2010. In November 2010, the AH-1Z was approved for the full-rate production. Initial operating capability of the AH-1Z Cobra took place in February 2011.

The Turkish Army selected the AH-1Z King Cobra in July 2000 with a request for 50 out of a total requirement for 145 helicopters. In May 2004, it was announced that the acquisition was to be cancelled. The helicopters were to be built in Turkey by Tusas Aerospace Industries (TAI).

Super Cobra cockpit

Northrop Grumman has developed the integrated avionics systems for the AH-1Z. The systems include two mission computers and an automatic flight control system with four-axis stability control augmentation system. Each crew station has two 8in×6in multifunction displays and one 4.2in×4.2in dual function display, based on active matrix liquid crystal colour technology.

The displays are supplied by L-3 Ruggedised Command and Control Solutions. Smiths Aerospace supplied the weapon stores control and data transfer system.

"The AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003."

The communications suite combines the new US Navy RT-1824 integrated radio, UHF/VHF, COMSEC and modem in a single unit. The navigation suite includes an embedded GPS inertial (EGI), a low-airspeed air data subsystem, which allows weapons delivery when hovering and a digital map.

In June 2002, Thales Avionics' TopOwl helmet-mounted display system was chosen for the USMC AH-1Z. The first system was delivered in January 2003. TopOwl, also fitted on Tiger, NH90 and Rooivalk helicopters, has integrated Gen IV image intensifier and FLIR capability and provides transition from day to night use at the push of a button.
Weapons and missiles

The Super Cobra can carry both TOW and Hellfire anti-armour missiles and is being qualified to carry the Maverick missile. The Raytheon BGM-71 TOW missile has a range of more than 3km and semi-automatic command-to-line-of-sight guidance. The AGM-114 Hellfire missile is manufactured by Lockheed Martin. It is equipped with a semi-active laser seeker and has a range of 7km. The Super Cobra has fire-and-forget capability when firing the Hellfire missile in co-operative mode with laser target illumination.

The Super Cobra was the first attack helicopter to qualify both the Sidewinder air-to-air missile and the Sidearm anti-radiation missile. Both missiles can use the same LAU-7 rail launcher. Sidearm has a range of more than 15km. AIM-9L Sidewinder is an all-aspect, short-range, air-to-air missile produced by Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. The missile has a range of 15km.

The Super Cobra can fire the Hydra family of unguided 70mm rockets or the larger 127mm Zuni rocket bombs. Since 2008, all units have been armed with the advanced precision kill weapon system (APKWS), a guided version of the Hydra. The US Army reopened the competition for the APKWS in September 2005 and BAE Systems was selected as the prime contractor on 27 April 2006. A $96.1m contract was awarded to BAE systems by the US Army for design and development of APKWS II laser guided rockets.

The Super Cobra carries a three-barrel, 20mm Gatling gun for close range (up to 2km) engagement and 750 rounds of ammunition. With the gun in a fixed forward position, the pilot can aim by manoeuvring the helicopter. Either crew member can slave the turret to the helmet-mounted sight and aim the gun by looking at the target.

"The Super Cobra carries a three-barrel, 20mm Gatling gun for close range engagement."
The AH-1Z for the USMC will be armed with: 16 Hellfire missiles, six AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, 70mm rocket pods (7- and 19-shot), and a 20mm gun.
Sensors

Targeting for the AH-1W is provided by the night targeting system (NTS), jointly produced by Tamam Division of Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd and Kollsman.

NTS integrates a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) which provides automatic target tracking with a laser designator / rangefinder and video recorder.

Lockheed Martin has developed a longer range AN/AAQ-30 target sight system (TSS) for the AH-1Z to replace the NTS. TSS includes a third-generation four field-of-view FLIR based on a 3-5-micron staring array, CCD colour TV, Kollsman eyesafe laser rangefinder / designator and multi-target autotracker. L-3 Communications Wescam supplies the turret assembly. Lockheed Martin was awarded a contract to supply the first 16 systems to the USMC in March 2008.

Longbow International (a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman) is developing the Cobra Radar System for the AH-1Z, based on the Longbow millimetre wave radar on the AH-64D Apache. Cobra is a pod-based radar that can be mounted on a wingtip or in a stores position. Cobra can automatically search, detect, classify and prioritise multiple moving and stationary targets. It has a range of 8km against moving and 4km against stationary targets.

Countermeasures

The H1 Super Cobra upgrade includes provision of a new electronic warfare suite. A new radar warner, the AN/APR-39(XE2) from Lockheed Martin, replaces the Lockheed Martin AN/APR-39(V)2 pulse radar warner and the AEL Industries AN/APR-44 continuous-wave radar warner.

The ATK AN/AAR-47 missile warning system has been included in the upgrade suite. AN/AAR-47 uses infrared detectors to detect the missile plume. The Goodrich (formerly Raytheon) AN/AVR-2A laser warning receiver has also been added. The infrared countermeasures system is the AN/ALQ-144A developed by BAE Systems IEWS (formerly Sanders, a Lockheed Martin company).

The helicopter is also equipped with the AN/ALE-39 chaff and infrared flare dispenser manufactured by BAE Systems Integrated Defense Solutions (formerly Tracor) and Lockheed Martin Tactical Defense Systems.

Engines

Twin General Electric T700-GE-401 turboshaft engines provide a total of 2,410kW or 3,380shp.

In standard conditions, with an air-to-air ordnance load, the Super Cobra can take off and climb out at more than 4.1m/s on only one engine. It can hover out of ground effect (OGE) at 914m, with a load of four TOW and four Hellfire missiles, full turret ammunition and rockets.

Performance

The helicopter can climb at the rate of 8.2m a second. The maximum and cruise speeds of the helicopter are 388km/h and 274km/h respectively. The range and service ceiling are 648km and 3,720m respectively. The maximum endurance of the helicopter is three hours and 30 minutes. The helicopter weighs around 4,953kg and the maximum take-off weight is 6,690kg.

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Bell Helicopter
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News - SOFIC NEWS: Bell Helicopter Features Revolutionary Aircraft At SOFIC 2013

DTN News - SOFIC NEWS: Bell Helicopter Features Revolutionary Aircraft At SOFIC 2013

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Bell Helicopter
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 14, 2013: Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today its participation in the annual Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC) held May 14 to May 16 in Tampa, Fla. Bell Helicopter will feature an armed Bell 407 on static display, its first commercially qualified armed helicopter, a CV-22 model and 3-D interactive programs demonstrating the capabilities of the V-22 Osprey and Bell V-280 Valor.

"SOFIC provides an important opportunity for us to spend time with current and potential customers," said Mitch Snyder, executive vice president for military programs at Bell Helicopter. "Our new 3-D programs give attendees the opportunity to experience the unmatched capabilities of the V-22 Osprey and Bell V-280 Valor. In addition, the armed Bell 407 on static display shows customers the versatility this aircraft offers with its various weapons configurations."

The V-22 Osprey is combat-proven and performs missions no other aircraft can approach. Tiltrotor is the only vertical lift platform capable of rapid self-deployment to any theater of operation. The V-22 is one of the safest rotorcraft in the U.S. Navy/Marine Corps fleet with more than 170,000 flight hours and outstanding operational performance. With its revolutionary combination of speed, range and vertical lift, the Osprey is changing the way wars are fought, humanitarian aid and critical supplies are delivered, and heroes are saved.

Introduced at the 2013 Army Aviation Association of America's (AAAA) annual form and expo, the Bell V-280 Valor is Bell Helicopter's offering for the Joint Multi Role (JMR)/Future Vertical Lift (FVL) Technology Demonstrator. Its unmatched capabilities - speed, range and payload - and its operational agility deliver the best value at the lowest technical risk. With 280 KTAS cruise speed and a combat range of 500-800 nm, the Valor provides twice the speed and twice the range of the current medium helicopter, more than doubling operational reach. The Bell V-280 is a true force multiplier as a result of its capabilities, covering more than five times the area of a current MEDEVAC and requiring smaller support infrastructure and security.

The armed Bell 407 includes the advanced technology of the best selling Bell 407GX. Built on the proven Bell 407 platform and designed for military and parapublic operations, the aircraft encompasses performance, reliability and maintainability. The armed Bell 407 is capable of performing a wide range of missions, configurable for multiple weapons and surveillance packages, including mini-guns, rocket pods, multi-sensor camera and NVG capabilities. The armed Bell 407 offers excellent hot and high performance, a spacious, multi-mission capable cabin with 85 ft3 (2.4 m3) of useable volume that accommodates six passengers, and a standard bi-fold door with a 61 in (155 cm) opening for quick, easy loading and unloading.

SOFIC's 2013 theme, "Strengthening the SOF Bond," provides a forum for military, government, academia and industry stakeholders to network and discuss current and future challenges and how to best support U.S. Special Operations Forces in four key areas: preservation of the force and families, human domain, support of the Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOCs) and innovation. Events include a business opportunities session, networking reception, USSOCOM Component Commander panel, USSOCOM Senior Enlisted Advisors panel, gala reception, dinner and awards presentation.

About Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical-lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.

About Textron Inc. 
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.

Certain statements in this press release may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statement, including, but not limited to, the efficacy of research and development investments to develop new products or unanticipated expenses in connection with the launching of significant new products or programs; the timing of our new product launches or certifications of our new aircraft products; our ability to keep pace with our competitors in the introduction of new products and upgrades with features and technologies desired by our customers; changes in government regulations or policies on the export and import of our products; volatility in the global economy or changes in worldwide political conditions that adversely impact demand for our products; changing priorities or reductions in the U.S. Government defense budget; difficult conditions in the financial markets which may adversely impact our customers' ability to fund or finance purchases of our products; and demand softness or volatility in the markets in which we do business.

Contact

BILL SCHROEDER
817-280-3100
mediarelations@bh.com
Online Media Kit

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Bell Helicopter
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS

DTN News: Oshkosh Defense Secures $76 Million In LVSR Delivery Orders

DTN News: Oshkosh Defense Secures $76 Million In LVSR Delivery Orders *Source: DTN News / Oshkosh Corporation (NSI News Source Info) OSHKOSH, Wis. - December 2, 2009: Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), has been awarded two delivery orders to an existing contract with the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) for nearly 200 Logistics Vehicle System Replacements (LVSR). The two delivery orders, valued at more than $76 million, bring the total number of LVSRs under contract to 854. The LVSR features an on-road payload capacity of 22.5 tons and an off-road payload capacity of 16.5 tons. With improved survivability, mobility and performance, the next-generation LVSR expands on the original Logistics Vehicle System (LVS) produced by Oshkosh Corporation in the early 1980s. The Oshkosh® LVSR is used by the U.S. Marine Corps for the on- and off-road transportation of heavy payloads, such as munitions, fuel, water and heavy equipment. The vehicle, equipped with the Oshkosh patented TAK-4® independent suspension system for superior off-road mobility in the most severe environments, began arriving in Afghanistan in September. The LVSR comes in three variants – cargo, wrecker and fifth-wheel – and features an on-road payload capacity of 22.5 tons and an off-road payload capacity of 16.5 tons. Production and delivery of the LVSRs, 40 of which are for the USMC Reserve Forces, extends through September 2010. All of the LVSRs will be manufactured in Oshkosh’s Wisconsin manufacturing facilities. Oshkosh delivered its requirement of nearly 40 LVSRs in November and set a record production number for the program when it produced more than 40 in October. 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 http://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 http://www.oshkoshcorporation.com/.

DTN News: U.S. Army Awards $1.9 Billion IDIQ Contract To DRS Technologies For Infrared Driver's Vision Enhancers

DTN News: U.S. Army Awards $1.9 Billion IDIQ Contract To DRS Technologies For Infrared Driver's Vision Enhancers

*Source: DTN News / DRS Technologies

(NSI News Source Info) PARSIPPANY, NJ - September 14, 2009: DRS Technologies, Inc. announced today that it is one of only two suppliers chosen for a $1.9 billion Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for Driver's Vision Enhancers (DVEs). The contract, awarded by the U.S. Army Communications and Electronics Command (CECOM) at Fort Monmouth, NJ, covers orders from the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Special Operations Command. (Image: DRS Technologies' Driver's Vision Enhancer (DVE) atop an MRAP Vehicle.) DVEs provide operators of combat and tactical-wheeled vehicles with the ability to maneuver in severely degraded visual conditions resulting from smoke, fog, sand and other battlefield obscurants. Using advanced infrared-imaging and display technologies, the units provide unparalleled situational awareness under any conditions, helping users detect and navigate possible threats -- Day or Night. "Our selection for this IDIQ contract is an acknowledgement that DRS demonstrated a high level of reliability coupled with expertise in applications," said Terry Murphy, president of DRS Technologies' Reconnaissance, Surveillance & Target Acquisition (RSTA) business group. "In 2004, we were awarded our first DVE contract. Since then, we have delivered more than 40,000 units for deployment on a full range of combat and tactical-wheeled vehicles, including the Abrams tank and Bradley Fighting Vehicle, Stryker, MRAP, Amphibious Assault Vehicle, HMMWV and other heavy and medium tactical-wheeled vehicles. We were also selected to deliver the first 150 FADS (Forward Activity Detection System) to provide the enhanced situational awareness of the narrow field of view Observer Sensor Module, and we completed delivery of those systems within 100 days of receipt of the order." Under the new DVE "Family of Systems" (FOS) contract, DRS expects to deliver four versions of this important technology: the DVE Lite for line-haul truck and tactical vehicle application to promote vehicle safety and hazard avoidance in supply chain operations; the DVE CV for combat vehicles; the DVE TWV with Electronic Pan and Tilt Modules (EPTMs) for tactical wheeled vehicles; and the DVE TWV with Forward Activity Detection System (FADS), for detection or surveillance at unprecedented distances to monitor suspicious activities such as those associated with planting potentially deadly improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Although the DRS RSTA group is the lead on DVE programs, it has been from the start a cross-corporation effort, relying on the respective expertise of several DRS units. The infrared detectors are manufactured by DRS RSTA's Dallas, Texas operation; the sensor modules, by DRS RSTA's Melbourne, Florida operations; the display control modules, by DRS Tactical Systems in Melbourne, Florida, and the EPTMs, by DRS C3 in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. "Our DVE technology has proven its value repeatedly on the battlefield," said Murphy, "helping our warfighters navigate confidently under any conditions, avoid hazards, and detect potential threats from safe distances. As we continue to drive down the cost of this technology, we expect these lifesaving benefits to make our DVEs as common in military vehicles as headlights are in automobiles." DRS Technologies, headquartered in Parsippany, NJ, is a leading supplier of integrated products, services and support to military forces, intelligence agencies and prime contractors worldwide. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Finmeccanica S.p.A. (FNC.IM) which employs more than 73,000 people worldwide. For more information about DRS Technologies, please visit the company's website at www.drs.com.

DTN News: Kaman Corporation Receives U.S. Marine Corps Contract to Demonstrate Unmanned Cargo Delivery

DTN News: Kaman Corporation Receives U.S. Marine Corps Contract to Demonstrate Unmanned Cargo Delivery *Source: DTN News / Defense News dated September 4, 2009 ....(Click here for link)

(NSI News Source Info) BLOOMFIELD, Conn., - September 6, 2009: Kaman Corporation (Nasdaq-GS: KAMN) announced that the Helicopters Division of its subsidiary, Kaman Aerospace Corporation has received an $864,000 contract from the U.S. Marine Corps on behalf of Team K-MAX to demonstrate the ability of the Unmanned K-MAX® helicopter to deliver cargo to troops in extreme environments and at high altitudes. Team K-MAX is comprised of Kaman and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT - News). Kaman will award a subcontract to Lockheed Martin to integrate a beyond line of sight data link and unmanned aerial system (UAS) mission management system with Kaman's proven aerial truck, the K-MAX. The team will demonstrate the unmanned helicopter's capability to deliver cargo a round trip distance of 150 nautical miles. The Marine Corps objective is to move 20,000 pounds in a 24 hour period. The demonstration is scheduled for late 2009. This demonstration arises from the Marine Corps Systems Command's requirement for a cargo UAS that can support rapid deployments to Afghanistan by resupplying troops with provisions and materials at forward operating bases. "The demonstration of the Unmanned K-MAX for the Marine Corps is an important step for the program," said Neal J. Keating, Chairman, president and chief executive officer, Kaman Corporation. "We believe the aircraft is uniquely qualified for the resupply mission to take our troops off the roads and pilots out of the air in Afghanistan." "The Unmanned K-MAX meets the Marine Corps' urgent need to field a cargo UAS to perform the troop resupply mission currently performed by ground convoys and manned aircraft," said Jeff Bantle, vice president of Rotary Wing Programs at Lockheed Martin Systems Integration in Owego, NY. "Lockheed Martin will provide the mission management and flight control systems to ensure performance reliability in the rigorous high altitude environmental conditions inherent to Central Asia." Designed and built for repetitive lift operations in severe environments, the 5,100-pound K-MAX helicopter can lift 6,000 pounds -- more than its own weight -- at sea level. Superior lift performance is derived from the aircraft's counter-rotating intermeshing rotor design that eliminates the need for a tail rotor. Operated by the logging and construction industries for its high reliability and low flight and maintenance costs, the manned K-MAX fleet has accumulated more than 244,000 flight hours since 1994. Kaman Corp., headquartered in Bloomfield, Conn. conducts business in the aerospace and industrial distribution markets. The company produces and/or markets widely used proprietary aircraft bearings and components; complex metallic and composite aerostructures for commercial, military and general aviation fixed and rotary wing aircraft; safing and arming solutions for missile and bomb systems for the U.S. and allied militaries; subcontract helicopter work; and support for the company's SH-2G Super Seasprite maritime helicopters and K-MAX medium-to-heavy lift helicopters. Kaman is also one of the nation's leading industrial distribution companies for power transmission, motion control, material handling and electrical components with nearly two hundred locations throughout North America.

DTN News: US, Australia To Seek Military Exercises With China

DTN News: US, Australia To Seek Military Exercises With China *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) CANBERRA, Australia - September 4, 2009: The United States and Australia will invite China to take part in three-way military exercises amid concerns arising from Beijing's military build-up, reports said Thursday. A U.S Marine from the 31st Marine Expenditionary Unit (MEU) fires his rifle from behind an amoured personal carrier during the combined urban combat training exercise as part of Exercise Talisman Saber 2009 at the Urban Operations Training Facility, Shoalwater Bay Training Area on July 22, 2009 in Rockhampton, Australia. The recreated urban environment is fitted with a live tracking system to record and analyze the tactics of the personnel involved, who are training to improve the interoperability of the Australian and U.S. military forces so as they can come together quickly and execute whatever mission necessary should the need arise. The top US military commander in Asia, Admiral Timothy Keating, believed joint exercises would improve relations between the nations and increase stability in the region, Fairfax newspapers reported. The report said Keating and Australian Defence Force chief Angus Houston met this week and agreed to put the proposal to China "at the earliest opportunity." "We are anxious to engage with them," Keating told Fairfax. "We want to understand much better than we do now China's intentions." He said that China's public statements on its defence plans were "less than fulfilling" and urged China: "Don't stand in isolation in the Asia Pacific." Keating said the proposed exercises would start with small-scale naval and land activities, followed by personnel exchanges. Asked if strengthening military ties would upset regional powers such as India, Japan and South Korea, Keating said: "We can control the rheostat on this and invite nations to observe and participate. "It is a fairly simple thing to do." The United States has repeatedly raised concerns about the size of China's military build-up, with a Pentagon report earlier this year warning Beijing's pursuit of sophisticated weaponry was altering Asia's military balance. The Australian defence department told Fairfax that it had had begun pursuing military-to-military ties with China in recent years. "(We) place a high priority on engaging China on matters of shared security interest," a spokeswoman said. "Our ability to speak frankly on issues such as China's military modernisation is an indication of the growing maturity of our relationship."

DTN News: Boeing To Demonstrate Unmanned Cargo Aircraft For US Marine Corps

DTN News: Boeing To Demonstrate Unmanned Cargo Aircraft For US Marine Corps *Source: DTN News / Boeing (NSI News Source Info) ST. LOUIS, USA - August 12, 2009: The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] received a $500,000 contract from the U.S. Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory on Aug. 5 to demonstrate the company's A160T (YMQ-18A) Hummingbird for the Marines' Immediate Cargo Unmanned Aerial System Demonstration Program. "This is a big win for the program and Boeing's newly created Unmanned Airborne Systems division," said John Groenenboom, A160T program manager for Boeing. "Since 2007, when the A160T made its first flight, it has shown it has the ability to carry multiple payloads and perform at various altitudes and speeds. We are confident it will perform well for the Marines." In flights that will take place by February, Boeing will demonstrate that the A160T can deliver at least 2,500 pounds of cargo from one simulated forward-operating base to another in fewer than six hours per day for three consecutive days. The Marines are studying the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in lieu of trucks and personnel to deliver supplies. "This is an important mission, and we are very pleased to have the opportunity to demonstrate the A160T's capabilities for the Marine Corps," said Vic Sweberg, Boeing director of Unmanned Airborne Systems (UAS). "By creating a new division specifically for unmanned airborne systems, Boeing can better support our customers' growing requirements for unmanned capabilities, and the A160T is among the most versatile platforms of our UAS business." In addition to the A160T Hummingbird, Boeing's UAS division includes ScanEagle, SolarEagle, and MQ-X. The A160T has a 2,500-pound payload capacity. It features a unique optimum-speed-rotor technology that significantly improves overall performance efficiency by adjusting the rotor's speed at different altitudes, gross weights and cruise speeds. The autonomous unmanned aircraft, measuring 35 feet long with a 36-foot rotor diameter, has hovered at 20,000 feet and cruised at more than 140 knots. The A160T established a world endurance record in its class in 2008 with an 18.7-hour unrefueled flight. A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense 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 Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide. Contact: Chris Haddox Boeing Phantom Works Office: 314-234-6447 Mobile: 314-707-8891 chris.d.haddox@boeing.com Ellen LeMond Boeing Unmanned Airborne Systems Office: 314-777-0669 Mobile: 314-705-1661 ellen.j.lemond@boeing.com

DTN News: U.S. to Hunt Down Afghan Drug Lords Tied to Taliban

DTN News: U.S. to Hunt Down Afghan Drug Lords Tied to Taliban

*Source: DTN News / The New York Times By James Risen

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - August 10, 2009: Fifty Afghans believed to be drug traffickers with ties to the Taliban have been placed on a Pentagon target list to be captured or killed, reflecting a major shift in American counternarcotics strategy in Afghanistan, according to a Congressional study to be released this week.

United States Marines raided a bazaar in Afghanistan’s southern Helmand Province last month to search for drugs and weapons.

United States military commanders have told Congress that they are convinced that the policy is legal under the military’s rules of engagement and international law. They also said the move is an essential part of their new plan to disrupt the flow of drug money that is helping finance the Taliban insurgency. In interviews with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which is releasing the report, two American generals serving in Afghanistan said that major traffickers with proven links to the insurgency have been put on the “joint integrated prioritized target list.” That means they have been given the same target status as insurgent leaders, and can be captured or killed at any time. The generals told Senate staff members that two credible sources and substantial additional evidence were required before a trafficker was placed on the list, and only those providing support to the insurgency would be made targets. Currently, they said, there are about 50 major traffickers who contribute money to the Taliban on the list. “We have a list of 367 ‘kill or capture’ targets, including 50 nexus targets who link drugs and the insurgency,” one of the generals told the committee staff. The generals were not identified in the Senate report, which was obtained by The New York Times. The shift in policy comes as the Obama administration, deep into the war in Afghanistan, makes significant changes to its strategy for dealing with that country’s lucrative drug trade, which provides 90 percent of the world’s heroin and has led to substantial government corruption. The Senate report’s disclosure of a hit list for drug traffickers may lead to criticism in the United States over the expansion of the military’s mission, and NATO allies have already raised questions about the strategy of killing individuals who are not traditional military targets. For years the American-led mission in Afghanistan had focused on destroying poppy crops. Pentagon officials have said their new emphasis is on weaning local farmers off the drug trade — including the possibility of paying them to grow nothing — and going after the drug runners and drug lords. But the Senate report is the first account of a policy to actually place drug chieftains aligned with the Taliban on a “kill or capture” list. United States Marines on a recent raid in Helmand Province. Under a new policy, drug traffickers are subject to being killed. Lt. Col. Patrick Ryder, a Pentagon spokesman, would not comment on the Senate report, but said that “there is a positive, well-known connection between the drug trade and financing for the insurgency and terrorism.” Without directly addressing the existence of the target list, he said that it was “important to clarify that we are targeting terrorists with links to the drug trade, rather than targeting drug traffickers with links to terrorism.” Several individuals suspected of ties to drug trafficking have already been apprehended and others have been killed by the United States military since the new policy went into effect earlier this year, a senior military official with direct knowledge of the matter said in an interview. Most of the targets are in southern and eastern Afghanistan, where both the drug trade and the insurgency are the most intense. One American military officer serving in Afghanistan described the purpose of the target list for the Senate committee. “Our long-term approach is to identify the regional drug figures,” the unidentified officer is quoted as saying in the Senate report. The goal, he said, is to “persuade them to choose legitimacy, or remove them from the battlefield.” The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing delicate policy matters. When Donald H. Rumsfeld was defense secretary, the Pentagon fiercely resisted efforts to draw the United States military into supporting counternarcotics efforts. Top military commanders feared that trying to prevent drug trafficking would only antagonize corrupt regional warlords whose support they needed, and might turn more of the populace against American troops. It was only in the last year or two of the Bush administration that the United States began to recognize that the Taliban insurgency was being revived with the help of drug money. The policy of going after drug lords is likely to raise legal concerns from some NATO countries that have troops in Afghanistan. Several NATO countries initially questioned whether the new policy would comply with international law. “This was a hard sell in NATO,” said retired Gen. John Craddock, who was supreme allied commander of NATO forces until he retired in July. Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, the secretary general of NATO until last month, told the Senate committee staff that to deal with the concerns of other nations with troops in Afghanistan, safeguards had been put in place to make sure the alliance remained within legal bounds while pursuing drug traffickers. Afghanistan’s president, Hamid Karzai, is also informed before a mission takes place, according to a senior military official. General Craddock said that some NATO countries were also concerned that the new policy would draw the drug lords closer to the Taliban, because they would turn to them for more protection. “But the opposite is the case, since it weakens the Taliban, so they can’t provide that protection,” General Craddock said. “If we continue to push on this, we will see progress,” he added. “It’s causing them problems.” In a surprise, the Senate report reveals that the United States intelligence community believes that the Taliban has been getting less money from the drug trade than previous public studies have suggested. The Central Intelligence Agency and the Defense Intelligence Agency both estimate that the Taliban obtains about $70 million a year from drugs. The Senate report found that American officials did not believe that Afghan drug money was fueling Al Qaeda, which instead relies on contributions from wealthy individuals and charities in Persian Gulf countries, as well as aid organizations working inside Afghanistan. But even with the new, more cautious estimates, the Taliban has plenty of drug money to finance its relatively inexpensive insurgency. Taliban foot soldiers are paid just $10 a day — more if they plant an improvised explosive device. Not all those suspected of drug trafficking will end up on the Pentagon’s list. Intelligence gathered by the United States and Afghanistan will more often be used for prosecutions, although American officials are frustrated that they still have not been able to negotiate an extradition treaty with the Afghan government. A major unresolved problem in the counternarcotics strategy is the fact that the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan remains wide open, and the Pakistanis are doing little to close down drug smuggling routes. A senior American law enforcement official in the region is quoted in the report as saying that cooperation with Pakistan on counternarcotics is so poor that traffickers cross the border with impunity. “We give them leads on targets,” the official said in describing the Pakistani government’s counternarcotics tactics, adding, “We get smiles, a decent cup of tea, occasional reheated sandwiches and assertions of progress, and we all leave with smiles on our faces.”

DTN News: General Dynamics Ordnance And Tactical Systems Fields Light Strike Vehicle

DTN News: General Dynamics Ordnance And Tactical Systems Fields Light Strike Vehicle

*Source: DTN News / General Dynamics

(NSI News Source Info) ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - August 4, 2009: – General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), announced yesterday August 3, that it has successfully fielded the Internally Transportable Vehicle (ITV), also known as the Light Strike Vehicle (LSV).

These vehicles were fielded to the U.S. Marine Corps’ 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment in preparation for its deployment with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

The LSV, specifically designed to fly internally in the MV-22 and CV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft and the CH-53 and MH-47 aircraft, are used in a variety of operations such as reconnaissance, raids, Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) and airfield seizures in support of Over-the-Horizon amphibious operations, Irregular Warfare and Enhanced Company Operations (ECO).

The LSV provides the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Commander with a vertically transportable, high mobility, weapons-capable platform. It can carry enough fuel, water, ammunition, and food for a 3-day mission, while safely transporting a crew of four. The LSV can be equipped with an M2 .50-cal., MK-19 or MK-240G machine gun, further enhancing the unit’s mission performance and survivability.

The fielding of the LSV to 1st Battalion, 9th Marines follows the recent Initial Operational Capability of the Expeditionary Fire Support System (EFSS) on March 17 with Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 10th Marines, who are planned to deploy with the 24th MEU.

As the third leg of the USMC’s triad of land-based fire support for expeditionary operations, EFSS is the primary close-in fire support system for vertical element of the Ship-to-Objective Maneuver (STOM) force, providing expanded fires support to amphibious and expeditionary operations. The system is comprised of a pair of Prime Mover vehicles, the 120mm M327 rifled mortar weapon, a new family of 120mm insensitive munition (IM) rifled ammunition and ammunition trailer. Marines can emplace, fire and displace the EFSS in under five minutes.

“The LSV and EFSS give the Marines greater agility and versatility in supporting expeditionary operations,” said Dr. Dean Bartles, vice president and general manager of large-caliber ammunition for General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems. “Both systems are fast and reliable, giving the Marines more options and greater survivability in the field.”

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems is committed to producing high-quality products and services through the use of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) principles in support of continuous improvement throughout its business and manufacturing processes. The company is a world leader in the manufacture of large-, medium- and small-caliber direct and indirect-fire munitions, shaped charge warheads and BALL POWDER® Propellant. It also manufactures precision metal components; and provides load, assemble and pack services for tactical missile and rocket programs. More information on General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical is available online at http://www.gd-ots.com/.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 92,000 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 General Dynamics is available online at http://www.gd.com/

DTN News: Oshkosh Defense Receives Two Service Contracts For $43.8M To Integrate TAK-4 Suspension System On Cougar MRAPs

DTN News: Oshkosh Defense Receives Two Service Contracts For $43.8M To Integrate TAK-4 Suspension System On Cougar MRAPs

*Source: DTN News / Oshkosh Corporation (NSI News Source Info) OSHKOSH, Wis. - July 31, 2009: Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), announced today it has received aftermarket support contracts totaling $43.8 million to work with Force Protection Incorporated (FPI) to install the Oshkosh® TAK-4® independent suspension system on more than 500 Cougar Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles for Afghanistan. FPI issued the supply order for engineering and technical support following two contracts awarded from the MRAP Joint Program Office. The contracts for Oshkosh engineering and installation support will be performed at the MRAP Sustainment Facility in Kuwait and sent to the Afghan theater of operation. Engineers installing the Oshkosh TAK-4 suspension upgrade kits will equip Cougars with the same off-road mobility offered on more than 10,000 Oshkosh Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements (MTVR). The suspension kits were awarded under a previous contract and include the TAK-4 proprietary suspension system, an advanced Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS), run-flat tires, steering and brake systems, and other component upgrades. “The Oshkosh TAK-4 independent suspension system brings something to the table no one else can provide – unsurpassed off-road mobility,” said Andy Hove, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Defense. “Increased mobility translates beyond greater speeds and less-fatigued warfighters – it increases survivability because these vehicles are no longer restricted to the often dangerous road networks in Afghanistan.” Vehicles outfitted with Oshkosh’s TAK-4 independent suspension system benefit from:

• Increased vehicle mobility – 16 inches of independent wheel travel provide advanced off-road capabilities in the most rugged terrain of Afghanistan

• Improved ride quality – shock and vibration are greatly reduced resulting in mission-ready soldiers and Marines and minimal component damage

• Greater off-road speeds – speed off-road is almost triple that of straight axle vehicles improving mobility as well as survivability

• Lower life-cycle costs – more than 75 percent of the parts are common with the U.S. Marine Corps MTVR for improved reliability, as well as streamlined availability and training. In testing of early-fielded Cougars upgraded with TAK-4, the customer determined the enhancement significantly improved the vehicle’s mobility. Based on this successful testing, Oshkosh worked with FPI to develop a field-installable kit to upgrade the vehicle. The advanced suspension system, which has undergone more than 400,000 miles of government testing, is also featured on the MRAP-All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV), the U.S. Army’s Palletized Load System (PLS A1) as well as the U.S. Marine Corps’ MTVR and Logistics Vehicle System Replacement (LVSR). More than 1,500 Cougars are being equipped with the Oshkosh TAK-4 independent suspension through a separate contract, and the company continues to work with the military to evaluate using it on additional MRAP models. 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®, BAI®, 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

DTN News: Northrop Grumman Wins Support And Maintenance Contract For the U.S. Marine Corps

DTN News: Northrop Grumman Wins Support And Maintenance Contract For the U.S. Marine Corps

*Source: DTN News / Northrop Grumman Corporation

(NSI News Source Info) RESTON, Va., - July 28, 2009: Northrop Grumman Corporation was awarded a follow-on contract to provide support, maintenance, and refresh services to the U.S. Marine Corps Topographic Production Capability (TPC) Family of Systems, providing unit commanders with the information required to support the Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB) process. The total potential value of the TPC contract is $43.5 million over a five-year period. "Northrop Grumman's TPC program team is highly regarded by the Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) community and our previous success has encouraged new and exciting opportunities for supporting the warfighter," said John Olesak, vice president of integrated intelligence for Northrop Grumman's Information Systems sector. "This award is a tremendous step for the program and our team looks forward to working with the Marine Corps." Under the terms of the contract, Northrop Grumman will provide support, maintenance, sustainment, and technology refresh services to the Marine Corps. "This win builds on a decade of experience providing services to the Marine Corps topographic community," said Jim Hyland, TPC program manager for Northrop Grumman Information Systems. "Our legacy continues to lead to new opportunities to support the Marine Corps warfighter and we continue to be proud of the team's accomplishments." Work on the contract will take place primarily at Northrop Grumman's integration facilities in Stafford, Va. Northrop Grumman's teammates include Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI), Redlands, Calif. and Avineon, Alexandria, Va. Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.

DTN News: Boeing Observes 45th Anniversary Of Sea Knight Helicopter 1st Flight

DTN News: Boeing Observes 45th Anniversary Of Sea Knight Helicopter 1st Flight *Source: DTN News / Boeing Company (NSI News Source Info) RIDLEY TOWNSHIP, Pa., - July 28, 2009: The Boeing Company yesterday July 27, recognized the service of the CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter, which completed its first flight 45 years ago this month. One hundred sixty-eight of the 624 aircraft originally produced remain in operation with the U.S. Marine Corps and are still maintained by Boeing. The Boeing CH-46 Sea Knight is a medium-lift tandem rotor transport helicopter, used by the United States Marine Corps (USMC) to provide all-weather, day-or-night assault transport of combat troops, supplies and equipment. Assault Support is its primary function, and the movement of supplies and equipment is secondary. Additional tasks include combat support, search and rescue, support for forward refueling and rearming points, CASEVAC and Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP). The commercial version is the BV 107-II, commonly referred to as simply the "Vertol". The Sea Knight, also affectionately known as the “Phrog,” has served as the Marines' medium-lift assault helicopter since 1964, logging more than three million flight hours. Although it is no longer in production, it remains in combat service wherever and whenever the Marines are called into action. The remaining active aircraft are, on average, 35 years old. “The Sea Knight has earned respect and admiration around the world and certainly a special place in history,” said Phil Dunford, vice president and general manager, Boeing Rotorcraft Systems. “While the CH-46 fleet remains in service, it is gradually being replaced by the advanced and highly capable MV-22 Osprey aircraft, which meets the specialized needs of our warfighters in the 21st century.”

DTN News: Afghanistan ~ Violence Erupting All Over Prior Presidential Vote

DTN News: Afghanistan ~ Violence Erupting All Over Prior Presidential Vote

*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media

(NSI News Source Info) KABUL, Afghanistan - July 27, 2009: Spiralling Taliban attacks and record Western military deaths have put Afghanistan on edge less than four weeks before key elections that many fear could be overshadowed by violence. An Afghan farmer watches as US marines head to the site of a blast in Garmsir district of Helmand Province. The August 20 presidential vote, only the second in Afghan history, is seen as a crucial test in the nearly eight-year effort led by the United States and NATO to stabilise Afghanistan since the 2001 overthrow of the Taliban. Thousands of newly deployed foreign troops have flooded into southern Afghanistan to try to wrest back Taliban strongholds, but the resulting surge in soldiers' deaths has created a backlash in Western nations. Violence has spread in the east and north, while coordinated suicide attacks in three Afghan cities killed six people last week, underscoring the vulnerability of the government as the clock ticks to nationwide polls. "There are major security issues again in southern Afghanistan, in eastern Afghanistan," said Haroun Mir, analyst from the Afghanistan Centre for Research and Policy Studies in Kabul. "Suicide bombs which happened in Paktia and in Jalalabad, these are indications that indeed there are some elements either from Al-Qaeda or the Taliban that want to disrupt the elections." The independent http://www.icasualties.org/, which calculates military losses in Iraq and Afghanistan, records 67 troop deaths so far in July, the highest monthly toll since the US-led invasion followed the September 11, 2001 attacks. Britain, whose apparent equipment and helicopter shortages have sparked fierce debate at home, has encountered some of the deadliest combat, while US military fatalities are also at record levels this month. There are currently about 90,000 foreign troops -- mainly US, British and Canadian -- deployed in Afghanistan on a mission to stabilise the country, and more are flooding in to try and secure restive areas ahead of the polls. About 4,000 US Marines and 3,000 British troops, backed by hundreds of Afghan forces, have battled behind Taliban lines in the south for weeks. But even in districts recently secured by foreign forces, officials worry there is little time to prepare for voting in the presidential and provincial elections held together on August 20. "For a long time this area was under the control of the Taliban," Afghanistan's counter-narcotics minister General Khodaidad told AFP on a trip to southern Helmand province's Garmsir district. "We have very little time. We should have started this operation one year ago... I think it will be difficult to have people take part at the polling stations, especially in volatile parts of the country." While the Taliban and other insurgent groups have made no specific threat against the polls, attacks are intensifying. On Saturday, seven suicide bombers tried to blow themselves up at state and security targets in the eastern city of Khost. Although most were shot dead by security forces, one civilian was killed and the attacks will likely further unnerve Afghans already concerned about their security on polling day. Similar commando suicide raids struck the eastern cities of Gardez and Jalalabad on Tuesday, also claimed by the Taliban, and Afghan officials warn that militant violence is seeping into the previously peaceful north. Rear Admiral Greg Smith, spokesman for the commander of foreign troops here General Stanley McChrystal, told AFP the rising military deaths were linked to increased troop activity, but said rebels could take advantage of the polls. "We said all along we expect insurgents will use this election period as a means to communicate their intent -- they don't want this government to succeed, they don't want people to have the right to vote," he said. He said Afghan forces were "doing everything they can" to ensure security on polling day, but analyst Mir was not so confident. "There will be 7,000 voting centres in Afghanistan and I think neither the Afghan government and coalition forces have enough personnel to provide security for each of these voting stations," he told AFP. The consequences, he said, will be that people stay away from the polls, or the legitimacy of the ballot will be called into question with election monitors also scarce.

DTN News: In Afghanistan, Taliban Targets Government Buildings

DTN News: In Afghanistan, Taliban Targets Government Buildings *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) KABUL, Afghanistan - July 26, 2009: Amid the worsening security situation in Afghanistan, Taliban militants target several government buildings in unprecedented attacks on the southeastern city of Khost.U.S. Army Specialist Hernandez from Dagger Company, 2-12 Infantry, 4th Brigade patrols through the village of Kandigal in the Pesh Valley in Afghanistan's Kunar Province July 25, 2009. This brigade is part of NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

According to the Afghan Defense Ministry, militants attacked three government buildings including a commercial bank in the town and started fighting pitched battles with security forces. The militants who attacked the buildings are said to have been well-armed.

Three bomb blasts were also heard near the site of the clashes. The attacks come amid rising insurgency in the country ahead of the critical presidential elections scheduled for August 20.

A spokesman for the Taliban-aligned Haqqani network has claimed to have "inflicted heavy casualties" to the Afghan security forces during the clashes.

Violence has escalated across Afghanistan since tens of thousands of additional US Marines and British troops joined the mission and new offensives have been launched in the southern province of Helmand, the heartland of the Taliban.

Violence this year has reached its highest level since the US first ousted the Taliban from Afghanistan in 2001.

DTN News: Force Protection, Inc. Awarded $56.3 Million For Additional Cougar Independent Suspension Upgrade Kits

DTN News: Force Protection, Inc. Awarded $56.3 Million For Additional Cougar Independent Suspension Upgrade Kits

*Source: DTN News / Force Protection, Inc.

(NSI News Source Info) LADSON, S.C. - July 25, 2009: Force Protection, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRPT), a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of life saving survivability equipment and provider of total life cycle support for those products, today announced that it had received a modification to contract M67854-07-D-5031 from Marine Corps Systems Command for approximately $56.3 million for independent suspension upgrade kits on approximately 545 additional Cougar vehicles.

The Cougar is a family of medium Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles which can be supplied in 4X4 or 6X6 layout. It can be configured for a wide range of tasks including troop carrying (up to 12 in the 6X6), EOD (4 troops and a large EOD robot in the 4X4), command and control, artillery prime mover, recovery and ambulance duty. Cougar is in production.

This contract modification is subject to definitization. The work is expected to be completed prior to December 31, 2009. On April 9, 2009, Force Protection announced an order for approximately $158 million from Marine Corps Systems Command for suspension upgrade kits. That order provided suspension kits for approximately 1,500 Cougar vehicles. Michael Moody, Chief Executive Officer of Force Protection, commented, “This additional independent suspension order further demonstrates the flexibility and sustainability of the Cougar.

The Cougar has performed extremely well in Iraq with an impressive operational readiness rate. This suspension upgrade will provide increased mobility for even more Cougars in the much more rugged terrain of Afghanistan.

We are delighted that our customer has placed their continued confidence in the Cougar with these additional suspension kit upgrades.”

About Force Protection, Inc.

Force Protection, Inc. is a leading American designer, developer and manufacturer of survivability solutions, predominantly 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, the Cougar, the Buffalo and the Cheetah, 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).

The Company also is the developer and manufacturer of ForceArmor™, an armor package providing superior protection against explosively formed projectiles (EFPs), now available for a wide range of tactical-wheeled vehicles. The Company is one of the original developers and primary providers of vehicles for the U.S. military’s Mine Resistant Ambush Protected, or MRAP, vehicle program.

For more information on Force Protection and its vehicles, visit www.forceprotection.net.

Force Protection, Inc. Safe Harbor Language

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 and demand for Force Protection’s vehicles, including the Cougar vehicle; the rate at which the Company will be able to produce these vehicles and products; the performance, readiness and increased mobility of these vehicles; and the Company’s expected financial and operating results, including its revenues and cash flow, 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; the ability to obtain and complete new orders for its vehicles and products; the Company’s ability to identify and remedy its internal control weaknesses and deficiencies, and 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, 2008, as updated in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2009.

DTN News: Northrop Grumman Authenticates Keel For Newest Large-Deck Amphibious Assault Ship America (LHA 6)

DTN News: Northrop Grumman Authenticates Keel For Newest Large-Deck Amphibious Assault Ship America (LHA 6) *Source: DTN News / Northrop Grumman Corporation

(NSI News Source Info) PASCAGOULA, Miss., - July 18, 2009: Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) celebrated a significant milestone with a keel authentication ceremony for America (LHA 6), the Navy's newest class of large-deck amphibious assault ship, at the company's Pascagoula facility. Mrs. Lynne Pace, sponsor of America (LHA 6) and wife of retired U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Irwin F. Edenzon (left front), sector vice president and general manager, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding -- Gulf Coast, thank Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding Welder James Sumlin Jr., a 37-year employee, for welding Mrs. Pace's initials onto the keel plate at the end of LHA 6's keel authentication ceremony. Also obvserving the event (L-R) U.S. Navy Cmdr. MacGregor McClellan, Chaplain, U.S. Navy Capt. Robert Howell, executive officer and director of contracts, Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Gulf Coast and U.S. Navy Capt. Jeff Riedel, program manager, Amphibious Warfare Programs, PEO Ships. "There could be nothing more exciting to me than to be a part of this ship," said Lynne Pace, ship sponsor for America and wife of retired U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In step with Navy and maritime tradition, Mrs. Pace had her initials welded onto a ceremonial steel plate noting the ship's keel had been "truly and fairly laid." "Today I'd like to thank the Northrop Grumman shipbuilders who will put their heart and soul into building this ship and making it the best in the world," she continued. "You have incredible talents, skills and craftsmanship that are needed to build the tools to help keep our country safe. For your dedication and patriotism, I thank you." LHA 6, the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear the name America, replaces the aging Tarawa-class and represents a conscious decision to increase the aviation capacity of future big deck amphibious ships in order to maximize the Navy's investment in future aircraft. "I can think of no more fitting place or time to celebrate this new ship and all she represents on the heels of our nation's 233rd birthday in a city and a shipyard that strongly reflect the values of this great nation," said Art Divens, executive director for Amphibious & Auxiliary Ships and Craft, executive director for Program Executive Office, Ships. "Today's ceremony is especially noteworthy, for not only are we acknowledging a critical milestone in the Navy's newest ship of the line, but we are also celebrating a monumental leap forward in the strength, capability and flexibility of the Navy's amphibious fleet," Divens continued. "This ship can go in harm's way to project combat power ashore and is perfectly suited to support humanitarian assistance and other contingency missions on a moment's notice." America will be 844 feet long and 106 feet wide and weighs 44,854 tons. Its propulsion system will drive it to speeds in excess of 22 knots. It will accommodate 1,204 crew and 1,871 troops. "LHA 6 will be built by the best shipbuilders in the world," said Irwin F. Edenzon, sector vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding - Gulf Coast. "It will be built by thousands of Northrop Grumman men and women who are proud to be shipbuilders. We work everyday to design and build quality ships. The Sailors and Marines who sail in them and protect our nation's freedom deserve nothing less." "America will carry her finest into harm's way, and her ability to return them safely will depend directly on the extraordinary efforts of this Gulf Coast shipyard," said U.S. Navy Capt. Robert Howell, executive officer and director of contracts, Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Gulf Coast. "To the men and women of Northrop Grumman, whether you realize it or not, you proudly wear the cloth of this great nation. Your uniform of denim and coveralls, often covered in soot and dust after a long day at the shipyard, represent a level of commitment that few will ever truly understand. The sweat from your brow from the long hours in the heat is the sacrifice you make so that your Navy and Marine Corps brothers and sisters will be less likely to bleed in conflict. "Never let it be forgotten that it is your deft hands and skilled craftsmanship that are the key enablers to keeping the Global War on Terrorism from our shores," Capt. Howell added. America will have an extended hangar deck with two higher hangar bay areas, each fitted with an overhead crane for aircraft maintenance. The ship will also provide increased aviation fuel capacity, stowage for aviation parts and support equipment. In addition, America will be able to embark and launch the MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, cargo and attack helicopters, the AV-8B Harrier and the short take-off vertical landing (STOVL) variant F-35B Lightning II Strike Fighter. 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.