DTN News: AIRSHOW-FACTBOX-Civil Plane Orders At Farnborough

DTN News: AIRSHOW-FACTBOX-Civil Plane Orders At Farnborough

Source: DTN News / Reuters

(NSI News Source Info) FARNBOROUGH, England - July 22, 2010: Following is a summary of commercial plane orders at the July 19-25 Farnborough Airshow (** order announced Wednesday): ** AMERICAN AIRLINES American Airlines (AMR.N) exercised 35 Boeing (BA.N) 737-800s, pushing numbers of the aircraft in its narrowbody fleet up to 195. ** GAZPROMAVIA (GAZP.MM) The airline of Russia's Gazprom signed a letter of intent for 10 Sukhoi SuperJet 100s. ** ALAFCO (ALAF.KW) The Kuwait-based international Aviation Lease and Finance Co. has converted its existing firm order for 12 Airbus A350-800's, placed in 2007, into the higher capacity A350-900 model. ** CRECOM The Malaysian carrier will buy 50 MC-21 passenger jets from Russia's Irkut, a unit of state-controlled UAC (UNAC.RTS). ** THAI AIRWAYS The carrier will place a preliminary order for seven more Airbus (EAD.PA) A330-300 planes, worth $1.5 billion at list prices, an industry source said. ** QATAR AIRWAYS The Middle Eastern airline ordered two Boeing (BA.N) 777s. ** QANTAS The Australian airline ordered seven Q400 turboprop airliners from Bombardier (BBDb.TO). ** PEARL AIRCRAFT CORP. The Bermudan lessor bought 30 SuperJet 100s from Russia's Sukhoi for $900 million, with an option for 15 more. ** GARUDA The Indonesian airline ordered six Airbus A330s for a list price of $1.15 billion. ** GERMANIA The Berlin-based airline signed a contract for five Airbus A319s. ** OKAY AIRWAYS

The Chinese airline ordered 10 737-800s from Boeing, worth $800 million at list prices. ** AIR AUSTRAL The Reunion-based French airline ordered two 777-200LR long-range jets from Boeing (BA.N). ** RBS AVIATION CAPITAL The aircraft leasing unit of the British lender confirmed it placed an order for 52 Airbus (EAD.PA) A320 family planes and 43 Boeing (BA.N) 737 family aircraft, worth a total of $7.6 billion at list prices. LAN Chilean carrier ordered 50 Airbus A320 planes with a list price of around $4.15 billion. FLYBE Places order comprising 35 firm initial orders of Embraer E series aircraft for $1.3 billion with options for 65 more and purchase rights for a further 40 for a potential total value of $5 billion. AIR LEASE CORP Ordered 60 Boeing (BA.N) next-generation 737s. Ordered 20 jets from Brazilian group Embraer (EMBR3.SA) for nearly $800 million at list prices. AVOLON Ordered 12 next-generation 737-800s valued at $921 million at list prices. ROYAL JORDANIAN Ordered three Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners. ORIENT THAI AIRLINES Ordered 12 Superjet 100 planes. EMIRATES

Ordered 30 Boeing 777 wide-body aircraft, a deal potentially worth more than $9 billion. AIR LEASE CORP Ordered 51 Airbus (EAD.PA) A320 series planes, made up of 31 A320s and 20 A321-200s. AEROFLOT Signed for 11 Airbus A330s GECAS Ordered 40 Boeing 737s and 60 Airbus A320s. (Compiled by Dan Lalor and Ben Berkowitz; Reuters Farnborough Media Centre +44 1252-418188))

DTN News: GE Aviation And Its JV Companies Announce $16 Billion In Deals At The 2010 Farnborough Air Show

DTN News: GE Aviation And Its JV Companies Announce $16 Billion In Deals At The 2010 Farnborough Air Show * Further Expands GE’s $128Billion High-Margin Services Backlog

Source: DTN News / GE Aviation

(NSI News Source Info) FAIRFIELD, Conn. - July 22, 2010: GE Aviation along with its joint venture companies, CFM International and the Engine Alliance, have amassed engine and services orders valued at more than $16 billion (USD) at the 2010 Farnborough Air Show. “GE Aviation is excited with the tremendous amount of engine and services orders that received at the 2010 Farnborough Air Show,” said David Joyce, president and chief executive office of GE Aviation. “The level of activity at the show demonstrates that the aviation industry is beginning to emerge from the economic downturn.” GE Aviation and its joint companies garnered $11 billion in engine orders and $5 billion in long-term, high-margin service agreements. Highlights include:

Emirates ordered 30 GE90-115B-powered Boeing 777-300ER aircraft valued at $2 billion list price. Emirates also signed a 12-year OnPoint^SM solution services agreement for the maintenance and overhaul of its GE90-115B engines worth more than $1 billion over its life.

Air China selected the CFM56-5B engine for its 20 firm Airbus A320 aircraft, valued at $600 million U.S. at list price, including a long-term maintenance agreement with CFM.

China Eastern Airlines selected the CFM56-5B engine to power 30 Airbus A320 aircraft, valued at approximately $600 million list price. China Eastern also signed a long-term maintenance agreement with CFM.

GE Capital Aviation Services ordered CFM56-7B engines to power 40 Boeing 737-700/-800/-900 aircraft and CFM56-5B engines to power its 60 Airbus A320 aircraft. The combined engine order is valued at $1.4 billion at list price.

Afriqiyah Airways signed a 10-year OnPoint^SM solution agreement for its CFM56-5B engine fleet, valued at more than $50 million over the life of the contract.

Emirates selected the Engine Alliance GP7200 engines to power its 32 additional A380 aircraft announced last month. The total value of the engine and Fleet Management Agreement is approximately $4.8 billion over the life of the contract.

TAAG (Angola Airlines) signed a 10-year OnPoint^SM solution services agreement for its 10 GE90 engines, valued at more than $50 million over the life of the agreement.

Azul Linhas Aereas ordered five CF34-10E-powered EMBRAER 195 aircraft valued at more than $40M list price.

TRIP Linhas Aereas has exercised its option to purchase two EMBRAER 190 aircraft powered by CF34-10E engines. The engine order is valued at $17M list price.

LAN Airlines chose CFM56-5B engine to power 70 new Airbus A319/A320/A321 aircraft. The order is valued at $2 billion list price, including engines and a long-term maintenance agreement with CFM.

Royal Jordanian has agreed to purchase six GEnx-1B engines to power its three additional Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Flybe ordered 35 CF34-8E-powered EMBRAER 175 valued at more than $360M list price. The airline also signed a 10-year OnPoint^SM solution services agreement for the new CF34-8E engines valued at more than $100M over the life of the agreement.

Air Lease Corporation, the new venture by Steve Udvar-Hazy, ordered 60 CFM56-7B-powered Boeing 737 aircraft, valued at $840 million list price.

Air Arabia selected the CFM56-5B engine to power its 44 Airbus A320 family aircraft. This new engine selection is valued at more than $620 million list price.

RBS Aviation Capital ordered 43 CFM56-7B-powered Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, valued at $600 million list price.

Norwegian Air Shuttle ordered 15 CFM56-7B-powered Boeing 737-800s, valued at $210 million list price.

Avolon, a new leasing company, ordered 12 CFM56-7B-powered Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with an engine value of $165 million list price.

China's OKAY airlines orders 10 CFM56-7B-powered Boeing Next-generation 737 in an engine order valued at $140 million list price.

China’s Spring Airlines selected CFM56-5B engines to power four new Airbus A320 family aircraft in an engine order valued at $70 million list price. The airline also extended its OnPoint^SM solution agreement with GE Aviation to include these engines as well as three additional leased aircraft. The total OnPoint solution agreement (covering all 37 aircraft) is valued at $300 million of the life of the contract.

Air Austral ordered two GE90-115B-powered Boeing 777-200LR aircraft. The engine order is valued at more than $100 million list price.

Qatar Airways converted two options for GE90-115B-powered Boeing 777-200LR aircraft into firm orders. The engine order is valued at more than $100 million list price.

Republic Airways signed a letter of intent to purchase 24 CF34-10E-powered EMBRAER 190 aircraft. The CF34-10E engine order is valued at more than $190 million list price.

At Farnborough, GE Aviation launched its new myEnginesTM digital services, a suite of digital applications to help customers better manage their engine fleets and improve productivity. This is the latest announcement in GE’s growing $4 billion-per-year software and solutions business. LAN Airlines is the launch customer for myEngines digital services, which will cover LAN's entire fleet of CF6-80C2, GE90-115B, CFM56-5B and –5C engines.

GE Aviation also announced its OnPointSM Fuel & Carbon Solutions was added as the newest product in GE’s ecomagination portfolio. OnPoint Fuel and Carbon Solutions could help GE Aviation’s customers reduce their fuel spend by an average of three percent. CFM International announced Czech Airlines (CSA), the flag carrier of the Czech Republic, achieved TRUEngine status for 22 CFM56-3 and 31 CFM-5B engines powering its fleet of Boeing 737-400/-500 and Airbus A319/A320/A321 single-aisle, respectively. CFM International is a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran group) and GE. The Engine Alliance is a 50/50 joint between GE and Pratt & Whitney. GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE - News), is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings. For more information, visit us at www.ge.com/aviation.

DTN News: Russia's Moskva Missile Cruiser Sets Off To Its Naval Base In Ukraine

DTN News: Russia's Moskva Missile Cruiser Sets Off To Its Naval Base In Ukraine

* Vostok 2010 Operation and Strategic Training

Source: DTN News / RIA Novosti

(NSI News Source Info) VLADIVOSTOK, Russia - July 21, 2010: The flagship of the Black Sea fleet, the Moskva missile cruiser, has set off from the port of Vladivostok in Russia's Far East to its home port in Ukraine's Sevastopol, a Navy spokesman said on Wednesday. The Moskva missile cruiser was participating in Russia's Vostok 2010 military drills jointly with the flagship of the Northern Fleet, the Pyotr Veliky nuclear-powered guided-missile cruiser, and the flagship of the Pacific Fleet, the Varyag guided-missile cruiser. "After a short rest in Vladivostok, the Moskva set off for the Black Sea to its home base in the port of Sevastopol. It will have to pass across the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans," the spokesman said. Russia's Black Sea Fleet is stationed in Ukraine's port of Sevastopol under a lease agreement. Moscow and Kiev signed earlier in the year a deal extending the lease on the fleet's base in Sevastopol for 25 years after the current lease expires in 2017. Vostok-2010 exercises in Siberia and the country's Far East started on June 29 and ended on July 8. They involved 20,000 troops, up to 2,500 pieces of military hardware, 70 warplanes and 30 warships. During the exercises, warships of the three Russian fleets conducted live firing at naval and aerial drones and practiced combat interoperability and repelling simulated attacks by hostile submarines and aircraft. Russia holds Vostok strategic command-and-staff drills every two years.

Related News *Russian Navy participates in Vostok-2010 military exercises *Vostok-2010 games: A test of Russia's new army *First stage of Russia’s Vostok 2010 military drills ends *Russia's Medvedev oversees naval phase of Vostok-2010 military drills Multimedia *Guided missile cruiser Moskva arrives in Russia’s Far East *Russian naval infantry at Vostok-2010 military exercises

DTN News: S-70iTM International BLACK HAWK Sales Launched With Purchase By Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior

DTN News: S-70iTM International BLACK HAWK Sales Launched With Purchase By Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior

Source: DTN News / Sikorsky Aircraft Corp

(NSI News Source Info) FARNBOROUGH, England- July 21, 2010: Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. announced today that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior (MOI) has become the launch customer for the new S-70iTM helicopter. The MOI signed a contract to acquire three of the latest model aircraft in the celebrated BLACK HAWK helicopter line, and has taken options to acquire 12 additional S-70i helicopters. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). Delivery of the first helicopter is scheduled for early 2011. The aircraft will perform transport, border protection and other missions. “We are proud to announce the sales launch of the S-70i international BLACK HAWK to our valued customer, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior. The S-70i helicopter continues the legendary BLACK HAWK history of providing safe and reliable transportation for militaries around the world with exceptional value,” said Michael Ambrose, Vice President of international military programs at Sikorsky. “Sikorsky has a long and honored history with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the S-70i is the next exciting chapter in our relationship. We also look forward to further expanding this relationship in the years to come.” The new S-70iTM BLACK HAWK helicopter was designed for the international marketplace. The helicopter incorporates the latest technology with advanced features such as a fully integrated digital cockpit with a dual digital automatic flight control system and coupled flight director. It also features an active vibration control system that will smooth the overall ride of the aircraft. The dual GPS/INS system with digital map provides accurate and redundant navigation for the most demanding of tactical environments. Customers around the world will benefit from the S-70i helicopter's modern, robust aircraft configuration and ability to leverage existing interoperability with Sikorsky’s worldwide fleet of BLACK HAWK helicopters. The new S-70i international variant utilizes a global supply chain and is the first BLACK HAWK helicopter ever assembled in Europe. PZL Mielec, a Sikorsky Aircraft company in Poland, has been established as the hub of the S-70i program for international customers. The successful first flight of the S-70i aircraft took place on July 1 at the Sikorsky Development Flight Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., USA, is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., USA, provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries. This release contains forward looking statements that involve uncertainties and that could change, including the development of new technologies and execution of contract terms. These uncertainties could affect investment decisions and outcomes.

DTN News: “Team Germany” Offering Cyclone Helicopter For German Navy And Air Force

DTN News: “Team Germany” Offering Cyclone Helicopter For German Navy And Air Force

Source: DTN News / Sikorsky Aircraft Corp

(NSI News Source Info) LONDON, United Kingdom - July 21, 2010: Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. today announced its German Multi-Role Helicopter Team (GMRHT), consisting of several partnership agreements that will work together to introduce the Cyclone multi-role helicopter into Germany. The team collectively is offering a comprehensive solution for the requirements of the German Navy and Air Force. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). In June, Sikorsky finalized partnership agreements with Tier One German and European defence companies, Rheinmetall Defence Group, RUAG, MTU Aero Engines (MTU), and ZFL. “Together with General Dynamics Canada, our international integrated mission systems partner, the team is continuing to identify and select German companies to partner with on this initiative,” said Joseph Gigantelli, Sikorsky Vice President, European Sales. “We believe we have a strong team and an equally strong offering of products and services for the German armed forces. We intend to provide Germany with the best technology that is available in-country and from around the world, and in doing so, provide a technologically superior aircraft.” The Cyclone helicopter provides multi-mission capabilities including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and search and rescue. The aircraft is a derivative of the S-92® helicopter, which gets its basic design from the BLACK HAWK helicopter, a proven, rugged and durable aircraft. Among the features of the Cyclone aircraft are enhanced rotor and drive designs, bird strike protection, a flaw- and damage-tolerant design, and protection from turbine bursts. In addition, the aircraft have crashworthy seats, crash-resistant fuel systems, and High Intensity Radio Frequency (HIRF) and lightning protection. Sikorsky has been growing its European business activities over the last several years. In 2007, PZL Mielec in Poland became a Sikorsky company and is the future manufacturer of the S-70iTM BLACK HAWK helicopter. Sikorsky also is actively exploring business opportunities for strategic European partners for component manufacturing and service centers for the entire Sikorsky product line. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in aircraft design, manufacture and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.

DTN News: Sikorsky Aircraft Delivers 200th UH-60M BLACK HAWK Helicopter To U.S. Army

DTN News: Sikorsky Aircraft Delivers 200th UH-60M BLACK HAWK Helicopter To U.S. Army

Source: DTN News / United Technologies Corp.

(NSI News Source Info) STRATFORD, Conn., - July 21, 2010: Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. announced today the delivery of the 200th UH/HH-60M BLACK HAWK helicopter to the U.S. Army. Sikorsky is a United Technologies Corp.

With a new airframe, avionics and propulsion system, the UH-60M and HH-60M helicopters are the latest and most modern in a series of BLACK HAWK variants that Sikorsky has been delivering to the army since 1978. Since the program launched with its first delivery in July 2006, Sikorsky Aircraft also has delivered UH-60M aircraft to agencies from the U.S. Federal government as well as international customers. "The UH-60M aircraft have been performing phenomenally well in theater, supporting our troops and providing them with the latest technology for the mission," said Doug Shidler, Sikorsky Vice President, Army Programs. "The feedback from the U.S. Army has been extremely positive, as more "M" models are introduced into the fleet. The new UH-60M and HH-60M BLACK HAWK helicopters are ideally suited for its mission, providing reduced pilot workload, increased lift, better protection and enhanced survivability. "It is a proven, reliable combat aircraft." Sikorsky is continuing to develop the next variation of the aircraft, through the UH-60M Modernization program. BLACK HAWK helicopters flown by the U.S. Army in the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters of war have accumulated more than one million fleet flight hours. The U.S. Army's total BLACK HAWK helicopter fleet exceeds 1,740 aircraft and in total, BLACK HAWK helicopter variants have amassed more than nine million flight hours. More than 3,000 BLACK HAWK helicopters are in use today, operating in 27 29 countries. Designed to stringent U.S. Military standards, the BLACK HAWK helicopter has become the leader in multi-mission-type aircraft. Among the mission configurations it serves are troop transport, medical evacuation, electronic warfare, attack, assault support and special operations. "The BLACK HAWK helicopter has proven itself in the most extreme and rigorous environments, and each milestone is a testament to its durability and effectiveness," said Scott Starrett, President, Sikorsky Military Systems. The UH-60M and HH-60M helicopters provide additional payload and range, advanced digital avionics, better handling qualities and situational awareness, active vibration control, improved survivability, and improved producibility. Sikorsky is expected to deliver more than 1,350 UH-60M and HH-60M aircraft throughout the course of the current contract. Actual procurement numbers year-to-year and across the life of the program will be determined by budget authorizations and specific contract awards. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacturing and service. United Technologies Corp., of Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries. This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning potential production and sale of helicopters. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to changes in government procurement priorities and practices, budget plans or availability of funding or in the number of aircraft to be built; challenges in the design, development, production and support of advanced technologies; as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in United Technologies Corporation's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

DTN News: F-35 Engine Makers Trade Barbs At Air Show

DTN News: F-35 Engine Makers Trade Barbs At Air Show

Source: DTN News / Reuters By Andrea Shalal-Esa

(NSI News Source Info) FARNBOROUGH, England - July 21, 2010: Engine makers fighting over a potential $100 billion market to power the Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) F-35 fighter jet traded barbs at the Farnborough Airshow in England on Tuesday, far from the halls of the U.S. Congress where the matter will be decided. Dave Hess, president of United Technologies Corp's (UTX.N) Pratt & Whitney unit, acknowledged that his company was actively lobbying lawmakers on the issue but insisted the rival team of General Electric Co (GE.N) and Britain's Rolls Royce (RR.L) was spending "orders of magnitude" more. Jean Lydon-Rodgers, president of GE Aviation's military business and former head of the GE-Rolls engine team, said the issue was clearly an "enormous priority" for both GE and Rolls, but he rejected Pratt's criticism as "unfair" since General Electric's lobbying efforts extended to other issues. Both teams lauded progress on their respective engines, and argued their cases forcefully. Pratt & Whitney is trying to shore up support for its F135 engine, but some U.S. lawmakers are trying to maintain funding for an alternate engine being developed by GE and Rolls Royce in the face of a veto threat by President Barack Obama. The issue has resurfaced in each of the past four years, but many analysts say the rhetoric and lobbying activity appear to have reached a fever pitch this year. Lawmakers on the U.S. House defense appropriations subcommittee are expected to address the issue during a subcommittee markup next week, but the issue may drag on for several months until the fiscal 2010 defense budget is finalized by Congress. Even Democrats who favor the second engine program face a tough choice this year, given a major push by Obama and Defense Secretary Robert Gates to cut unneeded weapons programs in the face of mounting budget pressures in the United States. Richard Aboulafia, defense analyst with the Virginia-based Teal Group, said it was not surprising that the engine makers had taken their battle to the road, given that the F-35 was the only major new fighter development project in sight. "It's bizarre, but there's a lot at stake," said Aboulafia, who was also in England for the air show. "This is it. This is all that's on the horizon." Aboulafia noted that the size of the potential market was huge, given that Lockheed expects to sell thousands of the new fighters over coming years, and engine makers relied on investment in military projects to help technology developments in the commercial sector. Backers of the second engine argue that it makes sense to maintain competition for the engines to drive prices lower in the long run by keeping both teams on their toes, especially since the GE-Rolls engine is 75 percent complete. Pentagon officials say they just don't have the money to pay for continued work on what they are now calling the "extra engine," and dispute reports that show savings over time. Hess showed reporters a chart listing over a dozen aircraft programs that only had one engine and said the only other warplane with two engine suppliers was the F-16. But Lydon-Rodgers argued that the Pratt program was already $1 billion over budget, and the decision to stick with a sole source engine was "bad government" at a time when the Obama administration has called forcefully for competition on other weapons projects.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal-Esa; Editing by Steve Orlofsky)

DTN News: Italy To Axe Eurofighter Orders

DTN News: Italy To Axe Eurofighter Orders

* Decision causes jitters at Farnborough air show * Industry to pay for new radar to boost exports

Source: DTN News / Reuters By Paolo Biondi

(NSI News Source Info) FARNBOROUGH, England,- July 21, 2010: Italy upset Europe's defence industry on Tuesday by announcing plans to axe its share of the final production run of the Eurofighter combat jet at the Farnborough air show where foreign rivals were showcasing their own jets. The unexpected announcement by one of four nations involved in the project highlighted the pressures being put on European defence budgets and came hours after reluctant arms firms agreed to cough up the funds to develop a new radar for the plane to boost exports. "We have decided to cut 25 Eurofighters with a saving of 2 billion euros," Italian defence minister Ignazio la Russa told reporters at the air show in southern England. Italy, Britain, Germany and Spain ordered a total of 620 Eurofighter jets in the 1990s and split the order into three tranches, each of which needed separate funding approval. The third tranche of 236 planes was split into two in 2008 when nations were already facing a squeeze on budgets, and manufacturers have been pressing governments to plug the remaining budget gap to avoid having to lay off workers. La Russa did not say which planes he was referring to but air show delegates said he clearly meant Italy's entire allocation of 25 planes under the final tranche, known as 3B. This would cut Italy's total Eurofighter order to 96. "We have no comment because we have received no formal communication," a Eurofighter spokesman said. Defence reviews and budget pressures have also placed doubts over remaining planes allocated to Italy's three partners. The Eurofighter is made by an industry consortium of the same name that includes Italy's Finmeccanica (SIFI.MI), Britain's BAE Systems (BAES.L) and EADS (EAD.PA), which represents Germany and Spain. The group last month submitted an estimated 10 billion-euro offer to supply 124 planes under tranche 3B. But executives in the consortium are resigned to seeing the number fall as governments cut deeply into defence spending. "These cuts could be a big problem because if you cut production capacity it is costly to get it back," an executive close to the project said, asking not to be named. Eurofighter said earlier it would put an unspecified amount into a new radar for the plane together with a specialist radar consortium led by Finmeccanica. The fighter group said it aimed to have the new actively scanned electronic radar on the multirole aircraft by 2015. The move and its timing were both designed to position the European plane for a contest to supply 126 fighter jets to India, one of the world's most sought-after defence deals. The $12 billion Indian tender competition, which could be formally launched next year, is in one of the most hotly contested international defence markets, attracting bidders from the United States, Russia and Europe.

(Additional reporting and writing by Tim Hepher and James Mackenzie; Editing by Dan Lalor, Greg Mahlich; Reuters Farnborough Media Centre +44 1252-418188)

DTN News: GTV Delivers Right-Hand Operation JLTV Technology Development Vehicles On Schedule

DTN News: GTV Delivers Right-Hand Operation JLTV Technology Development Vehicles On Schedule

* U.S. government receives two Right-Hand Operation (RHO) JLTVs - payload category B and C vehicles - and a companion trailer

Source: DTN News / General Dynamics Corp.

(NSI News Source Info) LIVONIA, Mich.,- July 21, 2010: The General Tactical Vehicles (GTV) team of General Dynamics Land Systems and AM General today delivered two Right-Hand Operation (RHO) Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs), one companion trailer and supporting equipment on schedule to the U.S. government for Technology Development (TD) phase testing in support of the U.S. and Australia's Land Force Capability Modernization Project Arrangement (PA). The PA enables tactical vehicle interoperability and integration between the two countries. Delivery of the RHO JLTVs follows GTV's previous ahead-of-schedule deliveries of armor samples, ballistic hulls, seven vehicles and four trailers and spare parts for the TD phase. Test and evaluation of the RHO JLTVs includes a five-month reliability and durability test and evaluation process at the Monegeetta Proving Ground in Monegeetta, Victoria, Australia. Test site management for GTV will be performed by General Dynamics Land Systems-Australia and supported by Australian in-country suppliers. "Our RHO JLTVs provide increased protection, payload and performance for the Australian Defence Force, as well as over 90 percent commonality with the GTV JLTV vehicles delivered to the U.S. Army and Marine Corps in April," said Don Howe, GTV senior program director. "I am very proud of the effort demonstrated by our GTV team, including our supplier network, to deliver a balanced solution to meet the technical and programmatic challenges of the very demanding JLTV program, the U.S. government and the Australian Defence Force." "The GTV team's significant experience with deployed global forces gives us unique and valuable insight into the needs of the Australian Defence Force," added Howe. "Delivering on schedule and within budget underlines our proven track record of dependability and performance." Drawing from the experiences of General Dynamics and AM General to build and support tactical and combat vehicles, GTV's vehicle design provides an armored crew capsule with an optimized V-shaped hull for protection against mines and IEDs, a state-of-the-art C4 architecture that accommodates future force technology capabilities, high-performance and off-road mobility and deployability by land, sea and air. "Our robust, disciplined and focused system-engineering approach placed the American Warfighter at the center of product design. GTV has developed an innovative family of vehicles and trailers for the United States that meets transportability, survivability and mobility requirements while achieving maximum commonality of components to reduce parts, maintenance and training needs," said David Caldwell, GTV deputy program director. "As our military prepares for future coalition operations, similarity of tactical vehicle solutions across allies will enhance global interoperability and reduce the maintenance and logistical burden," said Mark McCoy, U.S. Army JLTV product manager. "Australia's participation in the JLTV program will help reduce overall program risk through the testing and evaluation of additional prototype vehicles." The JLTV TD phase is intended to validate the integration of mature technologies as a complete vehicle system, rebalancing payload, protection and performance while maintaining transportability and expeditionary capabilities; give the Army, Marine Corps and the Australian Defence Force an accurate assessment of the technical and performance capabilities and risks associated with entering the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) Phase; and establish a realistic set of requirements for the JLTV program. GTV has invested in additional JLTV vehicles and trailers as part of its independent R&D program. "We are continuing our own extensive testing for reliability and durability to complement the government effort and prepare for the next, full-and-open competition phase of the JLTV development program," said Howe. "We're continuing to evaluate suppliers in Australia for emerging technologies, should the U.S. and Australia continue their JLTV partnership into the EMD phase – taking advantage of our JLTV's built-in capacity for technology insertion, growth opportunities and product improvements." ABOUT GTV General Tactical Vehicles is a joint venture between AM General and General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD - News), formed to provide the U.S. Army and Marine Corps a low-risk, affordable, technically advanced and economically sustainable solution to their Joint Light Tactical Vehicle requirements. GTV offers a full-spectrum combat and tactical platform capable team, with the strength of more than 120 years of combined experience in the design, production and global support of over one million combat and tactical vehicles. More information about General Tactical Vehicles is available online at www.generaltacticalvehicles.com. ABOUT GENERAL DYNAMICS General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 91,200 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about the company is available on the Internet at www.generaldynamics.com. ABOUT AM GENERAL AM General designs, manufactures and supports the world's leading all-purpose vehicles for military, commercial and consumer customers. As creator and builder of the famous HMMWV (HUMVEE®), AM General has transformed the vehicle from a basic utility truck to a fully-armored, combat support vehicle to meet the changing needs of the military and to support more than 70 mission areas. AM General has more than 3,000 employees at major facilities in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio, plus a strong supplier base that stretches across 43 states. More information can be found at www.amgeneral.com.

DTN News: Force Protection Selected To Continue In Canadian TAPV Program

DTN News: Force Protection Selected To Continue In Canadian TAPV Program

Source: DTN News / Force Protection

(NSI News Source Info) Ladson, SC- July 21, 2010: Force Protection, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRPT), a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of survivability solutions and provider of total life cycle support for those products, (July 20, 2010) today announced it has received notification from the Government of Canada that it has been selected to continue in the procurement for the Tactical Armored Patrol Vehicle Project (“TAPV”). Force Protection responded to the Solicitation of Interest and Qualification (SOIQ) phase with their Cougar 4x4 and 6x6 variants in June 2010.

In addition to the two Cougar variants, seven vehicles from other equipment manufacturers have been selected in the TAPV program to now move into the Request for Proposal (“RFP”) phase. The procurement is for up to 600 vehicles and related long term support services. Contract award to the final selected bidder is expected in 2011.

Randy Hutcherson, Chief Operating Officer of Force Protection, Inc. commented, “We are pleased that we have been selected to continue in the TAPV competition in Canada. The Cougars and Buffalos currently in service with the Canadian Forces are proven to save lives and perform critical missions to the efforts in Afghanistan. We look forward to responding to the request for proposal and continuing to build on our strong relationship with the Canadian Forces.”

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). 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 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 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 March 31, 2010.