DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel ~ UAE, Saudi Arms Deal An 'Advance For Israel'

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel ~ UAE, Saudi Arms Deal An 'Advance For Israel' 

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Jerusalem Post & Reuters
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 20, 2013: A complex $10 billion arms deal in its final stages would strengthen two key Arab allies – the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia - while maintaining Israel's military edge, US defense officials said Friday.

"This not only sustains but augments Israel's qualitative military edge in the region," one of the officials said, ahead of a trip to the Middle East by US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. "This package is a significant advance for Israel. ... This is about giving all three partners in the region added capacity to address key threats that they may face down the road."

The announcement comes amid mounting concerns over Iran's nuclear program, with little progress reported at talks this month between Iran and world powers. US officials concede that crippling sanctions have so far failed to force concessions from Tehran, which insists its nuclear program is peaceful.

Israel has renewed warnings it reserves the right to resort to military action to stop what it says is Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Hagel is preparing for his first trip to Middle East since taking office in February, planning to visit Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE; he was expected to continue discussions about the arms sale at stops along the way.

The deal, more than a year in the making through a series of coordinated bilateral negotiations, would result in the sale of V-22 Osprey aircraft, advanced refueling tankers and anti-air defense missiles to Israel and 25 F-16 Desert Falcon jets worth nearly $5 billion to the United Arab Emirates.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia also would be allowed to purchase weapons with "stand-off" capabilities - those that can be used to engage the enemy with precision at a greater distance, defense officials said.

The deal marks the first time the United States has offered to sell tilt-rotor Ospreys to another country, and the "stand-off" weapons would give Saudi Arabia and the UAE a more advanced capability than they have had in the past, said the defense officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

"This is one of the most complex and carefully orchestrated arms sale packages in American history," one of the officials said. "That's not just because of the kinds of equipment that we're providing to Israel and Saudi Arabia and the Emirates. It's also a reflection of intensive defense shuttle diplomacy."

Defense officials touted the arms deals as the culmination of US President Barack Obama's effort to find a way to boost the military capabilities of key Arab allies in light of the threats in the region while still fulfilling the US policy of maintaining Israel's military superiority.

Officials said the Congress had not been formally notified of the arms sale as part of the approval process. That will come once the different countries finalize their purchase decisions and submit formal letters of request.

While the arms negotiations with the different countries were carried out bilaterally, defense officials said they had been transparent with all sides about the effort to boost the military capacities of all sides to address regional threats.

Sources familiar with the arms sales plans said Israel had asked to buy five or six V-22 Ospreys, built by Boeing Co and Textron Inc's Bell Helicopter unit, at an estimated price of about $70 million apiece.

The UAE also is interested in purchasing the tilt-rotor aircraft, which takes off and lands like a helicopter but flies like a plane, the sources said. But that sale is likely to be included in a separate deal.

The United States sold Saudi Arabia 84 F-15 jets for $29 billion in 2010, planes that are now beginning to roll off the assembly line and undergo testing, officials said.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Jerusalem Post & Reuters
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DTN News - BOSTON MARATHON EXPLOSIONS: Deadly Attack At Boston Marathon

DTN News - BOSTON MARATHON EXPLOSIONS: Deadly Attack At Boston Marathon 
STORY HIGHLIGHTS

*NEW: An 8-year-old boy was one of two killed

*The bombs were small, with no initial sign of high-grade explosive material, an official tells CNN

*The blasts at the marathon were 50 to 100 yards apart, officials say

*Obama vows those guilty "will feel the full weight of justice"

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources CNN

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 15, 2013: Doctors are "pulling ball-bearings out of people in the emergency room," the expert said, suggesting the bombs were designed to propel shrapnel.

"Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups, will feel the full weight of justice," President Barack Obama vowed.

Boston "is a tough and resilient town," he said, adding that Americans will stand by Bostonians "every single step of the way."

'Like a huge cannon'

The terrorist attack, near the marathon's finish line, triggered widespread screaming and chaos, shattered windows and barricades and sent smoke billowing into the air at Copley Square.

The blasts were about 50 to 100 yards apart, officials said, on a stretch of the marathon course lined with spectators cheering runners through the final yards of a 26-mile, 385-yard endurance feat.

"It felt like a huge cannon," a witness told CNN about one of the blasts.

Photos from the scene showed people being carried away on stretchers. One man in a wheelchair had blood all over his face and legs.

The bombs shook buildings, sending people to seek shelter under tables, witnesses said.

Federal authorities are classifying the bombings as a terrorist attack, but it's not clear whether the origin was domestic or foreign, a federal law enforcement official with knowledge of the investigation said.

A federal law enforcement official told CNN that both bombs were small, and initial tests showed no C-4 or other high-grade explosive material, suggesting that the packages used in the attack were crude explosive devices.

Running list of things we know

Another explosive device found

Authorities in Boston found at least one other explosive device that they were dismantling, Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis said.

Rep. Bill Keating of Massachusetts, meanwhile, said there were two more found.

One unexploded device was found at a hotel on Boylston Street near the bomb site and another unexploded device was found at an undisclosed location, Keating, a Democrat and member of the House Homeland Security committee, said, calling the bombing a "sophisticated, coordinated, planned attack."

Davis said a third blast at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library was believed to be related to the marathon bombings, but police later said that incident was believed to be fire-related. The library said all staff and visitors are safe.

It was unclear who may have planted the marathon bombs. There were no credible threats before the race, a state government official said.

There is no suspect in custody, but many people are being questioned, Davis said.

As authorities searched the scene, numerous suspicious packages were found, possibly because people fled the area, leaving items behind. Investigators were checking them.

All off-duty Boston police were called in.

The Marriott hotel at Copley Place was evacuated as a precaution.

The Lenox Hotel was also evacuated as a precaution, the Boston Globe reported.

Flights banned over Boston Marathon blast site

'Horrific day'

Crowds were in the area watching the runners take part in the world's oldest annual marathon.

It was also Patriot's Day, commemorating the opening battle of the Revolutionary War.

Within seconds, the festive occasion turned into devastation.

"This is a horrific day in Boston," Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick said in a statement.

"My thoughts and prayers are with those who have been injured. I have been in touch with the president, Mayor (Thomas) Menino and our public safety leaders. Our focus is on making sure that the area around Copley Square is safe and secured. I am asking everyone to stay away from Copley Square and let the first responders do their jobs."

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder spoke with FBI Director Robert Mueller and U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz, a Justice Department official said.

Holder has directed the full resources of the Justice Department to be deployed to ensure the matter is fully investigated, the official said.

The Federal Aviation Administration placed a flight restriction over the site of the blasts.

Other cities, including New York and Washington, tightened security as a result. Following standard protocol, the White House cleared out an area in front of the West Wing.

"If you see something, say something," Mark Boughton, mayor of Danbury, Connecticut, wrote on Twitter. "All cities will be on a heightened state of alertness per Homeland Security protocols."

Mike Baingon, who works at the Atlantic Fish Company in Boston, said an explosion took place in front of the restaurant and that he was right by the front door at the time.

The explosions occurred at about 2:45 p.m., more than two hours after the first of the race's nearly 27,000 runners had crossed the finish line, CNN Producer Matt Frucci reported.

The race was halted as was subway service into the area.

Runners east of Massachusetts Avenue were directed to Boston Common; those west of Massachusetts Avenue were directed to Kenmore Square, the state's emergency management agency said.

Troops from the Massachusetts National Guard, already at the site as part of the marathon's security and crowd-management plan, were assisting police as well.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources CNN
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
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*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News - SPECIAL REPORT: Mountain Biking In Hong Kong By Robie Seth

DTN News - SPECIAL REPORT:  Mountain Biking In Hong Kong By Robie Seth

Source: DTN News 
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 15, 2013: Biking is a great way to enjoy Hong Kong – you will become fit and healthy. As a bonus, you will get to see the natural beauty all around us. This article provides information on Biking in both the urban and rural areas of Hong Kong, organised Biking activities and competitive Biking if you are more keen than most to be on two wheels.

UK Mountain Bike Magazine Features Hong Kong's MTB Scene

After a glowing story in the April 2013 edition of Mountain Biking UK Hong Kongers can expect to see even more tourists arriving with mega oversized luggage ready to plunder the jewels of HK. But  dont expect these new visitors to be pushing and shoving their way through the streets of TST or Causeway Bay. No way! They will be  flooding ours santuaries - the MTB trails where we seek solace!

Back in November, the HKMBA was contacted by Enrico Guala who manages the Life Cycle Team and organises many super enduro MTB races in Europe. He was planning to bring a pair of top enduro riders, Manuel Ducci and Valentina Macheda, and photojournalist, Matt Wragg. They would be here in few days to do a story featuring HK's MTB scene.  Kenneth Lam, the HKMBA Vice Chairman, volunteered to guide them around HK and make them feel at home.

Seeing as they would only be here for three days, Kenneth assumed  that they would want to explore HK's most popular trails in Tai Lam CP, but instead they wanted to hit the tight single track of Lamma Island.  The timing was perfect. The guys had just finished the annual clearing the trails of  the thick vegetation that had grown like lightening over the summer.  The massive typhoon had brought down a few big trees at the bottom of  Snakes Tail and these too were cleared. Better yet, the giant golden orb spiders that spin webs cabable of felliing riders had retreated for the winter. Lamma's trails were ready for visitors.

And what did they think of Lamma? 

... Andrew and his friends have created one of the most amazing things I've ever experienced on a mountain bike --- an oasis of singletrack barely a stones throw from one of the busiest urban areas on our planet. A small, but perfect, santuary away from the chaos.

Nothing is better than reading the story for yourself. You can pick up a copy of Mountain Biking UK at some bike shops in HK or you can buy the magazine online via sites like Zinio

Volunteers Wanted - Trail Maintenance Day - Ho Pui Trail - April 7 ~ HKMBA

On April 7, 2013 HKMBA volunteers together with AFCD will perform trail maintenance work along the last section of Ho Pui Trail as it approached the reservoir. Work will involve trail armouring and clearing activities. In addition, we are looking for a few volunteers to act as trail steward to greet riders and tell them about the new Ho Pui entrance.

Here is the official rundown of the day from the AFCD:

1. Trail improvement works at the last section of Ho Pui Trail, near the Ho Pui Reservoir.  Since the works mainly involves rock armouring and minor clearance of bamboo, experienced volunteers are preferred.  However, new volunteers are also welcome.   

2. Some volunteers can work as trail stewards who will help us to promote the new Ho Pui Trailhead and the Trail Difficulty Grading System (i.e. green circle, blue square, black diamond).  The trail steward programme can last for around 1-2 hours in the morning and the volunteers who work as trail stewards can join the trail improvement works in late morning.  Tentatively, we shall set up pull-up banners at both Ho Pui Trailhead and the end of Ho Pui Trail, and trail stewards will help us to talk to peer mountain bikers about the new Trailhead and the Difficulty Grading System.   

On 7 April, we shall all meet at 9:15am at Twisk Management Centre (shuttle bus from Tsuen Wan MTR Station will be available at 8:45am), and there will be shuttle from Twisk Management Centre to the end of Ho Pui Section.  The whole programme on 7 April will end at around 3:00pm and there will be shuttle bus to go back to Tsuen Wan MTR.   

Please send me a list of HKMBA volunteers by 28 March (Thursday).  In the list, please indicate whether they will take the Shuttle Bus from Tsuen Wan or come by themselves, and whether they would work as trail stewards.   

For the volunteer group to work effectively, it would be much preferred to limit the number of volunteers from HKMBA to 20 people.  Volunteers shall bring their own water and food.   

If there is any Rainstorm Warning (Amber, Red or Black), Thunderstorm Warning or Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal no. 3 or above being hoisted by the Hong Kong Observation at 7:30am on 7 April 2013, the whole event will be cancelled without further notice. 

Please let us know whether you would like to volunteer by emailing webeditor@hkmba.org

*Link for This article compiled by DTN News 
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DTN News - LATIN AMERICA AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE: Boeing to Highlight Advanced Technologies At Latin America Aerospace And Defense 2013

DTN News - LATIN AMERICA AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE: Boeing to Highlight Advanced Technologies At Latin America Aerospace And Defense 2013

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 4, 2013: An F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Block II simulator, cybersecurity demonstration, and unmanned airborne system models will anchor Boeing’s [NYSE: BA] display at the Latin America Aerospace and Defense (LAAD) trade show in Rio de Janeiro April 9-12.

“We look forward to expanding discussions on our portfolio of products and services with our customers in Brazil and Latin America,” said Roberto Valla, Boeing Defense, Space & Security regional director, International Business Development for the Americas. “There is growing demand for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities through unmanned aerial systems and cybersecurity solutions for protecting information throughout Latin America, especially in Brazil as they prepare to host major sporting events.”

The Super Hornet flight simulator will be open to potential customers as well as members of the general public who would like to experience the strike fighter. The simulator includes a front and rear cockpit and demonstrates the capabilities of the single-seat E model and the two-seat F model. The system is capable of demonstrating simulated aerial combat and air-to-ground targeting, navigation and mission systems operation. Operators also can practice landing on and taking off from runways or an aircraft carrier.

The Super Hornet is in service with the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force and is currently one of the finalists in Brazil’s F-X2 fighter competition.

Boeing will hold a series of media briefings at the LAAD Press Center during the show, as listed here. Reporters may contact the media relations representative listed below to schedule interviews with Boeing executives at the show.

All times are local to Rio de Janeiro.

MONDAY, April 9

2 p.m.: Boeing in Brazil and Latin America
Boeing Brazil President Donna Hrinak and Jeff Kohler, vice president, International Business Development, Boeing Defense, Space & Security, discuss the company’s activities in Brazil and growing opportunities in the Latin American defense sector.

WEDNESDAY, April 10

12 p.m.: NAVAIR V-22 Osprey Overview
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Greg Masiello, V-22 Joint Program Manager, U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), provides an overview of the world's most advanced production rotorcraft, the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotor.

2 p.m.: The Information Advantage
Samir Sahgal, director of International Business Development for Boeing Electronic and Information Solutions, briefs media on Boeing’s Information Advantage concept, which explores cybersecurity solutions and how organizations can manage their own proprietary data to create a lasting and critical competitive advantage.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 59,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Lockheed Martin’s Havoc 8x8 Completes Swim Tests in Marine Personnel Carrier Competition

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Lockheed Martin’s Havoc 8x8 Completes Swim Tests in Marine Personnel Carrier Competition

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Lockheed Martin
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 4, 2013: Lockheed Martin’s [NYSE: LMT] Havoc 8x8, an eight-wheel-drive Armored Modular Vehicle, successfully completed amphibious testing as part of its evaluation for the Marine Personnel Carrier (MPC) competition.

The trials in and near the surf at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., were conducted with the vehicle loaded to its full combat weight. During the Camp Pendleton testing, Havoc demonstrated its resistance to water penetration while easily accommodating a full complement of Marine Corps battle gear for the crew.

“The Havoc 8x8 showed its ability to negotiate all surf and wave conditions required by the United States Marine Corps,” said Scott Greene, vice president of Ground Vehicles for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “The vehicle maintained 100 percent operational readiness throughout the test.”

Lockheed Martin leads a team that includes industrial partner Patria Land Systems. Havoc is a multi-mission, expeditionary ground combat vehicle that is an evolution of the Patria 8x8 Armored Modular Vehicle, a battle-tested design used by armed forces globally. Its configuration allows for a wide range of weapons, sensor and communications options to address evolving mission requirements. Employing the baseline architecture of the Patria vehicle, Havoc features exceptional mobility and transportability, and can protect its crew against a variety of extreme threats.

Havoc’s designed-in supportability combined with Lockheed Martin’s award-winning experience in managing performance-based logistics programs for ground platforms enables increased system readiness and lower ownership costs. Lockheed Martin’s total-system approach to vehicle missionization reduces crew workload and ensures troops remain connected on the battlefield.

For more than three decades, Lockheed Martin has applied its systems-integration expertise to a wide range of successful ground vehicles for U.S. and allied forces worldwide. The company’s products include the combat-proven Multiple Launch Rocket System M270-series and High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) mobile launchers, Havoc 8x8, Common Vehicle, Light Armored Vehicle-Command and Control, Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme, Joint Light Tactical Vehicle and pioneering autonomous platforms, such as the Squad Mission Support System.

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control is a 2012 recipient of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for performance excellence. The Malcolm Baldrige Award represents the highest honor that can be awarded to American companies for their achievements in leadership, strategic planning, customer relations, measurement, analysis, workforce excellence, operations and results.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 120,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services.  The Corporation’s net sales for 2012 were $47.2 billion.

 

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Lockheed Martin
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DTN News - UK DEFENSE NEWS: Third F-35B For United Kingdom Makes First Flight

DTN News - UK DEFENSE NEWS: Third F-35B For United Kingdom Makes First Flight

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Lockheed Martin + f35.com
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 4, 2013:  Monday (FORT WORTH, Texas, April 2, 2013), the third United Kingdom Lockheed Martin [NYSE:LMT] F-35 Lightning II sped down the runway at Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base embarking on its first flight. The aircraft, known as ZM137, departed at 10:16 a.m. with Lockheed Martin F-35 Chief Test Pilot Alan Norman at the controls. ZM137 will complete a series of company and government checkout flights prior to its acceptance by the U.K. Ministry of Defence. ZM137 will join U.K. aircraft ZM135 and ZM136 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., later this year where it will be used for pilot and maintainer training.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 120,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services.  The Corporation’s net sales for 2012 were $47.2 billion.

The F-35 is a cornerstone of 21st century global security. Enabled by global partnerships, F-35 offers unprecedented capability and supportability across the spectrum of military operations. The U.S.has partnered with close allies to ensure the program's success through military and industrial cooperation. When allies fly the F-35, the coalition is strengthened through the ability to share information and resources.

The global partnership brings together the world's most experienced aerospace industry leaders. The F-35 partnership combines the most sophisticated manufacturing, engineering and technical expertise in the world to develop and support the F-35 program. The F-35 Lightning II program is a model of international cooperation.

GLOBAL PARTICIPATION
THE CENTERPIECE OF 21ST CENTURY GLOBAL SECURITY
The F-35 program includes partners from nine countries - partnerships that are essential to the success of the program. Other countries are considering or have selected the F-35 to bring 5th generation capability to allied armed forces around the world.

PARTNER COUNTRIES

UNITED STATES

The U.S. is the only country that flies all three F-35 variants. The U.S. Air Force flies the F-35A, the Marine Corps the F-35B and the Navy the F-35C. There are more than 125,000 direct and indirect jobs in the U.S. on the F-35 program. more

UNITED KINGDOM

The Royal Air Force and Royal Navy will purchase 138 F-35 aircraft, bringing advanced technology, stealth capability and interoperability across military forces to the U.K. more

ITALY

Italy will receive 90 F-35A and F-35B aircraft. A final assembly and checkout facility (FACO) is being constructed at Cameri Air Base, Novara, Piedmont. more

NETHERLANDS

The Royal Netherlands Air Force will receive F-35As to arm the fleet with advanced technology for future success of airmen. more

TURKEY

The F-35A's advanced technology and stealth capabilities are the future of Turkish national security. The Turkish aerospace industry is competing and winning key contracts to supply goods and services for the life of the program. more

CANADA

Canada is evaluating fighter aircraft alternatives, including the F-35A, to replace its CF-18 aircraft and provide the Royal Canadian Air Force with the aircraft needed to respond to current and future threats. As a partner, Canadian industry has participated in the F-35 program for nearly 10 years. more

AUSTRALIA

The F-35 continues Lockheed Martin's 50-year partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Some 100 5th generation F-35As will transition the RAAF into a next generation, net-centric fighter force capable of protecting Australia's security. more

DENMARK

As a program partner, Denmark has the opportunity to select the F-35A to ensure the Royal Danish Air Force's dominance for years into the future. more

NORWAY

The F-35A will recapitalize the Royal Norwegian Air Force fighter fleet to sustain Norway's national security. Norway's history with Lockheed Martin includes the F-16 fighter and C-130J transport aircraft. more

CURRENT COMPETITIONS

REPUBLIC OF KOREA

The F-35A is a key competitor in the Republic of Korea Air Force's (ROKAF) F-X III program. Lockheed Martin is offering the conventional takeoff and landing variant to the ROKAF. more

FOREIGN MILITARY SALES

JAPAN

The Japan Ministry of Defense selected the F-35A as the Japan Air Self Defense Force's (JASDF) next generation fighter aircraft in December 2011, following the F-X competitive bid process. The initial contract will be for four jets in Japan Fiscal Year 2012. more

ISRAEL

The Israeli government selected the F-35A as the Israel Air Force's next generation aircraft in October 2010. Israel will be the first country to receive the F-35 through the U.S. government's Foreign Military Sales process. more

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Lockheed Martin + f35.com
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*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers 7th Production P-8A Poseidon Aircraft To US Navy

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers 7th Production P-8A Poseidon Aircraft To US Navy

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 2, 2013: Boeing [NYSE: BA] handed over the seventh production P-8A Poseidon to the U.S. Navy on schedule March 29, marking the first delivery from the second low-rate initial production contract awarded in November 2011.

The maritime patrol aircraft departed Boeing Field in Seattle for Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., where it joined six P-8As currently being used to train Navy crews.

"This is our second P-8A delivery of 2013, and we'll continue to provide the Navy with new Poseidon aircraft at a rate of nearly one a month," said Rick Heerdt, Boeing vice president and P-8 program manager. "We've got a full factory of P-8As for the U.S. Navy and P-8I aircraft for India, and we're working side-by-side with both customers to introduce the aircraft's advanced capabilities into their fleets."

Boeing is on contract to build and support 24 P-8A aircraft as part of three LRIP contracts awarded in 2011 and 2012. The Navy plans to purchase 117 P-8As, which are based on the Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 platform. The versatile multi-mission aircraft provides broad long-range maritime patrol capabilities -- anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance -- and will replace the Navy P-3 fleet.


The P-8A Poseidon is a long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft capable of broad-area, maritime and littoral operations.

A derivative of the Next-Generation 737-800, the P-8A combines superior performance and reliability with an advanced mission system that ensures maximum interoperability in the future battle space.

Customers:
The P-8A is being developed for the U.S. Navy by a Boeing-led industry team that consists of CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, GE Aviation, BAE Systems and Spirit AeroSystems.

The U.S. Navy plans to purchase 117 P-8As to replace its fleet of P-3C aircraft. In January 2011, Boeing received a $1.6 billion contract for low-rate initial production of the first six aircraft, spares, logistics and training devices; in November 2011, Boeing received a $1.7 billion LRIP award for seven additional P-8As. In September 2012, Boeing received a $1.9 billion contract for 11 aircraft, bringing the total to 24.
P-8A initial operational capability is slated for 2013.

On Jan. 1, 2009, Boeing signed a contract with the government of India to provide eight P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft to the Indian navy. The P-8I is a derivative of the P-8A designed specifically for the Indian navy.

Australia signed an MOU with the U.S. Navy in 2009 and will collaborate in Increment 2. In March 2012, a production, sustainment and follow-on development MOU was signed.

Chick Ramey
Boeing Defense, Space & Security
 206-851-4147
charles.b.ramey@boeing.com

LaToya Graddy
U.S. Navy
 301-757-8690
latoya.graddy@navy.mil

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
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*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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