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 - LAAD-2011 NEWS: Russia Aims To Expand Presence On Latin American Arms Market

DTN News - LAAD-2011 NEWS: Russia Aims To Expand Presence On Latin American Arms Market

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

(NSI News Source Info)

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil

- April 14, 2011:

The arms market in Latin America, especially in Brazil, show a great potential for exports of Russian weaponry, a senior Russian defense industry official said.

More than 300 types of weaponry are being showcased by Russia at the Latin America Aero and Defense 2011 (LAAD-2011) arms show in Rio de Janeiro on April 12-15.

"The arms market of Latin America is expansive and promising. Brazil holds a leading position among our partners in terms of its potential for the acquisition of [Russian] military hardware and equipment," said Sergei Goreslavsky, the head of marketing at Russian Technologies State Corporation, who leads the Russian delegation at the LAAD-2011.

In addition to the wide array of combat aircraft and helicopters, including the Sukhoi Su-35 and Su-30MK2 multirole fighters and Ka-52 Hokum B attack helicopters, Russia will focus on marketing its highly-acclaimed air defense systems, such as S-400, Tor-M2E, Buk-M2E, Tunguska-M1, Pantsyr-S1, and Igla-S.

"Modern warfare, as the recent events in Northern Africa confirmed, is conducted mainly from the air," Goreslavsky said. "That's why the purchase of advanced air defense systems offered by Russia becomes a serious consideration."

"We are hoping to gain some ground in this direction," the official added.

Russia, the world's second largest arms exporter after the United States, sold $8.6 billion worth of weaponry last year and is looking to increase its arms sales to almost $10 bln in 2011.

Rosoboronexport has established mutually beneficial arms trade ties with Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Uruguay, and Ecuador through active marketing efforts. These countries express their interest in Russian air defense systems, radars, combat aircraft and helicopters, naval equipment, and small arms.

Related News;

• Russia boosts arms sales to Latin America — Lavrov
• Russia hopes to make $9.5 bln in 2011 arms sales (Update 1)
• Russia to sell Mi-17 helicopters to Argentina
• Russia, Brazil discuss joint production of armored police cars

Multimedia

• The Pantsyr-S1 mobile short-range gun and missile air defense system
• Pantsir hits cruise missile target
• Pantsir-S anti-aircraft weapons system destroys targets automatically
• S-400 Triumf air missile defense system
• S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile system
• S-400 Triumf destroys supersonic target
• The S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile system in action
• Russia unveils upgraded Igla-S short-range air-defense system
• Russia’s Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopter

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Ria Novosti

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BAE Offers Heads-Up Display For Smaller Aircraft At LAAD

BAE Offers Heads-Up Display For Smaller Aircraft At LAAD

(NSI News Source Info) RIO DE JANIERO - April 17, 2009: BAE Systems chose to highlight its Quantum Heads-Up Display system at the Latin America Aerospace and Defense (LAAD) conference with the hope of garnering interest from Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer. "The specific objective for having Quantum HUD here at LAAD is Embraer," said John Nix of BAE. "Embraer obviously does both civil and military applications, and Quantum HUD is a unique system in that it's scalable across the breadth of their product lines, from the very smallest aircraft to the very largest aircraft." The heads up display is meant to replace the projection system in cockpits that displays flight information on a clear screen in the pilot's line of sight. The projection system is installed over a pilot's head in the cockpit. The projector systems are not used in small aircraft, so pilots have to look down at instrumentation to get data like speed, altitude and horizon information. BAE representatives at LAAD said their system could be mounted in small aircraft because it's about half the size of the conventional projector system. Instead of projecting an image from an overhead projector onto a display in front of the pilot, the BAE system eliminates the projector and "shoots" the image into the edge of the glass that is the display in front of the pilot, Nix said. There is "a tremendous amount of interest" in the system for small commercial aircraft, said Richard Morrow of BAE. "We don't have any contracts yet, but we anticipate probably four [requests for proposals] before the end of the year on this." Boeing also is interested in the system for the C-17 military transport, Nix added. Morrow said the response from Embraer at the show had been "very positive," and BAE planned to send representatives to the Brazilian company next week for further meetings.

IAI Casts Lot For Future Growth With Brazil

IAI Casts Lot For Future Growth With Brazil

(NSI News Source Info) RIO DE JANEIRO - April 17, 2009: Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) looked around the world for its future growth and signed up for Brazil and India, said Yair Shamir, chairman of the diversified aerospace and defense group. That global strategy for growth was ratified by the IAI board, Shamir said April 16 at the Latin America Aerospace and Defense (LAAD) show. To pursue the Brazilian market, IAI recently signed a 50/50 joint venture agreement with Synergy Group, an industrial and engineering group with large shipbuilding and aviation interests. IAI talked to a number of companies but opted for Synergy because it was looking for a partner that would allow diversification of activities. The joint venture agreement was complicated and took some time to finalize. IAI settled on a joint venture rather than an outright acquisition, which was considered too risky. IAI's approach will be "practical, not theoretical," Shamir said. The joint venture will seek out projects on which it can bid, applying the Israeli company's broad range of capabilities. The president of Synergy, Germain Efromovich, said the agreement brings IAI technology into the joint venture company, which will bid for contracts with the Brazilian air force, army and navy. Synergy submitted a bid in a tender that closed April 15 for four Brazilian coast guard cutters, Efromovich said. Synergy owns two shipyards here, five commercial airlines including the Avianca carrier and a cargo operator, and an offshore helicopter fleet. The company is also involved in oil exploration and the medical field. The Brazilian company plans to invest $800 million over three years in a new shipyard in the Rio state, Efromovich. Profit margins in the aircraft business are about 8 percent to 9 percent, shipbuilding up to 15 percent, and medical 20 percent to 25 percent, he said. Synergy had 2008 sales of $2.6 billion and expects to make $3 billion. Each partner will initially inject a couple of hundred thousand dollars into the joint venture, but has capacity to put in hundreds of millions eventually. The timing is right, Shamir said, as the Brazilian armed forces are pursuing a modernization. Brazil is interested in assets such as UAVs, an early warning system and upgrades for its land, sea, air and, eventually, space capabilities, said Yair Ramati, IAI corporate vice president for marketing. Some of the needs are a wish list, but IAI looks to the joint venture to win those deals which actually come to the market. IAI is following Brazil's FX-2 combat aircraft tender, as the company has equipment, such as a radar targeting pod, electronically scanned radar, secure communications and electronic countermeasures, which could be fitted on the Saab Gripen aircraft if the Brazilian air force chooses it. IAI makes the RF radar seeker for Rafael tactical missiles and builds laser guided bombs. A win by Boeing's F/A-18 would secure business for American suppliers, while the Dassault Rafale is mainly equipped with Thales systems, leaving little room for IAI. The Israeli company also has surveillance and communications satellites, which could feed into Brazil's space ambitions. In India, IAI signed an agreement with the Tata conglomerate in the third quarter of last year.

Russian Helicopters Sees Lucrative Upgrade Market in Latin America

Russian Helicopters Sees Lucrative Upgrade Market in Latin America

(NSI News Source Info) RIO DE JANEIRO - April 17, 2009: Russian Helicopters expects big business in upgrades of military aircraft in Latin America, as well as some sales of the Mi-17 utility helo, said Vladimir Mikheyev, spokesman for the holding company that represents rotorcraft manufacturers. The Ka-226 light multi-purpose helicopter was designed to carry out emergency missions in urban and congested areas, and is capable of taking off and landing on small, unprepared grounds. The dimensions of the helicopter are minimal and it has no tail rotor, which excludes any damage from obstacles and is safer for ground personnel. By the effectiveness of usage the helicopter is optimized to carry out a wide spectrum of aviation works in different natural-environmental conditions. The machine can be involved in rescuing, fire fighting, police, or road, oil pipe or power line patrol operations. Ka-226 is suitable for operatively managing large cities and large agricultural complexes. Helicopters makers such Mil Military Helicopter, Kamov, Rostvertol and Kazan found a new market in the southern hemisphere in the 1990s when the collapse of the Soviet Union meant Washington dropped objections to South American countries buying military equipment from the Cold War enemy. Among countries looking to add to its Russian fleets is Peru, which is interested in buying a small number of the multipurpose Mi-17, as is Nicaragua, Colombia and Bolivia, Mikheyev said at the Latin America Aerospace and Defense show. Brazil bought 12 Mi-35 Ms (M for modernized), and the Air Force chief told Russian Helicopter executives at the show that the service wanted to buy more. A planned sale of the Mi-17 to Brazil fell through when the government ditched the Russian deal and bought 50 Eurocopter EC725 aircraft in December after French President Nicolas Sarkozy visited the country. The upgrade activities will draw on service centers in Mexico and Peru. Venezuela has obtained a license for local assembly of the Kamov 226, the twin-rotor aircraft with contra-rotational blades. Venezuela is also in discussions to buy new Mi-28s. In a deal with Turbomeca, Kamov will re-engine its 266 aircraft with the more powerful Arrius 2G1 motor built by the French company. The new model will be designated Kamov 266T (T for Turbomeca). Russian manufacturers acknowledge their weakness in advanced cockpit avionics and are open to installing European and American electronic equipment. "We are ready to fit Western systems," Mikheyev said. Progress, however, has been made, with the Uomz company building a FLIR electro-optical system, which has been sold to German, Italian, Polish and Spanish helicopter operators, he said.

DCNS At LAAD 2009

DCNS At LAAD 2009

(NSI News Source Info) Rio de Janeiro Brazil - April 17, 2009: DCNS will exhibit at LAAD 2009 which will be held in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) from 14 to 17 April 2009. DCNS is a major player on the European and world markets for value-added naval defence systems. As a naval prime contractor, shipbuilder and systems integrator, DCNS combines resources and expertise spanning the naval defence value chain and entire system lifecycles. DCNS delivers innovative solutions from integrated warships to strategic systems, equipment and services. The DCNS stand showcases: • DCNS will showcase its expertise in submarine design and construction, through the Scorpene medium-size submarines. At the end of January, DCNS delivered the first of two Scorpene submarines ordered by Malaysia in June 2002: Tunku Abdul Rahman, which is scheduled to arrive in Malaysia early in the second half of 2009. The second of the series, Tun Razak, is scheduled for delivery in late 2009. Already chosen by the Chilean Navy and the Indian Navy, Scorpene submarines represents the state of the art in submarine design and construction and benefits from the latest technologies developed for nuclear-powered classes operated by the French Navy, particularly as regards acoustic discretion and combat system performance. Excellent endurance makes the Scorpene one of the few medium-displacement designs suitable for extended ocean patrol duties. The modular design can also be readily tailored to each customer's specific mission profiles and other requirements. In December 2008, DCNS has been awarded a major contract by the Brazilian Navy (four conventional-propulsion submarines and design assistance - under the Brazilian Navy's design authority - for the non-nuclear part of the Navy's first nuclear submarine). • To emphasize its experience in strategic systems and equipment DCNS is also displaying the Mesma AIP system to extend submarine submerged endurance three to four fold and significantly improve operational performance. • Barracuda nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) will form a key component of the French Navy's force projection assets..The Barracuda will feature extremely low observables and vulnerability to all types of surface and underwater threats.The Barracuda programme calls for the delivery of six nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs). DCNS cut the first plate for the first-of-class Le Suffren at its Cherbourg shipyard on 19 December 2007. SSN Le Suffren is scheduled to enter service in 2017. The Barracuda is one of the most important programmes for the renewal of France's naval forces. • The Andrasta, a compact submarine designed to operate in coastal waters, a theatre of growing importance to all maritime nations. It is also a fearsome adversary in deep water. Andrasta combines a state-of-the-art design with stealth, agility and power. A direct descendant of the Scorpene, it is remarkably effective in any underwater role in coastal waters that a client navy may wish to assign to it. • CV São Paulo, formerly CV Foch, pride of the French Navy, was acquired by the Brazilian Navy in 2000. DCNS makes expertise available to the Brazilian Navy on an ‘as needed' basis. Most requests concern the ship's boilers, catapults, aviation facilities and propulsion system. To ensure that the São Paulo is constantly in top condition, DCNS supports the Brazilian Navy's Rio de Janeiro shipyard through telephone conference calls, by seconding experts and by supplying spare parts. • The projection and command ship or Mistral LHD is a multipurpose surface vessel designed to cover a broad spectrum of missions, including amphibious operations, crisis management, airborne operations, operational command, operational transport, healthcare support, humanitarian operations and freight transport. The operational capability and interoperability of the Mistral LHD were demonstrated in Operation Baliste off Lebanon and on sea trials with the US Navy (involving the LCAC and Super Stallion). • The FREMM multi-mission frigates programme combines the latest technologies developed by the DCNS group. These technological and engineering advances will make the FREMM frigates world leaders in their class. France and Italy have already ordered a first batch of and Morocco chose this frigate to equip its Royal Navy. • The FM 400 is a new compact and flexible frigate derived from the FREMM with a full range of specialized versions. In designing the FM 400, DCNS drew on a long line of stealth vessels that began with the famous La Fayette and now includes the FREMM frigates. Like its predecessors, the FM 400 offers multi-role capabilities tailored to the needs of a wide range of navies. • The innovative Gowind®, a new family of ocean-capable vessels designed by DCNS for all littoral and sea operations, Gowind® vessels are exceptional tools able to fulfil missions ranging from anti-piracy up to sea control and denial. • SUBTICS® combines operational efficiency, high-performance sensors and long-range weapons. The system can be readily added to any new-build programme or integrated as part of a refit. It has been selected by several navies for SCORPENE and AGOSTA 90B submarines, as well as for modernisation programmes for submarines already in service. • DCNS displays the F21 next-generation heavyweight torpedo developed with Italian partner Wass. The F21 has been selected by a number of navies. This product is an excellent example of DCNS's expertise in advanced system integration. • DCNS is also displaying the Contralto countermeasure systems, specifically Contralto-V® for surface vessels and Contralto-S® for submarines. This product is an excellent example of DCNS's expertise in advanced system integration. • Automatic UAV deck landing and take-off is a major challenge, especially if poor sea states and weather are taken into account. DCNS has developed the Automatic Deck landing Device to allow rotary-wing UAVs to take off and land on naval flight decks. The ADD system successfully completed its first sea trials off Toulon in October 2008. The system uses an infrared trajectograph to track the UAV while receiving real-time platform motion data. Meanwhile, a computer processes the motion data to generate UAV flight commands to adjust its trajectory. ADD can be used up to sea state 5, when it takes 2 minutes to land a UAV. DCNS also offers a full range of naval services, including through-life support (TLS), modernisations and training. DCNS is actively integrating e-maintenance into its guaranteed-availability TLS services. Internet technologies enable customer and service provider to share system status data and operating parameters in near-realtime. DCNS is also assessing the potential of state-of-the-art diagnostic and prognostic tools to further improve warship availability. About DCNSThe DCNS group is one of Europe's leading players on the world market for naval defence systems. To meet customer demands for more comprehensive and integrated systems, DCNS acts as prime contractor for naval shipbuilding, integration and support by combining its own development, marketing and production capabilities with those of selected partners. To manage the complexity of such projects, DCNS draws on in-house expertise in naval architecture, systems engineering, ship assembly and integration and equipment design and production as well as through-life support. The DCNS group employs some 13,000 people and generates annual revenues of around €2.8 billion

LAAD 2009: Saab Makes Case For Gripen As F-X2 Choice

LAAD 2009: Saab Makes Case For Gripen As F-X2 Choice

(NSI News Source Info) RIO DE JANIERO - April 16, 2009: In a press briefing at the Latin America Aerospace and Defense conference, executives of Swedish company Saab appealed to Brazil's desire to gain technology through its fighter jet competition, and said Saab would make offset investments in Brazil equal to the size of the contract, which Brazil plans to award this year. The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a 4.5 generation fighter aircraft manufactured by the Swedish aerospace company Saab. Gripen International acts as a prime contracting organisation and is responsible for marketing, selling and supporting the Gripen fighter around the world. The aircraft is in service with the Swedish Air Force, the Czech Air Force, the Hungarian Air Force and the South African Air Force, and has been ordered by the Royal Thai Air Force. A total of 236 Gripens have been ordered as of 2008.

In October 2008, it was reported that the Brazilian Air Force had selected three finalists in their F-X2 program. They are Dassault Rafale, Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Gripen NG, and the number of aircraft involved are said to be anywhere between 36 and 120. The decision should be made early 2009. On 2 February 2009, Saab submitted a tender for 36 Gripen NGs to the Brazilian Air Force Command. The $2.2 billion competition for 36 fighters pits the Gripen against Boeing's F-18 and Dassault's Rafale. Saab is trying to displace French and U.S. companies in its fighter strategy for Brazil, India and South Africa, said Bob Kemp, Gripen International's sales and marketing director. For nations not aligned with NATO, Saab's strategy is to "move the French, who dominated this market over the last 20, 30 years [with] the Mirage [and] Jaguar," and persuade customers to choose Gripen fighters instead, Kemp said. "So far, we've been most successful here and getting ourselves established in South Africa, with campaigns in India and in Brazil here. "We believe that we have got a unique opportunity to succeed in these nations because they're looking for independence. And this is an area that we offer something quite unique, because Sweden itself is an independent nation and we recognize the value of controlling your own destiny," he said. More than 99 percent of fighters worldwide come from the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, Kemp said. "I can tell you those guys don't go around handing out their technology. That's why they still have over 99 percent of the market. If you want to do something different and control your own destiny, there is only one choice, and that is Sweden." Saab has completed 78 test flights with the Next-Generation Gripen it is proposing for Brazil's contest, Kemp said. The company received nine requests for proposals or for information involving the Gripen from countries worldwide.

Eurocopter And Helibras Announce The First Flight Simulator For helicopters In Latin America

Eurocopter And Helibras Announce The First Flight Simulator For helicopters In Latin America

(NSI News Source Info) April 16, 2009: Eurocopter and its Brazilian subsidiary Helibras are pleased to announce the introduction of the first flight simulator for helicopters in Latin America at the Latin America Aerospace & Defense (LAAD) show in Rio de Janeiro.

The flight simulator which will be operational in two years time in the state of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, will be designed to recreate the cockpit environment and missions of a EC725 helicopter.

The EC 725 was developed to meet a French Air Force requirement for a specialist helicopter for Combat Search & Rescue operations after the AS 532 A2 Cougar model was rejected for this purpose following extensive trials between 1996 and 1999. The more ambitious EC 725 design made its maiden flight at Marignane on the 27th November 2000 and the machine made its first presentation on the 15th January 2001. The French Air Force subsequently ordered 6 for Combat Search & Rescue duties with the first being delivered in February 2005. Eight more helicopters were ordered for the French Armed Forces in November 2002.

Brazilian Government has announced that a Helibras factory will produce at least 50 units of the most updated Super Cougar (EC 725). First units will be operational in 2010. Brazilian Air Force 18 on order, Brazilian Navy 16 on order and Brazilian Army 16 on order. It will be used notably to train the pilots who will fly the 50 military EC725 helicopters that will be built for the first time on Helibras’ assembly lines in Itajubá, in the state of Minas Gerais.

The simulators will improve flight safety by providing optimal training regardless of weather conditions and aircraft availability and simulating the toughest missions in complete safety. Eurocopter President Lutz Bertling stated: “Eurocopter’s strategy is to develop its support and services activity and to promote a proactive pilot training policy. Over the last few months, we have introduced numerous simulators for the EC225 in France, the EC135 in Germany and the United States, and the NH90 in Germany. The forthcoming introduction of the EC725 simulator in Brazil and in Malaysia will broaden our offer and meet the expectations of our customers in this growing area of strategic importance.”

True to its policy of internationalization, Eurocopter has a major presence in Latin America: Helibras was set up in 1978, Eurocopter Mexico in 1982, and Eurocopter Chile in 2001. More than 500 employees work at these three subsidiaries. One thousand Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service in Latin America.

Eurocopter is the only helicopter manufacturer with production facilities in Latin America. The AStar/Ecureuil model is made in Brazil (known as Esquilo) and production will soon begin on the EC725, which will lead to Helibras doubling its staff strength to that of 600 persons with a reinforced engineering centre.

Eurocopter’s three Latin American subsidiaries also customize and maintain aircraft, and provide a full range of services. Eurocopter’s recent successes will strengthen the Group’s presence in Latin America even further. In addition to the contract for 50 EC725s for the Brazilian armed forces, the Mexican Ministry of Defense ordered six EC725s in March. About Eurocopter Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 15,600 people. In 2008, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market, with a turnover of 4.5 billion Euros, orders for 715 new helicopters, and a 53 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30 percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 18 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 10,000 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in more than 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.

Brazil Awards Lockheed Martin Contract To Support Long-Range Surveillance Radars In The Amazon

Brazil Awards Lockheed Martin Contract To Support Long-Range Surveillance Radars In The Amazon

(NSI News Source Info) RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - April 16, 2009: Lockheed Martin received a $1.6 million contract from the Brazilian Air Force to support six of its TPS-77 – known in Brazil as the TPS-B34 – long range air surveillance radars currently monitoring airspace in the Amazon region. Since their installation between 2000 and 2005, the Lockheed Martin-manufactured radars have been an integral part of the Brazilian Integrated Air Traffic Control and Air Defense System (SISDACTA), also supplying information to the Amazon Protection System (SIPAM), a complex network of ground-based and airborne sensors providing surveillance in the region, implemented by the Amazon Surveillance System (SIVAM) Project. The TPS-77s have dual-use capability, providing both air surveillance and air traffic control. These radars have withstood the unique environmental challenges experienced in the Amazon jungle and also have demonstrated 100% reliability during deployments, by road and by air, to support Brazilian Air Force exercises. Under the terms of the contract, Lockheed Martin will provide technical support for the six radar systems and on-the-job training for Brazilian radar technicians. The one-year contract includes options to extend the support for up to five years. The AN/TPS-77 is the latest configuration of the world’s most successful 3-D solid-state radar design. This transportable radar provides continuous high-quality 3-D surveillance on aircraft targets at ranges out to 250 nautical miles. The AN/TPS-77 shares some technical components and maintenance activity with Lockheed Martin’s AN/FPS-117 radar. There are 36 AN/TPS-77s and 134 AN/FPS-117 systems operational in 25 countries.

Many have performed for years completely unmanned in remote areas, and in a wide range of operational environments. Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

Antonov Exhibits AN-74, AN-140 At LAAD Show / ANTONOV Will Present Its New Projects In Latin America

Antonov Exhibits AN-74, AN-140 At LAAD Show / ANTONOV Will Present Its New Projects In Latin America

(NSI News Source Info) April 16, 2009: ANTONOV ASTC will represent a number of its modern projects at LAAD-2009 aviation exhibition in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). ANTONOV airplanes are well-known in the region.

More than 260 AN-24 and AN-28 passenger airplanes, AN-26 and AN-32 transports and AN-2 light multipurpose biplanes work today in the countries of Latin America.

The Antonov An-140 is a short-range turboprop airliner, first flown on September 17, 1997. Apart from the main production line in Kharkiv, Ukraine by KSAMC, aircraft are being produced in Russia and under licence by HESA in Iran as the IR.AN-140 or Iran-140. It can carry a maximum of 52 passengers.

Basing on many-year positive experience of using the ANTONOV airplanes in the region, the ASTC offers to the aircraft operators a number of new machines. They are able to perform effectively a wide spectrum of tasks successfully working under climatic conditions of the countries of Latin America.

Among ANTONOV programs represented at the exhibition, are the new versions of AN-74 multipurpose family including maritime patrol one. It is intended to effectively perform various missions including: aerial and maritime patrol missions; search and rescue operations; electronic and radio reconnaissance; detection of polluted sea areas. If it is necessary, the aircraft can be easily converted to carry passengers, evacuate sick wounded persons.

The cargo compartment of more than 50m3 along with highly-mechanized ramp and advanced loading-unloading devices allow independent loading-unloading, transportation of a wide range of cargoes as well as aerial delivery.

The new transport version of AN-74 can transport various cargoes including military-purpose ones with a total weight up to 10 t. For more convenient loading/unloading of palletized and containerized cargoes, roller equipment was mounted on the aircraft floor.

Turboprop AN-140 can effectively enlarge a fleet of the airlines. Capability to be operated in a wide rate of heights of airfields and climatic conditions, under VFR and IFR at day and night are among its advantages. Potential of the AN-140’s structure makes it possible to develop a whole family of aircraft of different purposes on the basis of this aircraft.

ANTONOV ASTC together with its partners on the program has designed several new versions of the AN-140 including one for weather prospecting, coastal economic area protection, aerophotography and aerocartography, fire fighting, search and rescue operations both over the water and land, natural resources exploration and monitoring as well as cargo and passenger-cargo aircraft.

Taking part in the LAAD-2009 air show ANTONOV intends to conduct a series of negotiations with representatives of aviation enterprises of Latin America to discuss possible directions of cooperation including design of new types of aircraft.

Embraer Launches KC-390 Military Transport Jet Program

Embraer Launches KC-390 Military Transport Jet Program

(NSI News Source Info) SÃO JOSÉ DOS CAMPOS, Brazil - April 16, 2009: In a ceremony held, today, during the seventh edition of the Latin America Aero and Defence (LAAD) trade fair, which takes place from April 14 to 17, at Riocentro, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Embraer signed a contract with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) for the KC-390 military transport aircraft program.

Embraer has signed a contract with the Brazilian air force to develop the jet-powered KC-390 airlifter, with an in-service date of 2015.

The event was attended by the Minister of Defense, Nelson Jobim, the Head of the Navy, Admiral Júlio Soares de Moura Neto, the Brazilian Aeronautics Commander, General Juniti Saito, and Embraer President & CEO Frederico Fleury Curado. “The launch of the KC-390 program is a new landmark in the historical strategic partnership between the Brazilian Air Force and Embraer,” said Frederico Fleury Curado, Embraer President & CEO.

“We are convinced that the development of the KC-390 will result in an effective cargo and tanker aircraft for the FAB and shall also become another successful export platform for both Embraer and Brazil.” The FAB established the requirements for this aircraft, just as has occurred with other successful products manufactured by Embraer, like the Bandeirante, the Tucano, the aerial surveillance and remote sensing versions of the ERJ 145, which are used in the Amazon Surveillance System (Sistema de Vigilância da Amazônia – SIVAM), and the Super Tucano.

The new jet will meet the needs of the FAB, in full compliance with the new National Defense Strategy. The participation of other countries in this program will be evaluated, in conjunction with the FAB, and the aircraft is expected to enter service in 2015.

The KC-390 Program will contribute, in the short term, to maintaining highly qualified jobs, and, longer-term, it has the potential for generating significant export volumes with important aggregate value. The existence of a study regarding this military transport aircraft was presented two years ago, at LAAD 2007.

The jet will have a cargo bay equipped with an aft ramp, to transport a wide variety of types of cargo, including armored vehicles, and will be outfitted with the most modern systems for handling and launching cargos. The new jet can be refueled in flight and can be used for in-flight or on-ground refueling of other aircraft.

The cargo bay will allow configurations for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions. The technical advances of the KC-390 include fly-by-wire technology, which lessens pilot work load by optimizing mission results and increasing safety and the capability for operating on short and rustic runways.

The FAB already operates other transport aircraft manufactured by Embraer, like the EMB 120 Brasilia, the ERJ 145, and the Legacy 600. Besides these, the fleet of military aircraft designed and manufactured in Brazil, like the Tucano, the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) airplanes operated within the SIVAM, and the Super Tucano, as well as the AMX, which was developed in a partnership with Italian companies. In June 2008, Embraer signed a contract for the sale of two EMBRAER 190 jets to the FAB, which will be configured especially for carrying authorities.

Embraer is the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial jets up to 120 seats, and one of Brazil’s leading exporters. Embraer’s headquarters are located in São José dos Campos, São Paulo, and it has offices, industrial operations and customer service facilities in Brazil, the United States, France, Portugal, China and Singapore. Founded in 1969, the Company designs, develops, manufactures and sells aircraft for the Commercial Aviation, Executive Aviation, and Defense and Government segments. The Company also provides after sales support and services to customers worldwide. On March 31, 2009, Embraer had a workforce of 17,375 employees – not counting the employees of its subsidiaries OGMA and HEAI – and its firm order backlog totaled US$ 19.7 billion.

Brazilians Show Off Weaponry And Wares

Brazilians Show Off Weaponry And Wares

(NSI News Source Info) RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil -April 15, 2009: The Latin America Aero and Defense exhibition, held every two years, is Brazil's best chance to show off the variety and quality of its defense industry, and the 2009 event is no exception. The country's exhibits are organized around a central focal point where Brazilian army, air force and navy officers are eager to explain to visitors the intricacies of current defense programs. At the center of the navy's exhibit is a large, half-model of a proposed nuclear submarine, which Brazil hopes to begin building in the 2020s. "France is helping us with conventional submarine design assistance, but the effort to design and build the nuclear reactor is entirely Brazilian," said Lt. Cmdr. (Engineer) Meisher Rodriguez, a naval officer assigned to the reactor development program. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (R) listens to his Defense Minister Nelson Jobim during a visit to French company Strength At Sea DCNS stand during the Latin American Aerospace & Defence Fair, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on April 14, 2009. The Brazilian navy hopes to have a land-based version of the submarine reactor up and running in 2014, Rodriguez said. Five reactors currently are operating in Brazil, three civilian reactors in Rio de Janeiro, and two research reactors in Sao Paulo, one for the navy and one for civilian use. The Brazilian air force also was showing off Project VANT, a small, unmanned aerial vehicle being developed jointly by the air force, army and navy with Avibras. Among the other Brazilian companies showing off their products here are aviation giant Embraer; Grupo Inbra Filtro's armored vehicles and light helicopters; precision-guided weapons and other munitions from Britanite IBQ Defence Systems; Emgepron naval shipbuilding and munitions; Indios non-lethal ammunition; Avibras unmanned aerial vehicles; and Bravio avionics.

Brazil Eyes Northrop International Patrol Frigate

Brazil Eyes Northrop International Patrol Frigate

(NSI News Source Info) RIO DE JANEIRO - April 15, 2009: Brazil's top naval officers were quickly drawn to the International Patrol Frigate display when they stopped by Northrop Grumman's booth at the Latin America Aerospace and Defense exhibition, which opened here April 14. The National Security Cutter (NSC) is the centerpiece of the U.S. Coast Guard fleet replacement program. With its 418-foot length and 4,300 ton full load displacement, this is the largest of the new multi-mission cutters. The program of record is eight ships of which the first ship, USCGC Bertholf (WMSL 750), has been commissioned and two additional ships, Waesche (WMSL 751) and Stratton (WMSL 752) are under construction. "It's an outstanding ship; a very interesting project," Rear Adm. Cagle Ilques said after visiting the display. Asked if the ship would have an application for the Brazilian navy, Ilques said, "of course." The proposed ship is based on the National Security Cutter now being built by Northrop for the U.S. Coast Guard. Despite its Coast Guard origins, the patrol frigate presents an interesting "mixture of a sonar, [extensive] range, a combat center and anti-submarine capability, all on less than 5,000 tons," Ilques said. Brazil's top naval officer, Adm. Alte Esq Vinicius, was also impressed. "We have a requirement for three frigates and five patrol ships," he said, "and we're looking for a ship already in production, not a prototype." The Brazilian Navy is gathering information from several proposals for its frigate and patrol ship program, Vinicius said. "Probably in June, we are sending a group of officers to the United States to visit the shipyard," he said. Northrop is hopeful the ship will become a serious contender for the Brazilians. "The International Patrol Frigate meets most, if not all, of the requirements the Brazilians laid out in their maritime strategy," said Rocco Tomanelli, Northrop's director of coastal warfare and international programs.

Iveco To Unveil New Brazilian Armored Vehicle / World Preview Of Iveco’s New Military Vehicle At Next LAAD - Latin America Aero & Defense In Rio

Iveco To Unveil New Brazilian Armored Vehicle / World Preview Of Iveco’s New Military Vehicle At Next LAAD - Latin America Aero & Defense In Rio

(NSI News Source Info) April 8, 2009: IVECO will present the mock-up of the new Brazilian 6x6 armoured personnel carrier (VBTP-MR in Portuguese) at the forthcoming LAAD (Latin America Aero & Defense) Exhibition that will open on April 14th.

The mock-up is part of a contract signed in December 2007 between IVECO L.A. and the Brazilian MOD to co-develop a project which has been called Wheeled Medium Armoured Personnel Carrier– Basic Platform (VBTP-MR). The project will be supported by IVECO Defence Vehicles, situated in Northern Italy, which is dedicated to designing and manufacturing vehicles for military applications.

A mock-up of the six-wheeled VBTP-MR armored vehicle that Italy’s IVECO designed for the Brazilian Army with a view to local production.

With this support, the VBTP-MR vehicle will be developed and manufactured at IVECO LA’s Sete Lagoas plant in Minas Gerais (Brazil).

The prototype of the new Brazilian 6x6 armoured personnel carrier (VBTP-MR) will be delivered by the end of 2009, and will be extensively tested by the Brazilian Army starting from April 2010.

16 additional units will be produced and tested up to 2011, when a decision will be taken on a final order for a VBTP-MR fleet for the Brazilian Army.

The vehicles will then replace the EE-11 Urutu VBTP-MR fleet currently in use by the Brazilian Army.

The first 16 vehicles will be manufactured principally using imported components, but local content will be gradually increased to over 60% in order to reduce production and maintenance costs. IVECO believes that this can be achieved through the integration of its growing supplier base in Brazil, where the company produces around 15.000 trucks per year plus diesel engines. IVECO’s new VBTP-MR is a 18-tonne vehicle, with amphibious capacity at 17.5 tonnes. It is powered by a FPT diesel engine coupled to an automatic gearbox, and can carry a crew of 10 dismounts plus the driver. Outline specifications include a length of 6.9m, a 2.7m width and a height of 2.34m. It can be fitted with a variety of remote-controlled weapon stations and is airportable by C-130 Hercules.

Pietro Borgo, General Manager of IVECO Defence Vehicles, stated “The aim of the project is to develop a highly specialized knowledge base in military vehicles at IVECO LA and to establish an IVECO Defence Vehicles presence in Brazil which can become a partner for the Brazilian Army.” Alberto Mayer, Institutional Relations Director of IVECO Latin America, stated that the project is running according to the original plan. “We are working very well with our partners from the Brazilian Army. We believe this is an important and very promising project not only to meet this local requirement but also because it offers great export potential”.

IVECO Defence Vehicles is well known for the application of advanced automotive innovations and leading edge protection solutions to purpose-built designs, resulting in a full range of trucks, armoured, protected and multirole vehicles. IVECO Defence Vehicles’ plant is situated in Bolzano in Northern Italy, the site of the factory originally housing the prestigious producer of military vehicles, Lancia, was founded in 1937. The company has developed a vast international network giving life to a technical and commercial expertise at a world-wide level. IVECO Defence Vehicles boasts an organisation of dedicated research and development, having available a pool of vehicle expert engineers in the IVECO HQ in Torino.

The marketing, production and aftersales organisation are also based within the Bolzano Facility. Supporting these activities is an additional factory, based in Vittorio Veneto, a centre of excellence for protection. In recent years, IVECO Defence Vehicles has focused on meeting the demands both of its domestic Italian market and of export customers, The company’s success in this latter area in particular has been dramatic, with export sales growing from 20% of the total in the mid 90s to a figure of 70% today. More than 30,000 IVECO vehicles are now in military service worldwide.

IVECO designs, manufactures, and markets a broad range of light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles, off-road trucks, city and intercity buses and coaches as well as special vehicles for applications such as fire fighting, off-road missions, defence and civil protection. IVECO employs over 24,500 people and runs 27 production units in 16 countries in the world using excellent technologies developed in 5 research centres. Besides Europe, the company operates in China, Russia, Turkey, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, and South Africa. More than 4,600 service outlets in over 100 Countries guarantee technical support wherever in the world an IVECO vehicle is at work.

IVECO Latin America is the fastest growing truck company in South America. The company operates from industrial bases in Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela and employs some 2.500 people in the region.