Boeing Holds 'Major Join' Ceremony For Qatar's 1st C-17

Boeing Holds 'Major Join' Ceremony For Qatar's 1st C-17

(NSI News Source Info) LONG BEACH, Calif. - March 31, 2009: Boeing March 26., celebrated the 'major join' of Qatar's first C-17 Globemaster III advanced airlifter in a ceremony at the company's C-17 final assembly facility in Long Beach. Qatar was the first Middle East nation to order the C-17. During major join, the airlifter's four major fuselage sections -- the forward, center and aft fuselages and wing assembly -- are integrated, and the aircraft looks like a C-17 for the first time. Qatari officials drove ceremonial rivets into the aircraft's fuselage today as Boeing executives and hundreds of employees looked on. Boeing will deliver Qatar's first C-17 this summer. "This is an exciting moment for our country," said Gen. Ghanim Shaheen Al-Ghanim, deputy chief of staff for the Qatar Armed Forces. "Watching this C-17 nearing the end of the assembly line means we are now just months away from a new era in critical airlift capabilities in our region -- for our troops and for those in need of humanitarian supplies or disaster relief." Boeing and the government of Qatar signed an agreement on July 21, 2008, for the purchase of C-17 advanced airlifters and associated equipment and services to provide new strategic-airlift capabilities for the country's defense forces. "The C-17 will strengthen Qatar's ability to transport equipment and troops in the region, as well as participate in humanitarian operations in the Middle East and South Asia," said Brig. Gen. Ahmad Al-Malki, head of Qatar's airlift selection committee. "Its high reliability and operational flexibility are reasons why we selected it." "Boeing is extremely proud to provide Qatar with the kind of strategic airlift capability and superior mobility that the C-17 continues to deliver to all of our customers," said Tommy Dunehew, Boeing International C-17 program manager. "In challenging military and humanitarian operations, the C-17 has proven again and again that it is the most advanced airlifter in the world and a global leader in mobility." Boeing will provide support for Qatar's C-17s, including material management and depot maintenance support, under the C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership. There are currently 198 C-17s in service worldwide -- 14 with international customers. The U.S. Air Force, including active Guard and Reserve units, has 184. International customers include the UK Royal Air Force, the Canadian Forces, the Royal Australian Air Force, and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability consortium of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations. The United Arab Emirates announced on Feb. 24 that it will acquire four C-17s.

Lease Corporation International Group Orders 20 Bombardier CSeries Jetliners With Options To Purchase A Further 20

Lease Corporation International Group Orders 20 Bombardier CSeries Jetliners With Options To Purchase A Further 20

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 31, 2009: Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Lease Corporation International Aviation (New Buildings) Limited has signed a firm purchase agreement for three CS100 and 17 CS300 jetliners. In July 2004, Bombardier announced the development of the CSeries family of airliners to replace the cancelled BRJX project. The CSeries would be larger than the current Canadair Regional Jets, and capable of carrying 110 or 130 passengers. For the first time, Bombardier would be competing directly with the smallest offerings from the much larger Boeing and Airbus companies. At the time, Bombardier expected the aircraft to be available by 2013. In March 2005, Bombardier's board decided to promote the plane to airlines to gather advance orders. Two models were announced: the 110-seat C110, and the 130-seat C130. The CSeries would feature new, more fuel-efficient engines and a higher percentage of composite materials in its fuselage, a strategy similar to that used in the much larger Boeing 787 and Airbus A350. The aircraft were designed to seat passengers in a 3+2 arrangement in coach and a 2+2 arrangement in business/first class, similar to the Boeing 717. The aircraft would have under-wing turbofans. The CSeries' cross-section was designed to give enhanced seating comfort for passengers, with features like broader seats and armrests for the middle passenger and larger windows at every seat to give every passenger the physical and psychological advantages of ample natural light. The CSeries cabin would also have large, rotating overhead storage bins, a first for single-aisle aircraft, allowing each passenger to stow a sizeable carry-on bag on board. Compared to the cabins of current in-service narrowbody aircraft, the CSeries would provide airlines with the largest overhead bin volume per passenger and a wider aisle that would allow for faster boarding and disembarcation of passengers. In May 2005, Bombardier secured agreements with the Federal Government of Canada, the Provincial Government of Quebec, and the Government of the United Kingdom for supports and loans for the CSeries project. The Canadian government has committed US$350 million in financing; the British government has committed US$300 million. The fuselage will be built by China Aviation Industry Corp. I (AVIC I). Final assembly of the aircraft was to be at Mirabel Airport, outside Montreal, Quebec. Substantial portions of the aircraft were to be constructed at Bombardier facilities in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

The purchaser, which also took options on a further 20 CSeries aircraft, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lease Corporation International Limited (LCI). LCI is a privately owned aircraft leasing company that owns and leases planes to major airlines. Based on list prices, the firm order for 20 CSeries aircraft is valued at approximately $1.44 billion U.S. “This firm order for both CS100 and CS300 aircraft adds to the momentum we anticipated for CSeries aircraft following the initial firm order by Deutsche Lufthansa AG. Moreover, LCI’s purchase confirms the flexibility designed into this technologically advanced aircraft family as required by all our customers, but especially leasing companies,” said Gary R. Scott, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “We are grateful for LCI’s confidence in the CSeries aircraft and delighted to welcome them as the launch leasing company customer. We look forward to working with them on further development of the aircraft for its entry into service in 2013.” “We are excited about the future of Bombardier’s CSeries jetliner family,” said LCI Chairman, Adam Tomazos. “Market studies carried out by ourselves and other organizations see a large worldwide demand for aircraft in the 100- to 149-seat category over the next two decades and the CSeries jetliner family is a perfect fit.” The launch of the CSeries family of aircraft was announced at the Farnborough Air Show on July 13, 2008. The 110-seat and 130-seat CSeries family of aircraft brings unmatched passenger comfort, performance, and operating economics, benefiting from the latest technological advancements, including: fourth-generation aerodynamics; increased use of composites and advanced aluminium alloys in structures; the very latest in system technologies, such as fly-by-wire, electric brakes, and a next-generation engine – the Pratt & Whitney PurePowerTM PW1000G engine. PurePowerTM represents a significant breakthrough in turbofan technology, especially on the environmental front where it will set new benchmarks from dramatically reduced fuel burn, noise, and emissions. At time of entry into service in 2013, the CSeries family of aircraft will be the greenest single-aisle aircraft in its class. These game-changing aircraft will emit 20* per cent less CO2 and 50* per cent less NOx, fly four* times quieter, and deliver dramatic energy savings – 20* per cent fuel burn advantage as well as 15* per cent improved cash operating costs versus current in-production aircraft of similar size. The CSeries aircraft will set a new benchmark in the industry, consuming as little as two litres of fuel per passenger per 100 kilometres in its more dense seating layouts*. TheCS100 and CS300 aircraft models will share a new common centerline engine and have the same crew type rating, operating and maintenance procedures. Each of the aircraft models will also have operational flexibility to permit utilization on both short-haul and transcontinental routes. In addition to Bombardier’s fourth-generation transonic composite wing design, the company is also using its Reconfigurable Engineering Flight Simulator II (REFS II) to develop customized ‘fly-by-wire’ control laws specific to CSeries aircraft. This simulator is the first of many devices planned, as part of an extensive integrated test regime, to ensure the CSeries aircraft achieves consistently high levels of reliability when it enters service. About Lease Corporation International Lease Corporation International (LCI) is a privately owned aircraft lessor founded in 2004. Since its inception LCI has acquired aircraft valued at over $3.5 billion. Its customer list includes national flag carriers and major airlines such as Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Air France and Virgin Atlantic. The company’s highly experienced management team works closely with airframe and engine manufacturers, and with major financial institutions to provide aircraft leasing solutions for airlines worldwide. Further information is available at www.lciaviation.com. LCI is a member of the Libra Group.

Lockheed Martin GPS III Team Maintains Schedule Performance, Achieving Key Milestones In Preliminary Design Review Phase

Lockheed Martin GPS III Team Maintains Schedule Performance, Achieving Key Milestones In Preliminary Design Review Phase

(NSI News Source Info) NEWTOWN, Pa - March 31, 2009: The Lockheed Martin team developing the U.S. Air Force's next-generation Global Positioning System (GPS) spacecraft, known as GPS III, continues to meet or exceed key milestones on schedule in the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) phase of the program. Lockheed Martin GPS III Team Maintains Schedule Performance, Achieving Key Milestones In Preliminary Design Review Phase Lockheed Martin, Newtown, Pa., along with teammates ITT, Clifton, N.J., and General Dynamics of Gilbert, Ariz., have successfully completed 61 of 71 subsystem and assembly PDRs, with the Global Positioning Systems Wing of the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles, Calif. The GPS III PDRs successfully completed within the last month include a spacecraft bus PDR, consisting of 31 individual bus assemblies and seven bus subsystem PDRs. General Dynamics completed a series of 12 network communication PDRs in late March. The team is now gearing up for a navigation payload PDR at ITT. This process will culminate with a comprehensive spacecraft Segment PDR in late May that will validate that the design meets warfighter and civil requirements prior to entering the Critical Design Review phase. "The entire team is executing according to plan, achieving important design milestones and retiring risk for this critical program," said Col. Dave Madden the U.S. Air Force GPS Wing Commander. "Our steady progress is the result of a joint government-industry team focused on mission success and delivering the much-needed capabilities that GPS III will provide to users around the globe." GPS III will improve position, navigation and timing services and provide advanced anti-jam capabilities yielding superior system security, accuracy and reliability. The team is working under a $3 billion Development and Production contract awarded in May 2008 to produce up to 12 GPS IIIA satellites, with first launch projected for 2014 The new generation GPS IIIA satellites will deliver significant improvements over current GPS space vehicles, including a new international civil signal (L1C), and increased M-Code anti-jam power with full earth coverage for military users. "Our proven heritage design of the various elements and strong partnership with the Air Force has been critical to the success of the PDRs and meeting the planned schedule," said Dave Podlesney, Lockheed Martin's GPS III program director. "We are on track to deliver a successful Segment PDR for our customer and move quickly and efficiently into the next phase of this essential program." The GPS constellation provides critical situational awareness and precision weapon guidance for the military and supports a wide range of civil, scientific and commercial functions – from air traffic control to the Internet – with precision location and timing information. Air Force Space Command's 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2SOPS), based at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., manages and operates the GPS constellation for both civil and military users. 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.

Russian Military Hardware Set Footing In United Arab Emirates

Russian Military Hardware Set Footing In United Arab Emirates

(NSI News Source Info) March 31, 2009: Russia is beginning to capture new arms markets of Arab countries that were earlier oriented to the West, the head of the Russian Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation said. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (2R) meets with ruler of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed al-Maktoum (2L) and members of his delegation at the Kremlin in Moscow on March 30, 2009. Russia is beginning to enter new armaments markets where presence was previously considered as hardly probable. In particular, some Persian Gulf countries, including Qatar and Kuwait, are displaying certain interest in the development of military and technical cooperation.

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili Vows To Build Strong, Modern Army

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili Vows To Build Strong, Modern Army

(NSI News Source Info) TBILISI - March 31, 2009: Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has pledged to build new and stronger armed forces in the light of the recent military conflict with Russia. Georgia's military suffered a major defeat in a five-day war with Russia in August last year after attempting to regain its breakaway region of South Ossetia. Georgia reportedly lost up to 3,000 servicemen and police in the conflict although Tbilisi confirmed only about 70 deaths. "This time we are going to build modern, significantly higher quality, significantly stronger armed forces, and no one should have any illusions about that," Saakashvili told reporters late on Monday after a meeting with Gen. James Cartwright, vice chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff. Georgia signed in January a strategic partnership treaty with the United States, which has long provided economic and military support for Tbilisi, including training its troops. Saakashvili said that previous U.S. training programs were limited to training peacekeepers, rather than prepared the Georgian military for full-scale military operations, and expressed hope that Washington would provide stronger support to Tbilisi in developing its military. "After signing the treaty Georgia and the U.S. have entered a new stage of military and political cooperation," he said. Georgia lost control of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in bloody post-Soviet conflicts in the early 1990s. The two republics, bolstered by Russian peacekeepers, have had de facto independence since then, and have been a bone of contention between Georgia and Russia. Major-General Devi Tchankotadze (L), Chief of Joint Staff of the Georgian Armed Forces, and General James E. Cartwright, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the U.S. , salute during a wreath laying ceremony at a military base in Gori some 80 km (50 miles) west of Tbilisi, March 30, 2009. Russia recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states on August 26, two weeks after the war with Georgia, triggered by Tbilisi's attack on South Ossetia.

Madagascar Suspended From Southern African Group

Madagascar Suspended From Southern African Group

(NSI News Source Info) LOZITHA, Swaziland - March 31, 2009: Madagascar's neighbors have suspended the impoverished nation from their regional development and democracy club, and threatened Tuesday to take further steps if the Indian Ocean island's ousted president is not restored to power. A Southern African Development Community summit that ended early Tuesday also called on the West to lift sanctions against another member, Zimbabwe. Madagascan police controls a street intersection in downtown Antananarivo on March 28, 2009. Supporters of Madagascar's ousted president Marc Ravalomanana turned out for the sixth consecutive day of protest against the toppling of their leader 11 days ago. Up to 20,000 demonstrators gathered in Democracy Square in the capital Antananarivo, where some government officials called for a national strike to begin on Monday. Street protests led by opposition leader Andry Rajoelina, who accused Madagascar President Marc Ravalomanana of corruption and mismanagement, brought down Ravalomanana earlier this month. Ravalomanana ceded power to the military, which declared Rajoelina the new president. Tomaz Salomao, executive director of the southern African group, said the summit urged Rajoelina "to vacate the office of the president as matter of urgency, paving the way for unconditional reinstatement of President Ravalomanana." If that does not happen, the leaders said in a communique that followed the daylong summit, the regional group would work with the African Union and the United Nations to "consider other options to restore constitutional normalcy." The African Union had earlier condemned Rajoelina and suspended Madagascar until it has a government elected through fair and transparent elections. Western nations have also voiced concern at what critics say was a coup, and Washington cut all non-humanitarian aid to Madagascar. The southern African leaders had been expected to impose sanctions on Madagascar. Their decision on Zimbabwe may offer a clue why they did not. In their communique, the southern Africans "urged the developed countries to lift all forms of sanctions against Zimbabwe as these sanctions will undermine the country's and (regional) efforts to normalize the situation in that member state." Zimbabwe's inflation is the world's highest and has left most of its people dependent on foreign handouts, and a cholera outbreak has killed more than 4,000 people since August. President Robert Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe since its 1980 independence from Britain, blames Western sanctions for Zimbabwe's economic collapse. But the longtime opposition party blames mismanagement and corruption by Mugabe's party. Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai formed a unity government earlier this year after months of negotiations.

British Troops In Iraq Pack Their Bags

British Troops In Iraq Pack Their Bags

(NSI News Source Info) Basra, Iraq - March 31, 2009: British armed forces move toward a complete withdrawal from Iraq, marking an end to their six-year presence in the war-hit country.

Major-General Andy Salmon, Britain's senior commander in Iraq, is slated to surrender the army's main base to the US command on May 31, the official end-of-combat date. A British military band performs during a ceremony of the departure of the British forces in Basra, 420 km (260 miles) southeast of Baghdad, March 29, 2009. Iraqi officials on Sunday said goodbye to British troops six years after they invaded, the farewell feast marking the beginning of the end of an unpopular and controversial British presence in Basra.

Salmon, who is slated to return to the UK with most of Britain's 4000 troops, said Tuesday that the British military has scored major achievements in Iraq and will leave the country with their "heads held high".

Involvement in the US-led military campaign in Iraq has come at a price for Britain; more than 180 British troops have lost their lives.

British army personnel have reportedly been anxiously awaiting their departure from Iraq. "Hopefully when the last British soldier leaves Iraq, it will stay peaceful because no one really wants to come back," says Corporal Nathanael Wrigglesworth.

More than 1,320,000 Iraqis have been killed, according to justforeignpolicy.org Following Washington's invasion of Iraq in 2003, the British-led coalition took control of Basra -- Iraq's third-largest city and a strategic oil hub.

Britain's pullout comes 50 years after its previous exit from Iraq, when it left the Habbaniyah base near Fallujah and ended a 41-year presence.

US 'Looks Forward' To Iran Help, After 30 Years On Afghanistan Factor

US 'Looks Forward' To Iran Help, After 30 Years On Afghanistan Factor

(NSI News Source Info) The Hague - March 31, 2009: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton suggests that Iran seeks stability and an end to the drug trade that bankrolls the Afghan insurgency.

Iran has accepted an invitation to take part in a UN-sponsored conference on Afghanistan in the Hague, marking a turning point in three decades of its deadlocked relations with the US. Clinton, speaking to reporters en route to The Hague, said she is "looking forward" to Iran's participation and contribution to achieve security in the war-hit Afghanistan.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she "looks forward" to Iran's help in Afghanistan. Previous Iranian efforts to bring stability to the war-torn country were not welcomed by Washington.

"The fact that they accepted the invitation to come suggests that they believe there is a role for them to play and we are looking forward to hear about that," said the former first lady.

"From our information, they are really concerned about all the narcotics crossing the border into their country… This is a matter of their own internal security. . . . I would imagine that's an area where they are willing to work with others," Clinton added.

She did not rule out a sit-down with Iranian delegates at the conference -- which is directed at rallying world support for calm in Afghanistan at a time when US military efforts have reached a stalemate in the landlocked country.

The meeting will bring together leading representatives from more than 70 countries and international organizations. Iran neighbors Afghanistan and has close historical, cultural and linguistic ties with the country.

Tehran's post 9/11 cooperation with Washington to uproot the Taliban were to such an extent that according to the former US special envoy to Kabul, James Dobbin, "few countries were as helpful to the United States - in its early involvement in Afghanistan - as Iran."

Former National Security Council official Flynt Leverett has also acknowledged Iran's help in stemming Afghan violence. "Washington's engagement with Tehran over Afghanistan provided significant and tangible benefits for the American position during the early stages of the war on terror," he has said.

US President George W. Bush, however, responded to the Iranian efforts by labeling the country as an "axis of evil" in a 2002 State of the Union address.

G20 Summit To Tackle Global Financial Crisis, But Consensus On Solution Uncertain

G20 Summit To Tackle Global Financial Crisis, But Consensus On Solution Uncertain

(NSI News Source Info) Washington D.C - March 31, 2009: The G20 summit in London April 1st and 2nd aims to reach a consensus on how to solve the global economic crisis. However, there are many challenges that must be met first. Professor John Kirton, director of the G20 Research Group at the University of Toronto, says world leaders face "a very big job across a very broad agenda." "The first thing they have to do is to make sure that the fiscal and monetary stimulus that the G20 countries are injecting into their economies to get growth back, to provide jobs for their citizens, is enough. That it's working well. That it's targeted in the areas that will really help the most. Secondly, they've got to make sure that the financial system is working by unblocking the credit channels," he says. That means comprehensive and up-to-date supervision and regulation of the financial industry. Kirton also warns against a knee-jerk reaction to the global recession. He says, "They have to make sure that we don't see an outburst of vicious trade protectionism, which everyone knows punishes all concerned. But [it] is such a temptation for politicians to engage in to appear to be doing something for their voters back home." Other challenges include meeting the Millennium Development Goals and modernizing major financial institutions. "We need to reform the global financial architecture, particularly the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, international institutions that were designed in and for a world of 1944, but really need to be changed for the 21st Century global economy we now have," he says. However, although the problems are shared by all at the G20 summit, getting them all to agree still won't be easy. "When you have up to 28 leaders from very diverse parts of the world, levels of development, culture, it's very difficult to get consensus - far more difficult than it is to get in the old G8 club," he says. Kirton also says that the current financial crisis is "characterized by a degree of complexity and uncertainty that's never been seen before." "So in some sense, they're all in this together searching in the dark for a common answer. And I think that is a unifying bond that will pull them together," he says. At last November's summit in Washington, the G20 did set the groundwork for modernizing the financial structure. This includes assessing financial risks not just at individual institutions, but across the whole financial sector. Kirton also says financial institutions must end a typical cycle of economic behavior. "So, for example, when times are good and banks are making a lot of money, they should set aside more capital for a rainy day (bad times). At present of course, when times are good, they think they don't need that safety net so they put aside less. Then when times are bad, of course, they realize they need it so they start hoard their cash – exactly the wrong thing to do," he says. Into this crisis steps the new US President, Barack Obama, who, Kirton says, carries with him great hopes and expectations. But he'll face European leaders, who may disagree with his economic stimulus plans. The unknown factor at the G20 summit is China, which has plenty of money at its disposal. "It's difficult to imagine that even if the United States and the Europeans come to a strong consensus that they can actually solve the global problem unless China shares in that leadership," he says. The director of the G20 Research Group expects the summit to address the needs of developing countries for at least two reasons. One is the long-standing commitment of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown to helping poor countries. And the other, Kirton says, is the understanding Barack Obama has, from personal experience, of how the crisis could affect such countries as Indonesia and Kenya. The unanswered question is: Will parliaments and congress back home follow through and release the money needed to help poor countries?

Afghanistan Conference Draws 80 Countries

Afghanistan Conference Draws 80 Countries

(NSI News Source Info) The Hague - March 31, 2009: Representatives from more than 80 nations, including the United States and Iran, are gathering Tuesday in the Hague for a key conference focusing on Afghanistan at a time when NATO and U.S. forces there are fighting a rising insurgency.

The Afghanistan conference follows the unveiling of a new U.S. strategy that calls for sending more aid and additional troops to conflict-torn country and to focus more on al-Qaida terrorists operating there.

Dutch Development and Cooperation Minister Bert Koenders, whose country is hosting the conference, says the meeting is not about dollars and soldiers, but about forging an international agreement on what to do in Afghanistan.

"Obviously the outcome of this conference has direct implications for troop levels and for money being spent on development cooperation," said Bert Koenders. "But I think the importance is to force a new international consensus and a contract between Afghanistan and the international community on mutual rights and obligations."

Mr. Koenders said the Afghan government should do more to fight corruption and to guarantee August presidential elections are free and fair. He says the international community should strike a better balance between military and non-military aid.

But European members of NATO are under pressure to come up with more troops for the alliance's operations in Afghanistan, particularly after U.S. President Barack Obama said he would add 4,000 troops to quell the rising insurgency. That is on top of the 17,000 new troops he has already pledged.

On NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer also urged Europe to do more, saying this should not simply be Mr. Obama's war. World leaders are expected to discuss that issue at a NATO summit on the French-German border later this week.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will be joining representatives from more than 80 countries and international organizations at the conference. U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Afghan President Hamid Karzai will also be there, as will representatives from Iran. There appear to be no plans for high-level talks between U.S. and Iranian officials, but Minister Koenders says Iran's presence is key. "I think they are very vital for the future of Afghanistan," he said. "It is a neighboring country. They have an enormous interest in stability in Afghanistan, in terms of the refugee flows they have had to deal with, but also in terms of exports of drugs [from Afghanistan]."

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is also expected at the Hague meeting. Russia hosted its own conference on Afghanistan last Friday.