Wednesday, March 06, 2013

DTN News - QUOTE OF THE DAY - Confucius

DTN News - QUOTE OF THE DAY - Confucius
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith 
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 6, 2013: Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.

Confucius 

Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) & DTN News


*Presented & compiled for DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News


*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith DTN News
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Tuesday, March 05, 2013

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated March 5, 2013

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated March 5, 2013
Source: U.S. DoD issued No.  127-13 March 5, 2013
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 5, 2013: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued  March 5, 2013  are undermentioned;


CONTRACTS
MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY
            The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has awarded a sole-source, cost-plus-award-fee contract action to Raytheon Missile Systems Co., Tucson, Ariz.,under contract (HQ0276-11-C-0002), modification P00032.  The total value of this effort is $62,309,991,increasing the total contract value from $594,376,724 to $656,686,715.  Under this modification, the contractor will perform Standard Missile-3 Block IB in-service engineering support.  The work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz.  The performance period is from date of award through Sept. 30, 2015.  Fiscal 2013 Research, Development, Test and Evaluation funds will be used to incrementally fund this effort.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This is not a Foreign Military Sales acquisition.  The MDA, Dahlgren, Va., is the contracting activity. 

ARMY
            J & J Maintenance Inc., Austin, Texas, (W912DY-13-D-0018); and Linc Government Services L.L.C., Hopkinsville, Ky., (W912DY-13-D-0019); were awarded a $585,000,000 firm-fixed-price multiple award task order contract among seven vendors.  Five other vendors were previously awarded.  The award will provide for the construction services in support of the Medical Repair and Renewal program.  Work location will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of July 10, 2017.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with 27 bids received.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity. 

            Hensel Phelps Kiewit Joint Venture, Chantilly, Va., was awarded a $564,689,000 firm-fixed-price, incrementally-funded contract.  This increment is worth $56,000,000.  The award will provide for the design and construction of a high performance computing center on Fort Meade, Md.  Work will be performed in Fort Meade, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 1, 2015.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with seven bids received.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore, Md., is the contracting activity (W912DR-13-C-0005). 

            Textron Marine & Land Systems, New Orleans, La., was awarded a $113,431,277 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the procurement of Mobile Strike Force vehicles to support the Afghanistan National Security Forces.  This contract is in support of Foreign Military Sales for Afghanistan.  Work will be performed in New Orleans, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2014.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-13-C-0170). 

            The Boeing Co., Mesa, Ariz., was awarded a $41,111,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  The award will provide for the incremental funding modification in support of AH-64 Apache Block III system development.  Work will be performed in Mesa, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2014.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-C-0001). 

            Macnak-Saybr JV 1, Lakewood, Wash., was awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum value of $30,000,000.  The award will provide for general construction services.  Work location will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2016.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with 13 bids received.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle, Wash., is the contracting activity (W912DW-13-D-1003).

            The Boeing Co., Ridley Park, Pa., was awarded a $22,480,813 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  The award will provide for deployed field-service support for the CH-47 Fleet and the cargo helicopter project management office.  Work location will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2015.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-13-D-0065). 

            The Boeing Co., Ridley Park, Pa., was awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract with a maximum value of $17,890,174.  The award will provide for the non-deployed field-service support for the CH-47 Fleet and the cargo helicopter project management office.  Work location will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2015.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-13-D-0097). 

            BH Defense LLC., Arlington, Va., was awarded a $17,846,157 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the services in support of the Iraq International Academy to ensure the continued development of Iraq’s defense forces through the education and development of its senior leadership.  This contract is in support of Foreign Military Sales for Iraq.  Work will be performed in Iraq, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 29, 2016.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Fort Bragg, N.C., is the contracting activity (W91247-13-C-0015).

            Department of the Blind – Visually Impaired, Richmond, Va., was awarded a $15,802,629 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the necessary support services for the function of the food and dining facility on Fort Lee, Va.  Work will be performed in Fort Lee, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 29, 2016.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with six bids received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Fort Lee, Va., is the contracting activity (W91QF5-13-D-0003). 

            Benchmark Electronics Incorporated, Rochester, Minn., was awarded a $14,882,971 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the procurement of a maximum of 12,000 transceiver field units in support of Program Manager Air Warrior.  Work will be performed in Rochester, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 27, 2018.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-13-D-0002). 

            DynCorp International, Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded a $14,197,819 cost-plus-award-fee incrementally-funded contract.  This increment is worth $5,858,421.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to extend logistics support services for the Directorate of Logistics.  Work will be performed in Fort Campbell, Ky., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2013.  Fifteen bids were solicited, with five bids received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Fort Campbell, Ky., is the contracting activity (W911SE-07-D-0005). 

            S M Resources Corp., Inc., Lanham, Md., was awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee incrementally-funded contract worth a maximum value of $9,999,999.  This increment is worth $53,206.  The award will provide for the Chemical Biological Applications and Risk Reduction mission support services.  Work location will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 24, 2016.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W911SR-13-D-0001). 

            Northrop Grumman Information Systems, McLean, Va., was awarded a $9,784,125 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to exercise the option for systems sustainment in support of the biometrics database.  Work will be performed in Alexandria, Va., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2014.  There were 20 bids solicited, with 16 bids received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W91QUZ-07-D-0005). 

            South Carolina Commission for the Blind, Columbia, S.C., was awarded a $9,498,655 firm-fixed-price, incrementally-funded contract.  This increment is worth $3,097,841.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to extend food services support at Fort Jackson, S.C.  Work will be performed in Fort Jackson, with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2013.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Fort Jackson, S.C., is the contracting activity (W9124C-13-C-0010). 

            Alliant Techsystems Operations, Plymouth, Minn., was awarded a $9,259,272 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to refurbish Spider munitions control units TS-04 system to the TS-09 version.  Work will be performed in Plymouth; Wilmington, Mass; and Rocket City, W.Va.; with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2014.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-06-C-0154). 

NAVY
            Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a not-to-exceed $72,200,000 undefinitized modification to the previously awarded Low Rate Initial Production Lot 6 advance acquisition contract (N00019-11-C-0083).  This modification provides for the procurement of support equipment at Pilot Training Center 1, Luke Air Force Base for the F-35 Lightning II Conventional Take-Off and Landing air system program.  In addition, this modification provides for the associated Data Quality Integration Management supplier support tasks, and all other sustainment data products for the U. S. Air Force and the governments of Italy and Australia.  Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (35 percent); El Segundo, Calif. (25 percent); Warton, United Kingdom (20 percent); Orlando, Fla. (10 percent); Nashua, N.H. (5 percent); and Baltimore, Md. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in August 2014.  Contract funds in the amount of $36,100,000 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract combines purchases for the U. S. Air Force ($55,009,524; 76.2 percent); and the governments of Italy ($10,314,286; 14.3 percent); and Australia ($6,876,190; 9.5 percent).  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. 

            Titan Maritime L.L.C., Pompano Beach, Fla., is being awarded a $43,000,000 ceiling modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-D-12-4119) for salvage; salvage related towing, harbor clearance, ocean engineering and point-to-point towing services to support the director of ocean engineering, supervisor of salvage and diving.  Work will be performed in the vicinity of the U.S. West Coast (80 percent), Hawaii (10 percent) and Eastern Pacific (10 percent), and is expected to be completed by February 2014.  No funding will be obligated at this time.  The initial order fulfilling the minimum government liability amount of $50,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Sea Systems Command is the contracting activity.  

            Science Applications International Corp., McLean, Va., is being awarded a $21,207,322 firm-fixed-price contract for global sustainment of Anti-Terrorism Force Protection Ashore Program Systems and associated equipment and software at 66 military installations worldwide.  The work to be performed provides for preventive and corrective maintenance to sustain all Anti-Terrorism Force Protection Ashore Systems, associated equipment and software.  This includes providing centralized comprehensive life cycle sustainment support for all of the hardware, software/firmware and cabling or other signal/data transmission sub-systems necessary for the systems to function as intended.  Service call management is also included as part of this requirement.  The contract is incrementally funded with the first increment of $3,655,433 being allocated at the time of award.  The second increment will be funded in April 2013 at $17,551,889.  The contract also contains five unexercised options, which if exercised would increase cumulative contract value to $74,398,851.  Work will be performed worldwide, and is expected to be completed by March 2014.  Fiscal 2013 Operation and Maintenance, Navy contract funds in the amount of $3,655,433 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with five proposals received.  The Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center, Port Hueneme, Calif., is the contracting activity (N39430-13-C-1201). 

            Shell Marine Products (U.S.), Houston, Texas, is being awarded a one-year $15,952,820 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with firm-fixed-price task orders for the supply and related services of lube oil products for the engineering directorate of Military Sealift Command and other government agencies.  This contract includes four one-year option periods, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $80,361,824.  Work will be performed where needed at ports worldwide and is expected to be completed May 2014.  If all option periods are exercised work will continue through May 2018.  Fiscal 2013 Navy Working Capital funds in the amount of $15,952,820 are obligated for and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was competitively procured via solicitations posted to Military Sealift Command, Navy Electronic Commerce Online and Federal Business Opportunities websites, with more than 50 companies solicited and three offers received.  Military Sealift Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00033-13-D-8020). 

            Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Electronic Systems Sector, Land and Self Protection Systems Division, Rolling Meadows, Ill., is being awarded an $11,665,702 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N00019-12-C-0043) for software and the integration of that software into the hardware design of the AN/APR-39D(V)2 processor and appropriate antennas and receiver resources in support of various naval aviation platforms.  Work will be performed in Rolling Meadows, Ill., and is expected to be completed in March 2014.  Fiscal 2013 Aircraft Procurement Navy contract funds in the amount of $11,665,702 are being obligated on this award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. 

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
            Northrup Grumman Systems Corp., Chantilly, Va., was awarded contract (SPRBL1-13-D-0012).  The award is a firm-fixed-price, sole-source, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for $49,288,375 for guardrail modernization system spare parts.  Locations of performance are Virginia and California with a March 5, 2018 performance completion date.  Using military service is Army.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2017 Army Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. 

            Short Bark Industries, Inc., Vonore, Tenn.*, was awarded contract (SPM1C1-13-D-1030).  The award is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for $23,017,500 for various types of Permethrin Army Combat Uniform coats.  Locations of performance are in Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and Mississippi with a March 4, 2014 performance completion date.  Using military service is Army.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2014 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa. 

            Tennier Industries, Inc., Boca Raton, Fla.**, was awarded contract (SPM1C1-13-D-1029).  The award is a firm-fixed-price contract for $22,977,600 for cold weather, soft shell, loft parkas and trousers.  Locations of performance are in Florida, Tennessee, and Kentucky with a March 4, 2014 performance completion date.  Using military service is Army.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa. 

            Avfuel Corp., Ann Arbor, Mich.**, was awarded contract (SP0600-13-D-0026).  The award is a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract for $6,749,966 for fuel.  Locations of performance are in Michigan and Florida with a March 31, 2017 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2017 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va. 

            Tactical & Survival Specialties, Inc., Harrisonburg, Va.***, was issued a modification exercising the third option year on contract (SPM8EJ-09-D-0001/P00020).  The modification is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum $5,638,289,738 in support of the Special Operational Equipment Tailored Logistics Support Program.  Location of performance is Virginia with a March 9, 2014 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2014 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa. 

            W.S. Darley & Co., Itasca, Ill.**, was issued a modification exercising the third option year on contract (SPM8EJ-09-D-0002/P00019).  The modification is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum $5,559,591,157 in support of the Special Operational Equipment Tailored Logistics Support Program.  Location of performance is in Illinois with a March 9, 2014 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2014 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa. 

            Source One Distributors Inc., Wellington, Fla.****, was issued a modification exercising the third option year on contract (SPM8EJ-09-D-0004/P00021).  The modification is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum $5,304,877,527 in support of the Special Operational Equipment Tailored Logistics Support Program.  Location of performance is in Florida with a March 9, 2014 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2014 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa. 

            ADS, Inc., Virginia Beach, Va.**, was issued a modification exercising the third option year on contract (SPM8EJ-09-D-0003/P00021).  The modification is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum $3,549,597,144 in support of the Special Operational Equipment Tailored Logistics Support Program.  Location of performance is in Virginia with a March 9, 2014 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2014 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa. 

AIR FORCE
            University of Dayton Research Institute, Dayton, Ohio, (FA8650-13-D-5600) is being awarded a $45,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the Quick Reaction Evaluation of Materials and Processes Program.  The location of performance is Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.  Work is expected to be completed by May 31, 2019.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013.  The contracting activity is ARFL/RQKMS, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

            Northrop Grumman Technical Services Inc., Hill Air Force Base, Utah, (F42610-98-C-0001, modification number to be awarded at time of award) is being awarded a $22,226,876 contract modification contract for ICBM ICU II engineering change.  The location of the performance is Huntington Beach, Calif.  Work is expected to be completed by Aug. 3, 2013.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2011 through 2016.  The contracting activity is AFNWC/PZBE, Hill Air Force Base, Utah. 

*Small In HubZone Business
**Small Business
***Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business
****Veteran Owned Small Business

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources 
U.S. DoD issued No.  127-13 March 5, 2013
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS

DTN News - CRICKET NEWS: Australia tour of India, 2nd Test: India v Australia at Hyderabad (Deccan), Mar 2-5, 2013

DTN News - CRICKET NEWS: Australia tour of India, 2nd Test: India v Australia at Hyderabad (Deccan), Mar 2-5, 2013
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith DTN News
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 5, 2013: Cricket da game

Balle Balle ~ India defeats Australia by an innings and 130 runs 
Lakh lakh vadhaiyan - Phaji & Veerji


DTN Australia @DTNAustralia & DTN India @DTNIndia
 (Available on Twitter)
Comprehensive Daily News  ~ © Copyright (c) DTN News Defense-Technology News
Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) & DTN News

*Presented & compiled for DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith DTN News
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Monday, March 04, 2013

DTN News - QUOTE OF THE DAY - MARCH 4 2013

DTN News - QUOTE OF THE DAY - MARCH 4 2013
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith 
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 4, 2013: Life without love is like a tree 
without blossoms or fruit.


Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) & DTN News


*Presented & compiled for DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith DTN News
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Sunday, March 03, 2013

DTN News - U.S. FINANCIAL CRISIS: How Will Canada Feel The Effects of The Latest U.S. Economic Crisis?

DTN News - U.S. FINANCIAL CRISIS: How Will Canada Feel The Effects of The Latest U.S. Economic Crisis?
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources CTV News
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 3, 2013: As $85 billion in U.S. federal spending cuts begin taking effect, Canadian businesses and politicians are bracing themselves for the impact.

Travellers are being warned of lengthier delays at border crossings as American border patrol officers and air traffic controllers are among the tens of thousands of federal employees who will see their pay and hours reduced as part of the funding cuts.

“This is not a win for anybody, this is a loss for American people,” U.S. President Barack Obama told reporters Friday, fixing the blame for the sequester cuts on the Republicans.

With Canada sending 75 per cent of all its exports to the U.S., its economy relies heavily on the financial health of its southern neighbour.

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said Friday that while he couldn’t put a dollar figure on the impact, he called the cuts an unnecessary strain to the economies.

“It is regrettable though that the U.S. continues to move from crisis to crisis,” he told reporters.

An Ontario-based company that manufactures baseball bats for a number of major league players fears that the border delays may prevent its products from making it to the U.S. in time for spring training.

“If it takes us extra time to get the product in the hands of the best players in the world, then that’s a problem,” Sam Bat President Arlene Anderson told CTV News.

Similar fears are being echoed by the struggling auto manufacturing sector, where officials warned that a slow down at the border could trigger job cuts.

“This could results in layoffs,” Canadian Auto Worker President Ken Lewenza said. “It could result in temporary shut downs and there’s a tremendous amount of workers out there that don’t get paid during three or four hour disruptions.”

The failure to avert the U.S. spending cuts comes alongside news that the Canadian economy has stalled over the last three months.

Flaherty waned Friday of deeper spending cuts in the upcoming federal budget, though he said the Conservative government remains on track to balance the budget by 2015.

With a report from CTV’s Richard MadanAs $85 billion in U.S. federal spending cuts begin taking effect, Canadian businesses and politicians are bracing themselves for the impact.

Travellers are being warned of lengthier delays at border crossings as American border patrol officers and air traffic controllers are among the tens of thousands of federal employees who will see their pay and hours reduced as part of the funding cuts.

“This is not a win for anybody, this is a loss for American people,” U.S. President Barack Obama told reporters Friday, fixing the blame for the sequester cuts on the Republicans.

With Canada sending 75 per cent of all its exports to the U.S., its economy relies heavily on the financial health of its southern neighbour.

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said Friday that while he couldn’t put a dollar figure on the impact, he called the cuts an unnecessary strain to the economies.

“It is regrettable though that the U.S. continues to move from crisis to crisis,” he told reporters.

An Ontario-based company that manufactures baseball bats for a number of major league players fears that the border delays may prevent its products from making it to the U.S. in time for spring training.

“If it takes us extra time to get the product in the hands of the best players in the world, then that’s a problem,” Sam Bat President Arlene Anderson told CTV News.

Similar fears are being echoed by the struggling auto manufacturing sector, where officials warned that a slow down at the border could trigger job cuts.

“This could results in layoffs,” Canadian Auto Worker President Ken Lewenza said. “It could result in temporary shut downs and there’s a tremendous amount of workers out there that don’t get paid during three or four hour disruptions.”

The failure to avert the U.S. spending cuts comes alongside news that the Canadian economy has stalled over the last three months.

Flaherty waned Friday of deeper spending cuts in the upcoming federal budget, though he said the Conservative government remains on track to balance the budget by 2015.

With a report from CTV’s Richard Madan


*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources CTV News
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: F-35 Is Cleared To Resume Flight

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: F-35 Is Cleared To Resume Flight
*Contractors push back on 3-star’s JSF criticism
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Aaron Mehta and Nigel Pittaway - Staff writers Army Times
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 2, 2013: WASHINGTON and MELBOURNE, Australia — The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has been cleared to resume flight operations, six days after a crack discovered in the engine caused the fleet to be grounded.

Flights will resume Friday afternoon weather permitting, according to program officials.


“Following engineering analysis of the turbine blade which developed a crack, F-35 flight operations have been cleared to resume,” the Joint Program Office and Pratt & Whitney said in a joint statement, released late Thursday night.

“This decision concludes a cautionary flight suspension that began on Feb. 21 after a 0.6 inch crack was found on a 3rd stage turbine blade of a test aircraft at the Edwards Air Force Base F-35 Integrated Test Facility during a routine inspection. Comprehensive tests on the blade were conducted at the Pratt & Whitney facility in Middletown, Connecticut. The engine in question is part of the F-35 test aircraft fleet, and had been operated at extreme parameters in its mission to expand the F-35 flight envelope. Prolonged exposure to high levels of heat and other operational stressors on this specific engine were determined to be the cause of the crack.”

“No additional cracks or signs of similar engine stress were found during inspections of the remaining F135 inventory.”

“No engine redesign is required as a result of this event. Within the current DoD inventory, 17 F-35s are employed in test and development at Patuxent River Naval Air Station and Edwards Air Force Base; the remaining aircraft are assigned to Eglin Air Force Base and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, and comprise the initial F-35 training fleet.”

While DoD officials bring the fleet back online, the Pentagon announced a new deal worth $333,786,000 that will lay the path for an eventual deal on lot 8 of low rate initial production (LRIP). That money is part an advance acquisition contract designed to help Lockheed prepare for manufacturing the eighth batch of fighters.

“Lockheed Martin is pleased to be awarded long lead funding for the eighth F-35 Low Rate Initial Production contract, known as LRIP 8, by the Department of Defense,” Michael Rein, a Lockheed spokesman, wrote in an email. “This award provides our supplier base the stability needed to properly execute on our future production commitments. We will continue to drive down costs for these future aircraft as we have done on every previous LRIP contract.”

The optimistic tone was echoed 9,000 miles away, as Australian Defence Minister Stephen Smith expressed confidence in the F-35 program during comments made this week at the Australian International Airshow at Avalon, southwest of Melbourne.

“I’ve always been confident that in the end, the Joint Strike Fighter project would get up, that it would be successful, and that’s because the entire weight of the United States is behind it,” he said. “I remain confident that the Joint Strike Fighter will get up, but the risks continue to be schedule and cost.”

However, Smith reiterated that he would not allow an air combat capability gap to occur between the retirement of Australia’s Hornet fighters and F-35A introduction around 2020.

Australia has a requirement for up to 100 Joint Strike Fighters but faces the dilemma of either stretching out the life of its aging legacy Hornet fleet beyond its planned withdrawal date at the end of the decade or making a further interim Super Hornet purchase from Boeing.

Steve O’Bryan, Lockheed Martin vice president of F-35 program integration and business development, told reporters at the show that he was confident Australia would remain in the program.

“There is no indication from the Australian leadership of a reduction in commitment,” he said.

COMPANIES PUSH BACK AT CRITICISM
Despite a return to flight, there may be long-term consequences for the second grounding of the F-35 in a month.

Only a day after Smith reaffirmed his confidence in the F-35A, U.S. project head Lt. Gen. Christopher Bogdan told local press at Avalon that he thought Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney would perform better if they had more skin in the game.

“What I see Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney doing today is behaving as if they are getting ready to sell me the very last F-35 and the very last engine,” he told a media roundtable. “They are trying to squeeze every nickel out of that last F-35 and engine.”

Both Lockheed and Pratt moved quickly to push back against Bogdan’s assertions that they are not working as team players.

“Lockheed Martin is fully committed to delivering the F-35’s unprecedented 5th Generation capabilities to the men and women of our Armed Forces and those of our allies” Laura Siebert, Lockheed spokeswoman, wrote in a statement. “We are singularly focused on properly executing the F-35 development, production and sustainment tasks laid out in our various contracts. We do this in partnership with Lt. Gen. Bogdan and the entire JSF Program Office and strive daily to drive costs out of the program.

“We believe we are making significant progress in enhancing affordability of the jet as evidenced by the fact that we have reduced costs by 50 percent since the procurement of the first production aircraft; by outperforming U.S. government pricing estimates for the past contract lot buys; and by reducing labor costs by 14 percent between the 4th and 5th lot contracts. Going forward, we are confident the Low Rate Initial Production 6 and 7 contracts, currently under negotiation, will achieve even greater savings for the government and taxpayers,” according to the statement.

“Despite numerous cuts in the F-35 acquisition plan, Pratt & Whitney has maintained a long-term view and demonstrated our commitment by investing more than $50M dollars of our own funds and taking on risk ahead of contract schedule to prevent the program from experiencing delays,” Matthew Bates, the Pratt spokesman, wrote in an email.

Bates highlighted that the engine manufacturer offered to cover cost overruns for low rate initial production Lot 5 a year ahead of what the government had requested.

“We believe it is highly unusual for a contractor to take on this level of risk at such an early stage of a program,” Bates wrote. “We have also offered to assume more risk for sustainment cost through performance-based, fixed-priced provisions well ahead of plan. In addition, our investment has contributed to more than 40% of cost reduction since the delivery of our first production representative engine.

“We look forward to our continued dialogue with the Joint Program Office to further review the details of the F135 [engine] program, and to achieve alignment and further progress as the program moves ahead.”

It’s not the first time Bogdan has criticized the companies’ JSF performance. In September, Bogdan raised eyebrows when he called the relationship between Lockheed Martin and the JPO the “worst” he had ever seen — with a delegation of Lockheed officials sitting right in front of him.

Relations between Bogdan and the contractors seemed to warm during winter, especially in December, when an agreement was finalized to purchase a fifth batch of fighters, followed quickly by a preliminary agreement on a sixth batch weeks later.

But the second major grounding of the F-35 in the last month appears to have tested Bogdan’s patience. In January, the Marine Corps’ F-35B variant was grounded following an engine problem during a test flight. The source of that problem was later identified as an improperly crimped line in the fueldralic system, manufactured by subcontractor Stratoflex.

Last Friday, nine days after the F-35B resumed tests, the entire F-35 fleet was grounded when a crack was discovered in one of the blades in the Pratt-designed engine.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Aaron Mehta and Nigel Pittaway - Staff writers Army Times
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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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Friday, March 01, 2013

DTN News - Top Best Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft Projects

DTN News - Top Best Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft Projects
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith 
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 1, 2013:  The classification of similar products - be it fighters, computer systems or naval frigates - in generations is a well established practice and is generally accepted as a quick shortcut to define the broad characteristics and time frames of a given product category. However, the inherent rigidities, inflexibilities and oversimplifications of such practices cannot be ignored, in the fighter aircraft sector, in particular.

As an example, the generation sequence and headings used by Lockheed Martin for fighters are generally shared by the defence community and can be summarised as follows:

A fifth-generation jet fighter is a fighter aircraft classification used in the United States and elsewhere encompassing the most advanced generation of fighter aircraft as of 2013. Fifth-generation aircraft are designed to incorporate numerous technological advances over the fourth generation jet fighter. The exact characteristics of fifth generation jet fighters are controversial and vague, with Lockheed Martin defining them as having all-aspect stealth even when armed, Low Probability of Intercept Radar (LPIR), high-performance air frames, advanced avionics features, and highly integrated computer systems capable of networking with other elements within the theatre of war for situational awareness. The only currently combat-ready fifth-generation fighter, the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, entered service with the U.S. Air Force in 2005

10. Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) India 



The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), formerly known as the Medium Combat Aircraft (MCA), is a single-seat, twin-engine fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter being developed by India.

9. KAI KF-X  South Korea



The Korea Aerospace Industries KF-X is a South Korean program to develop an advanced multirole fighter for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) and Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU), spearheaded by South Korea with Indonesia as the primary partner. It is South Korea's second fighter development program following the FA-50.

8. Mitsubishi ATD-X Shinshin Japan



The Mitsubishi ATD-X Shinshin is a prototype fifth-generation jet fighter that uses advanced stealth technology. It is being developed by the Japanese Ministry of Defense Technical Research and Development Institute (TRDI) for research purposes. The main contractor of the project is Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Many consider this aircraft to be Japan's first domestically made stealth fighter. ATD-X is an acronym meaning "Advanced Technology Demonstrator – X". The aircraft's Japanese name is Shinshin. The aircraft's first flight is scheduled for 2014.

7. Mikoyan LMFS Russia


This Aircraft is also going to be introduced in 2020, it is a single engine stealth fighter and is based on the canceled MiG 1.44. Russian Air Force is going to use this aircraft and the project success rate is estimated as 80%.

 6.  J-XX China


 This will be introduced in 2020 and will be used by Chinese Air Force. It is proposed to have a single engine stealth fighter and will be based on J-10B, JF-17 or may be on a totally new design.

5. Sukhoi/HAL FGFA Russia/India

The Sukhoi/HAL Fifth Generati on Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) is a fifth-generation fighter being developed by India and Russia. It is a derivative project from the PAK FA (T-50 is the prototype) being developed for the Indian Air Force. FGFA was the earlier designation for the Indian version, while the combined project is now called the Perspective Multi-Role Fighter (PMF).


The completed PMF will include a total of 43 improvements over the T-50, including stealth, supercruise, advanced sensors, networking and combat avionics.

Two separate prototypes will be developed, one by Russia and a separate one by India. According to HAL chairman A.K. Baweja (speaking shortly after the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Committee meeting on 18 September 2008), both the Russian and Indian versions of the aircraft will be single-seater. The first aircraft will begin testing in India in 2014, with introduction into service expected by 2022.

4. F-35 Lightening II (JSF)  U.S., U.K, Italy, Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Norway, Denmark,  Turkey, Israel, Singapore,  Japan


The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a family of single-seat, single-engine, fifth generation multirole fighters under development to perform ground attack, reconnaissance, and air defense missions with stealth capability. The F-35 has three main models; the F-35A is a conventional takeoff and landing variant, the F-35B is a short take off and vertical-landing variant, and the F-35C is a carrier-based variant.



The F-35 is descended from the X-35, the product of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. JSF development is being principally funded by the United States. The partner nations are either NATO members or close U.S. allies. It is being designed and built by an aerospace industry team led by Lockheed Martin. The F-35 carried out its first flight on 15 December 2006.

The United States plans to buy a total of 2,443 aircraft to provide the bulk of its tactical airpower for the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy over the coming decades. The United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Norway, Denmark, and Turkey are part of the development program; Israel, Singapore and Japan may also equip their air services with the F-35.

3. Black Eagle J-20 China



The Chinese J-20 “Black Eagle” 5th generation fighter could be superior to the F-35 Lightning II, and even on a par with the F-22 Raptor with its range, radar-evading stealth capability, as well as with its firepower.

2. PAK-FA Russia

 The Sukhoi PAK FA is a twin-engine jet fighter being developed by Sukhoi for the Russian Air Force. The Sukhoi T-50 is the prototype for PAK FA. The PAK FA is one of only a handful of stealth jet programs globally.


The PAK FA, a fifth generation jet fighter, is intended to be the successor to the MiG-29 and Su-27 in the Russian inventory and serve as the basis of the Sukhoi/HAL FGFA being developed with India. The T-50 prototype performed its first flight 29 January 2010. By 31 August 2010, it had made 17 flights and by mid-November, 40 in total. The second T-50 was to start its flight test by the end of 2010, but this was delayed until March 2011.

The Russian Defence Ministry will purchase the first 10 evaluation example aircraft after 2012 and then 60 production standard aircraft after 2016. The first batch of fighters will be delivered with current technology engines. The PAK-FA is expected to have a service life of about 30–35 years.

1. F-22 Raptor USA

The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor is a single-seat, twin-engine fifth-generation supermaneuverable fighter aircraft that uses stealth technology. It was designed primarily as an air superiority fighter, but has additional capabilities that include ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence roles. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics is the prime contractor and is responsible for the majority of the airframe, weapon systems and final assembly of the F-22. Program partner Boeing Defense, Space & Security provides the wings, aft fuselage, avionics integration, and training systems.



The aircraft was variously designated F-22 and F/A-22 during the years prior to formally entering USAF service in December 2005 as the F-22A. Despite a protracted and costly development period, the United States Air Force considers the F-22 a critical component of U.S. tactical air power, and claims that the aircraft is unmatched by any known or projected fighter. Lockheed Martin claims that the Raptor's combination of stealth, speed, agility, precision and situational awareness, combined with air-to-air and air-to-ground combat capabilities, makes it the best overall fighter in the world today. Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, former Chief of the Australian Defence Force, said in 2004 that the "F-22 will be the most outstanding fighter plane ever built."

The high cost of the aircraft, a lack of clear air-to-air combat missions because of delays in the Russian and Chinese fifth-generation fighter programs, a U.S. ban on Raptor exports, and the ongoing development of the planned cheaper and more versatile F-35 resulted in calls to end F-22 production. In April 2009, the U.S. Department of Defense proposed to cease placing new orders, subject to Congressional approval, for a final procurement tally of 187 operational aircraft. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 lacked funding for further F-22 production. The final F-22 rolled off the assembly line on 13 December 2011 during a ceremony at Dobbins Air Reserve Base.


*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith DTN 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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Tuesday, February 26, 2013

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Phantom Eye Completes 2nd Flight

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Phantom Eye Completes 2nd Flight
*High-Altitude, Long-Endurance demonstrator climbs above 8,000 feet
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 26, 2013: Boeing's [NYSE: BA] liquid hydrogen-powered Phantom Eye unmanned airborne system completed its second flight Feb. 25, demonstrating capabilities that will allow it to perform intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions for up to four days without refueling.

During the flight, at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., Phantom Eye climbed above an altitude of 8,000 feet and remained aloft for 66 minutes at a cruising speed of 62 knots before landing. The aircraft exceeded what it achieved last year during its first flight when it flew at an altitude of 4,080 feet and remained aloft for 28 minutes.
"Today’s combination of geopolitical and economic issues makes Phantom Eye's capabilities, affordability and flexibility very attractive to our global customers," said Darryl Davis, Boeing Phantom Works president. "No other system holds the promise of offering on-demand, persistent ISR and communications to any region in the world, rapidly responding to natural disasters and national security issues."
Boeing is self-funding development of the environmentally responsible Phantom Eye, which generates only water as a byproduct of its propulsion system.
"This flight, in a more demanding high-altitude flight envelope, successfully demonstrated Phantom Eye's maneuverability, endurance and landing capabilities," said Drew Mallow, Phantom Eye program manager.
Following the first flight, Boeing upgraded the aircraft's software and hardware, including the landing gear. The upgrades paid off in the form of a picture-perfect landing.
The Phantom Eye demonstrator is capable of carrying a 450-pound payload while operating for up to four days at altitudes of up to 65,000 feet.
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 59,433 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

A feature story and video are online at http://www.boeing.com/Features/2013/02/bds_phantom_eye_02_26_13.html.
Related photos are available at boeing.mediaroom.com.
B-roll video of this event is available to media through the contacts below.
Contact:
Garrett Kasper
Phantom Works
Office:  314-232-0199
Mobile:  314-616-5169
garrett.d.kasper@boeing.com
Deborah VanNierop
Phantom Works
Office:  314-232-1624
Mobile:  210-454-2656
deborah.a.vannierop@boeing.com

*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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