Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Northrop Grumman Delivers New Mexico Submarine Ahead of Schedule in Record Time

Northrop Grumman Delivers New Mexico Submarine Ahead of Schedule in
Record Time

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Dec. 29, 2009 – Northrop Grumman
Corporation (NYSE:NOC) delivered the sixth submarine of the Virginia
class, New Mexico (SSN 779), to the U.S. Navy today, four months ahead
of schedule. New Mexico's 70-month construction period represents the
shortest overall construction time of any Virginia-class submarine.

"New Mexico's delivery is a reflection of the commitment,
dedication and hard work of the shipbuilders at Newport News, our
Electric Boat partners and the Navy," said Becky Stewart, vice
president for Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding's submarine program. "We
delivered her in record time, using one million fewer man-hours than
her predecessor USS North Carolina (SSN 777). Our shipbuilders are
focused on meeting safety, quality, cost and schedule commitments. The
progress we've made in the Virginia-class submarine program
demonstrates their personal ownership in building the finest submarines
in the world."

The keel for New Mexico was authenticated April 12, 2008, and
the ship was christened on Dec. 13, 2008. New Mexico, named for "The
Land of Enchantment," is the most modern and sophisticated attack
submarine in the world, providing undersea supremacy well into the 21st
century.

Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding is teamed with General Dynamics
Electric Boat to build the first 18 ships of the Virginia class.
Current plans call for 30 Virginia-class submarines in the fleet. Using
millions of parts from over 4,000 suppliers in 47 states and the
District of Columbia, Virginia-class submarines incorporate dozens of
new technologies and innovations and are the first major combatants
designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security
company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products,
and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems,
shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial
customers worldwide.

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Monday, December 28, 2009

SAIC Awarded $10 Million Contract to Support U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command

SAIC Awarded $10 Million Contract to Support U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command
Company to Provide Assessment, Strategic Planning, and Programming Support to Help Standup New Command

MCLEAN, Va. and SAN DIEGO, Dec 28, 2009
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) (NYSE: SAI) today announced it has been awarded a prime contract by the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) to provide requirements assessment, strategic planning, and programming support. The contract has a one year base period of performance, a single one-year option, and a total value of more than $10 million if the option is exercised. Work will be performed primarily at Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, La.

AFGSC is a new major command that will assume control of the nation's intercontinental ballistic missile and strategic bomber forces. Its activation is part of a broad, comprehensive strategy the Air Force is undertaking to ensure they have the proper focus on our critical missions that provide nuclear deterrence and global strike forces for the combatant commander, the joint team and allies Under the contract, SAIC will assist with the design and implementation of processes and organizations to help ensure the command satisfies requirements and resource allocation objectives.

"We look forward to utilizing our expertise in nuclear operations and organizational efficiency to help standup a critical command for the Air Force, and assisting as it assumes its full complement of missions - developing and providing combatready forces for nuclear deterrence and global strike operations," said Beverly Seay, SAIC senior vice president and business unit general manager.

About SAIC
SAIC is a FORTUNE 500(R) scientific, engineering, and technology applications company that uses its deep domain knowledge to solve problems of vital importance to the nation and the world, in national security, energy and the environment, critical infrastructure, and health. The company's approximately 45,000 employees serve customers in the U.S. Department of Defense, the intelligence community, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, other U.S. Government civil agencies and selected commercial markets. Headquartered in McLean, Va., SAIC had annual revenues of $10.1 billion for its fiscal year ended January 31, 2009.

Statements in this announcement, other than historical data and information, constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be very different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in SAIC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended January 31, 2009, and other such filings that SAIC makes with the SEC from time to time. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

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Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Raytheon Center Receives OSHA's Star Rating

Raytheon Center Receives OSHA's Star Rating

TEWKSBURY, Mass., Dec. 23, 2009
Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Mission Capability Verification Center (MCVC), White Sands, N.M., received a star distinction from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for its commitment to workplace safety.

"This prestigious certification exemplifies Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems' (IDS) unwavering commitment to the safety of our workplace environment," said David Hawkins, mission center executive at MCVC. "Through leadership engagement and employee participation we have established ourselves as a leader in safety performance."

The recognition was given as part of OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) that encourages companies to voluntarily meet strict workplace safety and health management standards. Star is the highest level of VPP certification possible.

The center is a part of IDS where Patriot and other missile systems undergo live-fire testing. This coveted distinction is the result of a three-day, on-site evaluation by a team of OSHA health and safety experts.

Integrated Defense Systems is Raytheon's leader in Global Capabilities Integration providing affordable, integrated solutions to a broad international and domestic customer base, including the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the U.S. Armed Forces and the Department of Homeland Security.

Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.

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Northrop Grumman's Hunter Unmanned Aircraft System Equipped with Tactical Common Data Link

Northrop Grumman's Hunter Unmanned Aircraft System Equipped with
Tactical Common Data Link

HERNDON, Va. - Dec. 23, 2009 - Northrop Grumman Corporation
(NYSE:NOC) has equipped and fielded Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL) on
a U.S. Army Hunter MQ-5B Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), which has been
deployed in support of the Afghanistan surge. The TCDL increases data
transfer rates and doubles the communications range on the MQ-5B
Hunter, enabling additional payload capabilities.

With the addition of the TCDL, Hunter now complies with
requirements for all modern UAS aircraft to have encrypted data and
video links. The TCDL also serves as a foundation of establishing
interoperability among different U.S. Department of Defense air
vehicles and ground stations. Such innovation also allows for manned
aircraft to use unmanned aircraft, their sensors and weapons as an
extension of their own capabilities keeping aviators out of harm's way.

TCDL also allows for smoother integration of present and future
Hunter payloads that exchange digital data using airborne ground
computers. With additional digital payloads in the future for Hunter,
the warfighter can expect an air vehicle that can bring multiple
sensors to bear on an area of interest to the battlefield commander
allowing for more rapid intelligence gathering, monitoring and even
targeting of enemy forces.

"When we changed from the RQ-5A to the MQ-5B configuration of
Hunter, we doubled the endurance of the air vehicle. And with the data
link transition, we have doubled the communications range giving the
warfighter a much larger area of coverage," said Drew Telford, Northrop
Grumman Technical Services' TCDL program manager. "As we enter our 11th
year of deployed service in support of the U.S. Army, the entire
Northrop Grumman Hunter team is keenly focused on bringing new combat
multiplier capabilities to the warfighter faster than the traditional
programs of record can."

The MQ-5B Hunter, which is currently deployed in contingency
operations, provides warfighters with state-of-the-art reconnaissance,
surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA), communications relay,
signal intelligence, and weapons delivery. Hunter recently surpassed
80,000 flight hours, 53,000 of which are combat-related.

The RQ-5A Hunter was the Army's first fielded UAS. The MQ-5B is
the next-generation Hunter, continuing a legacy of service to Army
corps, division and brigade warfighters. Flying over the battlefield
with its multi-mission optronic payload, the MQ-5B gathers RSTA
information in real time and relays it via video link to commanders and
soldiers on the ground.

The MQ-5B Hunter is distinguished by its heavy fuel engines, its
"wet" (fuel-carrying) extended center wing with weapons-capable hard
points and a modern avionics suite. The MQ-5B Hunter system uses the
Army's One System ground control station and remote video terminal. It
also carries a communications relay package to extend the radio range
of warfighters.

The MQ-5B features a robust, fixed-wing, twin tail-boom design
with redundant control systems powered by two heavy fuel engines - one
engine to "push" and another to "pull" the air vehicle. Another Hunter
capability is its relay mode that allows one Hunter to be controlled by
another Hunter at extended ranges or over terrain obstacles typical of
those found in Afghanistan.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security
company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products
and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems,
shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial
customers worldwide.

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Raytheon Receives $1.1 Billion Order to Advance Taiwan's Patriot Capability

Raytheon Receives $1.1 Billion Order to Advance Taiwan's Patriot Capability

TEWKSBURY, Mass., Dec. 23, 2009
Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has received Foreign Military Sales contract awards totaling $1.1 billion to fund new production of the combat-proven Patriot Air and Missile Defense System for Taiwan. The awards include ground-system hardware through an initial contract valued at $965.6 million and an initial spares contract valued at $134.4 million.

"The Patriot system is a vital element to providing superior integrated air and missile defense capabilities for the protection of Taiwan," said Daniel L. Smith, president of Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (IDS). "Raytheon has provided advanced technology, innovation and support in Taiwan for more than 40 years, and we are honored to continue that partnership today and in the future."

The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., issued the contract for new-production Patriot fire units that will include new advances in technology, improved man-machine interface and reduced life-cycle costs.

Raytheon is the prime contractor for both domestic and international Patriot Air and Missile Defense Systems and system integrator for Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missiles. Work under these contracts will be performed at the Raytheon IDS Integrated Air Defense Center, Andover, Mass.; El Paso, Texas; and Huntsville, Ala. The company is supported by a global team of suppliers to the Patriot System.

Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.

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NNS091223-07. Flag Officer Announcement

NNS091223-07. Flag Officer Announcement

From Department of Defense

December 23, 2009

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the president has made the following nomination: Navy Vice Adm. James A. Winnefeld Jr. for appointment to the rank of admiral and assignment as commander, Northern Command/Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. Winnefeld is currently serving as director, strategic plans and policy, J-5, and as senior member, United States Delegation to the United Nations Military Staff Committee, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

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Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Northrop Grumman-Led Joint Venture NSTec Awarded One-Year Contract Extension Through 2013 for Approximately $450 Million

Northrop Grumman-Led Joint Venture NSTec Awarded One-Year Contract
Extension Through 2013 for Approximately $450 Million

Company Recognized for 'Outstanding' Program Performance

HERNDON, Va. - Dec. 22, 2009 - The U.S. Department of
Energy/National Nuclear Security Agency (NNSA) has awarded Northrop
Grumman Corporation-led (NYSE:NOC) joint venture National Security
Technologies, LLC (NSTec) a one-year, cost-reimbursement and operating
type contract extension valued at approximately $450 million to manage
and operate the Nevada Test Site (NTS) through 2013. Northrop Grumman
earned the contract extension through its continued exceptional
performance, which led to a customer performance assessment of
"outstanding" for its performance at the site in 2009.

"This is the second year in a row NSTec has earned an
'outstanding' performance rating, and again we exceeded all key metrics
for being awarded an additional term year, extending our contract
through 2013," said Dr. Steve Younger, president of NSTec.

Under the terms of the contract, NSTec manages and operates the
NTS facility and provides infrastructure support. NSTec's primary
mission includes stockpile stewardship as well as management of the
nuclear explosives safety team that supports the Department of Energy's
efforts to prevent or slow the spread of nuclear weapons, while
bolstering its counter-terrorism mission. The contract also supports
hazardous chemical spill testing and emergency response training. NSTec
also operates facilities for the NNSA in California, New Mexico and
Maryland.

"Without question, NSTec's world class leadership team,
proactive program management and a commitment to excellence are what
allow this program to continue its superior performance," said James
Cameron, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman's
Technical Services sector. "This award is reflective of our strong
partnership with our customer and our steadfast support to NNSA's
initiatives to evolve the complex to meet future requirements."

Northrop Grumman is the managing partner of the joint venture
that includes team members AECOM, Los Angeles; CH2M Hill, Englewood,
Colo.; and Nuclear Fuel Services, Erwin, Tenn.

"Since taking over this program in 2006, NSTec has been clearly
focused on accomplishing the diverse mission at the Nevada Test Site,
while driving process improvements into all facets of the operation,
resulting in best value solutions for NNSA," said Bill Carty, vice
president and general manager of Northrop Grumman Technical Services'
Systems Support Group. "Our team continues to provide for the safest,
most secure and cost-effective testing and experimentation."

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security
company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products,
and solutions in aerospace, electronics, shipbuilding and technical
services to government and commercial customers worldwide.

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United Kingdom Announces Approval of Third F-35B Joint Strike Fighter Purchase

United Kingdom Announces Approval of Third F-35B Joint Strike Fighter Purchase

December 22, 2009

FORT WORTH, Texas, Dec 22, 2009

The Joint Combat Aircraft (JCA) program has announced that the United Kingdom has received financial approval to purchase its third Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) F-35B Lightning II operational test aircraft, reinforcing the U.K.'s continued commitment to the Joint Strike Fighter program's upcoming Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E).

"The U.K. this week received financial approval to go ahead and purchase the third U.K. STOVL OT&E aircraft that is planned within LRIP 4. Given the extremely tight financial climate in the U.K. government and the consequent impact across public spending, especially defence, this is a significant achievement," said Air Commodore Graham Farnell, the U.K.'s Joint Combat Aircraft Team head. "I believe it reflects well upon the JSF program and it is a measure of the confidence that the U.K. has in both the F-35 Lightning II and the program to deliver this capability."

This approval follows recent F-35 down-select or procurement commitments by Australia, Norway, the Netherlands, Italy and the United States. The strength of the F-35 business case has enabled program suppliers to obtain the capital financing needed to recapitalize the industrial base and produce the F-35 in high quantities over the next 30 years.

"The United Kingdom's participation in F-35 Operational Test and Evaluation, and the associated commitment to purchase F-35s in early production lots, help ensure production stability as we move from the current assembly rate of one aircraft per month to our goal of one per day," said Matt Maxwell, Lockheed Martin director for F-35 Low Rate Initial Production.

The U.K. has invested $2 billion in the F-35's development - the largest contribution among the program's eight partner nations. More than 100 British companies are involved in the program, including BAE Systems, which produces the aircraft's aft fuselage and tails; Rolls-Royce, developer and manufacturer of the shaft-driven lift fan and other propulsion components for the F-35B STOVL variant; and Martin Baker, maker of the jet's ejection seats.

The F-35 is a supersonic, multi-role, 5th generation stealth fighter. Three variants derived from a common design, developed together and using the same sustainment infrastructure worldwide, will replace aircraft in at least 13 services for nine nations initially, making the Lightning II the most cost-effective fighter program in history.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 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.

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U.S. Army fires TALON Laser-Guided Rocket Rounds from OH-58D Kiowa Warrior

U.S. Army fires TALON Laser-Guided Rocket Rounds from OH-58D Kiowa Warrior
December 22, 2009

Demonstration addresses urgent U.S. Army operational need

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla., -- The U.S. Army fired two TALON Laser-Guided Rocket guided test vehicle rounds during the Aviation Multi-Platform Munition Demonstration.

TALON LGR is a cooperative development effort between Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and Emirates Advanced Investments of the United Arab Emirates.

The TALON LGR rounds were launched from a U.S. Army OH-58D Kiowa Warrior and hit targets at 3,500 meters (2.17 miles). This exceeded accuracy requirements for the Department of Defense's Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II program.

"In September, the U.S. Army clearly stated the need for a guided munition capable of being launched from the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior," said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, Raytheon Missile Systems president. "TALON LGR can meet that operational need. U.S. forces will be able to obtain a fully qualified laser-guided rocket that meets or exceeds all the guided 70 mm rocket requirements without expending tens of millions of dollars in research, evaluation and testing."

The TALON LGR is a low-cost, semi-active laser guidance and control kit that connects directly to the front of the legacy 2.75-inch unguided rockets fired from the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. It requires no software or hardware modifications to the launcher or aircraft platform and can be fired from any aircraft that fires 2.75-inch unguided rockets.

"LGR is a highly reliable precision rocket solution for a variety of fixed- and rotary-wing platforms," said Hussain Al Hammadi, EAI's chief executive officer. "The success of this demonstration further proves the TALON LGR will provide warfighters with a precision capability they've never had before."

TALON LGR fills the critical operational capability gap between unguided rockets and guided, heavy anti-tank missiles.

"This year's small-guided munition demonstration is critical because we're exploring options to provide precision-guided capabilities to our combatant commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Col. Michael Cavalier, Joint Attack Munitions Systems project manager. "This demonstration has given us a better understanding of our options with regard to developing a precision-guided weapon that can be launched from a Kiowa Warrior."

EAI continues to be the region's leader in providing modernized defense capabilities to the United Arab Emirates.

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Magazine Ranks Raytheon Plant Among 10 Best in North America

Magazine Ranks Raytheon Plant Among 10 Best in North America
December 22, 2009

DALLAS, -- Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Advanced Products Center has been recognized as one of the 10 best plants in North America by IndustryWeek magazine.

The award recognizes plants that are leaders in increasing operational efficiency and overall competitiveness, enhancing customer satisfaction, and creating stimulating and rewarding environments. The citation also encourages manufacturers to adopt world-class practices, technologies and improvement strategies.

"This award reflects the APC team's diligence and hard work in pursuing continuous improvement and cost reduction," said Jon Jones, president of Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems. "This distinction exemplifies Raytheon's objective to provide the best products for our customers while operating in a lean processing environment."

Raytheon's entry was selected for its implementation of lean-enterprise concepts that raised operations and efficiency to a level exceeding most plants in North America. The facility will receive the award at the IndustryWeek Best Plants Conference in April in Cleveland, Ohio.

Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, with 2008 revenues of $4.4 billion and 12,000 employees, is a leading provider of sensor systems that provide actionable information for the network-centric battlefield.

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Monday, December 21, 2009

U.S. Navy Secretary Visits Lockheed Martin F-35 Facility

U.S. Navy Secretary Visits Lockheed Martin F-35 Facility
December 21, 2009

FORT WORTH, Texas, -- U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus toured Lockheed Martin's (NYSE: LMT) F-35 facility Dec. 18 for a preview of the Department of the Navy's first-ever stealth strike fighter.

Secretary Mabus got a firsthand look at BF-2, the second short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) F-35B test aircraft, as it conducted its 15th flight in final preparation for its ferry flight to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. BF-2 will join the first F-35B STOVL variant, BF-1, at Patuxent River as the program prepares for the first hovers and vertical landings.

"The Navy and the Marine Corps are vital F-35 customers, and the F-35 is vital to the future of Naval Aviation," said Robert J. Stevens, chairman, president and CEO of Lockheed Martin Corp. "We were honored to host Secretary Mabus and his staff and confirm our progress on F-35, which is the future of military aviation for the U.S. and its allies."

During the visit, Secretary Mabus also received an F-35 program update and toured the production line, where three F-35C carrier variants, among more than 30 F-35s, are currently being built at the Fort Worth facility.

The Department of the Navy is expected to purchase 680 F-35s for both the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy. The STOVL variant will be flown by the U.S. Marine Corps. The carrier variant (CV) will be flown by the U.S. Navy.

The F-35 Lightning II is a 5th generation fighter, combining advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully-fused sensor information, network-enabled operations, and lower operational and support costs. Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 with its principal industrial partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. Two separate, interchangeable F-35 engines are under development: the Pratt & Whitney F135 and the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team F136.

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Friday, December 18, 2009

US Navy Accepts Delivery of Future USS Independence

NNS091218-18. Navy Accepts Delivery of Future USS Independence
December 18, 2009

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy officially accepted delivery of the future USS Independence (LCS 2) Dec. 18 during a short ceremony in Mobile, Ala. Independence is the second littoral combat ship delivered to the Navy, and the first LCS of the General Dynamics variant. LCS is a new breed of U.S. Navy warship with versatile warfighting capabilities, capable of open-ocean operation, but optimized for littoral, or coastal, missions.

"Today marks a critical milestone in the life of the LCS 2," said Rear Adm. James Murdoch, the LCS program manager in the Navy's Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. "The Navy and our industry partners have worked diligently to deliver a much-needed capability."

Prior to delivery, the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) conducted Acceptance Trials aboard LCS 2 on Nov. 13-19, and found the ship's propulsion plant, sea-keeping and self-defense performance to be "commendable," and recommended that the chief of naval operations authorize delivery of the ship following the correction or waiver of cited material deficiencies.

Between now and sail away in February 2010, the contractor will correct most of the trial cards received during trials. Any remaining cards will be corrected during scheduled post-delivery maintenance availabilities including the post-shakedown availability scheduled for completion in 2011.

Delivery is the last shipbuilding milestone before commissioning, scheduled for Jan. 16 in Mobile, Ala.

The LCS class is designed from the keel up to deliver efficient capability, capacity, and flexibility to the warfighter. Independence, a high-speed aluminum trimaran, is designed to defeat asymmetric "anti-access" threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft. The 417-foot Independence will be outfitted with reconfigurable payloads, called mission packages, which can be changed out quickly. These mission packages focus on three mission areas: mine counter measures, surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare.

PEO Ships is responsible for the development and acquisition of U.S. Navy surface ships and has delivered eight major surface ships to the fleet since the beginning of 2009. PEO Ships is working in conjunction with its industry partners to achieve steady production for all programs to increase production efficiencies and leverage cost savings. Delivering high-quality war fighting assets ¯ while balancing affordability and capability ¯ is key to supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy and building the Navy's 313-ship force structure. PEO Ships is committed to delivering quality ships at an affordable price.

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Thursday, December 17, 2009

Raytheon Unveils Applications for the Apple iPhone

Raytheon Unveils Applications for the Apple iPhone
December 17, 2009

Secure applications designed for government environments where access to real-time information is essential

DALLAS, -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has unveiled the first of a series of mission software applications specifically designed for Apple's® iPhone™ and iPod touch™.

Raytheon has developed intuitive situational awareness applications to leverage Apple's rapidly growing mobile content and technologies, such as a compass, global positioning system, accelerometer, 3G networks, Wi-Fi and a multitouch screen. Raytheon has also designed other innovations for the device, including disruptive-tolerant networking, content-centric networking and augmented reality, incorporating security guards for tactical operations.

"Raytheon's experience with mobile communications in the tactical environment and the government customers' need for low-power, simple plug-and-play applications led to the development of a real-time situational awareness application using Apple's touch technologies," said Dr. J Smart, chief technology officer of Raytheon's Intelligence and Information Systems business. "We are committed to providing innovative technology solutions for warfighters and all of our customers."

With the market explosion of the iPhone and the more than 100,000 applications available, Raytheon has leveraged its innovations to provide U.S. military forces with the best technological advantages. The company has seen demand for the same innovations in mobile devices rise with its military and civil customers.

"We have developed a situational awareness application based on military messaging standards that provide multimedia access, audio and textual point of interest, free text messaging, collaborative planning, spot reports and emergency call for fire," said Tushar Patel, director of Advanced Programs and Technology at Raytheon's Network Centric Systems. "Raytheon is a leader in secured wireless networking. Combining that with Apple's expertise allows us to provide rapid, low-risk and affordable interoperable system solutions."

Raytheon will work closely with Apple to deliver these and other powerful capabilities to customers in the coming months.

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Wednesday, December 16, 2009

General Dynamics Awarded $322 Million Contract by U.S. Army

General Dynamics Awarded $322 Million Contract by U.S. Army
December 16, 2009 2:02:53 PM

FAIRFAX, Va., -- General Dynamics Information Technology, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), was selected as the prime contractor and awarded a $322 million contract by the U.S. Army for the initial outfitting and transition support of the newly renovated Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., and the newly constructed Fort Belvoir Community Hospital in Virginia. General Dynamics will lead a team of companies that will provide the following services:

-- Support hospital transition planning and all preparations to move and activate operations in the new facilities.
-- Plan, provision, and install a wide array of medical and non-medical equipment, information technology equipment and furniture.
-- Relocate all current equipment that will move to the new facilities.

The 365-bed Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is being moved to the grounds of the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda. The new 1.2 million square foot Fort Belvoir Community Hospital will have 120 beds. Both facilities will fulfill world-class standards for hospital facilities, operations and services.

"General Dynamics understands that simultaneously moving and constructing two hospitals in a 50-mile radius during the same timeframe is an enormously challenging endeavor that has not been attempted before in military medicine," said Zannie Smith, senior vice president of General Dynamics Information Technology's Army Solutions Division. "We are excited to partner in this opportunity to make a dramatic impact on the health care received by America's warriors and the beneficiaries of the military health system."

As a trusted systems integrator for more than 50 years, General Dynamics Information Technology provides information technology (IT), systems engineering, professional services and simulation and training to customers in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, health, federal civilian government and commercial sectors. With approximately 16,000 professionals worldwide, the company manages large-scale, mission-critical IT programs delivering IT services and enterprise solutions.

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Lockheed Martin Achieves Critical Global Ballistic Missile Defense Milestones in 2009

Lockheed Martin Achieves Critical Global Ballistic Missile Defense Milestones in 2009
December 16, 2009 1:04:00 PM

BETHESDA, Md., -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) missile defense systems achieved several key milestones in 2009, including five successful intercepts and numerous other major accomplishments, further solidifying Lockheed Martin as a world leader in air and missile defense.
With 20 successful Aegis BMD intercepts, six successful Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) intercepts and 26 successful Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile intercepts since the inception of those programs, Lockheed Martin continues to build on its unmatched legacy as the pioneer of hit-to-kill technologies.

"Lockheed Martin is proud to continue to lead ballistic missile defense efforts for the United States and allied nations," said John Holly, vice president of Lockheed Martin's newly established Missile Defense Systems operating unit, based in Huntsville, AL. "The depth and breadth of our experience in missile defense systems allows us to meet ever-evolving threats in support of global security."

Lockheed Martin operational systems and next-generation capabilities address each phase of missile defense - boost, ascent, midcourse and terminal - in support of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) layered Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) and international allies' requirements.

2009 Missile Defense Milestones - Weapon Systems

Aegis:


- In July, the Aegis BMD system destroyed a ballistic missile target in an at-sea firing under operationally realistic conditions - marking the continued successful engineering development of the next-generational upgrade in Aegis BMD capability.


The USS Bunker Hill completed its operational trial of its full combat system, which includes Aegis Open Architecture, in August. This milestone is part of the development path to merge Aegis Open Architecture and Aegis BMD in 2012, when the Aegis Modernization program begins for the Navy's 62 Aegis-equipped destroyers.


JS Myoko, Japan's third destroyer equipped with the Aegis BMD system, successfully intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile target above the atmosphere during an October test event. Also that month, the MDA awarded a $1 billion follow-on contract providing for the integration of Aegis BMD into the Aegis Modernization program and a contract vehicle for the next five years to continue evolving BMD capability. Additionally, the guided missile cruiser USS Lake Erie - using the latest Aegis BMD baseline version 4.0.1 and new Aegis BSP signal processor - proved successful during a series of long-range tracking, surveillance and engagement exercises against a variety of ballistic missile targets in October.


MEADS:

- In July, the Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) successfully completed Critical Design Reviews (CDRs) for all major components, clearing the way for production of radars, launchers, tactical operation centers and reloaders needed for system tests. The program is on track to complete its final system-level CDR event in August 2010, with initial flight tests planned for 2012.


The program announced that it had received approval to use a European cryptographic device to implement Identification Friend or Foe in October. The selected subsystem makes both of the MEADS radars more robust than other current U.S. systems and provides the highest level of fratricide prevention available to protect coalition pilots. MEADS is designed to permit full interoperability between the U.S. and allied armies, and it is the only medium-range air defense system to provide full 360-degree coverage.


PAC-3 Missile:

- Lockheed Martin broke ground on an expansion of its state-of-the-art PAC-3 Missile production complex in Camden, AR, in May. This new facility will allow for continued production expansion and modest hiring of new employees over the next several years.


In September, Airmen of the Japanese Self Defense Force and Lockheed Martin successfully conducted the second Japanese PAC-3 Missile flight test at White Sands Missile Range, NM. The flight test demonstrated the Patriot Configuration-3 upgrades to the Japanese Patriot ground system, and the addition of the PAC-3 Missile Segment to detect, track, engage and destroy a tactical ballistic missile target in a realistic battlefield environment.


On December 11, Lockheed Martin successfully conducted the PAC-3 Missile PC-08 Flight Test at White Sands Missile Range, NM. Preliminary test data indicates mission objectives were successfully achieved. The test demonstrated system capability using Post Deployment Build-6.5 (PDB-6.5) software to search, detect, track, engage and kill an aerodynamic Tactical Ballistic Missile (TBM) using a ripple method of fire engagement.


THAAD:

- In March, Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency conducted their sixth successful intercept in six attempts of the THAAD weapon system at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, HI. This flight test demonstrated the system's ability to detect, track and intercept a separating target inside the Earth's atmosphere. This was the first salvo mission, with two THAAD interceptors launched against a single separating target, which is a tactical option for the system. Data indicates the first interceptor successfully destroyed the target while the second interceptor destroyed a large piece of debris from the initial intercept.


This year, Lockheed Martin employees celebrated the 10th anniversary of the first THAAD successful intercept and the 25th anniversary of the first hit-to-kill intercept of a ballistic missile target outside of the Earth's atmosphere.


In October, the U.S. Army and the MDA activated the second THAAD Battery at Fort Bliss, TX, signifying the continued integration of THAAD into the U.S. Army's Air and Missile Defense force structure. Unit training on the second THAAD Battery is underway with equipment hardware deliveries slated to occur within a year.


2009 Missile Defense Milestones - Next-Generation Capabilities and Supporting Systems


C2BMC:

- Command, Control, Battle Management & Communications (C2BMC) continues to support real-world operations 24/7 around the world in 17 time zones, supporting the Missile Defense Agency's strategic and regional objectives.


Logistics and Sustainment:

- In November, Global Aerospace Logistics, LLC (GAL), Lockheed Martin and Raytheon announced the signing of a Joint Collaborative Agreement that will establish world-class logistics and sustainment services for the United Arab Emirates' air and missile defense systems. Under the agreement, GAL will work with Raytheon and Lockheed Martin to develop a logistics and sustainment capability to meet the immediate and future needs of the UAE's air and missile defense strategy.


Targets and Countermeasures:

- Through 2009, Lockheed Martin's Targets and Countermeasures Program has achieved 33 successful target missions out of 34 since 1996. Lockheed Martin's unmatched 97 percent reliability rate has included unitary and separating targets, spanning land, sea and air launches. In 2009, Lockheed Martin shipped the next-generation Launch Vehicle-2 target to a test range in preparation for an upcoming test.


Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS):

- In November, the Lockheed Martin-led team developing the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) program for the U.S. Air Force successfully completed thermal vacuum testing of the first geosynchronous (GEO-1) satellite, one of the most significant program milestones that validates spacecraft performance in a simulated space environment. The first SBIRS GEO spacecraft is planned for delivery to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in late 2010, where it will then undergo final processing and preparation for launch aboard an Atlas V launch vehicle.

Lockheed Martin plays a critical role in the nation's layered air and missile defense system. In addition to operational defenses, Lockheed Martin provides the backbone systems that integrate the sensors, command and control, and weapon system elements of the ballistic missile defense system. The corporation also is focused on next-generation capabilities and provides targets and other methods to test system elements.

Lockheed Martin is a world leader in systems integration and the development of air and missile defense systems and technologies, including the first operational hit-to-kill missile defense system. It also has considerable experience in missile design and production, infrared seekers, command and control/battle management and communications, precision pointing and tracking optics, and radar and signal processing. The company makes significant contributions to all major U.S. missile defense systems and participates in several global missile defense partnerships.

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Northrop Grumman's Unmanned Fire Scout Completes Successful Maritime Sensors Demonstration

Northrop Grumman's Unmanned Fire Scout Completes Successful Maritime Sensors Demonstration
December 16, 2009

SAN DIEGO -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has successfully completed maritime sensor demonstrations using a company-owned MQ-8B Fire Scout tactical Vertical Unmanned Aircraft System (VUAS). Fire Scout was equipped with the Telephonics' radar and FLIR Electro Optical Infrared system, and highlighted the versatility of the unmanned helicopter's modular payload architecture and its flexibility in integrating off-the-shelf payloads.

The demonstration was performed under a contract awarded in September by ABS Group, a Systems Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA) contractor for the U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center. The test took take place during the week of October 19 in the Chesapeake Bay conducted from the Naval Air Station at Patuxent River, Md., Webster Outlying Field.

Following the maritime sensor demonstration, the Coast Guard participated in a multiple day virtual exercise at the Northrop Grumman Unmanned Systems Development Center in Rancho Bernardo, Calif. The exercise took place in the company's simulation Cyber Warfare Integration Node (CWIN). The simulation operated in a Coast Guard configuration and generated counter narcotics operations from the Coast Guard's National Security Cutter.

"We understand the importance of providing the best design, development and production of unmanned systems. An important part of this service is to provide the tools to define and develop new concepts of operations that illustrate how we can successfully integrate both manned and unmanned systems," said Duke Dufresne, sector vice president and general manager of the Strike and Surveillance Systems Division for Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector.

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Significant Design, Mirror and Cryotest Progress Mark 2009 Milestones for Northrop Grumman-built James Webb Space Telescope

Significant Design, Mirror and Cryotest Progress Mark 2009 Milestones for Northrop Grumman-built James Webb Space Telescope
December 16, 2009

Successful Design Reviews, Risk Reduction and Flight Hardware Manufacturing Continue to Move Program Forward

REDONDO BEACH, Calif. -- NASA's James Webb Space Telescope reached some notable milestones in several important areas in 2009, making steady progress towards its expected 2014 launch date. The Observatory is being designed and developed by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) under contract to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

The telescope capped its 2009 achievements with the first primary mirror segment meeting flight specifications at ambient temperatures, the result of a manufacturing process begun six years ago. The mirror segment was successfully polished to an accuracy of less than 20 nanometers, or smaller than a millionth of an inch. This ensures that when the mirror cools to cryogenic temperatures it will change its shape into the exact optical prescription needed. The test was completed within three days of the original schedule.

The mirror segment is an engineering development unit that paves the way for the polishing and testing of the A1 flight mirror and the rest of the 18 segments, which will comprise the giant 6.5-meter (21.3 ft.) hexagonal mirror. After polishing, the segments will be sent
to the X-ray and Cryogenic Facility at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., for verification.

Another significant milestone came in October, when the Optical Telescope Element (OTE), the eye of the Observatory, passed its critical design review, which verified that it will perform as planned. The OTE now is ready to move to the manufacturing phase and integration
of all subsystems.

Observatory manufacturing and testing have progressed steadily this year. The OTE subsystems that are in full production include the secondary mirror assemblies and aft optical assembly, which contains the tertiary mirror and fine steering mirror. The primary mirror segment assemblies also are in full production. The backbone of the telescope, which supports all of the telescope subsystems, is in the early stages of production.

In May, testing was completed on a model of the Observatory's "core" section to validate its sophisticated thermal modeling and design. The core test article was cooled passively to as low as -414 degrees Fahrenheit (slightly above absolute zero) and met test objectives. The core model is a thermal facsimile of the Webb Telescope's central region and consists of the top portion of the spacecraft bus, deployable tower, a truncated but fully tensioned five-layer sunshield, optical telescope element backplane support frame, integrated science instrument module (ISIM) compartment, cable trays, thermal management systems, and ISIM electronics compartment.

The membrane management system for the Observatory's five-layer, tennis-court-sized sunshield passed a preliminary design review in February. Cryotesting on a one-third scale model began in November. Other notable achievements include the primary mirror backplane support structure and ISIM both successfully completing critical design reviews. The spacecraft passed a preliminary design review and completed thruster flight acceptance tests.

Also built this year at Northrop Grumman's Redondo Beach, Calif. space systems manufacturing facility was a full-scale simulator, a key element in the company's extensive test and verification program. The simulator, consisting of the telescope's primary backplane assembly and the sunshield's integrated validation article, was built to develop
the Webb Telescope's hardware design and to give technicians experience handling large elements in advance of working with the actual flight hardware.

The simulator relies on incremental verification, testing, and the use of crosschecks to ensure that the final end-to-end Observatory test is a confirmation of the expected results. Northrop Grumman's approach emulates its highly successful Chandra X-ray Observatory test and verification program.

The James Webb Space Telescope is the next-generation premier space observatory, exploring deep space phenomena from distant galaxies to nearby planets and stars. The Webb Telescope will give scientists clues about the formation of the universe and the evolution of our own
solar system, from the first light after the Big Bang to the formation of star systems capable of supporting life on planets like Earth. Expected to launch in 2014, the telescope is a joint project of NASA, the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency.

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Northrop Grumman Appoints Nimish Doshi and Ed Shedlick as Vice Presidents, Greg Schmidt Vice President and General Manager in Technical Services Sector

Northrop Grumman Appoints Nimish Doshi and Ed Shedlick as Vice Presidents, Greg Schmidt Vice President and General Manager in Technical Services Sector
December 16, 2009

HERNDON, Va. -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has appointed three new vice presidents to key positions within the company's Technical Services sector.

The company has appointed Nimish Doshi to sector vice president, business operations; Ed Shedlick sector vice president, contracts and pricing; and Greg Schmidt vice president and general manager of the Training and Simulation Group as well as acting sector vice president of strategic operations and planning.

"These highly experienced senior executives have all the requisite skills and talents needed for these critical positions and will significantly contribute to the sector's business performance and strategic growth objectives," said James Cameron, corporate vice
president and president of Northrop Grumman Technical Services. "Their extensive knowledge and demonstrated performance within Technical Services and the greater Northrop Grumman enterprise will aid the sector in driving to be the 'Best in the World at What We Do.'"

Doshi will be responsible for providing targeted business, program and operational expertise across all business segments of the sector. Additionally, he will continue to oversee business management operations for the Life Cycle Optimization and Engineering (LCOE) Group.

He has been with the company for 12 years, most recently in the role of business management director for the LCOE Group. He earned a master's degree in finance from the University of South Florida, Tampa, Fla., and a bachelor's degree in Commerce and Accounting from the
University of Bombay in India.

Shedlick will be responsible for establishing and maintaining sector-wide policy, direction, training and oversight of contract and pricing matters both domestically and internationally.

He has been with the company for 19 years, many of which were focused on international operations, and most recently served as the sector director, contracts and procurement for Technical Services. Shedlick, who was schooled internationally, earned a bachelor's degree
in foreign affairs from The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va., and a master's degree in business administration from James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Va.

Schmidt will manage the Training and Simulation Group, which provides a full spectrum of training applications in live, virtual, and constructive training domains. He will also continue to manage strategic operations and planning for Technical Services.

Schmidt earned a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa., and a master's degree in technology management from the University of Maryland in College Park.

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Raytheon ATFLIR Marks More Than 500,000 Flight Hours

Raytheon ATFLIR Marks More Than 500,000 Flight Hours
December 16, 2009

MCKINNEY, Texas, -- Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared pod, which provides pinpoint accuracy and real-time target assessment from long standoff ranges, has marked more than 500,000 hours of operational flight on the U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet.

In coordination with the Navy, Raytheon has continually improved performance and added advanced capabilities to the targeting pod. ATFLIR allows target recognition and tracking at altitudes and ranges substantially greater than those of other targeting systems. It remains the only targeting pod certified for operation on U.S. naval aircraft carriers.

"The ATFLIR pod system offers the warfighter advanced integrated diagnostic, tracking and targeting capabilities," said Tim Carey, vice president for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Systems. "The ATFLIR program represents a capability that promotes Raytheon's reputation as a technology leader. With more than 500,000 operational flight hours, our targeting pod has proudly supported the Navy warfighter in operations around the world."

Manufactured by Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, ATFLIR is a high-technology subsystem that replaced three separate legacy F/A-18 pods. It incorporates an innovative common optical path and continuous auto-boresight technology that significantly increases targeting accuracy while minimizing the potential for collateral damage.

"This milestone represents a true team effort between government and industry," said Cmdr. Frank Morely, deputy program manager, F/A-18 and EA-18 program office. "There is no combat system on the F/A-18 used more in today's operations than the ATFLIR."

Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, with 2008 revenues of $4.4 billion and 12,000 employees, is a leading provider of sensor systems that provide actionable information for the network-centric battlefield.

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Northrop Grumman to Develop UK Cyber Security Test Range for Evaluation of Threats on Large Scale Networks

Northrop Grumman to Develop UK Cyber Security Test Range for Evaluation of Threats on Large Scale Networks
December 16, 2009

LONDON, -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is a principal member of the BT team selected by the UK Technology Strategy Board to develop a cyber test range for the research and testing of cyber security threats on large scale networks.

The cyber test range will be developed by Northrop Grumman UK under the SATURN (Self-organising Adaptive Technology under Resilient Networks) network defence research programme, a collaborative research project focused on information infrastructure. The programme will deliver tools and techniques to protect against the vulnerabilities of complex networks and information systems.

"Cyber security has become a fundamental necessity as we rely increasingly on networks of complex integrated information systems to access information and services in our homes and businesses," said Sir Nigel Essenhigh, chairman, Northrop Grumman UK. "Northrop Grumman is at the forefront of the challenge to find innovative solutions that can effectively defend such networks and offer protection across the entire cyber domain."

The range will be located at Northrop Grumman's facility in Fareham and will provide the UK with the environment and capability to conduct meaningful cyber experiments and assessments of infrastructure survivability and assurance, and to test and analyse new concepts and technologies to protect against modern cyber threats.

"Northrop Grumman is an industry leader in all aspects of computer network operations and cyber security, and we have considerable capabilities and experience to bring to this programme," said Paul Davison, vice president and managing director for Northrop Grumman's Information Systems sector in Europe. "The programme will develop new ways to analyse complex information systems and protect users by predicting where and how vulnerabilities will occur. We look forward to contributing to its success."

The SATURN programme will demonstrate how self-managing, intelligent services can enable the rapid discovery and fusion of critical network data flows in real-time. The programme will also develop novel tools and techniques for visualising and understanding the complex interdependencies between the service layer and underlying physical networks. In addition, it will enhance the theory of complex networks in the Critical National Infrastructure domain, creating new modelling and simulation capabilities targeted specifically at protecting current and future infrastructures.

The competition for funding the programme was organised by the UK Technology Strategy Board (TSB), the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

Other members of the BT-led team include Oxford University (Said Business School), Warwick University (School of Engineering) and Imperial College (Electrical and Electronic Engineering).

The range will be an extension of Northrop Grumman's Cyberspace Solutions Centre (CSSC) located in the US at Millersville, Md., which is dedicated both to independent research and development on cyber security projects as well as to carrying out customer contracts. The heart of the CSSC is Northrop Grumman's cyber test range and internet research laboratory. Since 1999 the company has operated an advanced set of capabilities for the development, integration, and demonstration of revolutionary cyber security technologies. The cyber test range is a robust internet environment for emulating, attacking and evaluating information technology, network operations and cyber security defence.

In addition to the CSSC, the company recently opened in the US a new, state-of-the-art Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC), a comprehensive cyber threat detection and response centre that focuses on protecting Northrop Grumman and its customers' networks and data worldwide.

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Mark W. Kenny Named Vice President of Irregular Warfare Programs for Northrop Grumman

Mark W. Kenny Named Vice President of Irregular Warfare Programs for Northrop Grumman
December 16, 2009

BETHPAGE, NY. –– Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has named Mark W. Kenny vice president of Irregular Warfare (IW) Programs. Kenny will lead a team of professionals to provide the rapid fielding of advanced capabilities and integrated systems to the combat, intelligence and special mission environment.

Kenny will report to Tom Vice, sector vice president and general manager of the company's Aerospace Systems sector's Battle Management and Engagement Systems Division.

"We're honored to have Mark join our team as he has been on the cutting edge of IW for years. He is an outstanding addition to the
company, and his credentials and experience speak to his ability to find solutions to the difficult challenges of IW," said Vice. "As our warfighter presents us with more difficult requirements, Mark and his team will readily understand their needs to deliver an effective and immediate solution."

Kenny will be based at Northrop Grumman's Washington D.C. office, and will lead the company's new National Irregular Warfare Center, located at the Aerospace Systems' East Coast Production and Flight Test Center in St. Augustine, Fla. Kenny will leverage several
ongoing initiatives, including Improvised Explosive Device defeat and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Task Force programs that solve multiple Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), and asymmetric challenges.

Kenny, a retired United States Navy Rear Admiral, is a recognized expert in the fields of counterterrorism, special operations and irregular warfare. The Chief of Naval Operations appointed Kenny in 2008 to lead the Navy's Irregular Warfare Office as its first director.

In that role, Kenny deployed unmanned air and undersea systems while conducting the initial use of cruise missiles against high value terrorist targets in support of OIF, OEF, and other operational theaters. He expanded counterterrorism operational support to the
Navy's surface and aviation communities by forming the Center for Expeditionary Counterterrorism Operations in Washington, D.C., Norfolk, Va., and in Groton, Conn. Kenny deployed teams forward in support of counterterrorism joint task forces. In March 2005, while in submarine group command, Kenny founded the Center for Submarine Counterterrorism Operations supporting Special Operations Forces and other communities.

In addition to his Irregular Warfare assignments, Kenny had a distinguished career in submarine warfare, serving aboard the USS Sea Devil (SSN 664), USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (SSN 708), USS Kentucky (SSBN 737), commanding officer of the USS Birmingham (SSN695),
Commander of Submarine Squadron 7 in Pearl Harbor, Commander of Submarine Group 2, Commander Submarine Group 10, and Commander Navy Region Northeast.

Kenny earned a bachelor's degree in international security affairs at the United States Naval Academy and holds a master's degree in international relations from Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island. He has completed the National Security and Strategic
Studies Program from the Naval War College and speaks Russian and Arabic.

His awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (sixth award), Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit and campaign awards.

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Tuesday, December 15, 2009

US Navy Flag Officer Announcement

NNS091215-09. Flag Officer Announcement
December 15, 2009

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced Dec. 15 that the President has made the following nomination:

Navy Vice Adm. David Architzel for reappointment to the rank of vice admiral and assignment as commander, Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. Architzel is currently serving as principal deputy assistant secretary of the Navy (research, development and acquisition), Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

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40 per cent increase in UK military helicopter capability

40 per cent increase in UK military helicopter capability
December 15, 2009

The Ministry of Defence will give a major boost to the military helicopter fleet with the provision of 22 new Chinook helicopters, Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth has announced today, Tuesday 15 December 2009.

The first ten new Chinooks will start to roll off the production line in 2012 and be completed in 2013, increasing air support on the front line in Afghanistan. The Chinook fleet in total will increase in size from 48 to 70 airframes, which will include eight Mk3 Chinooks and replacements for two Chinooks lost on operations.

This announcement is part of a new Future Helicopter Strategy that will deliver a 40 per cent increase in the number of lift helicopters available for use on operations in extreme conditions, such as those in Afghanistan.

The RAF will fly the new Chinooks alongside the Merlins which arrived in Afghanistan last month.

Announcing the Future Helicopter Strategy, Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said:

"Our forces on the front line in Afghanistan repeatedly tell me that Chinook are indispensable on operations. I am therefore delighted to announce plans to deliver more of these robust, effective and proven battle-winning helicopters.

"Helicopter capability has already doubled in the last three years and this future strategy builds on this, ensuring that our Armed Forces have the very best resources at their disposal."

Commander Joint Helicopter Command, Rear Admiral Tony Johnstone-Burt, said:

"The superior lift performance of the Chinook has proved invaluable on operations. This new strategy will dramatically increase our military capability on the battlefield for many years to come."

The new strategy will see the ageing Sea Kings, which the Royal Navy and RAF currently use, being taken out of service early.

The Navy's future helicopter requirements will be met by a combination of the Merlin fleet and new Wildcats.

The Army will also operate Wildcats alongside the hugely successful Apache. It will mean that following the retirement of Puma from 2022, the UK's Armed Forces will operate four core helicopter fleets of Chinook, Apache, Wildcat and Merlin, with around 65-75 of each aircraft.

Today's announcement builds on the substantial progress that has already been made this year to improve helicopter capability. Improvements include:

- an increase in helicopter flying hours (which is what commanders use to plan) of 95 per cent
- an upgrade to Lynx helicopter engines
- the first Merlin helicopters deployed to Afghanistan
- a £408m upgrade to the existing Chinook fleet with new engines and part-digitised cockpits
- a £300m upgrade to the Puma fleet to extend its service until at least 2022
- the first of eight converted Chinook Mk3 aircraft delivered into service.
- This is part of a £6bn programme of investment over the next decade.

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Northrop Grumman's Missile Systems Unit Appraised at CMMI Maturity Level 5 for Acquisition

Northrop Grumman's Missile Systems Unit Appraised at CMMI Maturity Level 5 for Acquisition
December 15, 2009

CLEARFIELD, UTAH -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has received the Software Engineering Institute's (SEI) Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI(R)) Level 5 rating for Acquisition at the company's Missile Systems business unit. This is the first organization to be appraised the highest level of recognition for CMMI's model focused on acquisition excellence, according to SEI.

The CMMI for Acquisition is a best practices model for successful procurement of products and services to meet organizational objectives. Key aspects of the acquisition model include project management, process management, conducting and managing acquisition, and supporting functions.

"This CMMI Maturity Level 5 appraisal for acquisition highlights Missile Systems' ability to successfully acquire, integrate and deliver products and services from across the missile business industrial base," said John L. Clay, vice president of Missile Systems for Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector. "The ability to apply missile system domain expertise with proven development, production and sustainment capabilities allows Northrop Grumman Missile Systems to deliver effective and cost-efficient solutions to our customers."

The audit appraised Missile Systems and the ICBM Prime Integration Contract (IPIC) program.

"Achieving this recognition provides confidence to our customer that the necessary rigor and discipline is applied throughout the acquisition chain for critical components employed in a nuclear weapon system," said Jim Meyers, vice president and IPIC program manager.

"With this achievement, the Missile Systems business unit, and IPIC specifically, establish themselves as the standard bearers for balancing cost and schedule constraints while maintaining weapon system reliability and availability. Other acquisition organizations will be studying and emulating Missile Systems and their associated product teams years from now," said Brian P. Gallagher, SEI Certified High Maturity Lead Appraiser and engineering director for the company's Information Systems Intelligence Systems Division.

The CMMI(R) standard was developed by a coalition of industry, government and SEI to objectively assess the full range of an organization's software and systems engineering, program management and organizational management capabilities. There are five levels of CMMI(R) maturity, each a layer in the foundation for ongoing process improvement, designated by the numbers one through five with five being the highest. High maturity levels signify lower risks to successful program execution.

Capability Maturity Model and CMMI are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office by Carnegie Mellon University.

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Northrop Grumman Appoints Edward Bush to Lead C4ISR Networked Systems Business for the Electronic Systems Sector

Northrop Grumman Appoints Edward Bush to Lead C4ISR Networked Systems Business for the Electronic Systems Sector
December 15, 2009

BALTIMORE -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has named Edward J. Bush vice president of C4ISR Networked Systems (CNS) for the company's Electronic Systems sector, effective immediately.

In his new position, based in Baltimore, Bush will have executive responsibility for all intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) enterprise integration activities and associated Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS) business areas. This includes providing a C4ISR enterprise infrastructure across the military services and government agencies, the processing and exploitation of ISR data, and expanding its access to missile warning, intelligence, missile defense, space situational awareness and battlespace awareness users.

Bush joined the company in 2002. Since then, he has served as director, Sensor Exploitation Systems and Colorado Operations. In that position, he was responsible for all program operations of various ground mission processing programs, including the Joint Tactical Ground Station (JTAGS), Rapid Prototyping, Integration and Development (RaPID), the Missile Defense Agency External Sensors Laboratory (ESL), and the Ballistic Missile Defense Overhead Persistent Infra-Red Architecture (BOA). He also had responsibility for all sector
operations at facilities in Boulder and Colorado Springs, Colo. In his new post, he will retain executive authority over these programs and operations.

Prior to joining Northrop Grumman, he worked with distinction for other companies in the defense industry, pursuing systems engineering, network operations, and ISR business strategy, and held management and executive positions.

Bush earned a bachelor's degree in physics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a master's degree in physics from the University of California at Los Angeles, and an engineer's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California.

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Raytheon BBN Technologies Awarded $81 Million to Establish Nation's Largest Network Science Research Center

Raytheon BBN Technologies Awarded $81 Million to Establish Nation's Largest Network Science Research Center
December 15, 2009

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., -- Raytheon BBN Technologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), has been awarded an $81 million contract by the Army Research Laboratory to create a collaborative technology alliance in network science.

Under the five-year contract, Raytheon BBN Technologies will pursue fundamental research in network science to identify the commonalities that apply to diverse kinds of networks. Called the ARL Network Science Collaborative Technology Alliance, the consortium will examine communication, information, and social and cognitive networks and will include leading researchers from all of these disciplines.

Raytheon BBN Technologies will lead the technology consortium, which will include more than 30 university and industrial labs, from an Interdisciplinary Research Center (IRC) to be established at the Raytheon BBN Technologies headquarters in Cambridge, Mass. Many researchers from across the consortium will use the facility as their base, while other members will continue to work from their home campuses.

In addition to conducting pure research in network science, the IRC will be responsible for transitioning new technologies to the Department of Defense.

"This contract award reinforces our leadership in networking research," said Tad Elmer, president, Raytheon BBN Technologies. "Our team is determined to develop the underlying technologies that will make networks more flexible, adaptable and secure."

Raytheon BBN Technologies is a research and development organization with expertise spanning information security, speech and language processing, networking, distributed systems, and sensing and control systems.

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General Dynamics Awarded $14 Million for Iraqi Abrams Tank Work

General Dynamics Awarded $14 Million for Iraqi Abrams Tank Work
December 15, 2009 3:18:54 PM

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich., -- The U.S. Army Tank and Automotive Command has awarded General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), a contract worth $14 million to purchase long-lead materials for the production of 140 M1A1 SA (Situational Awareness) tanks for the Iraq program.

The SA enhancements to the M1A1 for Iraq include a second-generation forward-looking infrared (FLIR) thermal sight, a driver's vision-enhancer thermal viewer and Tank Urban Survivability Kit (TUSK) improvements, which provide better crew protection in urban warfare environments. In addition, engines developed through the Army's Total Integrated Engine Revitalization (TIGER) program will be installed and pulse-jet filter cleaning systems added to improve performance while reducing maintenance requirements and costs.

Work will be performed in Lima, Ohio; Scranton, Pa.; Anniston, Ala.; and Tallahassee, Fla. The completion date for the contract is May 31, 2011.

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[VT Group] Further announcement regarding Mouchel Group plc

[VT Group] Further announcement regarding Mouchel Group plc
15 December 2009

Further to its announcement of 14 December, VT Group plc ("VT") would like to confirm its position.
VT has made two approaches to Mouchel Group plc ("Mouchel") over a four week period. the second proposal (the 'Proposal"), which was made on 2 December, was to exchange each Mouchel share for 0.475 new VT shares with a 50% cash alternative on a mix and match basis funded from VT's own resources. This proposal:

Equated to an offer of 260 pence per Mouchel share based on the share price of VT at the time the Proposal was made;

Represented a premium of 55% to the Mouchel share price at that time;

Represented a premium of 60% to the undistributed share price at the close of business on Thursday 10 December, the day before the Mouchel share price increased materially; and

Represented a premium of 35% at the close of business on Friday 11 December, despite the 19% increase in Mouchel's share price that day.
Based on the closing share price of VT of 541.5 pence on Friday 11 December, the last trading day prior to the commencement of the offer period, the Proposal values each Mouchel share at 257 pence. Based on the closing share price of VT of 526 pence on Monday 14 December the Proposal values each Mouchel share at 250 pence.

The board of VT believes that a combination of VT and Mouchel represents a strategically compelling proposition. The enlarged group would continue to have a strong focus on the public sector and its increased scale and enhanced capabilities would provide greater access to larger contract opportunities. The increased customer base and wider range of services would firmly establish the enlarged group as a leading provider of services to both central and local government agencies and to regulated industries.
VT has again requested a meeting with Mouchel to understand the basis of its rejection with a view to entering into a constructive dialogue and working towards a recommended offer that would deliver value to both sets of shareholders.
There can be no certainty that and offer will be made.

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Monday, December 14, 2009

Kelly Aviation Center Receives Important AS9110 Certification

Kelly Aviation Center Receives Important AS9110 Certification
December 14, 2009 3:24:00 PM

SAN ANTONIO, -- Kelly Aviation Center, L.P., an affiliate of Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT), earned AS9110 certification. The certification puts Kelly Aviation Center in a select group of organizations that go well beyond basic AS9100 standards to include additional safety, reliability and airworthiness requirements for both military and commercial aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul.
AS9110 certification will be especially important to Kelly Aviation Center as the company continues to penetrate the international commercial market.

"The AS9110 certification elevates our quality management system to the global standard and clearly demonstrates Kelly's commitment to deliver quality products and services to our customers," said Chuck Artymovich, vice president and general manager of Kelly Aviation Center.

Located in San Antonio, Texas, Kelly Aviation Center, L.P. is a center of excellence for engine maintenance, repair and overhaul for both military and commercial aircraft, including state-of-the-art engine testing and field service support. Kelly Aviation Center is AS9110 certified as well as FAA and EASA certified for the CF6-50 engine.

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Raytheon Leases New Green Building at Aberdeen Proving Ground

Raytheon Leases New Green Building at Aberdeen Proving Ground
December 14, 2009

St. Johns Properties, Inc. to break ground for new facility Dec. 14

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md., -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has signed a lease agreement with St. Johns Properties, Inc. for a new green building at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), Md., to improve collaboration with its customers.

St. Johns Properties plans to break ground Dec. 14, 2009, for construction of a 75,000 square foot, LEED-certified building. LEED is a third-party certification program for construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. The new facility is part of the Government and Technology Enterprise project, a technology, research and development business park for government and non-government users within APG.

"Establishing Raytheon's presence on the Aberdeen Proving Ground provides us the opportunity to expand our partnership with the Army and Team C4ISR," said Jerry Powlen, vice president, Raytheon Integrated Communications Systems. "Our close proximity with the customer will help to develop an innovative environment of collaboration and teaming."

Raytheon employees from the Towson, Md., and Fort Monmouth, N.J., locations will be affected by a move from those sites to the newly leased facility in late 2010.

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Raytheon BBN Technologies Wins Serious Games Showcase & Challenge with VESSEL Damage Control Trainer

Raytheon BBN Technologies Wins Serious Games Showcase & Challenge with VESSEL Damage Control Trainer
December 14, 2009

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., -- Raytheon BBN Technologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), has won the Serious Games Showcase & Challenge in the business category at the Annual Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC), the world's largest modeling and simulation conference.

The winning entry is VESSEL Damage Control Trainer, an immersive, game-based training environment that teaches damage control skills, shipboard communication and shipboard navigation to U.S. Navy recruits, without the costs and risks involved with live training.

Damage control is a critical ship function that must be conducted according to specified procedures to minimize damage and avoid casualties. A validation study conducted at the U.S. Navy's Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill., showed that recruits who spent one hour with the VESSEL Damage Control Trainer reduced their errors in situational awareness, decision-making and communication by 50 percent.

The goal of the Serious Games Showcase & Challenge is to identify innovative game-based technologies and solutions that improve training effectiveness. A panel of military, academic and industry gaming experts selected the 12 finalists, whose entries were displayed at I/ITSEC in Orlando, Fla., Nov. 30-Dec. 3, 2009.

The panel selected one winner in each of three categories -- business, government and student -- based on technical quality, playability-usability and how well the solution addressed a stated problem.

Raytheon BBN Technologies led the VESSEL development team under Office of Naval Research sponsorship, with contributions from Alion Science and Technology; Intelligent Decision Systems, Inc.; the University of Central Florida; IDEAS; and the University of California, Los Angeles, National Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing.

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Lockheed Martin's Maritime Systems and Sensors Unit Achieves CMMI(R) Maturity Level 5

Lockheed Martin's Maritime Systems and Sensors Unit Achieves CMMI(R) Maturity Level 5
December 14, 2009

WASHINGTON, -- Lockheed Martin's (NYSE: LMT) Maritime Systems and Sensors (MS2) business unit has successfully completed a Maturity Level 5 appraisal against the Capability Maturity Model® Integration (CMMI®) for Development.

The CMMI Level 5 rating comes after a rigorous, third-party evaluation of Lockheed Martin MS2's businesses processes, ensuring they are repeatable, consistent and predictable, and focused on continuous improvement and eliminating unnecessary costs. Customers, including the Department of Defense, often use the CMMI rating in determining a company's ability to successfully meet requirements throughout the lifecycle of a program.

"This achievement is a discriminator for Lockheed Martin and can be an advantage when we bid on future proposals," said Fred Moosally, president, Lockheed Martin MS2. "I'm proud of the work by our Process Standardization Team, program teams and our entire MS2 organization to get us to this recognized level of excellence."

Specifically, five programs represented the business in the CMMI Level 5 appraisal, including the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense 4.0.1 Weapon System, DDG-1000 sensors and systems, the Enhanced AN/TPQ-36 (EQ-36) counterfire target acquisition radar, the Joint Strike Fighter integrated core processor and the Spanish S-80 diesel submarine integrated combat system.

"Our CMMI Level 5 rating puts us ahead of many of our competitors," said Tina Schechter, vice president, Mission Success & Information Technology, for Lockheed Martin MS2 and executive champion for the business unit's CMMI initiative. "This rating demonstrates to our customers that we use proven processes when performing on contracts -- and that we are committed to a rigorous process improvement plan to continue to up the ante."

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General Dynamics Awarded $110 Million for Procurement of Foundry Services

General Dynamics Awarded $110 Million for Procurement of Foundry Services
December 14, 2009 3:19:02 PM

FAIRFAX, Va., -- General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems has been awarded a contract by Charles Stark Draper Laboratory to produce integrated circuits for the U.S. Navy's TRIDENT II (D5) submarine-launched ballistic missile program. This is a three-year contract with a total potential value of $110 million including the pre-priced options. General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).

The contract is part of the Navy's TRIDENT Life Extension Electronic Parts Program (LEEPP). The program is designed to extend the service life of the TRIDENT submarine and the TRIDENT II (D5) missile. General Dynamics is also providing circuit card assemblies for the TRIDENT (D5) missile and guidance systems. Taking advantage of foundry economies of scale, General Dynamics' approach is creating cost savings for the TRIDENT II ballistic missile program.

The principle subcontractor to General Dynamics for the wafer foundry services is Honeywell International and work will be performed at its Plymouth, Minn., facility. Honeywell's fabrication process produces integrated circuits with superior performance in harsh radiation
environments, as required in the TRIDENT missile and other space applications. Honeywell has been certified and accredited by the U.S. Department of Defense as a Category 1A Trusted Foundry.

"In partnership with Charles Stark Draper Laboratory and Honeywell International, General Dynamics is providing the U.S. Navy with cost-effective, consistent support," said Lou Von Thaer, president of General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems. "With this award, we will continue to deliver cost savings and increased capabilities to the Navy."

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Friday, December 11, 2009

New Gulfstream G250 Takes Flight

New Gulfstream G250 Takes Flight
December 11, 2009 9:36:00 AM

Large-Cabin, Mid-Range Business Jet Performs Flawlessly During Three-Hour Mission

SAVANNAH, Ga., Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), today announced that its newest business jet, the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G250, has successfully completed its first flight. Gulfstream designed and built the super mid-size business jet in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Flown by IAI chief test pilot Ronen Shapira, the G250 took off from Ben Gurion International Airport today at 8:16 a.m. local time. During the flight, which lasted 3 hours and 21 minutes, the pilots tested the business jet's flight-handling qualities and characteristics, and performed initial checks of several aircraft systems.

The aircraft was flown to 32,000 feet and achieved a maximum speed of 253 knots. Pilot Shapira commented that the flight was "extremely smooth with no issues." IAI's Flight Telemetry System enabled IAI and Gulfstream flight- test engineers on the ground to monitor the G250 aircraft systems in real time during the flight, as well as record the data from the first flight test point.

"The G250 performed extremely well, just as we expected," said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. "We're looking forward to 2011 when we'll begin delivering this aircraft to the customers who had tremendous input in its design."

Itzhak Nissan, president and CEO, IAI, said, "The successful first flight of the G250 large-cabin, mid-range jet represents the achievements of Gulfstream and IAI as the designers, integrators and manufacturers of this advanced business jet. IAI continues to benefit from its world-leading, strategic partnership with Gulfstream"

The G250 rolled out of the IAI manufacturing facility in Tel Aviv under its own power on Oct. 6, 2009. It remains on schedule for type certification by 2011, followed by entry-into-service the same year.

The G250 offers the largest cabin and the longest range at the fastest speed in its class. The cockpit features the new PlaneView 250TM system based on Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics. Powered by twin Honeywell HTF7250G engines, the business jet is capable of traveling 3,400 nautical miles at Mach 0.80 and has a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.85. With an initial cruise altitude of 41,000 feet, the G250 can climb to a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet.

It features an all-new, advanced transonic wing design that has been optimized for high-speed cruise and improved takeoff performance. At maximum takeoff weight, the G250 can depart from a 5,000-foot runway. Its 3,400- nautical-mile range means the G250 can fly nonstop from New York to London or from London to Dubai.

In terms of passenger comfort, the G250 features the largest cabin in its class, with 17 percent to 35 percent more floor area than any other large- cabin, mid-range business jet. The additional space provides for a larger lavatory, an improved galley and increased storage. The aircraft also features 19 panoramic windows, industry-leading sound levels, a vacuum toilet system and in-flight access to 120 cubic feet of usable volume in the baggage compartment.

The G250 will be completed at the Gulfstream Center for Mid-Cabin Excellence in Dallas.

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A400M, Airbus Military's new airlifter, takes to the skies

A400M, Airbus Military's new airlifter, takes to the skies
11 December 2009

This morning Airbus Military’s all-new A400M took off for its maiden flight from Seville Airport in Spain. The first entirely new airlifter of the 21st Century took to the air from runway 09 at 10:15 local time (09:15 UTC).

At the controls was Chief Test Pilot Military, Edward “Ed” Strongman, 60, with Experimental Test Pilot Ignacio “Nacho” Lombo, 43, in the right-hand seat. Four engineers are also on the aircraft: Senior Flight Test Engineer Jean-Philippe Cottet, 43, who has responsibility for the powerplants; Senior Flight Test Engineer Eric Isorce, 52, with responsibility for systems and performance; Senior Flight Test Engineer Didier Ronceray, 54, with responsibility for the handling qualities of the aircraft; and Test Flight Engineer Gerard Leskerpit, 50.

Between them the multi-national crew has logged more than 31,000 total flight hours.

The aircraft, with a take-off weight of 127 tonnes, is equipped with 15 tonnes of flight-test equipment including two tonnes of water ballast and its performance is being monitored in realtime by teams of engineers in Seville and Toulouse using state-of-the-art air-ground telemetry. The crew will explore the aircraft’s handling characteristics in the various flap configurations, check the powerplant operation and make initial evaluations of the aircraft’s systems.

Its four all-new Europrop International (EPI) TP400D turboprop powerplants producing 11,000shp (8,200kW) each are the most powerful propeller engines ever fitted to a Western aircraft.

The duration of the flight will be at the test team’s discretion and will end with a landing back at Seville in front of more than 2,000 media, VIPs and Airbus Military staff.

Over the last four weeks the aircraft has been extensively tested on the ground in an increasingly challenging programme leading up to the first flight.

The engines have been run at full power, the electrical systems and on-board data network exhaustively tested, and numerous taxying runs at progressively higher speeds have been performed culminating in a rejected take-off test at a speed of 123kt (227km/hr) on 8th December.

Today’s first flight marks the beginning of a test campaign that will see some 3,700 hours of flying by an eventual five aircraft conducted between now and entry-into-service at the end of 2012. The A400M will receive both civil certification by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and military certification and qualification.

Airbus and Airbus Military have drawn on their decades of technical experience in building civil airliners to produce the world’s most modern airlifter capable of both strategic and tactical operations. Despite being a true tactical aircraft that can land on soft, rough and short runways to deliver equipment and troops close to where they are urgently needed, it cruises at the same altitudes as jets and at comparable speeds.

It was designed from the outset as an aerial refueller and can offload fuel to both fighters and helicopters at their preferred speeds and heights.

The A400M features the same proven fly-by-wire controls technology as Airbus’ highly successful airliner family and an advanced cockpit that has evolved from that of the A380. Carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) wings and other large structures bring weight and strength advantages and cut the risk of corrosion.

A total of 184 aircraft have so far been ordered by Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom,

Airbus Military

Airbus Military is the only military and civil transport aircraft manufacturer to develop, produce, sell and support a comprehensive family of airlifters ranging from three to 37 tonnes of payload. Within Airbus, Airbus Military is responsible for the A400M programme, as well as for military tanker transport derivatives based on Airbus civil aircraft, with the integration of the state-of-the-art flight-refuelling boom (ARBS) which is unique in its class. With the C-295, CN-235 and C-212, Airbus Military is the global leader in the market segments for light and medium-sized military transport aircraft. Altogether Airbus Military has sold more than 1,000 aircraft with over 650 flying with more than 100 operators worldwide.

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