Sunday, July 25, 2010

South Africa Purchases Raytheon Paveway™ Laser-Guided Bombs

South Africa Purchases Raytheon Paveway™ Laser-Guided Bombs
July 22, 2010

First sale of significant U.S. defense equipment to South Africa in 25 years

FARNBOROUGH, England, - The South African Department of Defence awarded Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) a contract for Paveway II laser-guided bombs.

Raytheon will provide the South African military with LGB computer control groups and air foil groups that transform "dumb" bombs into precision-guided munitions for operational test and evaluation on South Africa's Gripen fighter aircraft.

ARMSCOR awarded a contract on behalf of the South African Air Force for the procurement of LGB bomb kits. ARMSCOR, the Armaments Corporation of South Africa, is the officially appointed acquisition organization for the South African DoD.

The direct commercial sale was negotiated with the assistance of South Africa's ATLANTIS Corporation and calls for Raytheon to begin delivery in 2011. In addition to the weapons, Raytheon will provide air- and ground-crew training.

"The combat-proven Paveway family of weapons is integrated on more than 22 aircraft and serves 41 nations around the globe, making this weapon the ideal choice for the South African warfighter," said Harry Schulte, vice president of Raytheon's Air Warfare Systems product line. "Raytheon is the sole provider of the Paveway family of weapons and is committed to providing the warfighter with a reliable direct-attack weapon at a cost-effective price."

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Raytheon and Elcome Marine Complete Phalanx Maintenance for Indian Navy

Raytheon and Elcome Marine Complete Phalanx Maintenance for Indian Navy
July 22, 2010

FARNBOROUGH, England, - Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and Elcome Marine Services of Mumbai, India, completed inspection and maintenance on two Phalanx Close-in Weapon Systems for the Indian Navy.

"Raytheon and Elcome worked together to complete this project in just a few days," said Cynthia Davis, Raytheon Missile Systems vice president of International Business Development. "The Indian Navy now has two highly effective Phalanx systems to defend the INS Jalashwa and its sailors."

In 2007, the U.S. government transferred the INS Jalashwa to India. The landing platform dock arrived in India with two Phalanx Block 1 systems on board.

Maintenance on the Phalanx systems included the replacement of circuit cards and other work.

The Phalanx Block 1 configuration features a proven 20 mm Gatling gun, which fires armor-piercing rounds at 3,000 or 4,500 shots per minute. Phalanx Block 1 also includes an advanced search and track Ku-band radar with closed-loop spotting technology to provide autonomous target detection and engagement. The system can interface with virtually any ship combat system and can provide target designation for other shipboard weapons.

"We are talking with the Indian Navy about upgrading its Block 1 systems and acquiring additional Phalanx systems, as well as other Raytheon products to defend India's fleet and sailors," Davis added.

Raytheon has produced more than 890 Phalanx systems for 25 nations around the world.

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Raytheon Achieves First Milestone for Patriot United Arab Emirates Program

Raytheon Achieves First Milestone for Patriot United Arab Emirates Program
July 22, 2010

FARNBOROUGH, England, - Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) achieved an important first milestone in support of its Patriot United Arab Emirates (UAE) program.

The company completed the upgrade of a Patriot radar, on loan from the U.S. Army, to the latest configuration (Configuration-3) and now has the necessary support system in place to begin the design verification and validation testing for the UAE's Patriot Air and Missile Defense Systems.

"This is an important milestone for the UAE program. It's one shared by our 12 current Patriot partner nations and future partners as we manufacture new Patriot systems again," said Sanjay Kapoor, vice president of Patriot Programs at Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (IDS). "With more than 180 Patriot systems around the world, the ability to upgrade and build new systems is a critical factor in maintaining the combat-proven Patriot as the air and missile defense system of choice."

Raytheon IDS is the prime contractor for both domestic and international Patriot Air and Missile Defense Systems and system integrator for Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missiles.

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General Dynamics to Webcast Second-Quarter 2010 Financial Results Conference Call

General Dynamics to Webcast Second-Quarter 2010 Financial Results Conference Call
July 22, 2010

FALLS CHURCH, Va., -General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) will webcast its second-quarter 2010 financial results conference call on Wednesday, July 28, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time.

Jay L. Johnson, chairman and chief executive officer; Hugh Redd, senior vice president and chief financial officer; and Amy Gilliland, staff vice president for investor relations, will review financial results for the second quarter and will answer questions from financial analysts.

The live webcast of the presentation will be available. A replay will be available shortly after the live presentation.

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House Armed Services Committee: Opening Statement of Chairman Ike Skelton Managing the Department of Defense in a Time of Tight Budgets

House Armed Services Committee: Opening Statement of Chairman Ike Skelton Managing the Department of Defense in a Time of Tight Budgets
Ike Skelton, Chairman
July 22, 2010

Washington, D.C. – House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) delivered the following opening statement during today’s hearing to review managing the Department of Defense budget:

“Ladies and Gentlemen welcome to today’s hearing on managing the Department of Defense in a time of tight budgets. Our hearing continues the Committee’s aggressive efforts to protect taxpayers at the same time we protect the troops and ensure our national security.

“This discussion is very timely. First, consider the budget. Much to its credit, the Obama Administration this year delivered a budget with real growth in defense spending. However, the rate of this growth will not support all of the spending practices which have arisen over the last 12 years during which the defense budget more than doubled. Furthermore, the significant federal deficit will make continuing real growth in the defense budget a challenge.

“Second, consider DOD’s management challenge. As illustrated in the ‘Top Secret America’ series of articles in this week’s Washington Post, the growth in contractors and government offices devoted to fighting terrorism since 9/11 is staggering. Most of this growth has occurred at the Department of Defense, though much of it falls in the area of intelligence. But little of note at DOD was eliminated to make way for this new growth. Instead the Department has grown bigger.

“Managing all of this is exactly the job Congress assigned to the Department’s Chief Management Officer, a job currently filled by Deputy Secretary of Defense Bill Lynn. While Secretary Lynn could not be with us today, much to my regret, we have an excellent panel of witnesses that are here: Ms. Beth McGrath, Deputy Chief Management Officer of the Department of Defense; Mr. Joe Westphal, Under Secretary of the Army; Mr. Robert Work, Under Secretary of the Navy; and the one-time staff director of this committee, Ms. Erin Conaton, Under Secretary of the Air Force.

“The Under Secretaries were designated by Congress to serve as the Chief Management Officers of their respective departments.

“I’ve asked these witnesses to update the Committee on exactly how they are creating the tools, structures, and systems necessary to manage the largest, most complex institution in the world. I’ve asked them to focus on a few issues in particular. Congress has mandated that the Department must at long last get its finances in order and be ready for an independent audit by 2017. Will the Department comply with the law? What progress has been made?

“The Department has asked and received from Congress billions of dollars to modernize its business systems over the last 10 years. What do we have to show today for this investment? Do we now have the kind of management information about our business operations that we need? When will we get there?

“Lastly, the Committee has followed with great interest the efficiency initiative announced by Secretary Gates on May 8 at the Eisenhower Library. We want to know how this initiative will work, and when the Department intends to share its findings with Congress. This committee stands four-square behind efficiency. At the same time, we want to ensure that major budget decisions are well considered.

“We should not attempt to find efficiencies through the kind of mindless across-the-board cuts that President Obama campaigned against. For my own part, I will note loud and clear that I am not for cutting the defense budget at this time. My understanding is that the Secretary’s efficiency initiative is not about cutting the budget, but I look forward to hearing more about how exactly this initiative is designed to work.

“Now, I turn to my colleague from California, Buck McKeon, for his opening remarks.”

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First Lady Michelle Obama Christens the Newest Northrop Grumman-built National Security Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752)

First Lady Michelle Obama Christens the Newest Northrop Grumman-built National Security Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752)
July 23, 2010

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - First Lady Michelle Obama christened the Northrop Grumman-built (NYSE:NOC) U.S. National Security Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752) in front of 3,000 guests today calling the ship "truly magnificent."

Stratton is the third of eight planned National Security Cutters being built at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding in Pascagoula for the U.S. Coast Guard. With its 418-foot length and 4,700 ton full load displacement and state-of-the-art command and control systems, the NSC is the largest and most technologically advanced of the new multi-mission cutters.

"Here in Pascagoula, you've been building ships for centuries," said Mrs. Obama. "It's in your blood—a proud tradition passed from generation to generation. Your hands have given us some of the greatest ships in the United States Navy and Coast Guard. So whether you're a welder or a fitter or a burner—whatever your craft—today is also a tribute to you and your families, and America thanks you."

Stratton is named in honor of Captain Dorothy C. Stratton (1899-2006), the U.S. Coast Guard's first female commissioned officer and director of the SPARS ("Semper Paratus - Always Ready"), the U.S. Coast Guard Women's Reserve during World War II. SPARS mainly replaced men in shore stations during most of the war; however as the war progressed SPARS were placed in charge of greater areas of previously male-only control—including as parachute riggers, aviation machinists' mates and air control tower operators. Several former SPARS attended the ceremony.

In his ceremony remarks, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding president Mike Petters recognized all of the shipbuilders who are building Stratton and added, "Captain Stratton was truly a trailblazer – and I know that her passion and energy will be embodied in this great ship named for her, built by the best shipbuilders in the world."

U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Bruce Baffer is the ship's prospective commanding officer and will lead a crew of 120 U.S. Coast Guard sailors.

"Christening of Stratton is an important step in advancing our Coast Guard mission," said Admiral Robert Papp, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Legend-class National Security Cutter (NSC) is capable of meeting all maritime security mission needs. Powered by a twin propeller combined diesel and gas turbine power propulsion plant, the NSC is designed to travel at 28 knots maximum speed. The cutter includes an aft launch and recovery area for two rigid hull inflatable boats, and a flight deck to accommodate a range of manned and unmanned rotary wing aircrafts. It is the largest and most technologically advanced class of cutter in the U.S. Coast Guard, with robust capabilities for maritime homeland security, law enforcement, marine safety, environmental protection and national defense missions. This class of cutters plays an important role enhancing the Coast Guard's operational readiness, capacity, and effectiveness at a time when the demand for their services has never been greater.

"Cutter Stratton...embodies our drive to constantly innovate and evolve our maritime capabilities and leverage technology to our greatest advantage. It also reflects our desire to create a more modern, agile and forward-leaning Coast Guard capable of handling a new era of national security threats," said Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

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House Armed Services Committee: schedule for the week of July 26 – July 30, 2010

House Armed Services Committee: schedule for the week of July 26 – July 30, 2010
Ike Skelton, Chairman
July 23, 2010

Tuesday, July 27, 2010 – 10:00am – 2118 Rayburn – Open

The Full Committee will meet to receive testimony on Japan: Recent Security Developments.

Witnesses:

The Honorable Kurt M. Campbell
Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs
U.S. Department of State

The Honorable Wallace C. Gregson
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs
U.S. Department of Defense

The Honorable Jackalyne Pfannenstiel
Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Energy, Installations, and Environment)


Wednesday, July 28, 2010 – 10:00am – 2118 Rayburn – Open

The Joint Readiness and Seapower and Expeditionary Forces Subcommittees will meet to receive testimony on surface fleet readiness.

Witnesses:

Admiral John Harvey, USN
Commander
Fleet Forces Command

Vice Admiral Kevin McCoy, USN
Commander
Naval Sea Systems Command

Vice Admiral William Burke, USN
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations
Fleet Readiness and Logistics (N4)


Wednesday, July 28, 2010 – 1:30pm – 2212 Rayburn – Open

The Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee will meet to receive testimony on Transformation in Progress: The Services’ Enlisted Professional Military Education Programs.

Witnesses:

Colonel James J. Minick, USMC
Director of Enlisted PME
Marine Corps University
U.S. Marine Corps

Mr. Dan Sparks
Director, Institute for NCO Professional Development
Training and Doctrine Command
U.S. Army

Mr. Scott Lutterloh
Director
Total Force Requirements Division
U.S. Navy

Mr. Dan Sitterly
Director of Force Development
Deputy Chief of Staff
Manpower and Personnel
U.S. Air Force


Wednesday, July 28, 2010 – 2:00pm – 2118 Rayburn – Open

The Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee will meet to receive testimony on harnessing small business innovation for national security cyber needs.

Witnesses:

Mr. John Ricketson
Chief Executive Officer
Dejavu Technologies, Inc

Mr. Roger Thornton
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Fortify Software

TBA


Thursday, July 29, 2010 – 10:00am – 2118 Rayburn – Open

The Full Committee will meet to receive testimony on receive testimony on the Final Report of the Independent Panel's Assessment of the Quadrennial Defense Review.

Witnesses:

The Honorable William J. Perry
Co-Chairman
Quadrennial Defense Review Independent Panel
United States Institute for Peace

The Honorable Stephen J. Hadley
Co-Chairman
Quadrennial Defense Review Independent Panel
United States Institute for Peace


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Thursday, July 22, 2010

Thales chinook 'top deck' demo

Uses trackball interface for pilots to access data on screen - integrated - testbed Sikorsky S-76 helicopter.

New chink has 2 six by eight LCD displays which are video capable plus tablet data input 'tactical ipad'

Architecture offers upgrade path through 2050. Much technology from civil aviation though requiring military certification. And adjustment for combat worthiness.

Focus on helicopter crew being 'eyes out' mission focused rather than instruments focused.

46 helicopters, 8 mis-procured helicopters being 'reverted' to mk 3 standard and first delivery will occur asap. First flight in 2010.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Farnborough, UK

The United Kingdom's SDSR Defence Review - identifying real options for change

The United Kingdom's SDSR Defence Review - identifying real options for change

The Strategic Defence and Security Review (or SDSR) underway within the UK Ministry of Defence has as its aim a full review of UK commitments, force structures and resourcing.

What started as a Defence green paper under the previous Labour Administration has entered full-blown review territory and following the extent of the UK deficit being revealed is being conducted to achieve all of the above with a substantial reduction in funding.

Given the Sir Humphrey response to political requests for cuts in departmental spending, "come up with three options of which one is completely unpalatable and the other two on close examination are the same". One would expect the reduction in resources to be of the 10-15% level rather than the 20-25% level mooted.

However, it is often been unofficially acknowledged that MoD was able to use it's accounting regime in such as way as to squeeze an extra billion out of budget, so any real cuts also need to encompass the lack of manoeuvre room for budgetary games.

The SDSR or SDR as some are referring to it in shorthand is in effect a 'Strategic Deficit Review' as much as a Strategic Defence Review. In addition the MoD case is due to be sent to Cabinet Office (assuming the successor DOPC structure) and thence to the Star Chamber for execution by the PM and Chancellor.

Unlike many earlier Reviews, it could be suggested that this one cannot result in a salami-slicing approach where in effect each of three armed services is given a number and their cloth is cut accordingly - a couple of tanks here, a frigate there and so forth. One apocryphal example of this was in 1990 where a group were directed to save a few hundred million and had a couple of hours to do to support the Minister. The exercise ended up with harassed officials looking for a Program closest to the number, in this case night vision. Following the war in the Gulf of 1991, the shortfall identified was in - night vision,

The SDSR review process needs to move away from optimising the British Army to re-fight the 1991 or 2003 Iraq war, the Navy the Falklands war of 1982 and the RAF the glories of Operation Desert Fox.

The future will not be like the past.

However, a little lateral thinking could go a long way. The hardest thing to cut in terms of actually doing it and realizing a fast return on the balance sheet are personnel numbers. This is the reason the equipment Program (invariably requiring government to spend on outside goods and services)

The number one challenge for the MoD is the nuclear deterrent. Renewal of the four Vanguard Class SSBN's plus the Trident warheads comes with a price tag in the order of some £20 billion ($30 US). However a clear alternative to designing a new submarine would be to build additional Astute Class hunter/killer submarines and forgo Trident for a nuclear tipped Tomahawk torpedo. Whilst lacking the range and having some vulnerability to intercept let's not forget that this is a political weapon primarily and if used and if only 1 in 4 hit the target it would still be a very high order of 'effect'.

Additionally, a force of Astute SSN/BN submarines would offer flexibility 100% availability as at least one would always be at sea.

For industry, a lengthened Astute Program would offer greater efficiencies (each successive boat being cheaper to build) and greater ease of maintenance with a single design being in service.

The second order question regarding large, expensive equipment programs already committed to is how to get the results of the balance sheet without risking contract termination - which would be devastating to the Defence industry.

Eurofighter could be re-rolled for service on the new aircraft carriers under construction absorbing some of the tranche 3 commitment and again offering basic commonality of airframe for manned aerial effect.
Part of the tranche 3 commitment could be sold on to another government with Saudi Arabia topping the list of obvious parties whom would be interested. Clearly this approach would end UK interest in JSF which is in the test stage, though prior to production.

Next on the list is some clever thinking regarding the carriers themselves. A few years ago there was discussion of the French ordering one of the designs as a second ship to work alongside the unhappy nuclear Charles de Gaulle vessel in some kind of 'euro carrier capability'

Why not sell the first of class overseas ? First of class vessels often are a learning curve and so why not get the first vessel off the balance sheet and enjoy better quality 2nd and 3rd vessels and realize some cost savings. In terms of whom would purchase, the Russian aircraft carrier was touted to the Indian and Chinese Navies. At the time of the Falklands conflict HMS Hermes was due to be sold to India and ultimately was as the Vikrant. that vessel must be close to the end of it's operational life for example.

The Royal Air Force I would suspect could be hard pressed to articulate why the Tornado GR4 is still needed in a period of austerity given that a number of the aircraft have been flown to the edge of their lifespan. A navalised Eurofighter also negates sadly the Harrier jump-jet. If only JSF was not bedeviled by the ITAR waiver issues with the US and inevitable cost-escalation. In terms of supply chain and excluding Eurofighter why does the RAF need so many stations ? Time for fast consolidation.

The Royal Navy also needs to forgo a Naval Base with Portsmouth the obvious choice. Although a deal of service accommodation was built there recently the fact is that Portsmouth real estate is far more valuable and there is a fundamental force protection issue given how busy the waterways are around the Solent.

In terms of the surface fleet the most pressing need is to move forward with a replacement Program for the Type-23 Frigate which is modular, small, punchy and plentiful in numbers. Hopefully the river class vessels can offer a better model than a cut down type 42 for the 'c1' capability need.

Major new investment in UAV's should be the winner. A smaller frigate should have dedicated UAV ASW capability reducing the need for Nimrod from the RAF.

Whilst sad, thinking the unthinkable as Herman Kahn once put it is no longer a luxury which can be pursued in the Club room or mess. It is essential and is needed right now.

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Location:In a galaxy far, far, away...



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Farnborough 2010: please leave your WMD at the check-in

Farnborough 2010: please leave your WMD at the check-in

The bi-annual aerospace and Defence industry event held on the outskirts of London starts in the morning melée of commuter traffic in and out of Waterloo station.

Necks see craned high for sight of the notice Boards which tend to give around 8 minutes warning of the platform to take. Serried ranks of dark-suited middle aged men heading out of town is a curious sight. Arriving at farnborough main railway station commandeered public buses stand waiting and After a short ride so begins the queue for a pass. Media and exhibitor passes are mixed together resulting in a long wait time for pre- accredited media while exhibitors engage in epic story-telling as to why the name has changed...

Inside farnborough 2010 it is clear that Italian firm finmeccanica has taken a huge step. No expense appears spared with 3 chalets and a bevy of Italian speaking men and, of course, women. One wonders if there will be a repeat of 2006 with young Italian girls all in red dresses handling the inevitable sponsored cocktail event in London.

Lockheed Martin is low-key - in fact I have not yet found them ! This mornings highlight was a walk through of the new 787 Boeing dreamliner.

In terms of day one awards Boeing and BAE both score highly for courtesy and assistance to media. Northrop Grumman was less impressive and finmeccanica tried hard suffering from having a big operation to manage. BAE made a specials effort to marry visitors with the relevant spokespersons for different areas of the business. This did not make up entirely for the lack of any windows.


Thales - digital press kit, Boeing online, BAE paper based - weight in suitcase !

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Location:Farnborough, United Kingdom



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Today in the Department of Defense, Monday, July 19, 2010

Today in the Department of Defense, Monday, July 19, 2010
July 18, 2010

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates is traveling.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn has no public or media events on his schedule.

National Guard Bureau Chief Gen. Craig McKinley, Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Alan Bersin, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director John Morton will conduct a press briefing Monday to discuss the details of a forthcoming National Guard deployment to our southwestern border states with Mexico.

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DOD Awards $227 Million in Research Funding

DOD Awards $227 Million in Research Funding
July 19, 2010

The Department of Defense (DoD) announced plans today to make 32 awards to academic institutions to perform multidisciplinary basic research. The total amount of the awards is expected to be $227 million over five years. Awards are subject to the successful completion of negotiations between the academic institutions and DoD research offices that will make the awards: the Army Research Office (ARO), the Office of Naval Research (ONR), and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR).

The awards are the result of the fiscal 2010 competition that ARO, ONR, and AFOSR conducted under the DoD Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI) program. The MURI program supports research by teams of investigators that intersect more than one traditional science and engineering discipline in order to accelerate both research progress and transition of research results to application. Most MURI efforts involve researchers from multiple academic institutions and academic departments. Based on the proposals selected in the fiscal 2010 competition, a total of 67 academic institutions are expected to participate in the 32 research efforts.

The MURI program complements other DoD basic research programs that support traditional, single-investigator university research by supporting multidisciplinary teams with larger and longer awards. The awards announced today are for a five year period subject to availability of appropriations and satisfactory research progress. Consequently, MURI awards can provide greater sustained support than single-investigator awards for the education and training of students pursuing advanced degrees in science and engineering fields critical to DoD, as well as for associated infrastructure such as research instrumentation.

The MURI program is highly competitive. ARO, ONR, and AFOSR solicited proposals in 30 topics important to DoD and received a total of 411 white papers, which were followed by 152 proposals. The awards announced today were selected based on merit review by panels of experts.

The list of projects selected for fiscal 2010 funding may be found on the Web.

CORRECTION: July 19, 2010 - Under MURI Topic 15, Michigan State University is corrected from University of Michigan.

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DOD CONTRACTS for July 19, 2010

DOD CONTRACTS for July 19, 2010
July 19, 2010

NAVY
Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded an $819,647,920 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to a previously awarded advance acquisition contract (N00019-09-C-0010) for special tools/test equipment required in support of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) air system low-rate initial production Lot IV production. Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif. (25.2 percent); Fort Worth, Texas (21.6 percent); Rochester, United Kingdom (21.5 percent); Rolling Meadows, Ill. (9.5 percent); Baltimore, Md. (2.2 percent); Boulder, Colo. (2.1 percent); various locations outside contiguous U.S. (9.2 percent); and locations within the contiguous U.S. (8.7 percent). Work is expected to be completed in January 2013. This modification combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($352,473,960; 43 percent); the U.S. Air Force ($294,473,960; 36 percent); and international partners ($172,700,000; 21 percent). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Atlantic Marine Mayport, LLC, Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded a $12,631,440 firm-fixed-price contract to perform work onboard the USS Hue City (CG 66). This contract is for drydock selected restricted availability to include drydock, ship alterations and topside maintenance repair work. Extensive coordination is required for the drydock evolution in addition to the numerous systems onboard to be repaired. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $26,265,812. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Fla., and is expected to be completed by March 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with two offers received. The Southeast Regional Maintenance Center, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N40027-10-C-0092).

Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., is being awarded $8,702,795 for delivery order #0001 under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (M67854-10-D-5022) for upgrade kits that allow for conversion of three configurations of the Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) to a capability for on-board vehicle power (OBVP). These kits are required in order to properly and fully provide the on-board electric power needed for current and emerging needs. The OBVP kit is an electric drive transmission to replace the current mechanical transmission of the MTVR. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis. (89 percent), and Jacksonville, N.C. (11 percent), and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2012. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

ARMY

Lockheed Martin Corp., Orlando, Fla., was awarded on July 13 a $95,964,520 firm-fixed-price contract. This is for the definitized letter contract to procure Army/Marine Corps requirements for the fiscal 2009-2011 Javelin hardware program. Work is to be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (50 percent), and Orlando, Fla. (50 percent), with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2014. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-09-C-0376).

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Technical Services, Inc., Sierra Vista, Ariz., was awarded on July 13 a $47,250,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. This contract is to provide capability-based rotations support for Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom and revitalization for the Hunter unmanned aircraft system. Work is to be performed in Sierra Vista, Ariz., with an estimated completion date of July 14, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Aviation & Missile Command Contracting Center, CCAM-AR-A, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-C-0025).

AAI Corp., Hunt Valley, Md., was awarded on July 12 a $37,962,239 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. This effort is to increase funds and exercise options on the Shadow tactical unmanned aircraft system performance-based logistics contract. Work is to be performed in Hunt Valley, Md., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command/CCAM-ARA-A, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-10-C-0006).

Ames Construction Inc., Burnsville, Minn., was awarded on July 13 a $17,860,000 firm-fixed-price construction contract for "Lower Yellowstone Diversion Dam, Main Canal Diversion, Fish Protection, Lower Yellowstone, Montana." Work is to be performed in Glendive, Mont., with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with nine bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-10-C-0027).

Arinc Engineering Services, Annapolis, Md., was awarded on July 13 a $16,964,340 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for contractor logistics support and parts for the MI-17. Work is to be performed in Iraq with an estimated completion date of March 02, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, CCAM-NS, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-09-C-0028).

Proven Management Inc., San Francisco, Calif., was awarded on July 14 a $14,997,620 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the Napa Creek Site project and consists of two large-barreled diversion culvert, grade control structures, scour aprons, and bank protection along Napa Creek starting from its confluence with the Napa River and proceeding upstream. Work is to be performed in Napa, Calif., with an estimated completion date of March 29, 2013. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with 10 bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Sacramento, Calif., is the contracting activity (W91238-10-C-0028).

BAE Systems Land & Armaments, LP, Santa Clara, Calif., was awarded on July 13 a $10,514,581 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the procurement of 2,476 split up-armored turret hatch assemblies necessary for the integration of crew remote operated weapon station. Work is to be performed in Afghanistan with an estimated completion date of Dec. 30, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM, Contracting Center, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-10-C-0301).

Greenleaf Construction Co., Inc., Kansas City, Mo., was awarded on July 15 a $9,839,658 firm-fixed-price contract for access control point at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Construction is to include roads; search canopy; gatehouses; offices; visitor control center; barriers; and all required utilities, as well as site improvements. Work is to be performed in Houston, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 1, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with seven bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-10-C-0056).

Aegis Technologies Group, Inc., Huntsville, Ala., was awarded on July 14 a $8,099,452 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. The contractor shall develop a reconfigurable arbitrary-waveform scene projector under the "OSD, Test Resource Management Center Multispectral Test" program. Work is to be performed in Huntsville, Ala., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 5, 2013. Bids were solicited via Broad Agency Announcement with 30 bids received. U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Contracting Center, Aberdeen Installation Contracting Division, CCRD-AI-MC, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W912ZLK-10-C-0008).

TASC, Inc., Andover, Mass., was awarded on July 15 a $7,231,805 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for common ground joint capabilities technical demonstration support response for applied research. Work is to be performed in Alexandria, Va., with an estimated completion date of July 20, 2012. Bids were solicited via the Federal Business Opportunities Web site with one bid received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineering Research & Development Command Contracting Office, Vicksburg, Miss., is the contracting activity (W9132V-09-C-00180.

Bristol Design Build Services, LLC, Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on July 15 a $7,214,365 firm-fixed-price contract to provide secure entries and pavilions; computer room air conditioning units; electronic security system; and secure doors in accordance with design drawings and specifications. Work is to be performed in New Orleans, La., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 29, 2011. One sole-source bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/Charleston District/Contracting Division, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (W912HN-10-C-0035).

HP Logit Management, LLC, Texarkana, Texas, was awarded on July 15 a $7,209,212 firm-fixed-price contract for the prep, paint and blast of M967 and M969 confined space and non-confirmed space semi-trailer, tanker 5000 gallons. Work is to be performed in Texarkana, Texas, with an estimated completion date of July 10, 2013. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with three bids received. Red River Army Depot, Directorate for Contracting, Texarkana, Texas, is the contracting activity (W911RQ-10-P-0101).

Delfasco, LLC, Afton, Tenn., was awarded on July 14 a $6,928,698 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Delivery order #0002 is issued for 185,190 M232A1 containers. Work is to be performed in Afton, Tenn., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2012. Two bids were solicited with two bids received. Rock Island Contracting Center, CCRC-AC, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-10-D-0045).

Bering Straits Technical Services, LLC, Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on July 13 a $7,533,575 firm-fixed-price contract. The contractor shall provide all labor, personnel, supervision, administration, material, equipment, tools and transportation necessary to perform maintenance and repair of Army family housing and troop barracks on Fort Richardson, Alaska. Work is to be performed in Fort Richardson, Alaska, with an estimated completion date of July 30, 2011. One bid was solicited with no bids received. Directorate of Contracting, Mission Installation Contracting Command, Fort Richardson, Alaska, is the contracting activity (W912CZ-09-D-0018).

AIR FORCE

TASC, Inc., Redondo Beach, Calif., was awarded a $198,000,000 contract which will provide systems engineering and integration support of the Infrared Space Systems Wing. At this time, $8,620,744 has been obligated. SMC/ISSW, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8810-10-C-0001).

General Electric Aviation, Cincinnati, Ohio, was awarded a $24,745,185 contract which will service life engine program kits and time compliance technical order upgrade kits in support of the upgrade of 12 Egyptian Air Force F110 engines. At this time, $12,372,592.38 has been obligated. 448 SCMG/PKBC, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8122-09-G-0001-0010).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Sysco Hampton Roads, LLC, Suffolk, Va., is being awarded a maximum $48,211,188 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, prime vendor contract for food and beverage support. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web-solicited with two responses. The date of performance completion is July 11, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM300-08-D-3393).

CORRECTION: Air Force contract number FA8810-08-C-0002, modification P00012, published in news release 621-10, was not awarded on July 16, 2010.

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Lockheed Martin F-35: The Centerpiece of 21st Century Global Security

Lockheed Martin F-35: The Centerpiece of 21st Century Global Security
July 19, 2010

FARNBOROUGH, England, - The 5th generation F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter will serve as the centerpiece for 21st century global security while strengthening international political and industrial partnerships, a senior Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) F-35 executive said Monday at the Farnborough Air Show.

"As we continue to define what a next generation multirole fighter is and bring to the world a profound increase in capability over the best existing fighters, I'm most proud that we're able to do it affordably--at about the price of fourth generation aircraft," said Tom Burbage, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and general manager of F-35 Program Integration. "The program continues to make good progress both in flight test and production, with all test aircraft now out of the factory and the first international jets beginning to take shape."

Throughout its life cycle, the F-35 will create enduring industrial relationships, from manufacturing and production to worldwide operation and support via Autonomic Logistics Global Sustainment (ALGS), Burbage said. F-35 ALGS, developed in parallel with the aircraft and its systems, defines the F-35's total life-cycle sustainment system.

Thousands of people are employed in the F-35 partner countries, which have invested more than U.S. $4 billion in the project. Those countries - the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Australia, Turkey, Canada, Norway and Denmark- also stand to become more strategically aligned as each employs the same front-line fighter that brings unprecedented levels of interoperability.

Burbage also expressed increased confidence in the program, and acknowledged that most early challenges have been overcome. With more than 280 test flights completed, all systems operating in F-35 aircraft and laboratories, 19 aircraft delivered and 31 in assembly, the program is demonstrating steady progress. In the last few months, the first F-35C carrier variant flew for the first time, the first F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) variant completed short takeoffs and vertical landings and also flew supersonically, and both the F-35A and F-35B completed structural static testing in less than half the time of legacy programs.

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, advanced sustainment, 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 engines are also currently under development: the Pratt & Whitney F135 and the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team F136.

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C-130 Future Bright Despite Cloudy AMP

C-130 Future Bright Despite Cloudy AMP
July 19, 2010

FARNBOROUGH — In an annual look at the retrofit and modernization prospects for the Lockheed Martin C-130, Forecast International finds that the aircraft will continue to receive generous funding, even though its largest program is at risk of termination.

With a total estimated cost of $4.6 billion, the Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) is intended to replace obsolescent and outdated cockpit avionics on 218 aircraft with modern, sustainable equivalents. In addition to offering the usual benefits of a cockpit upgrade – reduced crew workload and increased functionality – the new avionics systems would interface more easily with future avionics retrofits. The upgrade program has been in active development since 2001 with Boeing as the prime contractor; however, development has not gone smoothly.

"The original United States Air Force requirement was for 434 aircraft, but is now down to 218,” said Adam Feld, Aerospace/Defense Retrofit & Modernization Editor at Forecast International. “The Navy is also seeking funding for 47 Navy and USMC aircraft, but the program has come under heavy fire due to its price tag. Even with Boeing trying to keep costs down, the Air Force just isn't sure there's room in the budget."

And the USAF has taken action on that uncertainty, calling for the program's termination in favor of a series of less ambitious upgrades that provide only the necessary functionality. According to USAF Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz, the AMP is simply too expensive.

"Congress doesn't appear all that enthusiastic about cutting the AMP," says Feld. "The United States has already spent about $1.5 billion on development and there's also international interest to consider. Saudi Arabia is looking to spend as much as $800 million upgrading its own C-130 fleet, for instance. For the time being, Congress is funding the program but also deferring it. According to the FY10 budget request, we're not going to see a real increase in production until 2015, which would give the global economy some more time to recover and may relieve some of the pressure to cut spending."

Yet even if the AMP does get terminated, that doesn't mean the C-130 will have to go without. Feld notes that "if a program is necessary, the United States will find a way to fund it. It may not be as extensive as intended in terms of number of aircraft or the quality of the upgrade, and it may take some time, but the minimum need will be met. Even if the AMP is terminated in favor of smaller programs, the aircraft may still receive that extra functionality through follow-on programs over the coming years or decades. The overall cost in time and money will be higher, but it will get where it needs to be."

Even with the AMP at risk, the C-130 remains a popular platform that provides a wide array of services to more than 60 countries worldwide. It serves as a transport, aerial refueling tanker, electronic warfare platform, close air support gunship, and firefighting airtanker, and even flies search-and-rescue and special operations missions. Despite its age, demand is on the rise, and Lockheed Martin has had to boost production of the latest variant, the C-130J. The USAF is funding an ambitious electronic warfare modification for the aircraft known as "Compass Call," and the USMC is mounting weapons on its KC-130 tankers under the Harvest Hawk program. "The AMP is a big program, but it won't make or break the C-130," says Feld.

A detailed look at all major retrofit programs for the C-130 is available in the August supplement of Forecast International's Airborne Retrofit & Modernization Forecast.

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Boeing CST-100 Spacecraft to Provide Commercial Crew Transportation Services

Boeing CST-100 Spacecraft to Provide Commercial Crew Transportation Services
July 19, 2010

FARNBOROUGH, England, - Boeing [NYSE: BA] released artist's renderings of its Crew Space Transportation (CST)-100 spacecraft during a media briefing with Bigelow Aerospace today at the Farnborough Airshow.

Boeing is maturing the design of its CST-100 spacecraft under an $18 million Commercial Crew Development (CCDev) Space Act Agreement with NASA. The CST-100 can carry a crew of seven and is designed to support the International Space Station and the Bigelow Aerospace Orbital Space Complex (as shown in image MTF10-0006-01).

The CST-100 will be bigger than Apollo but smaller than Orion, and be able to launch on a variety of different rockets, including Atlas, Delta and Falcon. It will use a simple systems architecture and existing, proven components. The "100" in CST-100 refers to the 100 kilometers from the ground to low Earth orbit.

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Northrop Grumman Block 40 Global Hawk Successfully Completes Major Flight Test Milestone

Northrop Grumman Block 40 Global Hawk Successfully Completes Major Flight Test Milestone
July 19, 2010

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) first Block 40 RQ-4 Global Hawk high altitude long endurance (HALE) unmanned aircraft system (UAS) has completed envelope expansion flights, just six months after conducting its first flight. The Block 40 aircraft will be equipped with the high performance Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP) sensor and is the first of 22 Block 40 Global Hawks assigned to Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota.

A photo accompanying this release is available.

The company also delivered on time the first development test MP-RTIP sensor to Edwards AFB for integration on the aircraft. The MP-RTIP sensor has completed radar system level performance verification on a surrogate aircraft, and will be integrated into AF-18, a Block 40 Global Hawk aircraft, for operational evaluation.

"The MP-RTIP-equipped Global Hawk illustrates Northrop Grumman's unique ability to create a system that will provide game-changing situational awareness for our warfighters with its unprecedented capability to detect, track and identify stationary and moving targets," said Duke Dufresne, vice president of the Strike and Surveillance Systems division of Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector. "Our next step is to finalize sensor integration with the airframe and conduct the first flight of the full Block 40 system later this year."

"The MP-RTIP sensor has proven to perform above and beyond expectations," said George Vardoulakis, Northrop Grumman vice president of MP-RTIP. "The superior technology of the MP-RTIP will prove to be an invaluable resource to the warfighter."

Global Hawk's range, endurance and large payload capabilities are well suited to provide persistent surveillance with MP-RTIP. Flying at altitudes up to 60,000 feet for more than 32 hours per sortie at speeds approaching 340 knots, the MP-RTIP-equipped Block 40 Global Hawk can persistently see through most types of weather, day or night. As the world's first fully autonomous HALE UAS, Global Hawk is the platform of choice for a wide variety of sensors, foreign and domestic, meeting the global need for persistent ISR.

Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor for the Global Hawk and MP-RTIP programs and continues to move these technologies forward under the stewardship of the Air Force's Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and the Electronic Systems Center, located at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass. Northrop Grumman's Norwalk, Conn., facility is the principal MP-RTIP radar developer along with principal subcontractor, Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, El Segundo, Calif.

Northrop Grumman is also the prime contractor for the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance (NATO AGS) system, in development at the Melbourne, Florida facility of the Aerospace Systems Battle Management & Engagement Systems division, in which the Block 40 RQ-4 is a key component.

Northrop Grumman's Global Hawk program is based at its Aerospace Systems' Unmanned Systems Development Center in San Diego. The company performs Global Hawk sub-assembly work at its Unmanned Systems Center in Moss Point, Miss., and final assembly at its Antelope Valley Manufacturing Center in Palmdale, Calif.

The principal Global Hawk industry team includes: Aurora Flight Sciences, Bridgeport, West Va. (V-tail assembly and other composite structures); L-3 Communications, Salt Lake City (communication system); Raytheon Company, Waltham, Mass. (ground station); Rolls-Royce Corporation, Indianapolis (engine); and Vought Aircraft Industries, Dallas (wing).

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Raytheon to Construct Standard Missile Production Facility in Huntsville, Ala.

Raytheon to Construct Standard Missile Production Facility in Huntsville, Ala.
July 19, 2010

FARNBOROUGH, England, - Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Missile Systems business plans to build an all-up-round Standard Missile production facility in Huntsville, Ala. Raytheon intends to construct the state-of-the-art integration center on the U.S. Army's Redstone Arsenal site.

Raytheon will use the facility for final assembly and testing of Standard Missile-3 and Standard Missile-6. SM-3 production is expected to increase substantially in the next 10 years, and SM-6 production is expected to begin in 2010.

"Raytheon's SM-3 is the centerpiece of the nation's new missile defense strategy, and SM-6 will give the U.S. Navy a new, much-needed weapon system," said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, Raytheon Missile Systems president. "Combining SM-3 and SM-6 manufacturing into one facility will enable Raytheon to increase productivity and efficiency. The company will leverage state-of-the-art automation to enhance quality and safety and deliver lower-cost products to the Missile Defense Agency and U.S. Navy customers."

The 70,000-square-foot production facility will be constructed in two phases; each phase will be tied to SM-3 and SM-6 production contracts. Groundbreaking is expected later this year.

"This new Raytheon integration center means more jobs for Alabama and is a clear demonstration of Raytheon's strong partnership with the state," said Alabama Gov. Robert Riley. "Raytheon continues to be an important piece of Alabama's economic picture."

SM-3 is being developed as part of the Missile Defense Agency's sea-based Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system. The missiles are deployed on U.S. Navy cruisers and destroyers and Japanese destroyers to defend against short- to intermediate-range ballistic missile threats in the ascent and midcourse phases of flight.

SM-6 is an extended range anti-air warfare missile. Fired from navy ships, SM-6 provides over-the-horizon capabilities against fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles.

"The SM-3 is a vital component of our nation's missile defense strategy," said U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby. "I am proud of Alabama's continuing role in defending the U.S. and its allies."

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Boeing Delivers Final C-130 Avionics Modernization Program Test Aircraft

Boeing Delivers Final C-130 Avionics Modernization Program Test Aircraft
July 19, 2010

SAN ANTONIO, - Boeing [NYSE: BA] on June 30 delivered the last of three test aircraft for the U.S. Air Force C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) system design and development contract.

Boeing made the final delivery one week ahead of schedule after the aircraft completed a successful functional check flight on June 25. The test aircraft was flown by a joint Boeing and Air Force crew from the Boeing facility in San Antonio to Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., where it will be prepared for programmed depot maintenance. The two other C-130 AMP test aircraft are on their way to Robins Air Force Base, Ga., for programmed depot maintenance.

"C-130 AMP is now ready to transition to low-rate initial production [LRIP]," said Mahesh Reddy, C-130 AMP director for Boeing. "This is a significant development for Boeing and the Air Force, as it is the most comprehensive avionics upgrade for the C-130 in its 50 years of Air Force service."

C-130 AMP improvements include a fully integrated, night-vision-goggle compatible, digital glass cockpit and new digital avionics that increase situational awareness and enhance safety. The AMP upgrade also brings avionics commonality to the C-130 fleet and flexibility in assigning aircrew, regardless of aircraft model. A total of 20 AMP kits will be installed during LRIP.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

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Raytheon's Phalanx Sensors Used in Laser Shoot Down of Airborne Targets

Raytheon's Phalanx Sensors Used in Laser Shoot Down of Airborne Targets
July 19, 2010

FARNBOROUGH, England, - Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and a U.S. Navy team used a combined-beam fiber laser to shoot down four unmanned aerial vehicles in flight during an over-the-water engagement.

The UAV targets were engaged and destroyed using the Navy's Laser Weapon System guided by Raytheon's Phalanx Close-in Weapon System sensor suite. LaWS is made up of six industrial-use lasers that simultaneously focus on the target.

"These engagements validate the operational viability of the Phalanx-LaWS combination at sea," said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, president of Raytheon Missile Systems. "The Raytheon- Navy team demonstrated the systems' capability to detect, track, engage and defeat dynamic targets at tactically significant ranges in a maritime environment."

For the test, the LaWS was mounted on a stable platform close to the Phalanx Block 1B mount. The Phalanx operator used the Block 1B's surface mode to perform electro-optical tracking and the system's radio frequency sensors to provide range data to the LaWS. When the Phalanx acquired the UAV, the LaWS destroyed the target.

"The Raytheon-Navy team is moving directed energy solutions toward utility in the battlespace to provide warfighters with speed-of-light protection," said Lawrence. "This shoot down leverages the significant investment the Navy has made in the Phalanx Close-in Weapon System and extends its combat-proven leadership in close-in defense systems."

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Space Tracking and Surveillance System Demonstration Satellites Observe June 28 THAAD Intercept Flight Test

Space Tracking and Surveillance System Demonstration Satellites Observe June 28 THAAD Intercept Flight Test
July 19, 2010

PACIFIC MISSILE RANGE FACILITY, Hawaii – The Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) and Raytheon Company (NYSE:RTN) built Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) Demonstration program satellites participated in a test of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's (MDA's) Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system on June 28 in the most thorough indication yet of the space-based sensor's capabilities.

The STSS Demonstration satellites detected the launch of a threat-representative missile and relayed trajectory data to Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) ground stations. The STSS satellites acquired and tracked the missile as anticipated.

This was the third time that STSS successfully observed a missile launch and passed data to the system's ground station. On June 6, STSS successfully detected and tracked a two-stage MDA Ground-Based Interceptor from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. On June 16, STSS detected and tracked the 200th scheduled test launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), also from Vandenberg AFB.

"The consistent performance of the STSS Demonstration satellites during the past three tests generates increased confidence in the system as well as the effectiveness of the future space sensor layer required for successful ballistic missile defense," said Gabe Watson, vice president of missile defense and missile warning programs for Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector.

The Missile Defense Agency is pursuing the STSS Demonstration program as a space-based sensor component of the Ballistic Missile Defense System. The STSS satellites will provide missile defense sensor risk reduction concepts to support development and fielding of a future missile defense operational satellite constellation.


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U.S. Air Force Awards Raytheon $12.6 Million Helmet Mounted Integrated Targeting Contract

U.S. Air Force Awards Raytheon $12.6 Million Helmet Mounted Integrated Targeting Contract
July 19, 2010

FARNBOROUGH, England, - The U.S. Air Force has awarded Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) a $12.6 million contract for Phase 1 integration and qualification of the Helmet Mounted Integrated Targeting (HMIT) system for Air Force and Air National Guard A-10C and F-16C Block 30/32 aircraft.

HMIT will be a "heads-up" system that displays crucial information in high-resolution color imagery directly in the pilot's field of vision. Information displayed will include weapons-cueing, targeting and situational awareness information, including data from on-board and remote sensors. The system will track helmet movement to display accurate imagery regardless of the direction the pilot's head is turned, and it will be fully compatible with U.S. military-standard airborne night vision systems.

Raytheon Technical Services Company LLC (RTSC), the prime contractor, is teamed with Gentex Corp. to produce the system, based on Gentex's Visionix Scorpion™ Helmet Mounted Cueing System. The program includes five one-year production options, with a potential total value up to $50 million.

"The HMIT contract is a natural extension of our work designing and integrating advanced electronic display systems into fixed- and rotary-wing military aircraft," said RTSC Customized Engineering and Depot Support Vice President Wayne Iurillo. "The purpose of these new display systems is to give pilots the information they need, when and where they need it, so they can accomplish their missions. We've proven we can do that quickly, reliably and cost-effectively, with minimum downtime and minimal modification to the aircraft."

Gentex Corp., headquartered in Simpson, Pa., is a helmet-mounted display innovator and the world's leading producer of helmets for military aircrews. The Gentex Visionix Scorpion Helmet Mounted Cueing System is the world's first full-color, high-resolution, helmet-mounted system for designating targets and steering sensors and weapons.

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Raytheon Unveils New Modernized Patriot System Interface

Raytheon Unveils New Modernized Patriot System Interface
July 20, 2010

FARNBOROUGH, England, - Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) is providing attendees at the Farnborough International Airshow with a hands-on experience of its new state-of-the-art Patriot modern man station (MMS).

On display at Raytheon's all-new exhibit pavilion (building OE9), the MMS demonstrator provides the latest innovative technologies and capabilities of the new operator-machine interface and station.

Part of the modernized Patriot Air and Missile Defense System's command and control system, MMS provides improved target identification, decision-making and situational awareness for the warfighter.

"The new modern man station has played a significant role as part of the development of the next-generation Patriot. It is one of the key upgrades that delivers greater capabilities while reducing the cost of ownership," said Skip Garrett, vice president and deputy of Patriot Programs at Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (IDS).

MMS is used to identify objects; track potential threats; and engage hostile targets, including aircraft, unmanned air vehicles, cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles. The color graphical user interface and touch-screen display enhance the operator's ability to identify targets and priority alerts. They are also part of the state-of-the-art ergonomics that help reduce operator fatigue.

The modernized Patriot system is globally deployed and readily available. Today, 12 partner nations rely on the combat-proven Patriot as the foundation of their air and missile defense capabilities.

Raytheon IDS is the prime contractor for both domestic and international Patriot Air and Missile Defense Systems and system integrator for Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missiles.

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U.S. Navy Awards $250 Million V-22 Contract to Raytheon

U.S. Navy Awards $250 Million V-22 Contract to Raytheon
July 20, 2010

FARNBOROUGH, England, - The U.S. Navy has awarded Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) a five-year, $250 million indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity contract for support of the V-22 aircraft. Tasks under the contract include V-22 avionics systems software, situational awareness software and prototype hardware, and avionics acquisition support for the customer.

"Raytheon has supported the V-22 program for more than 27 years," said Wayne Iurillo, vice president of Customized Engineering and Depot Support for Raytheon Technical Services Company LLC. "Our mission avionics software capabilities have been a key aspect of the successful development and deployment of the aircraft, and we are proud of our role in providing improved mission capabilities for the warfighter."

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Boeing Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Aeronautics for DA42 Dominator Unmanned Aircraft System

Boeing Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Aeronautics for DA42 Dominator Unmanned Aircraft System
July 20, 2010

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, - The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today at the Farnborough Airshow announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Aeronautics Ltd. to market the DA42 Dominator unmanned aircraft system.

"The Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) portion of the unmanned systems market is rapidly expanding as the world's armed forces acquire a variety of vehicles for use in current conflicts and future missions," said Chris Chadwick, president of Boeing Military Aircraft. "By collaborating with Aeronautics to market the DA42 Dominator, Boeing is able to offer a wider range of MALE solutions to current and potential customers, both domestically and internationally."

The DA42 Dominator is designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions with an all-composite construction that provides durability, reduced maintenance and lower aircraft weight to enhance mission endurance.

"We believe that Boeing's vast experience and knowledge, together with Aeronautics' innovative technology and unmanned expertise, will position the DA42 Dominator as one of the leading MALE unmanned aircraft systems available on the market," said Aeronautics CEO Avi Leumi. "Aeronautics is proud to begin working shoulder-to-shoulder with Boeing, and we are certain that our combined capabilities will bring a true added value to our customers."

Aeronautics Ltd. is one of Israel's largest defense corporations, and second largest unmanned systems provider. With core technologies in the areas of C4I, navigation, communication, and electro-optics, Aeronautics offers its customers a full spectrum of superior unmanned systems. Headquartered in Yavne, Aeronautics is a $200 million business with 700 employees worldwide.

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Boeing Flight Demonstrates Narrowband Communications Relay on ScanEagle

Boeing Flight Demonstrates Narrowband Communications Relay on ScanEagle
July 20, 2010

SEATTLE, - The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and its subsidiary Insitu Inc. announced today that they successfully demonstrated a high-performance Narrowband Relay communications system aboard a ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in June. The relay was designed to meet the needs of small distributed forces operating in areas where Line of Sight (LOS) communications would not normally be possible.

The U.S. Defense Department has widely deployed handheld narrowband radios as the primary method of communications among small, distributed forces. However, these radios are limited in range and cannot communicate where the radios do not have a direct path to one another. The Boeing-developed Narrowband Relay, deployed aboard a small UAV, will provide a dramatically longer range and LOS capability over hills and buildings.

"This technology can make a dramatic difference in providing key communications capabilities to warfighters operating in geographically challenging environments around the world," said Nancy-Kim Yun, director, Integrated Shipboard Systems, Boeing Network and Tactical Systems (N&TS). "Our Payloads team has demonstrated the best of Boeing – they took on a challenge and found a solution that is easy to implement and cost-effective for potential customers."

To demonstrate the capability, two Thales PRC-148 JEM-compatible radios were driven more than 1,100 miles around central Washington state and northern Oregon, an area that has geography similar to the terrain in Afghanistan – hilly, with many obstacles preventing direct radio contact. As a ScanEagle UAV, outfitted with the Narrowband Relay, flew above the Boeing Boardman, Ore., facility, testers were able to use the relay to communicate with the radios.

"This flight demonstration was the culmination of a number of laboratory- and land-based tests, in many environments and with other radios, including PSC-5, PRC-117, and PRC-152," said Dick Paquette, Boeing Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence [C4I] Payloads Program manager. "This capability expands on our previous in-flight demonstrations that integrated C4I payloads and UAVs in support of the warfighter."

The U.S. Special Operations Command, the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command have expressed interest in the results of the Boeing-funded demonstration.

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Northrop Grumman Signs Teaming Agreement With Astronautics Corporation of America for F-5 Worldwide Sustainment and Life Cycle Logistics

Northrop Grumman Signs Teaming Agreement With Astronautics Corporation of America for F-5 Worldwide Sustainment and Life Cycle Logistics
July 20, 2010

HERNDON, Va. - Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) and Astronautics Corporation of America, Milwaukee, have signed an agreement to provide worldwide sustainment and life cycle logistics as an effort to offer a broad capability to countries flying the F-5 Tiger aircraft.

Astronautics joins the F-5 Worldwide Sustainment Team, which includes Northrop Grumman Technical Services and RUAG Aviation, Emmen, Switzerland. Under the terms of the agreements, the team will market F-5 aftermarket support, modifications and upgrade programs to countries flying the aircraft.

"With the addition of Astronautics, there is no doubt that the team we've assembled is the ultimate 'Tiger' team," said Tom Vice, corporate vice president and president Northrop Grumman Technical Services. "The countries flying the F-5 can only benefit from the coming together of these three companies, and we look forward to working shoulder to shoulder with our customers across the globe."

Northrop Grumman is the original equipment manufacturer of the F-5 and has more than 40 years experience with the program.

"This team not only has the requisite past performance and unparalleled knowledge of the F-5, but it also has unrivaled access to parts, extensive knowledge of maintenance and modification of the aircraft, and cutting edge technology with F-5 avionics and electronics systems," said Dave Werkheiser, vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman Technical Services Integrated Logistics and Modifications Division.

"Northrop Grumman and Astronautics have teamed since the F-5 became operational," said Dan Wade, vice president of business development for Astronautics. "We look forward to continuing our relationship with Northrop Grumman and our support of the F-5 throughout the life of the aircraft. The capabilities of our team will enable the F-5 aircraft to remain a viable and versatile platform for many years to come."

Astronautics Corporation of America has an extensive history of developing and providing long term support for modular avionics systems specifically for aircraft in the role of fighter or as lead-in trainers. As the world's largest producer of primary flight instruments and flight director systems, Astronautics has provide this equipment for all versions of the F-5 for almost 50 years, including the T-38 derivative.

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Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Boeing to Demonstrate NATO AWACS Control of Unmanned Airborne System at Empire Challenge

Boeing to Demonstrate NATO AWACS Control of Unmanned Airborne System at Empire Challenge
July 21, 2010

SEATTLE, The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] will demonstrate control of the ScanEagle unmanned airborne system (UAS) by a NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft during Empire Challenge 2010. This annual demonstration of joint and coalition intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance interoperability is sponsored by the U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence. Empire Challenge, hosted by the U.S. Joint Forces Command, will take place from July 26 to Aug. 13 at Fort Huachuca, Ariz.

Boeing has tested unmanned vehicles and AWACS in previous Empire Challenge demonstrations, but this will be the first time the company demonstrates full control of an unmanned aircraft by an airborne command and control (C2) platform during an operational scenario. ScanEagle is built by Insitu Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Boeing.

The scenario involves an antipiracy operation in which the NATO AWACS aircraft detects suspicious activity and directs ScanEagle to fly to a certain location and keep track of a suspect vessel -- a truck representing a pirate ship -- while sending real-time video back to the AWACS. The AWACS aircraft, in collaboration with the Combined Air Operations Center, will determine whether the vessel is a threat and direct other coalition assets to respond appropriately. The AWACS aircraft will be equipped with a Tactical Common Data Link system that will relay commands to ScanEagle from an onboard operator.

"This demonstration is an example of how linking NATO AWACS to new data sources, such as chat rooms and unmanned vehicles, can support evolving Air Battle Management tasks," said Col. Greg Clark of NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Force Command. "Operators are recognizing the significant advantages that unmanned vehicles provide to access new information-sharing methods to rapidly improve the use of all operational assets."

"ScanEagle will enhance the AWACS advantage of seeing from long distances at high altitude by allowing the manned aircraft to also observe what's happening closer to the ground," said Jake Howitt, director of AWACS Programs for Boeing. "AWACS will use the information from ScanEagle and data from its own sensors to produce faster, more accurate and actionable intelligence in response to threats."

Boeing has been testing UAS control from C2 platforms since 2006, including a 2009 demonstration using an AEW&C aircraft to control multiple ScanEagles via satellite communications and other similar communications channels.

The Empire Challenge 2010 demonstration will pave the way to enable any airborne C2 platform to control unmanned vehicles -- such as ScanEagle and the larger ScanEagle Compressed Carriage -- as remote sensors without a major modification to the controlling aircraft.

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Boeing Completes Operational Testing of Australia's Network Centric Command and Control System

Boeing Completes Operational Testing of Australia's Network Centric Command and Control System
July 21, 2010

BRISBANE, - Boeing Defence Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], announced today that it has completed operational testing of its Vigilare network-centric command-and-control system (NC3S) for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

RAAF operators conducted the test at the Northern Regional Operations Centre (NROC) located at RAAF Base Tindal, Northern Territory. It demonstrated Vigilare's ability to connect a large number of assets -- including F/A-18 Hornets, AP3C Orions, Navy frigates, and sensors and data sources located across the Australian continent -- into the system simultaneously, while satisfying operational load demands.

This was the final acceptance test of the Vigilare system at NROC, and verifies the system as ready for battlespace management, training and surveillance mission operations. The RAAF now plans to use Vigilare for a multinational air defense exercise later this month.

"This milestone is the culmination of six years of hard work by the Commonwealth, Boeing and our supplier networks, and we continue to be on target to deliver Vigilare's full network-centric-warfare capability to the RAAF by mid-2011," said Arthur Mamalis, Boeing Defence Australia program director for Project Vigilare.

Boeing Defence Australia expects to receive Conditional Acceptance of the system from the Commonwealth later this month. The company will begin installation and testing at the Eastern Regional Operations Centre (EROC) at RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales, in late September.

Developed by Boeing Defence Australia, NC3S integrates advanced technologies that combine data from land, sea, air and space platforms, sensors, data links and intelligence agencies to provide tactical- and strategic-level surveillance and battlespace management operations across wide geographic regions.

Boeing Defence Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company and a business unit of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, is a leading Australian aerospace enterprise. With a world-class team of more than 1,500 employees at 14 locations throughout Australia and two international sites, Boeing Defence Australia supports some of the largest and most complex defense projects in Australia.

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Raytheon's ASTOR Saving Lives in the Counterinsurgency Battle

Raytheon's ASTOR Saving Lives in the Counterinsurgency Battle
July 21, 2010

FARNBOROUGH, England, - After a year of deployed operations, Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Airborne Stand-Off Reconnaissance system continues to support ground forces by developing pattern of life profiles across wide areas, detecting insurgent activity and contributing to force protection.

Recently designated in service as Sentinel, ASTOR is deployed in support of NATO ISAF (International Security Assistance) forces with the U.K. Royal Air Force in Afghanistan as part of Operation Herrick. Sentinel is the primary asset delivering urgent operational requirements for wide area air-to-ground surveillance to the U.K. Ministry of Defence. Working with other complementary systems, ASTOR is a key element in the in-theater intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) matrix, deployed on an enduring basis due to the quality of the ASTOR product.

"ASTOR is a major capability making a real difference and saving lives," said Major Jeremy Crossley MC, British Army. "The ASTOR system plays a significant part in developing the ISTAR picture for U.K. forces by providing the timely and accurate intelligence across a wide area needed to cue manned and unmanned assets, protecting our troops on the ground."

The ASTOR system provides British and coalition forces with a capability that enables commanders to receive accurate and timely wide area ground surveillance information in a host of scenarios from combat operations to humanitarian aid. The Sentinel R1 aircraft can remain on station for many hours and is able to identify a wide variety of moving and stationary targets at considerable range.

ASTOR system tactical and operational ground stations analyze and disseminate data from the dual-mode radar system through an extensive and sophisticated communications suite, including wide- and narrow-band data links; tactical data links; and secure VHF and UHF radios and satellite communications, all controlled by crews through a central mission system.

During the Farnborough International Airshow, an ASTOR tactical ground station will be on display at the Raytheon pavilion, No. OE9. Royal Air Force and British Army members of 5 (Army Cooperation) Squadron who have operated the system during deployment will be showcasing the system's capabilities.

"Raytheon has a long-standing relationship with our U.K. MOD customer, and we have worked closely with the RAF to support the ASTOR system in its progression from mission rehearsal to enduring operations," said Tim Carey, vice president for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Systems. "Our first priority is to ensure that ASTOR continues to provide the troops with actionable information for their mission needs."

The ASTOR system comprises multiple aircraft, tactical ground stations, operational level ground station units, support vehicles and an extensive and sophisticated support infrastructure. The aircraft are equipped with dual-mode and synthetic aperture radars and a moving target indicator for wide area surveillance. Since the system was declared in service in November 2008, ASTOR has been deployed twice in support of U.K. forces in Afghanistan. Most recently, it was deployed to support Operation HERRICK. Raytheon supports the system in the field, assisting the front line with operations, training and logistics.

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Northrop Grumman Completes Delivery of Upgraded U.S. Navy Targets

Northrop Grumman Completes Delivery of Upgraded U.S. Navy Targets

Retrofit Adds Functionality, Service Life to Older Unmanned Training Systems

SAN DIEGO – Some of the oldest aerial targets in the U.S. Navy's inventory can now be used for some of the service's most advanced training missions thanks to the recent on-schedule completion of an avionics upgrade of those targets by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC).

In late June, the company completed deliveries to the Navy of 25 BQM-34S Firebee aerial targets, each one retrofitted with modern avionics hardware from the service's primary target system, the Northrop Grumman-produced BQM-74E. As part of this Avionics Upgrade program, Northrop Grumman also provided updated operational flight program software, training of Navy personnel and flight test support.

"This upgrade program converted 25 targets that were nearly obsolete into state-of-the-art systems that will meet the Navy's most critical training system requirements for many years to come," said Hans Dall, program manager of the BQM-34 Targets Program for Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector. "The BQM-34Ss can be operated with the Standard Navy Target Control command and control system, and will allow the Navy to carry larger payloads than the BQM-74E in a system that delivers the proven performance of the BQM-74E."

Aerial targets are unmanned, aircraft-like systems used by the military to simulate tactical threats posed by enemy aircraft and missiles. They are typically used to test and evaluate surface ship defensive weapons systems or to train pilots in air-to-air combat techniques.

According to Dall, the new avionics and software added to the BQM-34Ss give the targets fully autonomous waypoint navigation and an improved ability to perform intricate maneuvers at extremely low altitudes.

"The BQM-34S Avionics Upgrade program is a great example of Northrop Grumman's expertise in migrating the capabilities of one unmanned system to another unmanned platform using proven hardware technology and only minor software changes," said Steve Mastin, director of target programs for Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector.

As another example, Mastin cited the company's current work with Bell Helicopter developing and flight testing a new medium range vertical unmanned aerial system (VUAS) called Fire-X. Fire-X will integrate the proven unmanned systems architecture of the Navy's MQ-8B Fire Scout VUAS with the mature, FAA-certified Bell 407 airframe. Northrop Grumman is the Navy's prime contractor for Fire Scout.

The BQM-34 Firebee is a versatile, highly reliable aerial target with a top speed of Mach 0.97, and an operational altitude envelope ranging from 10 feet above the sea surface to 60,000 feet. It can perform seven-g turns while maintaining high airspeeds for realistic threat presentations. It features a modular, robust design; large internal and external payload capacity; and abundant electrical power, allowing it to support a variety of specialized target and tactical unmanned aerial vehicle missions. It has been in service with the U.S. military for more than five decades.


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Boeing Celebrates Production of 100th CH-47F Chinook

Boeing Celebrates Production of 100th CH-47F Chinook
July 21, 2010

RIDLEY TOWNSHIP, Pa., - Boeing [NYSE: BA] on July 22 will celebrate the 100th CH-47F Chinook helicopter built at the company's Ridley Township facility.

"This is an incredible milestone," said Leanne Caret, Boeing vice president, H-47 Programs. "More than 2,000 Boeing employees work on the Chinook program, and they all share in this exceptional accomplishment with the rest of the company and our partners, suppliers and customers. We are dedicated to delivering aircraft with advanced capability and the utmost quality to meet warfighters' urgent needs."

Following delivery to the U.S. Army in August, the 100th Chinook will be fielded by the next unit equipped with the new aircraft.

Since completing the first production model CH-47F Chinook in August 2006, Boeing has trained and equipped six U.S. Army units and is in the process of equipping the seventh. Four units have completed deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, where the helicopter logged nearly 50,000 flight hours and maintained an operational readiness rate of over 80 percent conducting air assault, transport and support operations.

"The CH-47F is proving its exceptional capabilities every day in combat operations," said Army Col. Bob Marion, Project Manager for Cargo Helicopters. "The technological advantages and improvements in the CH-47F are powerful combat multipliers that save soldiers' lives and support overall contingency operations in theater. I am extremely proud of our Cargo Team."

To further meet the needs of Chinook customers around the world, Boeing is implementing a $130 million renovation that will enable the Ridley Township factory to gradually increase production levels from the current four aircraft per month to a new rate of six aircraft per month in 2012.

The CH-47F features a newly designed, modernized airframe, Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) cockpit and Digital Automatic Flight Control System (DAFCS). The CAAS greatly improves aircrew situational awareness, and DAFCS provides dramatically improved flight-control capabilities through the entire flight envelope, significantly improved performance, and safety in the harshest of environments.

CAAS also incorporates an advanced digital map display and a data transfer system that allows storing of preflight and mission data. Improved survivability features include the Common Missile Warning and Improved Countermeasure Dispenser systems.

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Lockheed Martin Conducts Successful In-Mine Test of Its Through-The-Earth Wireless Communication System

Lockheed Martin Conducts Successful In-Mine Test of Its Through-The-Earth Wireless Communication System
July 21, 2010

System provides emergency communications capability for trapped miners

BRUCETON, Pa., - Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) conducted an in-mine test of its MagneLink(TM) Magnetic Communication System (MCS).

Testing was conducted at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Test Mine in Bruceton, Pa. on June 15 and 16.

MagneLink MCS is a wireless, through-the-earth communications system developed to meet the mining industry's post-accident emergency communications requirement. The system provides voice communication and texting to give trapped miners fail-safe communication during a catastrophe.

The system works by transmitting magnetic waves through the earth without the transmission wires and in-ground infrastructure currently required to communicate via standard radio transmissions. It is a portable, two-way, voice- and text-capable emergency communication system operating at ranges sufficient to communicate from the surface into deep underground mines.

"During the test, MagneLink MCS performed superbly," said Warren Gross, MagneLink MCS program manager. "The system interfaced with hand-held radios similar to the Miner Emergency Radios (MERs) and functioned as a multi-band receiver, establishing communications with multiple MagneLink MCS units without the requirement for the MCS units to be on the same channel to receive transmissions."

MagneLink MCS will bring a significant emergency communications capability to the mining industry in the event of an accident where miners are trapped and have no other means of communicating with rescue teams on the surface.

"Lockheed Martin has leveraged its advanced communications and signal processing expertise to successfully develop this unique system in coordination with NIOSH to help saver miners' lives following a mine accident," said Gross.

Lockheed Martin previously conducted two additional MagneLink MCS in-mine tests.

In December 2009, the MagneLink MCS Engineering Development Model's functionality for voice and text communications was successfully demonstrated at a commercial mine in Dilliner, Pa.

In March 2010, Lockheed Martin tested MagneLink MCS at the Contrary Portal of CONSOL Energy's Buchanan Mine in Mavisdale, Va. The system demonstrated successful two-way voice communications to a depth of 1550 feet and two-way text communications to a depth in excess of 1550 feet.

Lockheed Martin and the Mining Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) are currently working to certify the equipment for use in mines. MagneLink MCS systems will be available following MSHA certification.

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