Defense Industrial Base

The aircraft carrier debate & Australia moving 500 miles Westwards: Plus-ca-change

2010-10-26T09:02:00.001-04:00

As part of my PhD research which was funded via a scholarship from funds made available by the Ministry of Defence I looked into the issues, theories and dynamics of strategic decision making applying my model and others to the latest available material from the archives of the Public Records Office.

At the time the latest materials concerned the 'Healey Reviews' of the mid 1960s which heralded a period of substantial British military and political disengagement from its 'East of Suez' commitments. One of the strongest threads running through the period was the battles between the armed services over resources and key programmes - of which the most contentious were the Royal Air Force's TSR-2 aircraft and the Royal Navy next generation aircraft carrier programme, known as CVA-01.

The CVA-01 was revolutionary, large and designed to support power projection for decades to come. The island (control tower) was offset so that aircraft could taxi around it. The displacement was substantial - and at a time of financial crisis - it was, like the TSR-2 too expensive.

Something had to go and the Royal Navy at least had a champion in terms of the first officer appointed to the new position of Chief of Defence Staff in the newly (April 1st, 1964) Ministry of Defence - Lord Mountbatten - the archtypal sailor.

To supplement the output of the archives - which includes various passionate memos to the Secretary of State from 1st Sea Lord and Chief of the Air Staff I studied the organisational directories of the time and identified two persons to interview. One was the Military Assistant to Lord Mountbatten, an aircraft carrier captain himself. The other was a junior civil servant working with the staff of CAS - whom would go on to become Permanent Under Secretary of the Department, Michael Quinlan.

At stake in the battle was the crucial issue - could aircraft (ie. TSR-2) conduct the missions using an air basing strategy of airfields around the world conduct the tasks of carrier-borne aviation ? Aircraft carriers, the air complement and logistics tail needed to support them was and remains in the current debates an expensive proposition. fields of concrete on land could prove a lot cheaper. The counter-arguments were many and of them several held great weight - which brings us to the urban legend at the heart of the mid-1960s defence reviews - that the Royal Air Force moved Australia 500 miles West to justify their strategy could obviate the requirement for investment in CVA-01 - with the consequence that the carrier programme should be cancelled in favour of investment in TSR-2.

My interviews sought to clarify this episode for research sake though also for my own curiousity. The Americans pushed strenuously for Britain to maintain forces East of Suez, even offering an aircraft carrier cheaply for the RN to use to keep them in the game - which in the archives was discounted 'due to inadequate messing [dining] arrangements'. Although my interview suggested that the configuration of arrestor wires might have been a greater factor at the operational level.

Mountbatten's MA was sprightly and still possessed strong memories of the event. He remembered clearly a presentation from CAS which looked somewhat odd to a man who has spent most of his life pouring over admiralty charts. Excusing himself from the presentation he pulled a map which showed that the type of projection being used by the RAF enabled Australia to conveniently fit into the flight peformance envelope of the TSR-2, thus justifying the strategy. The MA advised Mountbatten, pulling him out of the meeting on another pretext and the game was up.

Meeting Michael Quinlan during a visit to the Royal Military College of Science was, on reflection a great opportunity. I would like to think that I genuinely caught him off guard with him expecting me to ask a variety of questions concerning the 1990 options-for-change review, the personal dynamics of which were colourfully captured in Alan Clark's Diaries.

His view differed and a few weeks after meeting him a two page letter with a long quotation I was free to use in my research appeared. Sir Michael's view was that,

"In a genuine mistake, soon detected and rectified, an officer in the Air Staff based certain calculations about the capabilities of land-based air power on a figure some hundreds of miles too short for the distance between the Indian Ocean island of Aldabra - then under consideration for development as an air base - and a hypothetical operational area on the mainland of Africa. The episode (which later became, sometimes with embellishment. a treasured Royal Navy anecdote) was indignantly seized upon by the Naval Staff as evidence of Air Staff duplicity. This illustrates the level of feeling and tension which the review generated between the two Services".

So who was right ? Ultimately, and I might suggest that this be the real lesson, that inter-service rivalry delayed decisions being made before the resource constraints hammer really fell on the Ministry. CVA-01 was cancelled. TSR-2 was cancelled. The RAF proposed buying US F-111 swing-wing bombers - and that was cancelled too due to resources cuts and an IMF crisis.

Playing a very minor industrial role during the early stages of the CVF programme one can look back and see, post-SDSR, that delaying decision-making in a quest for the best military solution can risk ending up with a very compromised solution downstream. Years of prevarication I am sure are regretted from the corridors of the Ministry, to CINC Fleet Headquarters to industry balance sheets, ship building union offices and ultimately the communities of men and women simply trying to make a living.

The original in-service dates I remember for CVA-01 and CVA-02 were 2010 and 2012 respectively. Just to think that had the deadlines been held the SDSR would have been completed with one aircraft carrier having been recently or imminently launched by a senior member of the Royal Family with the newly elected administration in full attendance.

cest tragic. Should you wish to read in greater detail my own research into the defence policy battles of the mid 1960s I should like to point you to a copy of my PhD research at:

(Full copy of my PhD research thesis)

(A more concise version of the story published by the UK Defence Forum)

(A presentation to military students concerning TSR-2 versus CVA-01)

Technorati Tags:
Future Aircraft Carrier (CVF), SDSR Review, UK Ministry of Defence

Editorial: Comment on the Guardian article, "Carriers without Harriers: budget cuts leave MoD with jump jet-shaped hole"

2010-10-19T20:43:00.001-04:00

Editorial: Comment on the Guardian newspaper article, "Carriers without Harriers: budget cuts leave MoD with jump jet-shaped hole"
October 19th, 2010

The construction costs of a 3billion GBP aircraft carrier over 50 years = 60 million GBP per annum = approx. 1GBP per head of population.

Are we not at risk of getting this out of proportion HMG ? Is this more about 'squaring away' the Scottish Labour class by wounding a programme who final integration is due to occur in the past Prime Minister's constituency. Clearly the new Administration is not playing politics with defence...

Suggestions for employment of the CVF;

1. Launch helicopters to protect British Nationals abroad - does anyone remember the rescue of Brits in Lebanon the other year ? The vessel is three times bigger...

2. Disaster relief in the Commonwealth - imagine the capability to support an isolated community post hurricane / tsunami and so forth.

3. Pursue limited conflicts in support of British interests - Sierra Leone involved an auxiliary tanker as the sole ship on station - what difference the CVF could make...

4. Providing a deck for use by other coalition partners in support of operations in the national interest - far from home base partners will appreciate any 'flat-top' space for running missions from. At sea, invulnerable (except in all-out war with a substantial submarine equipped opponent).

5. A re-run of the Falkland islands campaign no-one would question the utility...

Additionally, what if the Government is being shrewd in its calculations - if the economy picks up will the second vessel still be sold or retained ? The CVA-01 programme was cancelled in the mid-1960s eliminating aircraft carriers - only for the RN to keep the programme going in the shape of the 'through-deck cruiser' which only now is being decommissioned.

Technorati Tags:
Editorial, Future Aircraft Carrier (CVF), Royal Navy, SDSR Review, UK Ministry of Defence

Editorial: Commentary on the unveiling of SDSR Resource outcomes

2010-10-19T12:15:00.001-04:00

Editorial: Commentary on the unveiling of SDSR Resource outcomes
October 19th, 2010

Prime Minister David Cameron unveiled the outcome of the Spending Review for the Ministry of Defence in the United Kingdom earlier today.

A scorecard approach to the key points covered by the BBC News website runs as follows;

* "8% cut in real terms" - Does this exclude the MoD running over budget by approximately 10% ? If not, then the cuts are approximately 20% and this exercise represents political theatre.

* "RAF and RN numbers to be reduced" - For the RAF closing bases reduces headcount and is desirable - in the end aircraft availability is the only criteria for size. For the RN it is a little more problematic (as outlined below).

* "HMS Ark Royal will be decommissioned four years early" - The issue for the RN is how will they staff properly the new carrier(s) when they finally come down the slipway ? As usual there is more 'lust' in terms of wanting the capability than there is through-life management.

* "Surface fleet cut from 24 to 19" - A graph drawn for me a few years ago during a meeting a main building showed the trend in the fall of the Fleet since the 1960s - the logical outcome was a surface fleet of 16 - you read it here first ! The key question is how do you protect the carriers and replenishment vessels - with a couple of ships (best case) in dry-dock at a time seventeen ships covering 70% of the Earth's surface is challenging.

* Astute untouched - VERY good news as they will be key for special operations, surveillance and producing effect.

* "Trident delay" - Tolerable as long as the Astute drumbeat can be synchronised to ensure minimal loss of manufacturing skills (and pressure from the supply chain to maximise profit). The reduction in warheads is interesting and suggests cutting the numbers to fit a stretched Astute SSBN design. Vanguard has 16 missile tubes, each capable of carrying 8 warheads (under the START Treaty) implying each missile has 3 warheads. 40 warheads implies 10 tubes each with four warheads and associated shrinkage of the vessel's length (plus some simplification in terms of engineering and obviously, cost). That said Personally this Editor would favour stretching Astute acquisition using nuclear tipped Tomahawk TLAM missiles.

* Closure of RAF Kinloss and Nimrod to be retired - Sad news for the Scottish community - and no doubt the lack of Conservative support was an issue. Nimrod is technologically being outpaced by the likes of the Global Hawk UAV, and time needs to move on. Political pain around the tragic loss of a Nimrod in Afghanistan likely contributed to the decision to retire.

* Harrier retirement and Tornado part retirement - RAF should shed themselves of Tornado at a faster rate than Harrier. This move smacks of a play by the Air Marshals given Harrier is a joint force. Losing Harrier substantially ahead of JSF introduction will kill the skill level of the Fleet Air Arm operating from the new CVF. Very shortsighted from a joint perspective, good play by the perfidious Royal Air Force.

* Extra Chinook helicopters - Simply excellent news - bringing these to bear quickly is essential.

* reshaping the Army - the loss of 7,000 troops is obviously headline grabbing though difficulties with recruitment made the 100,000 target unobtainable. Rethinking the balance between 'ordinary' soldier and SF generation is crucial to ensuring UK usefulness to its Allies given numbers are simply not happening.

* The fall from six deployable brigades to five leaves only two brigades deployable (on the basis of a third in training, third on deployment, third preparing for Ops) - unless defence planners are treating the three Royal Marine Commandos as a sixth brigade - retaining their own independence in return for playing ball with the Army's deployment schedule ?

* MBT Tank and Heavy Artillery reductions - UK needs to retain skills for high intensity warfare even if it is not on the immediate horizon. A sensible move given the FRES programme was superceded by incremental acquisitions. Replacing Challenger is a big issue and how.

* Reductions in MOD civil servants - challenging insofar as the defence community is increasingly concentrated in areas which have little alternative employment - internal political manoeuvring is going to water this down unless the Government moves fast or keeps its eye on the ball.

Editorial: Comment on Robert Preston blog 'What a Carrier-on!'

2010-10-19T11:45:00.001-04:00

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/robertpeston/2010/10/what_a_carrier_on.html

Editorial: Comment on Robert Preston blog 'What a Carrier-on!'
October 19th, 2010

Economically the project, albeit at a high price, enables the UK warship building industry to carry on. As the Royal Navy shrinks and politicians prevaricate over a new generation of frigates to succeed the venerable Type-22 and Type-23 vessels so the need to keep skilled people from choosing alternate employment, say in McDonald's crucial.

Militarily, Peston misses the point. Did Peston realise how blogs and the internet would challenge print media ? probably not. The military establishment has many scenarios it plans for - though more often or not predicting the timing of a scenario being realised or the exact location is impossible.

What is constant is geography - the Earth is 70% water and the remaining 30% is split up into societies - some of whom may be less friendly to UK interests on occasion. The ability to have a flat surface from which to conduct operations in support of strategic needs is essential. Also essential, though more problematic is what to fly off the decks of these vessels. Unmanned vehicles may largely surpass Joint Strike Fighter far quicker than many imagine.

Politically, the JSF could be too expensive unless substantial economic recovery occurs. 'Marinising JSF' as the former Chairman of its UK manufacturer BAE Systems suggests, could be too bitter a pill to swallow after the expensive and drawn out EFA procurement. As far as the contracts go for the carriers, Eurofighter provided the model - a cast iron contract to lock in whimsical politicians - which can backfire when the background environment changes.

Plus ca change.

Technorati Tags:
CVF (Future Aircraft Carrier) Program, Editorial, SDSR Review, UK Ministry of Defence

Editorial: Termination of the UK Defence Training Review (DTR) - Justice belatedly served

2010-10-19T11:39:00.001-04:00

Editorial: Termination of the UK Defence Training Review (DTR) - Justice belatedly served
October 19th, 2010

Today it was announced in the House of Commons that the DTR programme was cancelled (please see previous posting).

At the time it was highly innapropriate for HMG to choose a bidder in which owned a financial stake. The Metrix consortium, majority owned by QinetiQ (with a Carlyle Group minority interest) chased a programme to provide training for vehicle drivers, cooks etc. Hardly the forte of a commercial organisation pitching itself as the bastion of British defence science.

Split into two packages, arguably the second was a bone to keep the appearance of competition and result in many pounds spent by bidding teams for a foregone conclusion.

Red Dragon, the DARA aircraft repair facility at St. Athan in South Wales was a real beneficiary of the Wales Labour Party political caucus, who probably like Scotland have no love for the Conservative Government - which is now being repaid in spades....

Termination of the UK Defence Training Review (DTR) Programme

2010-10-19T11:33:00.001-04:00

Termination of the Defence Training Review
October 19, 2010

The termination of the Defence Training Rationalisation (DTR) project and the Metrix Consortium's appointment as preferred bidder has been announced by Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox today, 19 October 2010.

The DTR project intended to combine the technical and engineering training for the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force on a single site at St Athan in South Wales.

In a written ministerial statement to Parliament today, Dr Fox said:

"The Metrix Consortium was appointed as preferred bidder in January 2007 subject to it developing an affordable and value for money contract proposal.

"Given the significance of this project and the opportunity to provide a world-class training facility, the Ministry of Defence has worked tirelessly to deliver this project.

"However, it is now clear that Metrix cannot deliver an affordable, commercially-robust proposal within the prescribed period and it has therefore been necessary to terminate the DTR procurement and Metrix's appointment as preferred bidder.

"Technical training, collocated on as few sites as possible, remains in our view the best solution for our Armed Forces. Equally, St Athan was previously chosen as the best location on which to collocate that training for good reasons, and we still hope to base our future defence training solution there.

"We will however now carry out some work before finalising the best way ahead; including to confirm both our training and estates requirement, and the best way to structure the solution that will meet them.

"To ensure momentum is not lost, work on the alternative options will begin as soon as possible and we hope to be able to announce our future plans in the spring."

Training will continue to be delivered at current training locations as it would have done under the original PFI (Private Finance Initiative) proposal. These sites are: Arborfield, Blandford, Bordon, Cosford, Cranwell, Digby, Fareham (Collingwood), Gosport (Sultan) and St Athan.

Technorati Tags:
Defence Budget, UK Ministry of Defence

UK SDSR Defence Review outcomes - arithmetic - 8% or 18% ?

2010-10-18T21:11:00.001-04:00

UK SDSR Defence Review outcomes - a matter of arithmetic ?
Monday 18th October, 2010

There is much being trailed as to the release today by Prime Minister David Cameron as to the outcome of the review of resources devoted to the Ministry of Defence. Traditionally the Conservative Party are keen to be seen as strong and safe on defence and foreign policy. In an environment where substantial cuts are being made across government showing a grip on the issues, especially for a new administration is key.

Which probably explains why the Departmental minister has been sidelined by No.10 which has taken strong control (through the Cabinet Office) of the defence review process. press sources are already trailing the following adjustments to UK force structure;

* Retirement of the VSTOL Harrier (known as the AV-8B by the US) jump jet (CityAM)
* Retirement of HMS Ark Royal (Aircraft carrier and flagship of the Royal Navy) (BBC)
* Reductions to the strength of the British Army of the order of two brigades (7,000 troops) (CityAM)

The consensus which appears to have been trailed to the UK media and which seems uncontested by the Opposition is that cuts to the budget will amount to some 7-8% versus some 20% in other Government Departments (excluding health).

Given that insiders acknowledge off-the-record that the MOD budget has been running some 10% beyond its resource level this would imply a 10.0 + 8.0% = 18.0% reduction.

Hence the need for the PM to lead this announcement. What this means for UK 'Grand Strategy' remains to be seen as the National Security Strategy (NSS) seems to be headlining on the threat to UK global interests from cyber attack.

UK Releases NSS review document: A Strong Britain in an Age of Uncertainty: The National Security Strategy (cm7953)

2010-10-18T21:00:00.000-04:00

UK Releases NSS review document: A Strong Britain in an Age of Uncertainty: The National Security Strategy
October 18th, 2010

Ahead of the release by the Prime Minister of the outcome of the SDSR Defence Review in the House of Commons at 1530hrs GMT (0930 EST) came the release of the foreign policy-led component known as The National Security Strategy (Command Paper Cm7953). A few comments jump off the page at first pass;

The foreword at the outset refers to Britain being both more secure and more vulnerable then ever before which seems to automatically question the logic of cutting resources to security needs. If national security assets are an insurance policy then Britain seems to be going down the "third party, fire & theft" route.

Page four sees The United States of America listed atop that of the international network of alliances, followed by the EU and NATO.

Page five refers to equipment acquisition rooted in the mindset of the Cold War.

KEY POINT: Page nine, a definition of the National Security Strategy of the United Kingdom, "to use all our national capabilities to build Britain's prosperity, extend our nation's influence in the world and strengthen our security. The networks we use to build our prosperity we will also use to build our security".

Page eleven identifies the top four threats in the next five years to UK security; terrorism (including CBRN (i.e. WMD) usage) and interesting flags Northern Ireland as a flashpoint, cyberattack, military crises and major accident or natural hazard.

Page thirteen identifies withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2015 - towards the end of the next US Presidency, and to the end of the first term of a Cameron Government, should the Government go the full five years before seeking re-election.

page fifteen (section 1.15) identifies the need to broaden out UK relationships beyond dependence on the USA and the world becomes more multi-polar.

page twenty-two (section 2.11) reaffirms the UK view of the Special Relationship - "Our strong defence relationship with the US... is exceptionally close and central to our national interest".

page twenty-seven - illustration of a 'risk register' of 15 major risks - which will be reviewed and updated biannually. The methodology (which is a two-by-two "impact:likelihood" matrix standard to any management consultant) is printed on page 37 for those unfamiliar.

Netherlands Industries for Defence and Security (NIDV) in its Holland Pavilion proudly presents the 'Naval novelties of The Netherlands industries'

2010-10-17T22:34:00.000-04:00

At the occasion of Euronaval 2010 the Netherlands Industries for Defence and Security (NIDV) in its Holland Pavilion proudly presents the 'Naval novelties of The Netherlands industries' under the common orange banner of 'HOLLAND, Acting Smart'.

Why we value smartness
Being a mid sized nation with naval traditions located in a pocket format river delta area has it advantages. Ongoing innovation is stimulated by the sophistication of a dense network of naval suppliers. Being the smallest country worldwide with a formal policy towards any other nation on this planet our Royal Netherlands Navy is frequently involved in international operations. With low cost networks of anonymous enemies over the globe and a demanding Navy at hand our industry is stimulated to durable and cost effective solutions. Therefore it aims at using smart integration to facilitate smaller teams and agility in operations. The early presence of oil refining industries in our river delta has lead to a world leading position in advanced materials. The history of high-tech electronics industries and systems integration shaped a good starting position in the technological trend of miniaturization. Add to this mixture the stimulating presence of surrounding large countries using power policies and you understand our quite neutral position. Also, nearby countries financially sponsor their shipbuilding industries and politically sponsor their naval industries, you will understand that Acting Smart has become our trade mark in surviving as the fittest, with special emphasis on small solutions & cost effectiveness over a life cycle. The density of the naval network consists of companies with a history of supplying and sustaining components for mission critical naval environments as well as organizations that have the capability to design or produce integrated platforms.

Strengthening security
Above smartness in innovation and the capability to produce at high quality for naval environments is achieved in key application areas where urgent international operational needs are encountered by our industries strengths:
A) Sensors and electronics against stealthy enemies in ocean wide environments;
B) Applying advanced materials for harsh marine or hostile naval environments;
C) Smart integration for smaller teams;
D) Durable systems for critical missions to enhance cost-effectiveness over life cycle.

More elaborate presentations can be given by enlisted companies who are present at NIDV Holland Pavilion at Euronaval in Paris, booth E9.

Euronaval is the worlds 2nd largest naval event and it will take place from the 25th until the 29th of October in Paris.

Location: Le Bourget, Paris Nord, Paris.

www.euronaval-show.com

Kind regards,

Drs. Marc Soeteman

About NIDV
The Netherlands Industries for Defence & Security (NIDV) is a non-profit membership association. Serving as the voice of the Dutch defence & security industry it assists Dutch companies and research institutes in The Netherlands and around the world. The 200+ members represent well over 90% of the added value in the Netherlands. The NIDV members supply products and services to government agencies and contractors worldwide. Funded by our members we can assist foreign candidates and contractors - free of charge - with their upcoming or pending offset obligations and other industrial participation programs. The NIDV was originated in 1984 by The Ministries of Defence, Economic and Foreign Affairs. NIDV is the portal to the defence and security business in The Netherlands.

Editorial: Financial Times newspaper (October 12, 2010) - Lex: Defence M&A

2010-10-13T12:28:00.003-04:00

With regard to the 'Defence M&A' item in the Lex column (FT October 12, 2010) one wonders if, for the government customer, that the pharmaceutical industry holds elements of a model applicable to defence.

The reliance of the major players on small incubator companies - taking risk and creating drugs needed in the real world - which when sufficiently refined are taken on board by the major pharma companies who have the advantages of production, distribution, customer relationships etc.

The likes of the UK MoD and DoD trying to evolve procurement methods such as 'spiral development', 'urgent operational requirements' etc. begs for a different approach.

Simply calling for break-up of a large clique is politically as likely as breaking up Goldman Sachs - like the atom bomb - consolidation in defence cannot be wound back.

RAF Benevolent Fund Day of Action

2010-09-14T10:05:00.001-04:00

To mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the RAF Benevolent Fund is running an online campaign called the 1940 Chronicle. It’s a storytelling campaign which blogs the experiences of five characters living through the Battle. At the heart of it all is the Chronicle newspaper which breaks real news stories as though they were happening now in real time.

The aim of the campaign is to bring the Battle to life online, to demonstrate the impact of war on serving personnel and to show our appreciation to those who served 70 years ago and those who continue to serve in the RAF today.

This Wednesday is officially Battle of Britain Day and so to mark this important day, we’re holding an online ‘Day of Action’ to encourage as many people as possible to show their gratitude and support by taking one of the following actions:

Visit www.1940Chronicle.com and leave a message of thanks
Write a blog as if you were living through the Battle of Britain in 1940 and tell the Chronicle about it, or just spread the word
Add our official Twibbon to your Facebook or twitter profile
Shout it out! Change your Facebook status or tweet about the Day of Action to show support
Tweet about it using the hashtag #Bob70
Be a hero! Become a 1940's character for the day and change your Facebook profile image to one of our brave heros
http://www.1940chronicle.com/day-of-action/

We would be delighted if you could support our ‘Day of Action’ and help us spread the word so that we can raise awareness of this important anniversary and the debt of gratitude we owe to those who fought for our freedom 70 years ago.

You can also leave a message of thanks to the RAF at www.rafbf.org/thanks

Technorati Tags:
Royal Air Force (RAF)

Boeing to Showcase Broad Range of Unmanned Capabilities at AUVSI Convention

2010-08-20T17:07:00.001-04:00

Boeing to Showcase Broad Range of Unmanned Capabilities at AUVSI Convention
August 20, 2010

DENVER, - The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] will spotlight its wide array of unmanned systems at the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Unmanned Systems North America 2010 conference and exhibition. This year’s event takes place Aug. 24-27 in Denver.

Boeing will feature key unmanned systems at Booth 2600 and in media briefings, including the A160T Hummingbird unmanned aerial system, the Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System, Phantom Eye, Phantom Ray, and the Echo Ranger underwater unmanned vehicle.

"Boeing offers its customers a diverse set of unmanned systems that have almost unlimited potential for both military and commercial purposes," said Vic Sweberg, director of Boeing Unmanned Airborne Systems. "We are committed to continued innovation and expansion in this growing field."

Boeing subsidiary Insitu also will be exhibiting at the show at Booth 1400 and static display Booth 1038, highlighting the ScanEagle and other unmanned products and services.

Note: All briefing times are local to Denver (Mountain time).

TUESDAY, Aug. 24
Colorado Convention Center, Room 204

1030-1130: Unmanned Airborne Systems Overview
Vic Sweberg, director, Boeing Unmanned Airborne Systems, provides a status report on the division’s key programs.

1330-1430: A160T Hummingbird Program Update/Overview
Ernie Wattam, Boeing A160 program manager, discusses the A160T Hummingbird’s test program and recent milestones.

# # #
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:N Main St,Southampton,United States

South Africa Purchases Raytheon Paveway™ Laser-Guided Bombs

2010-07-25T21:49:00.013-04:00

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."

Technorati Tags:
Contract win, Farnborough 2010, Missiles, Raytheon (NYSE:RTN), South Africa

Raytheon and Elcome Marine Complete Phalanx Maintenance for Indian Navy

2010-07-25T21:49:00.011-04:00

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.

Technorati Tags:
Farnborough 2010, India, Naval Systems, Raytheon (NYSE:RTN)

Raytheon Achieves First Milestone for Patriot United Arab Emirates Program

2010-07-25T21:49:00.009-04:00

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.

Technorati Tags:
Farnborough 2010, Patriot, Raytheon (NYSE:RTN), UAE (United Arab Emirates)

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

2010-07-25T21:49:00.007-04:00

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.

Technorati Tags:
Financial Results, General Dynamics (NYSE:GD)

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

2010-07-25T21:49:00.005-04:00

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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Defense Budget, HASC (House Armed Services Committee)

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

2010-07-25T21:49:00.003-04:00

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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Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC), USCG (US Coast Guard)

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

2010-07-25T21:49:00.001-04:00

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

###

Technorati Tags:
HASC (House Armed Services Committee), Schedule

Thales chinook 'top deck' demo

2010-07-22T17:20:00.002-04:00

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

2010-07-22T17:20:00.000-04:00

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...

Technorati Tags:
Editorial, UK Ministry of Defence, SDSR Review

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

2010-07-22T17:19:00.000-04:00

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

Technorati Tags:
Editorial, Farnborough 2010

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

2010-07-22T16:58:00.017-04:00

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.

Technorati Tags:
Department of Defense (DoD), Schedule

DOD Awards $227 Million in Research Funding

2010-07-22T16:58:00.015-04:00

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.

Technorati Tags:
Department of Defense (DoD)

DOD CONTRACTS for July 19, 2010

2010-07-22T16:58:00.013-04:00

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.

Technorati Tags:
Contract win, Department of Defense (DoD)

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

2010-07-22T16:58:00.011-04:00

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.

Technorati Tags:
F-35 Lightning II, Farnborough 2010, Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT)

C-130 Future Bright Despite Cloudy AMP

2010-07-22T16:58:00.009-04:00

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.

Technorati Tags:
C-130 Hercules

Boeing CST-100 Spacecraft to Provide Commercial Crew Transportation Services

2010-07-22T16:58:00.007-04:00

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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Technorati Tags:
Boeing (NYSE:BA), Farnborough 2010, Space systems

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

2010-07-22T16:58:00.005-04:00

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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Technorati Tags:
Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC), UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles)

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

2010-07-22T16:58:00.003-04:00

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."

Technorati Tags:
Missiles, Raytheon (NYSE:RTN)

Boeing Delivers Final C-130 Avionics Modernization Program Test Aircraft

2010-07-22T16:58:00.001-04:00

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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Technorati Tags:
Boeing (NYSE:BA), C-130 Hercules

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

2010-07-22T16:57:00.015-04:00

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."

Technorati Tags:
Naval Systems, Raytheon (NYSE:RTN)

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

2010-07-22T16:57:00.013-04:00

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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Technorati Tags:
BMD (Ballistic Missile Defence), Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC), Raytheon (NYSE:RTN)

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

2010-07-22T16:57:00.011-04:00

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.

Technorati Tags:
Contract win, Farnborough 2010, Raytheon (NYSE:RTN)

Raytheon Unveils New Modernized Patriot System Interface

2010-07-22T16:57:00.009-04:00

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.

Technorati Tags:
Farnborough 2010, Patriot, Raytheon (NYSE:RTN)

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

2010-07-22T16:57:00.007-04:00

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."

Technorati Tags:
Contract win, Raytheon (NYSE:RTN), V-22 Osprey

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

2010-07-22T16:57:00.005-04:00

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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Technorati Tags:
Boeing (NYSE:BA), UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles)

Boeing Flight Demonstrates Narrowband Communications Relay on ScanEagle

2010-07-22T16:57:00.003-04:00

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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Technorati Tags:
Boeing (NYSE:BA), UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles)

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

2010-07-22T16:57:00.001-04:00

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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Technorati Tags:
Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC)

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

2010-07-21T01:47:00.000-04:00

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 (NYSE:BA), E-3 Sentry (AWACS), Military Exercises

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

2010-07-21T01:45:00.000-04:00

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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Australia, Boeing (NYSE:BA), C4ISTAR

Raytheon's ASTOR Saving Lives in the Counterinsurgency Battle

2010-07-21T01:44:00.000-04:00

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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C4ISTAR, Raytheon (NYSE:RTN), UK Ministry of Defence, ASTOR

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

2010-07-21T01:41:00.000-04:00

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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Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC), USN (US Navy)

Boeing Celebrates Production of 100th CH-47F Chinook

2010-07-21T01:39:00.001-04:00

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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Boeing (NYSE:BA), CH-47 Chinook

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

2010-07-21T01:39:00.000-04:00

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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Communications, Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT)

U.S. Army Brigade Combat Team Exercise Demonstrates Value of On-the-Move Networking

2010-07-21T01:37:00.000-04:00

U.S. Army Brigade Combat Team Exercise Demonstrates Value of On-the-Move Networking
July 21, 2010

Joint Tactical Radio System technologies and the Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) seamlessly connect individual soldiers, ground sensors, aerial relays and vehicles to the company, battalion, brigade and higher echelons while on the move

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M., -During a recent U.S. Army Brigade Combat Team Integration exercise, General Dynamics C4 Systems-led programs successfully demonstrated critical networking and communications capabilities that connected command posts, on-the-move forces and dismounted soldiers. General Dynamics C4 Systems is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).

During the exercise, widely dispersed Army units exchanged command-and-control messages, location information, voice, electronic chat and imagery while on the move. Using the Joint Tactical Radio System'sSoldier Radio Waveform and involving sensors, aerial platforms, vehicles and command posts, the seamless, ad-hoc networking extended connectivity to dismounted soldiers for the first time.

The four-day exercise featured seven realistic mission scenarios that demonstrated how the Army's Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) and Joint Tactical Radio Systems (JTRS) can work with key battle command applications to increase force effectiveness across a variety of missions and terrain.

Chris Marzilli, president of General Dynamics C4 Systems, said, "This exercise was a great opportunity to show the value of tight integration across command, control, communications and computing domains. WIN-T, JTRS HMS, Land Warrior, Command Post of the Future (CPOF) and the Tactical Ground Reporting System (TIGR) integrate very effectively and demonstrate the importance of the network to bringing critical mission data to the warfighter."

The exercise, staged at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, was designed to show the increased effectiveness of brigades equipped with high-throughput wireless networking to the tactical edge. Range was extended through Manpack radios and through the integration of an aerial tier using other JTRS HMS radios, demonstrating the usability and functionality of key equipment in rugged desert and mountain environments. The network reach was also complemented by the upper tier, over-the-horizon capability of WIN-T.

General Dynamics C4 Systems-led programs enabling the Brigade Combat Team Integration exercise include:

- Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) demonstrating the ability to extend the network by connecting an aerial layer to enhance warfighter situational awareness on the ground.

- Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Handheld, Manpack, Small Form Fit (HMS) Rifleman Radios (AN/PRC-154) connecting squad leaders with their teams using Land Warrior Systems; as well as JTRS HMS Manpack radios (AN/PRC-155) integrated into command posts, vehicular Network Integration Kits (NIKs) and Manpackable Network Integration Kits (MNIKs) across geographically dispersed platoons.

- HMS Small Form Fit (SFF) radios were also integrated into Unattended Ground Sensors (UGS), the Shadow Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Persistent Ground Surveillance Systems (PGSS) Aerostat, as well as the UH-60 and Apache helicopters to instantly extend the reach of the network.

- Command Post of the Future (CPOF) and Tactical Ground Reporting (TIGR) to equip command posts with command and control capabilities traditionally reserved for higher echelons.

Technorati Tags:
General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), Information Technology

Northrop Grumman Delivers AN/AAQ-37 Distributed Aperture System Operational Software for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter

2010-07-21T01:34:00.000-04:00

Northrop Grumman Delivers AN/AAQ-37 Distributed Aperture System Operational Software for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter
July 21, 2010

BALTIMORE - Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has announced the delivery of the operational software package for the AN/AAQ-37 Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System (EO-DAS) to Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) for integration into the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.

"EO-DAS is the first capability of its kind, providing pilots with unprecedented full, 360-degree, situational awareness around an aircraft," said Mark Rossi, Northrop Grumman program development director for the Joint Strike Fighter radar and Electro Optical Distributed Aperture System. "This software delivery represents the final, full-performance, operational flight program-approved version, following an in-depth, eight-year product development and test phase. This delivery marks the critical first step in a series of milestones that will provide the warfighter with the most game-changing technologies available in the avionics industry."

Since 2005, Northrop Grumman has flown the DAS on its BAC 1-11 test bed aircraft verifying performance requirements. DAS is currently undergoing integration and testing at Lockheed Martin's Mission Systems Integration Laboratory in Fort Worth. Following system integration, EO-DAS will fly on Lockheed Martin's Cooperative Avionics Test Bed (CATB) and eventually on an actual F-35 in accordance with Lockheed Martin's scheduled flight plan.

The AN/AAQ-37 DAS is a high resolution omnidirectional infrared sensor system that provides advanced spherical situational awareness capability, including missile and aircraft detection, track and warning capabilities for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. DAS also gives a pilot 360-degree spherical day/night vision capability, with the capability of seeing through the floor of the aircraft. Northrop Grumman is now exploring how the existing DAS technology could assist in several additional mission areas, including ballistic missile defense and irregular warfare operations.

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Technorati Tags:
F-35 Lightning II, JSF (Joint Strike Fighter) Program, Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC)

Flag Officer Assignments

2010-07-21T01:32:00.000-04:00

Flag Officer Assignments
July 21, 2010

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead announced today the following assignments:

Capt. Kelvin N. Dixon, who has been selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as director, International Transition and Advisory Mission - Navy, Umm Qasr, Iraq. Dixon is currently serving as deputy reserve commander, Navy Region Northwest, Silverdale, Wash.

Capt. Jeffrey A. Harley, who has been selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy director, plans and policy, J5B, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. Harley is currently serving as director, White House Situation Room, Washington, D.C.

Capt. Scott P. Moore, who has been selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy director for special operations, J-37, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C. Moore is currently serving as director, combating terrorism, National Security Council, Washington, D.C.

Rear Adm. Garland P. Wright will be assigned as deputy director, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Washington, D.C. Wright is currently serving as deputy chief of Navy Reserve, N095, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.

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Appointments, USN (US Navy)

USMC General Officer Announcement

2010-07-21T01:31:00.000-04:00

General Officer Announcement
July 21, 2010

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has nominated Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis to serve as commander, U.S. Central Command and for reappointment to the rank of general. Gen. Mattis is currently serving as commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command, Norfolk, Va.

Technorati Tags:
Appointments, USMC (US Marine Corps), USMC United States Marine Corps

National Guard (In Federal Status) and Reserve Activated as of July 20, 2010

2010-07-21T01:29:00.000-04:00

National Guard (In Federal Status) and Reserve Activated as of July 20, 2010
July 21, 2010

This week the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard announced a decrease in activated reservists, while the Navy announced an increase. The net collective result is 1,782 fewer reservists activated than last week.

At any given time, services may activate some units and individuals while deactivating others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease. The total number currently on active duty from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 88,668; Navy Reserve, 6,391; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 16,181; Marine Corps Reserve, 4,853; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 784. This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been activated to 116,877, including both units and individual augmentees.

A cumulative roster of all National Guard and Reserve personnel who are currently activated may be found on line.

Technorati Tags:
National Guard, Reserve Forces

DOD CONTRACTS for July 21, 2010

2010-07-21T01:28:00.000-04:00

DOD CONTRACTS for July 21, 2010
July 21, 2010

MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY
Acquisition Services Corp., Huntsville, Alabama (HQ0147-10-D-0035); BCF Solutions, Chantilly, Va. (HQ0147-10-D-0036); and Quantech Services, Inc., Lexington, Mass. (HQ0147-10-D-0037) are each being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide advisory and assistance services to the Acquisition Functional Capability Group, which is comprised of five independent directorates: acquisition management; international affairs; business and financial management; legislative affairs; and readiness management. The contractors will assist these directorates by providing the agency with acquisition support services for the Ballistic Missile Defense System. These contracts are being competitively awarded under the small business set-aside request for proposal HQ0147-09-R-0001. Each contract has a not-to-exceed ordering ceiling of $601,800,000. The companies will have the opportunity to bid on each individual task order. Work under these contracts will be performed in Huntsville, Ala.; Dahlgren, Va.; and other Missile Defense Agency locations. The performance period is through July 2015. Obligations will be made by task orders using Research, Development, Test and Evaluation funds. This procurement is managed by the Missile Defense Agency Engineering and Support Services Program Office. The Missile Defense Agency is the contracting activity.

AIR FORCE
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Boeing Co., Long Beach, Calif., was awarded a $37,044,801 contract modification to incorporate an increase in funding and ceiling for Air Force fiscal 2008 material improvement projects of the C-17 Globemaster III sustainment partnership contract. At this time, the total amount has been obligated. MSW/ASC/WLMK, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004, P000371).

Sonalysts, Inc., Waterford, Conn., was awarded a $5,781,914 contract which will develop and deliver a training system for the Rapid Attack Identification Detection and Reporting System Block-10 initial operations capability system. At this time, $2,604,000 has been obligated. SMC/SYSW/PK, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8819-10-C-0001).

NAVY

CTA, Inc., Ridgecrest, Calif., is being awarded a $34,362,979 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the procurement of 2,350 carriage systems and pod assemblies, including associated engineering, technical and repair support services for the carriage systems. The carriage systems produced are used to carry the AN/ULQ-21(V) countermeasures set modules, AN/UPT-2 emitter modules and other countermeasure and emitter modules. These systems are used to evaluate U.S. weapons systems and train fleet operators. These systems are also mounted in and on unmanned aerial targets for live fire developmental test and operational test of weapon systems. Work will be performed in Ridgecrest, Calif., and is expected to be completed in July 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via electronic request for proposal, with five offers received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity (N68936-10-D-0041).

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., McLean, Va., is being awarded a $20,738,905 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for training, education, engineering, technical and management support services for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will be performed in the U.S. (35 percent) and overseas (65 percent). Work is expected to be completed by July 2011. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively awarded. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Contracting Department, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N00189-10-C-Z073).

Croman Corp., White City, Ore., is being awarded a $12,257,224 firm-fixed-price, cost-reimbursement modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-06-D-0027) to provide airlift and recovery functions in support of all Hawaiian military ranges. In addition, this contract provides for utility/transport missions to carry passengers/cargo and range clearing operation in the Hawaiian operating area. Work will be performed in Barking Sands, Kauai, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed in August 2011. 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.

Agri Chemical & Supply, Inc.*, Oceanside, Calif., is being awarded a maximum amount $10,000,000 firm-fixed-price, performance based, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for natural resources services for exotic pest plant species eradication at various locations in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest area of responsibility (AOR). The work to be performed provides for natural resources services to include, but not limited to, surveying, mapping, and eradicating exotic pest plants via both chemical and mechanical means; and provides planning, research and analysis to predict and manage land use changes and effects. Task order #0001 is being issued concurrently with the contract award at $50,060 to perform invasive species control at the Fallbrook detachment, Fallbrook, Calif. Work for this task order is expected to be completed by December 2011. All work on this contract will be performed at various locations in the NAVFAC Southwest AOR, including, but not limited to, California (90 percent), Arizona (5 percent) and Nevada (5 percent). The term of the contract is not-to-exceed 60 months, with an expected completion date of July 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with one proposal received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-10-D-0802).

Booz Allen Hamilton, McLean, Va., is being awarded an $8,220,354 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Enterprise Training Management Delivery System (ETMDS). ETMDS is a modernization initiative for the existing learning management system distance learning program. ETMDS will modernize existing shore-side Navy eLearning capabilities, and will provide additional capabilities in the area of "Total Force" workforce management and development. Work will be performed in McLean, Va., and is expected to be completed by July 20, 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Commerce Business Daily's Federal Business Opportunities website, and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems e-Commerce Central website, with seven offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00039-10-D-0045).

Raytheon Co., Fullerton, Calif., is being awarded a $6,771,682 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N00019-08-C-0034) for the incorporation of functions and interfaces required to perform routine setup and recurring certification of the Joint Precision Approach and Landing System ship system. Work will be performed in Fullerton, Calif. (98 percent), and Cedar Rapids, Iowa (2 percent), and is expected to be completed in July 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $1,477,239 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Carleton Life Support Systems, Inc., Davenport, Iowa, is being awarded a maximum $18,478,801 firm-fixed-price, sole-source, indefinite-delivery contract for oxygen regulator equipment kits. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Navy. The original proposal was solicited via the Defense Logistics Agency Internet Bid Board System website with one response. The date of performance completion is July 19, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va., is the contracting activity (SPM4A7-10-D-0282).

Bremen Bowdon*, Bowdon, Ga., is being awarded a maximum $12,303,000 firm-fixed-price contract for men's dress coats. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. The original proposal was solicited via the Defense Logistics Agency Internet Bid Board System website with five responses. The date of performance completion is August 27, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM1C1-10-D-1090).

Campbellsville Apparel Co., LLC*, Campbellsville, Ky., is being awarded a maximum $11,317,977 firm-fixed-price, total set-aside contract for men's briefs. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with five responses. This contract is exercising the fourth option year. The date of performance completion is July 24, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa, is the contracting activity (SP0100-06-D-0378).

Honeywell International, Inc., Tempe, Ariz. is being awarded a maximum $8,731,800 firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract for variable generators. Other location of performance is Tucson, Ariz. Using services are Air Force and Marine Corps. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is April 2012. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPRPA1-09-G-002X-5289).

*Small business

Technorati Tags:
Contract win, Department of Defense (DoD)

Today in the Department of Defense, Thursday, July 22, 2010

2010-07-21T01:25:00.000-04:00

Today in the Department of Defense, Thursday, July 22, 2010
July 21, 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.

Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Clinical and Program Policy Jack Smith testifies at a hearing of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs on healing physical injuries of war at 10 a.m. EDT in room 334, Cannon House Office Building.

Deputy Chief Management Officer Elizabeth McGrath; Under Secretary of the Army Joseph Westphal; Under Secretary of the Navy Robert O. Work and Under Secretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton testify at a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee on managing the Department of Defense in a time of tight budgets at 10 a.m. EDT in room 2118, Rayburn House Office Building.

A National Capital Region Flyover of Arlington National Cemetery occurs at 11:05 a.m. EDT with four T-38's.

Technorati Tags:
Schedule

Boeing F-15 Silent Eagle Demonstrator Completes 1st Weapon Launch

2010-07-20T02:08:00.000-04:00

Boeing F-15 Silent Eagle Demonstrator Completes 1st Weapon Launch
July 20, 2010

ST. LOUIS, - The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] successfully launched a missile from the F-15 Silent Eagle's newly designed Conformal Weapons Bay (CWB) on July 14. Demonstration aircraft F-15E1 departed from Point Mugu Naval Air Weapon Station, Calif., at 5:59 p.m Pacific time, launched an inert AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missile (AMRAAM) from its left-side CWB, and returned to base at 6:52 p.m.

The test demonstrated the CWB's flightworthiness and ability to deploy an AMRAAM in flight with no adverse effect on the performance of the aircraft or the CWB itself.

"I've been flying F-15s for more than 20 years, but this flight was different from all others," said Boeing F-15 Chief Test Pilot Dan Draeger. "This first launch of an AMRAAM from the F-15's internal weapons bay opens a new era for the F-15 and for strike fighter capability in the dominance of the F-15 Eagle.

"The F-15, CWB and missile performed exactly as we predicted," Draeger continued. "The Silent Eagle continues the F-15's role as the most versatile strike fighter aircraft ever built."

F-15E1 made its first flight with a CWB from Lambert St. Louis International Airport on July 8. The CWB, which carried an AIM-120 Instrumented Test Vehicle (ITV), was successfully opened and closed during that 80-minute flight, validating Boeing's design approach.

"The F-15SE's internal carriage CWBs will significantly increase tactical options for international customers while retaining all the cost-certain, battle-proven capability of the Strike Eagle," said Roger Besancenez, F-15 Program vice president for Boeing.

The Silent Eagle is an innovative design solution developed in response to international customer requirements for a cost-effective, high-performance fighter aircraft to defend against future threats. Using a modular design approach, the F-15SE offers unique aerodynamic, avionic and Radar Cross Section (RCS)-reduction features that provide the user with maximum flexibility to dominate the ever-changing advanced threat environment. RCS reductions include treatments to the aircraft (based on U.S. government policy). The F-15SE CWBs can carry a variety of air-to-air missiles, such as the AIM-9 and AIM-120, and air-to-ground weapons such as the Joint Direct Attack Munition and Small Diameter Bomb. The Silent Eagle's CWBs can be easily removed, and the aircraft can be rapidly reconfigured into the combat-proven external carriage/conformal fuel tank loadout based on mission requirements.

# # #

Technorati Tags:
Boeing (NYSE:BA), F-15 Eagle

Raytheon Expands International Electronic Warfare Business with Egyptian Air Force Contract Win

2010-07-20T02:07:00.000-04:00

Raytheon Expands International Electronic Warfare Business with Egyptian Air Force Contract Win
July 20, 2010

FARNBOROUGH, England, - Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) newest integrated electronic warfare suite "ACES" has been selected by the Egyptian Air Force to provide self-protection capabilities for its F-16 aircraft. The EAF recently agreed to purchase 20 Block 52 F-16 aircraft from prime contractor Lockheed Martin.

Raytheon has been successful in expanding its international business in recent years. Important wins in this market include the selection of ACES for the Moroccan Air Force's F-16s and Lockheed Martin's reliance on another of Raytheon's integrated electronic warfare suites for its F-16 bid in the current India fighter competition.

Under Egypt's Peace Vector VII program, Raytheon will provide Lockheed Martin with electronic warfare systems for the F-16 contract as well as related spares and maintenance support.

ACES is Raytheon's latest advanced countermeasures electronic system, comprising a radar warning receiver, jammer and chaff-flare dispenser. This highly effective system is Raytheon's latest offering for F-16 and other customers.

"The need for advanced, extremely accurate electronic warfare technology continues to be a critical element for every warfighter operating in a combat environment today. Our ACES self-protection system will identify potential threats, pinpoint their locations and jam them," said Scott Jackson, general manager for Raytheon's Electronic Warfare Systems business. "ACES delivers the latest capabilities in enhanced situational awareness and supports improved survivability to aircrews as they operate in ever more challenging environments."

Raytheon's electronic warfare systems -- including towed decoy systems, radar warning receivers and integrated suites -- are currently deployed on U.S. and international aircraft worldwide.

Technorati Tags:
Contract win, Egypt, F-16 Falcon, Raytheon (NYSE:RTN)

U.S. Navy Marks 50th Anniversary of First Submerged Launch of Fleet Ballistic Missile Built by Lockheed Martin

2010-07-20T02:03:00.000-04:00

U.S. Navy Marks 50th Anniversary of First Submerged Launch of Fleet Ballistic Missile Built by Lockheed Martin
July 20, 2010

Polaris A1 Missile Underwater Test Launch Proved U.S. Navy Strategic Defense Capabilities

SUNNYVALE, Calif., - Today marks the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Programs' first underwater launch of a Fleet Ballistic Missile, which was designed and built by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT). The Polaris A1 missile successfully launched from the submerged USS George Washington (SSBN-598), the first ballistic missile submarine, July 20, 1960, off the coast of Cape Canaveral, Fla. This successful Navy test proved the capability of launching missiles from the natural protection of the deep sea, securing a strategic advantage to the nation.

In 1956, as part of a Navy-industry research and development effort, the first Fleet Ballistic Missile, Polaris A1, became a critical component of the U.S.'s strategic triad of defenses. A mere four years later, a 28,800-pound, two-stage ballistic missile with a range of 1,200 nautical miles, powered by solid fuel rocket motors and guided by an inertial guidance system, broke the surface of the water like never before.

"Launching the A1 missile was a significant accomplishment for the Navy and the nation," said Melanie A. Sloane, vice president of Fleet Ballistic Missile programs, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company. "A submerged launch has several added technical challenges and considerations, such as launch tube environment, underwater current flow impacts and pressure differentials at various depths. Overcoming these challenges in concert with our Strategic Systems Programs partner, and evolving the capability over the past 50 years to today's Trident II D5 missile, is a national security mission we are proud to support."

Today's Trident II D5, a three-stage, solid-propellant, inertial-guided ballistic missile, travels a nominal distance of 4,000 nautical miles and carries multiple independently targeted reentry vehicles. The Navy has achieved 134 consecutive successful submerged test launches of the D5 missile since 1989 -- a record unmatched by any other large ballistic missile or space launch vehicle. The Trident missile is currently aboard OHIO-class submarines and British VANGUARD-class submarines patrolling international waters.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., has designed and produced six generations of Fleet Ballistic Missiles as the Navy's strategic missile prime contractor since program inception, including: Polaris A1, Polaris A2, Polaris A3, Poseidon C3, Trident I C4 and Trident II D5. Lockheed Martin Space Systems employees, principally in California, Georgia, Florida, Washington, Utah and Virginia, support the design, development, production, test, and operation and sustainment of the Trident Strategic Weapon System.

Technorati Tags:
Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT), Nuclear Deterrent

Major Program Milestone Demonstrates Success for Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules Program

2010-07-20T02:02:00.000-04:00

Major Program Milestone Demonstrates Success for Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules Program
July 20, 2010

FARNBOROUGH, England, - Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) recently completed assembly of its 200th C-130J Super Hercules. The aircraft is the second HC130J for the U.S. Air Force's Air Combat Command and is a clear demonstration of the success and continued growth of the C-130J program, which produces the world's most advanced airlifter. During media briefings at this year's Farnborough International Airshow, Lockheed Martin representatives discussed this and the many other reasons why the C-130J is the airlifter of choice around the world.

"The C-130J Super Hercules has become an integral part of the very fabric of global airlift operations," said Ross Reynolds, Lockheed Martin vice president for C130 programs. "The C-130J proves itself on a daily basis while engaged in combat, peacekeeping, humanitarian and disaster relief operations. There is no greater proof of an aircraft's value than when it does the job it is designed to do exceptionally well. The C-130's excellent range and payload under high/hot conditions made the aircraft an early favorite among ground forces. The C-130J is not a distant promise or an idea - it is a battle-proven, reliable, affordable airlifter that can meet the growing need for air mobility today."

Reynolds also referenced the 200th C-130J during the briefing, noting this new HC-130J variant indicates there is still a need for the highly efficient, flexible mission-focused aircraft. "The C-130J is still seeing new horizons in terms of design and we have more on the drawing board," he said.

The ongoing success of the C-130J program continues to be demonstrated in other ways. This September marks the 50th anniversary celebration of Canada receiving its first C130. When the time came to replace the existing Canadian C-130 fleet, the C-130J's proven capabilities far exceeded the new airlift concepts offered. Canada received its first CC-130J in June 2010 and will have a total fleet of 17 CC-130Js.

Technorati Tags:
C-130 Hercules, Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT)

Lockheed Martin F-16 is Ready for the Future as the World's Most Advanced 4th Generation Fighter

2010-07-20T02:01:00.000-04:00

Lockheed Martin F-16 is Ready for the Future as the World's Most Advanced 4th Generation Fighter
July 20, 2010

FARNBOROUGH, England, - The versions of the F-16 being delivered to customers now are the most advanced 4th Generation multi-role fighter aircraft currently available on the international market and are building on the F-16's reputation for effectiveness and value, the Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) director of business development for the program said today.

"The F-16 continues as a modern, highly capable, affordable and supportable fighter. The program is healthy and active, with firm production through 2013 and a strong likelihood of new orders that will extend the line for several more years," said Bill McHenry, director of business development for F-16 programs, in remarks to reporters at the Farnborough International Airshow. McHenry also added that there is a firm backlog of 86 F-16 aircraft, including a recent order from Egypt for 20 new, Advanced Block 50/52 aircraft, the sixth follow-on buy for this country.

More than 4,450 F-16s have been delivered worldwide since the program's inception more than 30 years ago - including 53 follow-on buys by 14 countries.

In addition to the F-16 production programs, Lockheed Martin continues to develop the F-16 for the future by integrating advanced technologies through upgrade programs for existing F-16s to ensure interoperability with the world's only 5th Generation fighters, the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.

"This integration of advanced technologies for fielded and new aircraft provides an opportunity for F-16 operators to benefit from the latest developments in technology and capabilities for fighter aircraft," McHenry said. "This synergy will parallel technology and provide a natural bridge from the 4th Generation of fighters to the 5th Generation."

Aircraft now being produced for Turkey, Pakistan, Morocco and Egypt are the Advanced Block 50/52 F-16C/D configuration. The United Arab Emirates was the launch customer for the Block 60 F-16 E/F version, and is the platform basis for the proposed variant called the F-16IN Super Viper for the Indian Air Force's Medium Multi-role Combat Aircraft competition.

McHenry said the F-16 offers the latest technologies and capabilities available today - including AESA radar, day-night, all-weather, standoff, autonomous, air intercept and precision strike. These aircraft have the latest in avionics, sensors and weapons, plus user-friendly cockpits and systems integration that provide pilots with high situational awareness.

Technorati Tags:
F-16 Falcon, Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT)

Lockheed Martin Second Quarter 2010 Earnings Results Conference Call Webcast

2010-07-20T01:59:00.000-04:00

Lockheed Martin Second Quarter 2010 Earnings Results Conference Call Webcast
July 20, 2010

BETHESDA, Md., - Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) will webcast live its Second Quarter 2010 Earnings Conference Call on Tues., July 27, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. ET. Bob Stevens, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Tanner, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Jerry Kircher, Vice President, Investor Relations, will discuss Second Quarter 2010 financial results, provide updates on key topics, and answer your questions. Second Quarter 2010 results will be published prior to the market opening on Tues., July 27, 2010.

The live audio webcast, along with a Podcast version and relevant financial charts, will be available for download and can be viewed on the Lockheed Martin Investor Relations website. An on-demand replay of the conference call will also be available at this website through Tues., Aug. 10, 2010.

Technorati Tags:
Financial Results, Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT)

USAF General Officer Assignments

2010-07-20T01:58:00.000-04:00

USAF General Officer Assignments
July 20, 2010

The chief of staff, Air Force announced today the following assignments:

Maj. Gen. Michael A. Snodgrass, chief of staff, Headquarters U.S. Africa Command, Stuttgart, Germany, to assistant deputy under secretary of the Air Force, international affairs, Office of the Under Secretary of the Air Force, Washington, D.C.

Maj. Gen. Robert H. McMahon, director, logistics, deputy chief of staff, logistics, installations and mission support, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C., to commander, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, Robins Air Force Base, Ga.

Maj. Gen. Judith A. Fedder, director, logistics, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base, Va., to director, logistics, deputy chief of staff, logistics, installations and mission support, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Brig. Gen. Mark A. Atkinson, director, logistics, installations and mission support, Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, to director, logistics, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base, Va.

Brig. Gen. John B. Cooper, commander, 309 Maintenance Wing, Ogden Air Logistics Center, Air Force Materiel Command, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, to director, logistics, installations and mission support, Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

Technorati Tags:
Appointments, USAF (US Air Force)

USAF General Officer Announcement

2010-07-20T01:57:00.000-04:00

USAF General Officer Announcement
July 20, 2010

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has made the following nomination:

Air Force Brig. Gen. Alfred J. Stewart has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general. Stewart is currently serving as the commander, Air Force Recruiting Service, Headquarters Air Education and Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.

Technorati Tags:
Appointments, USAF (US Air Force)

US Navy Flag Officer Announcement

2010-07-20T01:56:00.000-04:00

US Navy Flag Officer Announcement
July 20, 2010

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has nominated Navy Vice Adm. John M. Bird for reappointment to the rank of vice admiral and assignment as director, Navy Staff, N09B, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Bird is currently serving as commander, Seventh fleet, Yokosuka, Japan.

Technorati Tags:
Appointments, USN (US Navy)

USMC General Officer Announcement

2010-07-20T01:55:00.000-04:00

USMC General Officer Announcement
July 20, 2010

The Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has nominated Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos to serve as the 35th commandant of the Marine Corps and for reappointment to the rank of general. Amos is currently serving as the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps in Washington, D.C.

Technorati Tags:
Appointments, USMC (US Marine Corps), USMC United States Marine Corps

Northrop Grumman Awarded Tech Maturation Contract for Next Generation Jammer

2010-07-20T01:53:00.000-04:00

Northrop Grumman Awarded Tech Maturation Contract for Next Generation Jammer
July 20, 2010

BETHPAGE, N.Y. – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been awarded a $41.9 million cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to mature technologies it has proposed for the U.S. Navy's Next Generation Jammer airborne electronic attack system development. This is for the Technology Maturation phase of the program. Work on this 21-month effort begins immediately.

The Navy is developing the Next Generation Jammer to field a system that can electronically attack the advanced electronics being developed by other nations' militaries and the commercially available electronics that terrorists regularly use to communicate, coordinate operations and adapt as weapons. The jammer must be capable of countering anticipated and unanticipated electronic threats.

"I'm very proud of the technical work we did on our proposal. We're excited to have won this award and to get started bringing our technologies to life for our customer," said Steve Hogan, vice president, Information Operations and Electronic Attack.

"Developing airborne electronic attack systems is a unique business," Hogan said. "Successful full-system development depends on having broad electronic battlefield combat knowledge and fresh, new ideas. Northrop Grumman has delivered integrated airborne electronic systems successfully for over 40 years and we continue to be a leader in this critical technology."

The Next Generation Jammer is to replace the ALQ-99 jammer that is now on the Navy and Marine EA-6B Prowlers and Navy EA-18G Growlers. The ALQ-99 is a 1970s technology subsystem. While still effective, it is becoming increasingly hard to maintain and inadaptable to countering new threats and so limits the capabilities of the Navy's advanced new Improved Capability III receiver now on Prowlers and Growlers.

Many companies are involved in various aspects of electronic warfare and even build some specific components. "While Northrop Grumman's Next Generation Jammer concept contains our own patented technology, it is our unique experience that allows us to best understand the complexity required to integrate these technologies into an aircraft weapon system, and minimize cost and risk in the process," said Hogan.

During the course of the contract, Northrop Grumman will continue to refine and mature these technologies in anticipation of the Technology Development phase of the Navy's program, which is expected to start in 2011.

# # #

Technorati Tags:
EW (Electronic Warfare), Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC)

DOD CONTRACTS for July 20, 2010

2010-07-20T01:51:00.000-04:00

DOD CONTRACTS for July 20, 2010

ARMY
Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control, Dallas, Texas, was awarded on July 12 a $469,922,290 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. The guided multiple rocket systems (GMLRS) unitary, Full Rate Production V procurement is to acquire 4,770 unitary and 530 reduced range rocket pods (RRPR). This procurement covers requirements and service for the U.S., foreign partners, and Foreign Military Sales customers. The U.S. Army is to acquire 532 unitary pods, 3 stockpile reliability program pods and 18 unitary production validation test rockets. The U.S. Marine Corps is to acquire 98 unitary pods. Foreign partners are to aquire the following: Germany, 20 unitary pods; United Kingdom, 72 unitary pods; France, 43 unitary pods. Foreign Military Sales customer Jordan is to acquire 24 unitary pods. The procurement of RRPR is as follows: U.S. Army, 344 pods; U.S. Marine Corps, 120 pods; United Arab Emirates (UAE), 30 pods; and Jordan, 36 pods. Downloads/demate rocket pods are as follows: U.S. Army unitary, 538 pods; U.S. Army RRPR, 344 pods; U.S. Army 2009 supplemental, 118 pods; U.S. Marine Corps supplemental, 74 pods; U.S. Marine Corps, 98 pods; U.S. Marine Corps RRPR, 120 pods; Germany unitary, 20 pods; United Kingdom unitary, 72 pods; France unitary, 43 pods; Jordan unitary, 24 pods; UAE RRPR, 30 pods; and Jordan RRPR, 36 pods. Other requirements in support of production deliveries include: integrated logistic support; facilitization of France; GMLRS technical publications, Jordan; GMLRS multiple launch rocket system family of munitions spares; and GMLRS obsolescence. Work is to be performed in Dallas, Texas (15 percent), and Camden, Ark. (85 percent), with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2013. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Contracting Command, AMCOM Contracting Center, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-10-C-0270).

AVI Bophirima, Inc., Corvallis, Ore., was awarded on July 14 a $80,396,827 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract. This contract is for the development and licensure of hemorrhagic fever virus therapeutics, Ebola and Marburg. Work is to be performed in Corvallis, Ore. (51.85 percent); Fort Detrick, Md. (2.7 percent); and Fort Devens, Mass. (42.45 percent), with an estimated completion date of May 24, 2016. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with 10 bids received. U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Frederick, Md., is the contracting activity (W9113M-10-C-0056).

Tekmira Pharmaceuticals Corp., British Columbia, Canada, was awarded on July 14 a $34,747,879 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract. This contract is for development and licensure of hemorrhagic fever virus therapeutics. Work is to be performed in Canada (68.72 percent), and Fort Detrick, Md. (31.28 percent), with an estimated completion date of July 19, 2016. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with 10 bids received. U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Frederick, Md., is the contracting activity (W9113M-10-C-0057).

NAVY
J.J. Sosa & Associates, Inc.*, Tampa, Fla. (N69450-10-D-0783); Asset Group, Inc.*, Oklahoma City, Okla. (N69450-10-D-0784); Core Engineering & Construction, Inc.*, Winter Park, Fla. (N69450-10-D-0785); DC General, LLC*, Hattiesburg, Miss. (N69450-10-D-0786); Environmental Management Resources, Inc.*, Lawrence, Kan. (N69450-10-D-0787); and Thrash Commercial Contractors, Inc.*, Brandon, Miss. (N69450-10-D-0788), are each being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award design-build construction contract for projects at military installations along the Gulf Coast of the Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama region within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast's area of responsibility. The work to be performed provides for general building type projects - new construction, renovation, alteration and repair of facilities and infrastructure, roofing, demolition, and routine renovation - including, but not limited to: aviation and aircraft facilities; maintenance facilities; barracks and personnel housing facilities; administrative facilities; warehouses and supply facilities; training facilities; personnel support and service facilities; security level facilities; community support facilities; and abatement and handling of hazardous/regulated materials, including and not limited to asbestos, lead paint, mold remediation, and polychlorinated biphenyls. Projects may also require comprehensive incorporation of sustainable features. The maximum dollar value, including the base period and four option years, for all six contracts combined is $100,000,000. J. J. Sosa & Associates, Inc., is being awarded task order #0001 at $5,726,565 for the design and construction of a battalion maintenance facility and equipment yard at Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Miss. Work for this task order is expected to be completed by January 2012. All work on this contract will be performed primarily in Louisiana (40 percent), Mississippi (30 percent), and Alabama (20 percent). Work may also be performed within a range of 250 miles from Gulfport, Miss. (10 percent). The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months, with an expected completion date of July 2015. Contract funds for task order #0001 will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with 37 proposals received. These six contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.

G.S.E. Dynamics, Inc.*, Hauppauge, N.Y., is being awarded an $8,462,663 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the acquisition of repair/refurbishment, rebuilding, assembling and modification of government-furnished fiberglass composite structures for various Navy ships. The required service repairs will consist of submarine antenna and periscope mast fairings; radomes; antenna closure caps; non-composite submarine antenna mast fairings and periscope fairing structures; hydraulic/hoist cylinders; bearing frames; and closure doors. Work will be performed in Hauppauge, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by July 2015. Contract funds will expire at end of the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities Web site, with one offer received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Ship System Engineering Station, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N65540-10-D-0012).

AIR FORCE
Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co., Sunnyvale, Calif., was awarded a $34,804,061 contract modification which will exercise the fourth option for Space Based Infrared Systems Highly Elliptical Earth Orbit Payload 3 launch and early on-orbit support. At this time, $548,174 has been obligated. ISSW/PKF, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8810-08-C-0002; P00012).

Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, Sudbury, Mass., was awarded a $29,211,458 contract modification for the surveillance radar program, a foreign military sales program managed by the Electronic Systems Center to provide Taiwan with the elements of a missile and air defense capability. At this time, $8,324,987 has been obligated. 850 ELSG/PK, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (FA8722-05-C-0001 P00073).

ITT Corp., Clifton, N.J., was awarded a $7,482,910 contract which will provide AN/ALQ-172 block cycle software support and enhanced maintenance test set engineering services. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. WR-AL/GRWKB, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity.(FA8523-09-G-0001-0002).

*Small business

Technorati Tags:
Contract win, Department of Defense (DoD)

Rewinged P-3 Orion Takes Flight

2010-07-20T01:50:00.000-04:00

Rewinged P-3 Orion Takes Flight
July 20, 2010

GREENVILLE, S.C., - The first P-3 Orion to receive the Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) modifications was flown for the first time on July 19 from the Lockheed Martin facility here. This aircraft, without its familiar radar rotodome, was redelivered to U.S. Customs and Border Protection in ceremonies on July 13. The P-3 MLU program replaces the outer wings, center wing lower surface, horizontal stabilizer and horizontal stabilizer leading edges.

Technorati Tags:
Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT), P-3 Orion

Today in the Department of Defense, Wednesday, July 21, 2010

2010-07-20T01:49:00.000-04:00

Today in the Department of Defense, Wednesday, July 21, 2010
July 20, 2010

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates is traveling.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn hosts an honor cordon to welcome the United Kingdom's Prime Minister David Cameron to the Pentagon today at 9:30 a.m. EDT. The cordon will be held on the steps of the Pentagon River Entrance.

Assistant Director for Accession Policy Robert E. Clark testifies at a hearing of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs on the G.I. Bill at 9:30 a.m. EDT in room 418, Russell Senate Office Building.

Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, U.S. Forces - Iraq commanding general, will brief the media at 10 a.m. EDT, July 21, in the DoD Briefing Room, Pentagon 2E973. Odierno will provide an update on the responsible drawdown of forces and discuss the upcoming change-of-mission for troops serving in Iraq.

Senior Executive Director, Traumatic Brain Injury Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological, Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Katherine M. Helmick testifies at a hearing of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs on innovative treatments for traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder at 10 a.m. EDT in room 334, Cannon House Office Building.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Counternarcotics and Global Threats William F. Wechsler testifies at a hearing of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on illicit drugs interdiction at 10 a.m. EDT in room 2247, Rayburn House Office Building.

British Army Maj. Gen. Nick Carter, commanding general for Regional Command South, will brief the media live from Afghanistan at 11 a.m. EDT, July 21, in the DoD Briefing Room, Pentagon 2E973. Carter will provide an update on current operations.

Technorati Tags:
Department of Defense (DoD), Schedule

Defence Secretary challenges industry to "think differently"

2010-07-20T01:42:00.000-04:00

Defence Secretary challenges industry to "think differently"
July 20, 2010

Defence Secretary Liam Fox said he is committed to ensuring that the UK has appropriate defences for the threats we face, during a speech at the Farnborough International Air Show today, Tuesday 20 July 2010.

Dr Fox said he was committed to two things. Firstly to play his part in improving the country's fiscal position and he said his second commitment is:

"To ensure that in this rapidly changing and dangerous world, and in this tough fiscal climate, the UK has appropriate defences for the threats we face."

He added:

"I am determined to ensure the UK retains robust and well equipped Armed Forces capable of intervening abroad where necessary to protect our security and interests at home.

"That would mean, when the national interest demands, maritime-enabled power projection, the capacity to control air-space to guarantee freedom of manoeuvre and the ability to deploy land power with the logistical strength to sustain it."

However, Dr Fox said:

"The current Defence programme is entirely unaffordable, especially if we try to do what we need to do in the future while simultaneously doing everything we have done in the past."

Dr Fox said these are the unavoidable realities which govern the Strategic Defence and Security Review adding:

"The fiscal realities will unavoidably limit the amount of money the Government has available for Defence procurement in the years ahead.

"So in this austere climate, to ensure this process is not detrimental either to our national security or to the prospects of one of our most profitable and successful industries, the Government is looking to find new ways of encouraging business. So there is a deal here to be struck.

"The British Government will support the UK Defence Industry as a strategic asset; we will support the drive for exports with an active and innovative programme of Defence Diplomacy.

"We will ensure that our licensing system works efficiently while ensuring responsible exports.

"We will develop innovative training and exercise support in conjunction with industry.

"We will ensure that our own requirements for new equipment are designed from their inception with exportability in mind.

"We need to make a conceptual leap and develop new capabilities that help us stay ahead of our opponents."

"We will continue to ensure a dedicated focal point for Government support to exports, and let me pay tribute to the achievements the UKTI Defence and Security Organisation.

"We will reform our acquisition processes and provide our suppliers with increased clarity and predictability including a 10-year planning horizon agreed with the Treasury, audited by the NAO every year.

"And I am pleased to confirm that a new Defence Industrial Strategy will be published after the SDSR has concluded."

Dr Fox said that as part of the Strategic Defence and Security Review work there are three things that must be understood between the government and industry:

"First, without cost containment in the current programmes we have no option but to either cut the programmes currently underway or curtail investment in future programmes.

"Second, we must reduce fleet numbers that provide any one capability because we cannot afford the luxury of multiple supply chains and the associated training and infrastructure costs.

"Third, too often in the past we have simply replaced old platforms with an upgraded version of the same sort of equipment.

"If we continue to spend money on the next generation of what we already have, we will never give ourselves the opportunity to reshape expenditure plans to take into account the need to invest in the technology that is necessary to maintain our advantage in the constant battle for the upper hand in national security.

"So we will all need to think differently – and this is part of my challenge to you today.

"We need to make a conceptual leap and develop new capabilities that help us stay ahead of our opponents – particularly when faced with asymmetrical threats.

"We need to think carefully about what the 21st century battle space requires."

Technorati Tags:
UK Ministry of Defence, SDSR Review

Today in the Department of Defense, Tuesday, July 20, 2010

2010-07-19T02:05:00.000-04:00

Today in the Department of Defense, Tuesday, July 20, 2010
July 19, 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.

Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy James N. Miller and commander, U.S. Strategic Command Air Force Gen. Kevin P. Chilton testify at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee on implementation of the New START at 9:30 a.m. EDT in room SD-106, Dirksen Senate Office Building.

Deputy Chief of Naval Operations Fleet Readiness and Logistics (N4) Navy Vice Adm. William Burke; Director, Joint Training and Joint Warfighting Center U.S. Joint Forces Command Army Maj. Gen. Stephen R. Layfield and Director of Operations, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Requirements Air Force Maj. Gen. Marke F. Gibson testify at a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee on modeling and simulation: enhancing military readiness at 10 a.m. EDT in room 2118, Rayburn House Office Building.

The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence considers the nomination of James R. Clapper to be director of National Intelligence at 2:30 p.m. EDT in room SDG-50, Dirksen Senate Office Building.

Technorati Tags:
Department of Defense (DoD), Schedule

Raytheon Awarded $55 Million Contract to Deliver TOW Missiles to Saudi Arabia

2010-07-18T08:17:00.001-04:00

Raytheon Awarded $55 Million Contract to Deliver TOW Missiles to Saudi Arabia
July 18, 2010

FARNBOROUGH, England, - Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) received a $55 million contract to deliver TOW (Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wireless-Guided) 2A Radio Frequency missiles to the U.S. government as part of a foreign military sale to Saudi Arabia's National Guard.

"TOW RF missiles are tremendous weapons because of their high mobility, rapid response and close-fire support capabilities," said Jim Riley, Raytheon's vice president of Land Combat. "This missile can give soldiers at the lowest tactical echelon immediate, precision firepower."

TOW RF missiles include an RF transmitter added to the missile case and an RF receiver located inside the missile. Since no launcher modifications were required for the transition to wireless, this growth in capability is transparent to TOW customers.

"On today's battlefield, potential targets are hiding in caves, behind boulders or in the mountains," said Shawn Ball, Raytheon's TOW international business development manager. "TOW RF missiles are more than capable of taking out these kinds of targets. The RF link enhances operations in urban environments by providing greater reliability and precision performance."

TOW missiles are the most used precision heavy assault weapons in war today. Available on more than 10,000 airborne and ground platforms, the missiles are used by 40 countries in combat operations around the world.

Technorati Tags:
Contract win, Missiles, Raytheon (NYSE:RTN), Saudi Arabia

Raytheon Awarded Radar Contract for P-8I Maritime Surveillance Aircraft

2010-07-18T08:15:00.001-04:00

Raytheon Awarded Radar Contract for P-8I Maritime Surveillance Aircraft
July 18, 2010

FARNBOROUGH, England, - Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has received a contract from Boeing to develop an international version of the APY-10 surveillance radar.

The long-range, multimission, maritime and overland surveillance radars will be installed on the P-8I aircraft Boeing is building for the Indian Navy. This is the first international contract award for Raytheon's APY-10 program, extending the company's considerable presence in the international maritime surveillance market.

"Our APY-10 radar will provide the Indian navy with proven, low-risk technology built on generations of successful Raytheon radar systems," said Tim Carey, vice president for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Systems. "We're committed to providing reliable systems that keep our customers safe and help them achieve mission success."

The APY-10 radar delivers accurate and actionable information in all weather, day and night, for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare and for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission support.

A member of the industry team that Boeing leads for the U.S. Navy's P-8A program, Raytheon is also under contract with Boeing to provide six APY-10 systems and spares for the P-8A, of which the P-8I is a variant. Four of the six have been delivered, and Raytheon remains on or ahead of the production schedule.

Technorati Tags:
Boeing (NYSE:BA), P-8A Poseidon, Raytheon (NYSE:RTN)

Raytheon Forms Team to Pursue Next Phase of Joint Precision Approach Landing System

2010-07-18T08:14:00.001-04:00

Raytheon Forms Team to Pursue Next Phase of Joint Precision Approach Landing System
July 18, 2010

FARNBOROUGH, England, - Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), the prime lead for Joint Precision Approach Landing System Increment 1, has formed a team to include Rockwell Collins and Honeywell International to compete for JPALS Increment 2.

JPALS is a civil and military precision landing system. It provides accurate, reliable landing guidance for fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft during all weather conditions. JPALS features anti-jam protection to assure mission continuity in a hostile environment.

JPALS is replacing current instrument landing and precision approach radar landing systems.

"The Raytheon-Rockwell-Honeywell team has the expertise needed to implement JPALS Increment 2," said Andy Zogg, Raytheon Network Centric Systems vice president of Command and Control Systems. "I am confident the combined strength of our three companies will best meet the customer's requirements."

Raytheon is a leader in satellite-based augmentation systems for air travel navigation. It has certified SBAS systems in the United States and Japan and is developing a similar system in India. Raytheon's experience in developing complex air traffic management systems uniquely qualifies it to design and deploy JPALS Increment 2.

Rockwell Collins is a world leader in the development and deployment of innovative communications and avionic electronic products and systems for commercial and government applications. The company's expertise brings the data links and GPS subsystem solutions for the JPALS Increment 2 land-based system and the airborne avionics needed to validate the entire end-to-end performance of the system.

Honeywell brings its FAA-certified SmartPath™ Ground Based Augmentation System with civil interoperability capabilities and aircraft navigation system expertise to the Raytheon team. Honeywell's SmartPath Precision Landing System, an existing, off-the-shelf system, provides a low-risk solution for JPALS Increment 2 and is already providing GPS precision landings at 20 airports around the world.

Technorati Tags:
Raytheon (NYSE:RTN)

Raytheon and Serco Team for UK Joint Military Air Traffic Services Program

2010-07-16T20:45:00.001-04:00

Raytheon and Serco Team for UK Joint Military Air Traffic Services Program
July 16, 2010

LONDON, - Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and Serco Limited (Serco) have teamed to provide a low-risk, cost-effective solution for the U.K. Ministry of Defence (MOD) Joint Military Air Traffic Services program.

Known as Project Marshall, JMATS is a managed service program spanning 22 years, which requires the delivery and management of network-based services, applications, equipment and training in MOD military airfields and for deployed operations.

"Raytheon and Serco's managed service partnership draws on the strengths of both companies," said Richard Daniel, senior director for Raytheon Systems Limited. "Collectively, we have expertise across the entire JMATS requirement and the ability to deliver services safely, rapidly and cost effectively."

"Serco's core business is to provide services underpinned by the right combination of people, processes and technology," said Andrew White, chief executive of Serco's defense business. "That approach, together with our joint track record of supporting defense aviation, makes the Raytheon-Serco team a strong contender to deliver the MOD's objectives for JMATS."

Raytheon is the largest incumbent supplier of air traffic management equipment to the MOD and the only U.K.-based radar manufacturer and supplier of radar systems to both the MOD and the National Air Traffic Services. It is currently performing all ATC training for the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration's Air Traffic Control Optimum Training Solutions program, a 10-year, performance-based training contract.

Serco is the largest non-state supplier of air traffic control services in the world and also provides operations, training and support services at many large international airports and on a number of MOD airfields.

Technorati Tags:
Raytheon (NYSE:RTN), UK Ministry of Defence, Serco (LSE:SRP)

Raytheon Provides Tactical Networked Communications in Indian Military Field Demonstration

2010-07-16T20:42:00.001-04:00

Raytheon Provides Tactical Networked Communications in Indian Military Field Demonstration
July 16, 2010

First time 2-Mbps EPLRS capability demonstrated internationally

FARNBOROUGH, England, - Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has successfully proved its tactical networked communications capabilities using the Enhanced Position Location Reporting System-Extended Frequency-International (EPLRS-XF-I) during a second-phase field demonstration in support of India's modernization efforts.

System performance during the April 2010 demo was marked by a highly reliable 2-Mbps (millions of bits per second or megabits per second) – the first time this has been demonstrated with EPLRS internationally – across distances exceeding 30 km (18.6 miles), using stationary as well as mobile nodes. It provided for the simultaneous voice, video and data communication, yet in an easy-to-use, simplified architecture.

"Working with Precision Electronics Limited (BSE: PRECISIO) of Noida, India, we have shown Bharat Electronics Limited and the Indian Ministry of Defence that the EPLRS family of radios provides a tailored, low-risk netted communications solution to meet specific MoD requirements," said Brian McKeon, vice president, Raytheon Network Centric Systems Integrated Communications Systems.

The demonstration featured networked communications for a battlefield surveillance solution. The versatile communications unit supplied a secure, wireless network system in static and mobile operating environments where the network infrastructure did not initially exist.

EPLRS is one of the most widely used tactical wireless networks today, with more than 25,000 units fielded across the U.S. armed services, Canada and Australia. The XF-I system uses the most advanced EPLRS waveform available for communications, critical position location information and effective electronic counter-countermeasures. It provides a robust, self-healing network that automatically adapts to network changes, including in difficult urban environments.

Technorati Tags:
Communications, India, Raytheon (NYSE:RTN)

Boeing Announces Projection of 1st Photoelectron Beam from Navy's Superconducting Injector

2010-07-16T20:39:00.001-04:00

Boeing Announces Projection of 1st Photoelectron Beam from Navy's Superconducting Injector
July 16, 2010

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., - Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced the successful projection of a photoelectron beam from a superconducting injector being developed by Boeing and Niowave Inc. as part of a research-and-development effort related to Boeing's Free Electron Laser (FEL) program for the U.S. Navy.

The injector, which is being developed at Niowave's Michigan facility, is the first to be built and tested by the Department of Defense and defense contractors. Boeing and Niowave's collaboration also includes the Office of Naval Research and the Naval Postgraduate School.

"Boeing provided the drive laser system that releases electrons at precisely the right instant to match the timing of the superconducting cavity," said Mike Rinn, vice president of Boeing Directed Energy Systems. "This is the sort of technical expertise and ability to partner with government labs that is the hallmark of Boeing’s work in the directed-energy community."

Development of the superconducting injector will continue at Niowave, with plans to move the accelerator to the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., where it will be used in a program that includes education of defense personnel in this advanced technology. Superconducting accelerator technology has a broad range of applications, such as cancer therapy, medical radioisotope production, and detection of nuclear materials, as well as in weapon systems such as FEL.

Niowave is a high-tech research, development and manufacturing firm specializing in superconducting particle accelerators. Founded in 2005, Niowave's state-of-the-art facilities in Lansing, Mich., produce accelerators for the military, research labs, universities, and hospitals.

Boeing Directed Energy Systems, headquartered in Albuquerque, is developing advanced laser concepts and systems to address multiple defense requirements. Boeing is under contract to the Office of Naval Research to design, build and operate a 100-kilowatt FEL under the FEL-Innovative Naval Prototypes (INP) program. The Boeing team completed preliminary design work on FEL-INP in March. The company's other directed-energy efforts include the High Energy Laser Technology Demonstrator for the U.S. Army, and Laser Avenger, a company-funded program that integrates a laser on a mobile truck platform.

# # #

Technorati Tags:
Boeing (NYSE:BA), Naval Systems

STSS Demonstration Satellites Detect, Track Test Launch of an ICBM Minuteman Missile

2010-07-16T20:36:00.000-04:00

STSS Demonstration Satellites Detect, Track Test Launch of an ICBM Minuteman Missile
July 16, 2010

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) Demonstration program satellites, built by Northrop Grumman Corp (NYSE:NOC) and Raytheon Company (NYSE:RTN), detected and tracked an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) launched on June 16 by the U.S. Air Force. The launch, designated Glory Trip 200GM-1, was the 200th scheduled test launch of an ICBM Minuteman Missile.

The three-stage, ICBM Minuteman III missile carried a single, inert reentry vehicle atop a fully modernized booster, guidance set and post-boost vehicle. The missile traveled about 4,800 miles in approximately30 minutes, hitting a target in the Ronald Reagan Test Site near Kwajalein Atoll in the western chain of the Marshall Islands.

The STSS missile defense satellites transmitted tracking data from the launch to the Missile Defense Integration and Operations Center at Schreiver Air Force Base, Colo., where the information is being analyzed. Earlier in June, STSS successfully detected and tracked a two-stage Ground-Based Interceptor during a U.S. Missile Defense Agency test.

"Another reliable performance by the STSS Demonstration program satellites is an encouraging development for the nation's missile defense system," said Gabe Watson, vice president of missile defense and missile warning programs for Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector. "The capability demonstrated by these space-based sensors is a strong indication of the value this system brings to missile defense."

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 future operational missile defense satellite constellation.

# # #

Technorati Tags:
BMD (Ballistic Missile Defence), Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC)

DOD Awards $227 Million in Research Funding

2010-07-16T20:08:00.000-04:00

DOD Awards $227 Million in Research Funding
July 16, 2010

The Department of Defense (DoD) announced plans today to make 32awards to academic institutions to perform multidisciplinary basic research. The total amount of the awards is expected to be $227million over five years. Awards are subject to the successful completion of negotiations between the academic institutionsand 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 67academic institutions are expected to participate in the 32research 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.

Technorati Tags:
Department of Defense (DoD)

DOD CONTRACTS for July 16, 2010

2010-07-16T19:59:00.001-04:00

DOD CONTRACTS for July 16, 2010
July 16, 2010

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Science Applications International Corp., (SAIC), Fairfield, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $241,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite quantity contract to provide support for industrial line items. Other locations of performance are Ala., and Texas. Using service is Army. There were originally five proposals solicited with four responses. The date of performance completion is July 2018. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Columbus, Columbus, Ohio (SPM7LX-10-D-9006).

Woolrich, Inc., Woolrich, Pa., * is being awarded a maximum $24,829,825 firm fixed price, sole source contract for trousers. Other locations of performance are Beaumont, Texas, Yazoo City, Miss., and Jersey Shore, Pa. Using service is Army. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is July 16, 2012. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-10-D-1076).

Bremen-Bowdon Investment Co., Bowdon, Ga., ** is being awarded a maximum $13,600,263 firm fixed price, sole source contract for coats. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is July 16, 2012. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-10-D-1069).

Sinclair Oil Corp., Salt Lake City, Utah is being awarded a maximum $10,333,350 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for fuel. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Defense Energy Support Center. There were originally nine proposals solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is November 30, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-10-D-0488).

AIR FORCE

Toland & Mizell Architects Inc. of Atlanta, Ga., was awarded a $47,500,000 contractwhich will provide architectural and engineering services in support of the Air Force Reserve Command mission. At this time, $50,000 has been obligated. AFRC/A7KA, Robbins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA6643-10-D-0004).

Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co., of Sunnyvale, Calif., was awarded a $34,804,061 contract modification which will exercise the fourth option for Space Based Infrared Systems Highly Elliptical Earth Orbit payload three Launch and Early On-Orbit Support. At this time, $548,174 has been obligated. ISSW/PKF, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8810-08-C-0002; P00012).

United Technologies Corp., of San Antonio, Texas was awarded a $16,562,574.42 contract which will provide 324 remanufactured F-100/220/220E engine combustion chambers for F-15 and F-16 aircraft. At this time no funds have been obligated. 448 SCMG/PKBB, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8121-10-D-0011).

NAVY

Lockheed Martin Corp., Akron, Ohio, is being awarded a $16,735,867 undefinitized ceiling priced order #0006 under previously awarded contract (N00104-07-G-0726) for manufacture of various components for the MK54 vertical launched ASROC (anti-submarine rocket) missile. Work will be performed in Akron, Ohio. Work is to be completed by August 2012. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively awarded. The Naval Inventory Control Point, Mechanicsburg, Pa., is the contracting activity.

*Small Business

**Woman Owned Small Business

Technorati Tags:
Contract win, Department of Defense (DoD)

DOD CONTRACTS for July 15, 2010

2010-07-15T20:50:00.000-04:00

DOD CONTRACTS for July 15, 2010
July 15, 2010

NAVY
The Navy is awarding indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple-award contracts to 556 contractors that will provide for their competition for service requirements solicited by Naval Sea Systems Command, Naval Air Systems Command, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, Naval Supply Systems Command, Military Sealift Command, Naval Facilities Command, Strategic Systems Programs, Office of Naval Research, and the Marine Corps. The 22 functional service areas within the scope of the contracts include: research and development support; engineering system engineering and process engineering support; modeling, simulation, stimulation, and analysis support; prototyping, pre-production, model-making, and fabric support; system design documentation and technical data support; software engineering, development, programming, and network support; reliability, maintainability, and availability support; human factors, performance, and usability engineering support; system safety engineering support; configuration management support; quality assurance support; information system development, information assurance and information technology support; ship inactivation and disposal support; interoperability, test and evaluation, trials support; measurement facilities, range, and instrumentation support; acquisition logistics support; supply and provisioning support; training support; in-service engineering, fleet introduction, installation and checkout support; program support; functional and administrative support; and public affairs and multimedia support. These contracts are in addition to the existing 1,675 contracts previously awarded under the SeaPort Enhanced (SeaPort-e) acquisition program for services procurements. The government estimates a maximum of $5,300,000,000 of services will be procured per year via orders issued under the SeaPort-e multiple award contracts. The awards have a four-year base period with one five-year award term. These contracts were competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site with 579 offers received and 556 contracts awarded. Contract funds will be obligated at the time of task order award and as such, multiple funding types (with varying expiration dates) may be used, consistent with the purpose for which the funds were appropriated. The list of contractors involved are: 21st Century Technologies Inc.*, Front Royal, Va.; 4 U Services, Inc., dba Stellar Services*, New York, N.Y.; 7 Delta Inc.*, Fulton, Md.; A + Environmental Solutions*, Santa Cruz, Calif.; AH Environmental Consultants Inc.*, Newport News, Va.; Abacus Service Corp.*, Farmington Hills, Mich.; Accelera Solutions, Inc.*, Falls Church, Va.; Accord Engineering, Inc.*, Santa Ana, Calif.; Accountable Solutions Inc.*, La Plata, Md.; ACS International, LLC*, Overland Park, Kan.; Acuity Consulting, Inc.*, Alexandria, Va.; ADA Station Communication, Inc.*, Crossville, Tenn.; Adastra IT Group, LLC*, Reston, Va.; Adnet, Inc.*, McLean, Va.; Adsync Technologies, Inc.*, Pensacola, Fla.; Advanced Automation Corp.*, Rome, N.Y.; Advanced Distributed Sensor Systems, Inc.*, Littleton, Colo.; Advanced Management Strategies Group, Inc., dba AMSG*, Dumfries, Va.; Advanced Technology Logistics, Inc.*, Sharpsburg, Ga.; Advanced Technology Solutions, Inc., dba ATSI*, Fairfax, Va.; Advantaged Solutions, Inc.*, Washington, D.C.; Advantech GS Enterprises, Inc.*, San Diego, Calif.; Aerospace Solutions, LLC*, Phoenix, Ariz.; AgilePath Corp*, Newburyport, Mass.; Agilex Technologies, Inc., dba Agilex*, Chantilly, Va.; Aina Kai Environmental, LLC*, Ewa Beach, Hawaii; Alcyone Consulting, Inc.*, Lorton, Va.; All in One Consulting, Inc.*, Carrollton, Va.; Alluvium Consultants, LLC, dba ALLCON*, El Cajon, Calif.; Altair Product Design, Inc., Troy, Mich.; Amaratek*, San Diego, Calif.; American Automation, Inc., dba American Automation Building Solutions*, Denver, Colo.; American Infotech Solutions, Inc.*, Reston, Va.; Amethyst Technologies, LLC*, Baltimore, Md.; Amity Consultants*, Herndon, Va.; AMPS*, Alexandria, Va.; Analyst Warehouse, LLC*, York, Pa.; Analytic Services, Inc., (ANSER), Arlington, Va.; Analytic Strategies, LLC*, Fairfax Station, Va.; AP Labs, Inc.*, San Diego, Calif.; Applied Enterprise Solutions, LLC, dba AES*, Slidell, La.; Applied Information Systems Engineering (AISE), LLC*, Alexandria, Va.; Applied Systems Research Inc.*, Fairfax, Va.; Appteon, Inc.*, Reston, Va.; AQUAS, Inc.*, Bethesda, Md.; Arbola, Inc.*, Alexandria, Va.; The Arcanum Group, Inc., *, Denver, Colo.; Archatais, LLC*, Mount Airy, Md.; Arcis Government Services, LLC*, Burke, Va.; Arete Associates, Northridge, Calif.; Aries Systems International, Inc., dba A S I*, Herndon, Va.; Assured Space Access Technologies, Inc.*, Tempe, Ariz.; A-Tech Systems, Inc.*, Laurel, Md.; Atlantic Marine Mayport, LLC, Jacksonville, Fla.; Attain, LLC*, Vienna, Va.; Aurora Systems Consulting, Inc., dba Aurora Enterprises*, Torrance, Calif.; Aurotech, Inc.*, Clarksville, Md.; Auspex Technologies, LLC*, Clifton, Va.; AVMAC, LLC*, Chesapeake, Va.; B&A Engineering Systems, Inc.*, San Dimas, Calif.; B3GlobalCon, LLC, dba B3 US*, Midlothian, Va.; Bales Consulting Group, LLC*, Wilmington, N.C.; BAM Technologies, LLC*, Arlington, Va.; Beacon Associates, Inc.*, Bel Air, Md.; Bering Sea Eccotech, Inc., dba B S E*, Anchorage, Alaska; Better Built Organizations, Inc., dba Okron Data*, Centreville, Va.; BICALLIS, LLC*, Richmond, Va.; Binary Group, Inc. dba Binary*, Arlington, Va.; Black & Veatch Special Projects Corp, Shawnee Mission, Kan.; Black Ram Engineering Services, LLC*, Kirkland, Wash.; Blue Beacon Consulting, Inc.*, Bethesda, Md.; Blue Clef, dba Medlin & Associates*, Carlsbad, Calif.; BlueWater Federal Solutions, Inc.*, Vienna, Va.; Boeing Aerospace Operations, Inc., dba Boeing, Oklahoma City, Okla.; Boston Engineering Corp.*, Waltham, Mass.; Brantner & Associates, Inc., dba SEA CON*, El Cajon, Calif.; Briljent, LLC*, Fort Wayne, Ind.; Brown International Corp., dba AAR Brown International, Huntsville, Ala.; Bruce S. Rosenblatt & Associates, LLC*, Oakland, Calif.; BRZ, Inc.*, Fayetteville, Ga.; Bull & Associates, Inc.*, Springfield, Va.; Business Computers Management Consulting Group, LLC*, Oakton, Va.; BZT, LLC*, Millersville, Md.; C & G Consulting, Inc.*, Burke, Va.; C J Turner, Inc., dba Capitol City Rehabilitation Group*, Austin, Texas; C5T Corp.*, Scott Air Force Base, Ill.; Cambridge Communication Systems, Inc.*, Vienna, Va.; Cameron Resources Group, LLC*, Oviedo, Fla.; Cape Fox Professional Services, LLC*, Manassas, Va.; Carl Amber Brian Isaiah and Associates Co., dba CBAIA Management Consulting*, Fredericksburg, Va.; CAVU Consulting, Inc.*, San Diego, Calif.; Celestar Corp.*, Tampa, Fla.; Central Planet Repair, LLC*, Wahiawa, Hawaii; Chenega Global Services, LLC*, Anchorage, Alaska; Chesapeake Document Services, LLC*, Waldorf, Md.; Chief Information Group, Inc.*, Falls Church, Va.; Ciera Logistics, LLC*, Waldorf, Md.; CingleNET*, Madison, Ala.; CMX Technologies, Inc.*, Reston, Va.; Coalition-IM*, San Diego, Calif.; Coker Logistics Solutions, Inc.*, Reston, Va.; Coley and Associates, Inc.*, San Antonio, Texas; Colorado Engineering, Inc.*, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Combat Displays, Inc.*, Bowie, Md.; Command Post Technologies, Inc.*, Suffolk, Va.; COMPA Industries, Inc.*, Albuquerque, N.M.; Comphydro, Inc.*, Orlando, Fla.; Compu-Cure, New Orleans Inc. *, New Orleans, La.; CompuSat Services, Inc.*, Missoula, Mont.; Compusearch Software Systems, Inc., Dulles, Va.; Computer Literacy World, Inc.*, Upper Marlboro, Md.; Computerized Training Systems, LLC *, Orlando, Fla.; Concept Solutions, LLC*, Reston, Va.; Concorde, Inc., dba Concorde Occu-Resource*, Philadelphia, Pa.; Conexus, LLC*, San Diego, Calif.; Conscious Security, Inc.*, Stafford, Va.; Convergent Solutions, Inc.*, Alexandria, Va.; CorpComm, Inc.*, Fredericksburg, Va.; Corsair Engineering, Inc.*, Kirkland, Wash.; Creative Strategies, LLC*, Beltsville, Md.; Credence Management Solutions, LLC*, Washington, D.C.; CREDO IT, Inc. dba CREDO*, Irvine, Calif.; Criterion Systems, Inc.*, Vienna, Va.; CRL Technologies, Inc.*, Alexandria, Va.; Crystal Clear Technologies, Inc.*, Saint Petersburg, Fla.; CyberDefenses, Inc.*, Round Rock, Texas; Cynergy Professional Systems, LLC*, Tustin, Calif.; Dalpar Corp.*, Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; Data Consulting Group, Inc.*, Detroit, Mich.; Data Federal Corp.*, Fairfax, Va.; DatamanUSA, LLC*, Centennial, Colo.; Daytner Corp., dba Daytner Construction Group*, Mount Airy, Md.; Defense Engineering, Inc., dba D E I*, Arlington, Va.; Defense Group, Inc., Washington, D.C.; Defense Planning Corp.*, Vienna, Va.; Defense Research Associates, Inc. *, Dayton, Ohio; Delta Consulting Group, Inc.*, Woodbridge, Va.; Deltha Corp.*, New Orleans, La.; Design Mill, Inc.*, Elizabeth, Ill.; Design to Delivery, Inc.*, Bethesda, Md.; Dextera Corp., dba Dextera*, Fairfax, Va.; Digital Foundation Computer Consulting Services Corp., Inc.*, Waldorf, Md.; Diverse Systems Group, LLC*, York, Pa.; Domain X Technologies, LLC*, Chantilly, Va.; Don Selvy Enterprise, Inc.*, Bel Air, Md.; Dorrich, Inc.*, Largo, Md.; Dougherty & Associates, Inc.*, Alexanria, Va.; Dovel Technologies, Inc.*, McLean, Va.; DoverStaffing, Inc.*, Smyrna, Ga.; Dresser- Rand Co., Chesapeake, Va.; Dynamic Systems Technology, Inc.*, Fairfax, Va.; E & M Technologies, Inc.*, Severn, Md.; E Quality Corp.*, Cedar Hill, Texas; Earl Energy, LLC*, Portsmouth, Va.; EBB Associates, Inc.*, Norfolk, Va.; Ecosystem Management and Associates, Inc.*, Lusby, Md.; eDoc Publish, Inc.*, Tustin, Calif.; eFedBudget Corp.*, Irvington, Va.; EFN Enterprises*, Southfield, Mich.; EI Quality Consultants, Inc.*, Columbia, Md.; ElanTech, Inc.*, Greenbelt, Md.; Elegant Enterprise-Wide Solutions, Inc.*, Chantilly, Va.; Elicitek, Inc.*, Rockville, Md.; Elzly Technology Corp.*, Reston, Va.; EMC Analytical Services, LLC*, Bedford, N.H.; EMCS, LLC*, Upper Marlboro, Md.; Encentric, Inc.*, Fairfax, Va.; Endeavor Systems, Inc.*, McLean, Va.; Enertronics Engineering Corp.*, Munster, Ind.; Engineering & Environment, Inc.*, Virginia Beach, Va.; Engineering & Software Consultants, Inc., dba ESC*, Chantilly, Va.; Engineering Research and Consulting, Inc., dba ERC, Inc.*, Huntsville, Ala.; Engineering-Environmental Management, Inc., dba e2M , Englewood, Colo.; EnrGies, Inc.*, Huntsville, Ala.; ENTAP, Inc.*, Indianapolis, Ind.; Enterprise Horizon Consulting Group*, San Francisco, Calif.; Enterprise People, Inc., North Potomac, Md.; Enterprise Sciences, Inc.*, Silver Spring, Md.; Enterprise Solutions Realized, Inc.*, Marriottsville, Md.; Entrusted Connections, Inc.*, Woodbridge, Va.; Epiphany Holdings, LLC, dba Epiphany Mission Support Solutions (EMSS3)*, Purcellville, Va.; Epsilon, Inc.*, Asheville, N.C.; ESC, Inc., dba Engineering Systems Consultant*, Landover, Md.; Essential Data Corp.*, Fairfield, Conn.; Ethical Personnel Services, Inc., dba A Professional Personnel Svcs*, Alpine, Calif.; Evolver, Inc. dba Evolver*, Reston, Va.; Ex Nihilo Management, LLC*, Washington, D.C.; EXB Solutions, Inc.*, Wayzata, Minn.; Excel Technologies, LLC*, Fairfax, Va.; Excidion, Inc.*, Dulles, Va.; Expert Network and Software Engineering, Inc.*, Columbia, Md.; Federal Data Systems, Inc.*, Herndon, Va.; Femme Comp, Inc., dba FCI, Chantilly, Va.; Florida State College at Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Fla.; Focus Technology Consulting, LLC*, Rockville, Md.; Footprint Technologies, LLC*, Chevy Chase, Md.; Gauss Management Research and Engineering, Inc.*, Ogden, Utah; General Engineering and Systems Analysis Co., Inc*, Boonsboro, Md.; GeoControl Systems, Inc., dba Geocontrol Systems*, Houston, Texas; Global Commerce and Services, LLC*, New Orleans, La.; Global Empire, LLC, dba Global Healthcare Group*, Harrisburg, Pa.; Global Services and Solutions, Inc.*, Arlington, Va.; Global Strategic Solutions, LLC*, Sterling, Va.; GoldBot Consulting, Inc.*, Lansdowne, Va.; Golden Key Group, LLC*, Centreville, Va.; Government & Industrial Supply, Inc.*, Pulaski, Tenn.; Government Solution Advisors, LLC, dba GS Advisors*, Reston, Va.; Green World Solutions*, Norfolk, Va.; Greysam Industrial Services, dba Western Process Control Services*, Port Orchard, Wash.; Grom Associates, Inc. dba, Grom, Flemington, N.J.; Group W, Inc.*, Fairfax, Va.; Gryphon Business Group, LLC*, Sierra Vista, Ariz.; GTI Systems, Inc.*, Portsmouth, Va.; GTT Enterprises, Inc.*, Chester, Va.; GVI, Inc.*, Norfolk, Va.; GVR System Automation, Inc.*, Silver Spring, Md.; Hamilton Consulting Solutions Corp.*, Chesapeake, Va.; Harding Security Associates, Inc., dba H S A , McLean, Va.; Harrison's General Con*, Lawrenceville, Va.; Hart Crowser, Inc., dba Division-Pentec Environmental*, Seattle, Wash.; Hawaiya Technologies, Inc.*, Aiea, Hawaii; Hegarty Research, LLC*, Vienna, Va.; Helix Technologies, Inc.*, French Lick, Ind.; HELM Partners*, Voluntown, Conn.; Herlong Associates, Inc., dba Faciltities Management and Architecture*, Fredericksburg, Va.; Heron Systems, Inc.*, Lexington Park, Md.; High Plains Computing, Inc.*, Golden, Colo.; Home2office Computing Solutions, Inc., dba C3 Networx*, San Diego, Calif.; Hughes Group, LLC*, Tacoma, Wash.; I Square Systems, LLC*, Warren, R.I.; I-Assure, LLC*, Mandeville, La.; IBusiness Solution, LLC*, Mechanicsburg, Pa.; ICS Nett, Inc., dba I C S*, Vienna, Va.; Ideal Innovations, Inc., Arlington, Va.; IDEAMATICS, Inc.*, McLean, Va.; iLuMinA Solutions, Inc.*, California, Md.; Immersed Technologies, Inc.*, Los Alamitos, Calif.; Immersion Consulting, LLC, dba Immersion*, Annapolis, Md.; Impact Business Technology Group, LLC, dba Impact Technology Partners*, Carlsbad, Calif.; Impact Resources, Inc., dba IR Technologies*, Bethesda, Md.; inCommon, Inc., dba Colloquium*, King George, Va.; Informatics Applications Group, Inc., dba TIAG*, Reston, Va.; Information Gateways, Inc.*, Southfield, Mich.; Information Management Specialists, Inc.*, Oxnard, Calif.; Information Sciences Consulting, Inc., dba ISCI*, Manassas, Va.; Information Systems Worldwide Corp., dba I-SW *, Arlington, Va.; Infosapient, Inc.*, Boynton Beach, Fla.; Infotek Corp., dba ITK*, Hanover, Md.; Innovative Management Concepts, Inc.*, Sterling, Va.; Insignia Technology Services, LLC*, Newport News, Va.; Integrated Business Consulting, LLC*, Mickleton, N.J.; Integrated Logistics Services, LLC*, Beltsville, Md.; Integrated Marine Services, Inc.*, Chula Vista, Calif.; Integration Innovation, Inc., dba I3*, Huntsville, Ala.; Integrity 1st Solutions, LLC*, Sunderland, Md.; Integrity Applications, Inc., dba IAI, Chantilly, Va.; Integrity Consulting Solutions, LLC*, Frederick, Md.; Intelligence Consulting Enterprise Solutions, Inc., dba ICES*, Leesburg, Va.; IntelliWare Systems, Inc.*, Fredericksburg, Va.; IntePros, Inc., dba Intepros Consulting*, Lexington, Mass.; International Logistics Systems, Inc., dba I L S*, Glen Rock, Pa.; InTEROS Solutions, Inc.*, McLean, Va.; Intrepid Solutions & Services, Inc.*, Calverton, Md.; IOMAX Information Services, LLC*, Springfield, Va.; Iron Mountain Government Services, Inc., Ashburn, Va.; Ironclad Technology Services, LLC*, Virginia Beach, Va.; Irvine Enterprises, LLC*, San Diego, Calif.; IS3C, Inc.*, Minneapolis, Minn.; Island Creek Associates, LLC*, Saint Leonard, Md.; iWorks Corp.*, Reston, Va.; JASZ Technology, Inc.*, Raleigh, N.C.; Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc., dba JMT Engineering, Sparks, Md.; JSL Technologies, Inc.*, Port Hueneme, Calif.; K2 Group, Inc.*, McLean, Va.; K2 Solutions, Inc.*, Southern Pines, N.C.; K3 Enterprises, Inc.*, Fayetteville, N.C.; K4 Solutions, Inc.*, Falls Church, Va.; Kapur & Associates, Inc.*, Milwaukee, Wis.; Karthik Consulting, LLC*, Vienna, Va.; KELT Enterprises, Inc.*, Stafford, Va.; Keville Enterprises, Inc.*, Marshfield, Mass.; Kingfisher Systems, Inc.*, Alexandria, Va.; Kiowa Technology, LLC*, McLean, Va.; KLC Consulting, Inc.*, Holden, Mass.; Knowledge Made Solutions, Inc.*, San Diego, Calif.; L B & B Associates, Inc., Columbia, Md.; Lakeridge Circle Associates, LLC, dba LCA Networks*, Red Bank, N.J.; Lakota Technical Solutions, Inc., dba Lakota*, Laurel, Md.; Langford & Carmichael, Inc.*, Studio City, Calif.; LD Ventures, Inc., dba RDL Enterprises*, Sacramento, Calif.; Leader Communications, Inc.*, Oklahoma City, Okla.; Lean Consulting Solutions*, Baton Rouge, La.; Leonie Industries, LLC, dba Leone Group*, Pacific Palisades, Calif.; LinTech Global, Inc.*, Farmington Hills, Mich.; Logistics Modeling Center, Inc., dba Systems Information MGT SVCS*, Hampton, Va.; LongView International Technology Solutions, Inc.*, North Bethesda, Md.; Lorimar Group, Inc., dba Lorimar Communications *, El Cajon, Calif.; Louis Berger Group, Inc., Washington, D.C.; LS Technologies, LLC*, Fairfax, Va.; Lufburrow & Company, Inc., dba Digimo*, Crownsville, Md.; Lumir Research Institute, Inc.*, Grayslake, Ill.; M. C. Fuhrman & Associates, LLC, dba MCFA*, Haddonfield, N.J. (did not complete CIR); M2 Technologies, Inc.*, Versailles, Ky.; Mainstay Enterprises, Inc.*, Annapolis, Md.; Management Support Technology, Inc., dba M S T I *, Fairfax, Va.; Mandus Group dba Howitzer Repair & Overhaul*, Rock Island, Ill.; MAPP Manufacturing Corp.*, Chesapeake, Va.; Marathon TS, Inc.*, Warsaw, Va.; Marstel-Day, LLC*, Fredericksburg, Va.; Marzen Group, LLC*, Nashua, N.H.; Maybank Industries, LLC*, Charleston, S.C.; McHenry Management Group, Inc.*, Chesapeake, Va.; Mckenzie Christopher Associates, Inc.*, Glen Burnie, Md.; McKissack & McKissack of Washington, Inc.*, Washington, D.C.; MDB, Inc. *, Washington, D.C.; MEBC, Inc., dba MEBC*, Wyomissing, Pa.; MED Trends, Inc.*, Rockville, Md.; MELE Associates, Inc., Rockville, Md.; Mercom, Inc.*, Pawleys Island, S.C.; Metasoft, LLC*, San Diego, Calif.; Metropolitan Technology Solutions Corp.*, Dumfries, Va.; Michael Baker Jr., Inc. , Alexandria, Va.; Michael-Bruno, LLC*, Wilmington, Del.; MIDCOM Corp., Anaheim, Calif.; Middlesex Group, LLC*, Arlington, Va.; Mindbank Consulting Group, LLC.*, Reston, Va.; Mission1st Group, Inc.*, Shrewsbury, N.J.; MLT Systems, LLC*, Stafford, Va.; Moebius Solutions, Inc., dba Moebius Solutions, Inc.*, San Diego, Calif.; Monterey Technologies, Inc.*, Monterey, Calif.; Morningtown Group, LLC*, Rockville, Md.; MountainTop Technologies, Inc.*, Johnstown, Pa.; MSOL, Inc., dba Macro Solutions*, Arlington, Va.; Mt. Olivet Group, LLC*, Virginia Beach, Va.; MWH Americas, Inc., Broomfield, Colo.; Namtek Corp.*, Bedford, N.H.; National Services, Inc.*, Virginia Beach, Va.; Native American Technology Corp., dba NATECH*, Coos Bay, Ore.; NDP, LLC*, Boulder, Colo.; NES Associates, LLC*, Alexandria, Va.; NetLander, Inc.*, Titusville, Fla.; Network and Simulation Technologies, Inc., dba NETSIMCO*, Middletown, R.I.; Network Specialty Group, Inc., dba NSGI*, Germantown, Md.; New Bedford Panoramex Corp.*, Upland, Calif.; New Paradigm Government Services, LLC*, Leesburg, Va.; NewWave Telecom and Technologies, Inc.*, Upper Marlboro, Md.; NexGen Data Systems, Inc.*, Goose Creek, S.C.; Norbeck Technologies, Inc.*, Clinton, Md.; NOVA Corp.*, Chambersburg, Pa.; Novaces, LLC*, New Orleans, La.; NovaQuest, LLC*, Charlotte, N.C.; NS ENGINEERS, P.C.*, East Brunswick, N.J.; n-tieractive Inc.*, Falls Church, Va.; NTVI FED, LLC*, Fairbanks, Alaska; NYCOM, Inc.*, Oren, Utah; OBXtek, Inc.*, Alexandria, Va.; Ocean and Coastal Consultants, Inc.*, Trumbull, Conn.; Olshesky Design Group, LLC, dba ODG*, Alexandria, Va.; Omni2Max, Inc.*, El Cajon, Calif.; Omnis, Inc.*, McLean, Va.; Omnivox, LLC*, Dover, Del.; O'Neil & Associates, Inc., Miamisburg, Ohio; Open Solutions Group, Inc., dba OPENSGI*, Stafford, Va.; Optec, Inc.*, Bel Air, Md.; Optimal Solutions, Inc., Chantilly, Va.; Optimal Synthesis, Inc.*, Los Altos, Calif.; P&J Robinson Corp.*, Escondido, Calif.; Pacific Systems, Inc.*, McDonough, Ga.; Paladin Data Systems Corp.*, Poulsbo, Wash.; ParagonForce, Inc.*, Bloomfield, Ind.; Parker ScItech Group, LLC*, North Charleston, S.C.; Parker, Merida dba MBT*, Bloomfield, Ind.; Partners In Diversity, Inc.*, Pasadena, Calif.; Partnership Technology Corp., Inc., dba PTCI, La Plata, Md.; Patrick Wolffe Group, Inc.*, Huntsville, Ala.; PD Systems, Inc., dba PD-SYS*, Alexandria, Va.; Peduzzi Associates, Ltd., dba P A L *, Alexandria, Va.; Penbay Solutions, LLC, dba Penbay*, Camden, Maine; Peniel Solutions, LLC*, Norcross, Ga.; Pennsylvania State University, dba Penn State, University Park, Pa.; Persistent and Determinant Technologies, LLC*, Liberty, N.C.; Peto Scio*, Bellevue, Neb.; Phantom Eagle, LLC, dba Phantom Eagle Engineering*, Hot Springs, Va.; Pinnacle Solutions, Inc., dba PSI*, Huntsville, Ala.; Pioneering Evolution, LLC*, Washington, D.C.; Planate Management Group, LLC, dba P M G*, Alexandria, Va.; Planned Systems International, Inc., dba P S I, Columbia, Md.; Plexus Scientific Corp.*, Alexandria, Va.; PMOLink Government Solutions, Inc.*, Mandeville, La.; Potomac Analysis Corp.*, Fairfax Station, Va.; PotomacWave Consulting, Inc.*, Alexandria, Va.; Power Ten*, Kirkland, Wash.; Powertek Corp.*, Rockville, Md.; Practicum, Inc.*, Nokomis, Fla.; Precision Turbines, Inc.*, Boca Raton, Fla.; Premier Management Corp.*, Baltimore, Md.; Pro-Active Technologies, LLC*, Orlando, Fla.; Professional Technologies Group, Inc.*, Memphis, Tenn.; Progressive Technology Federal Systems, Inc., dba PTFS*, Bethesda, Md.; Prolog, Inc.*, Virginia Beach, Va.; Prosis Hawaii, LLC, dba Prosis Network Solutions*, Kaneohe, Hawaii; ProSol Associates, LLC*, Alexandria, Va.; Proven Staffing Consultants*, San Diego, Calif.; Pugh Associates, LLC*, Saint Petersburg, Fla.; Purdy Group, LLC*, Malone, N.Y.; Q3 Web Wideband Wireless, Inc., dba Q3W*, Harbor City, Calif.; QBE, LLC, dba Quality Business Engineering*, Haymarket, Va.; QED Systems, LLC*, Fallston, Md.; Quality Magnetics Corp.*, Compton, Calif.; Quality Technical Services, Inc.*, Virginia Beach, Va.; Quality Technology, Inc., dba QUTECH*, Largo, Md.; Quanterion Solutions, Inc.*, Utica, N.Y.; Quantum Research International, Inc., Huntsville, Ala.; Quest Knight Enterprises, LLC*, McLean, Va.; Quest Networks, Inc.*, Dumfries, Va.; Radise International, LLC*, West Palm Beach, Fla.; Radnor Manufacturing, LLC, dba Radnor Manufacturing Co.*, Hollywood, Md.; Ray Group International, LLC*, Tampa, Fla.; Raydon Corp., Daytona Beach, Fla.; RB Consulting, Inc., dba RBCI*, Frederick, Md.; Red Arrow Consulting, Inc., dba Red Arrow Supply Chain Solutions*, Issaquah, Wash.; Redhorse Corp.*, San Diego, Calif.; Rividium, Inc.*, Manassas, Va.; RJ Services, LLC*, Lexington Park, Md.; RLH Group, Inc.*, Manassas, Va.; RMCU*, Palm Harbor, Fla.; RMGS, Inc.*, Virginia Beach, Va.; Robbins-Gioia, LLC, Alexandria, Va.; Rogero Consulting, Inc.*, Burke, Va.; RSDCGROUP, LLC*, Arlington, Va.; Rylander Technology Group, Inc., dba Rylander Group*, Chesapeake, Va.; S & K Global Solutions, LLC*, St Ignatius, Mont.; Saddle Butte Systems, LLC*, Kirkland, Wash.; Saicon Consultants, Inc.*, Overland Park, Kan.; Sain Engineering Associates*, Birmingham, Ala.; SaiTech, Inc.*, Washington, D.C.; San Diego Personnel & Employment Agency, Inc., dba Good People Employment Services*, San Diego, Calif.; Sarum, LLC*, Fredericksburg, Va.; SCG, LLC, dba SCG International*, Virginia Beach, Va.; Scientia, LLC*, Bloomington, Ind.; Scientic, Inc.*, Huntsville, Ala.; Scitor Corp., Arlington, Va.; Seaward Marine Corp.*, Chesapeake, Va.; Secure Consulting, LLC, dba Integrated Secure*, Woodlands, Texas; Sequoia Financial Service*, Centreville, Va.; Servitek Solutions, LLC*, Walnut, Calif.; Shiva Information Technology Services, Inc.*, Sterling, Va.; Sierra Strategies C, LLC*, Pacific Palisades, Calif.; Signature Analytics, LLC*, Alexandria, Va.; SILYNX APG Technologies, LLC*, Sterling, Va.; Skymes*, Vienna, Va.; Social Solutions.Com, Inc.*, Renton, Wash.; Software Systems International*, Columbia, Md.; Sonoran Riders, Inc., dba Ranger Group*, San Diego, Calif.; SOS International, Ltd., Reston, Va.; Spectrum Government Solutions, LLC*, Alexandria, Va.; Spectrum Services Group, Inc.*, Sacramento, Calif.; SRC, Inc., North Syracuse, N.Y.; Standard Aero Redesign Services, Inc., San Antonio, Texas; Steady Flux, Inc.*, Seattle, Wash.; Sterling Computers Corp., Norfolk, Neb.; StraCon Services Group, LLC, dba Stracon*, Fort Worth, Texas; Strohmier Consulting, LLC*, Vienna, Va.; Strong Point Research, LLC*, Orlando, Fla.; Summit Technologies, Inc.*, West Hartford, Conn.; Summit West Technical Services, LLC*, Anchorage, Alaska; Suntiva, LLC, dba Suntiva Executive Consulting*, Falls Church, Va.; Superior Controls*, Plymouth, Mich.; Superlative Technologies, Inc.*, Ashburn, Va.; Syncretek, LLC, dba F E Associates*, McLean, Va.; Synergetic Information Systems, Inc.*, Washington, D.C.; Syntech, Inc.*, Spring Valley, Calif.; System Edge (USA), LLC*, Iselin, N.J.; System High Corp.*, Chantilly, Va.; Systems Engineering, Inc., dba S E I*, Dulles, Va.; Systems Made Simple, Inc.*, Syracuse, N.Y.; Systems Management Technology, Inc., dba SMT*, Falls Church, Va.; Tactical Force Group, Inc.*, San Diego, Calif.; Tactical Survey Group, Inc.*, San Bernardino, Calif.; Tactical Systems Engineer, LLP*, Reston, Va.; TASC, Inc., Andover, Mass.; Tatitlek Training Services, Inc.*, Anchorage, Alaska; TCE, Inc.*, Camp Springs, Md.; TEC, Inc., Charlottesville, Va.; TECHNALINK, Inc. *, McLean, Va.; TechNet, LLC*, Chester, Pa.; Technology Advancement Group, Inc.*, Dulles, Va.; Technology Specialists, Inc., dba T S I*, Bowie, Md.; Technology Systems, Inc.*, Brunswick, Maine; Techno-Sciences, Inc.*, Beltsville, Md.; TechnoSoft, Inc.*, Cincinnati, Ohio; TechnoTraining, Inc.*, Virginia Beach, Va.; Techsolutions.Net, Inc., dba Tech Solutions*, Orlando, Fla.; TechTrend, Inc.*, Alexandria, Va.; TEKton Executive IT Group, LLC*, Baton Rouge, La.; TelData Communications, Inc.*, Gaithersburg, Md.; Telesis Systems, Inc., dba TSI*, Upper Marlboro, Md.; TeraSys Technologies, LLC*, Honolulu, Hawaii; TerraConcepts, LLC*, La Mesa, Calif.; J Terry and Associates, Inc.*, Woodbridge, Va.; TFAB Defense Systems*, Madison, Ala.; TGW Consulting, LLC, dba Conceras (Fairfax Co)*, McLean, Va.; Thomas Enterprises, Inc.*, Vienna, Va.; Tierra Dynamic Company, LLC.*, Phoenix, Ariz.; TMC Applied Systems, Inc.*, Carson City, NV; Toeroek Associates, Inc.*, Lakewood, Colo.; TORC Technologies, LLC*, Blacksburg, Va.; Total Networks, Inc.*, Fort Washington, Md.; Total Quality Systems, Inc., dba TQS*, Roy, Utah; TowerStrides, Inc.*, Chantilly, Va.; TQI Solutions, Inc.*, Chesapeake, Va.; Trabus, dba Trabus Technologies*, San Diego, Calif.; Transformation Advisors Group, LLC, dba TAA*, Arlington, Va.; Transvatech Applied Solutions, Inc.*, Huntsville, Ala.; Treis Technologies*, Franklin, Tenn.; Triangle Electric Corp.*, Ridgeway, Va.; Tribal Knowledge, LLC*, San Diego, Calif.; Trideum Corp.*, Huntsville, Ala.; Troy 7, Inc.*, Huntsville, Ala.; Tucson Embedded Systems, Inc.*, Tucson, Ariz.; U.S. International, Inc.*, Fairfax, Va.; UAV Communications, Inc., dba Bosh Global Services*, Newport News, Va.; United System Solutions, Inc.*, Ridgeville, S.C.; Universal Business Solutions, LLC*, Alpharetta, Ga.; Ursa Navigation Solutions, Inc.*, Chesapeake, Va.; V I Engineering, Inc.*, Farmington Hills, Mich.; V2SOFT, Inc.*, Bingham Farms, Mich.; Valador, Inc.*, Herndon, Va.; Validatek, Inc.*, Washington, D.C.; Valour, LLC.*, Abbeville, La.; Vanguard Solutions, Inc.*, Orlando, Fla.; Vargas, PC, dba Vartek Management Solutions*, El Paso, Texas; Veiel Support Services, LLC*, Annapolis, Md.; Ventera Corp.*, Reston, Va.; Venturi, Inc.*, Huntsville, Ala.; Verge Information Technologies, Inc.*, Plano, Texas; Veteran Resources Corp.*, Fairfax, Va.; Vibbert, Mike dba Electronics Service*, Great Mills, Md.; Vickers & Nolan Enterprises, LLC*, Stafford, Va.; Vigilant Services Corp.*, Lorton, Va.; Vinculum Solutions, Inc.*, Broomes Island, Md.; Visual Awareness Technologies and Consulting, Inc., dba VATC*, Tampa, Fla.; VIVA USA, Inc.*, Rolling Meadows, Ill.; VRC, Inc.*, San Antonio, Texas; V-Tech Solutions, Inc.*, Washington, D.C.; Vykin Corp.*, Tampa, Fla.; Washington Square Associates, Inc.*, Alexandria, Va.; Westgate Consulting Group, Inc.*, Wall, N.J.; WestWind Technologies, Inc., Huntsville, Ala.; Wise Web Connections, LLC, dba WisEngineering*, Dover, N.J.; WISOBS, Inc.*, Saint Cloud, Fla.; XIO Strategies, Inc.*, Vienna, Va.; Yulista Aviation, Inc.*, Anchorage, Alaska; Zbinden, Boyd, dba Joint Tactics and Technologies*, El Cajon, Calif.; Zel Technologies, LLC, Hampton, Va.; and Zenetex, LLC*, Herndon, Va. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Dahlgren, Va. is the contracting activity (N00178-10-D-5852 through N00178-10-D-6407).

Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors, Manassas, Va., is being awarded a $97,172,882 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-6247) to exercise an option for engineering service support of the AN/BVY-1 Integrated Submarine Imaging System (ISIS). Services will include design, development, testing, reverse engineering, technology insertion/refreshment, engineering services, field engineering services, and system support. The ISIS provides mission critical, all-weather, visual, and electronic search, digital image management, indication, warning, and platform architecture interface capabilities for attack submarine (nuclear propulsion) (SSN) - SSN688 (Los Angeles class); SSN 21 (Seawolf class); submersible, ship, guided, nuclear (SSGN Ohio class); and SSN 774 (Virginia class) submarines with potential for ship, submersible, ballistic, nuclear (SSBN) (Trident class) and potentially other submarines. ISIS rolls-up existing components and near term capabilities, and provides a robust architecture for efficiently inserting future capabilities as they become available, including items leveraged from the SSN 774 (Virginia) class photonics program. Work will be performed in Manassas, Va. (21 percent); Wake Forest, N.C. (20 percent); Fairfax, Va. (16 percent); Waterford, Conn. (14 percent); Northampton, Mass. (9 percent); Eagan, Minn. (6 percent); Virginia Beach, Va. (6 percent); Arlington, Va. (3 percent); Newport, R.I. (3 percent); and Riviera Beach, Fla. (2 percent). Work is expected to be completed by July 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Tetra Tech Tesoro, Inc., Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a $12,162,112 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of the steam plant area decentralization at Naval Station Norfolk. The work to be performed provides for reduction of energy consumption while improving infrastructure. The project consists of energy conservation measures for lighting, water, retro commissioning, infrared heat, mechanical retrofits, and conversion of steam to natural gas. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed by August 2012. Funds for this project are provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with eight proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-10-C-3065).

Science Applications International Corp., McLean, Va., is being awarded a $9,513,837 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with firm-fixed-price and/or firm-fixed-price level-of-effort task orders for information technology ashore operations support services for the Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC). This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $49,846,901. At this time, $300,000 has been obligated. Work will be performed primarily at MSC headquarters in Washington, D.C., and other sites in Norfolk, Va., Pensacola, Fla., and San Diego, Calif., as required. Work is expected to be completed by July 31, 2011. If all options are exercised, work could continue until July 31, 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via an unrestricted solicitation posted to the MSC, Navy Electronic Commerce Online and Federal Business Opportunities Web sites, with five offers received. The Military Sealift Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00033-10-D-6506).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Labatt Food Service, San Antonio, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $61,582,500 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, prime-vendor contract for full line food service distribution. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, federal civilian agencies and Coast Guard. The original proposal was Web-solicited with three responses. The date of performance completion is July 14, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM30-10-D-3402).

Sensor and Antenna Systems, Lansdale (Cobham), Lansdale, Pa., is being awarded a maximum $49,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for procured antenna detectors. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There were originally two proposals solicited with two responses. The date of performance completion is July 15, 2015. The Defense Logistics Agency Warren (DSCC-ZG), Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (SPRBL1-10-D-0006).

Engineered Electric Co., dba Fermont, Bridgeport, Conn., is being awarded a maximum $13,737,717 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for mobile electric power generators and rotor assemblies. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. The original proposal was Web-solicited with four responses. The date of performance completion is July 15, 2015. The Defense Logistics Agency Warren (DSCC-ZG), Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (SPRBL1-10-D-0008).

AIR FORCE

Simplex Corp., Hallandale, Fla., was awarded an $11,774,400 contract which will lease four Mi-8/17 aircraft with the period of performance from Oct. 1, 2010 to Sept. 30, 2011. At this time, $11,774,400 has been obligated. HQ AFSOC/A7KQ, Hurlburt Field, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA0021-10-C-0010).

Universal Understanding, LLC, Jacksonville, Fla., was awarded a $7,059,740 contract modification which will provide technical support of all Cisco equipment installed within the Air Force's central network. At this time, $7,059,740 has been obligated. 20 CONS/LGCAA, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., is the contracting activity (FA-4803-08-C0016; P00004).

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems Western Region, El Segundo, Calif., was awarded a $5,500,000 contract modification for software development to test maritime surveillance and maritime imaging modes for the MP-RTIP radar. At this time, $5,500,000 has been obligated. Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (F-19628-00-C-0100; P00209).

MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY

Raytheon Technical Services Co., Burlington, Mass., is being awarded a modification for $6,954,177 under its cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price (FFP), and FFP-level of effort contract number HQ0006-08-C-0009. Under this modification, Raytheon Technical Services will maintain continuity of operations and avoid disruption of critical support for the wide-body Airborne Sensor Platform return to service. The place of performance is Lake Charles, La. This period of performance is July 2010 to January 2011. Research, development, test and evaluation funds for fiscal 2009 will be used to incrementally fund this effort in the amount of $1,112,000. The Missile Defense Agency is the contracting activity (HQ0147).

*Small business

Technorati Tags:
Contract win, Department of Defense (DoD)

House Armed Services Committee: schedule for the week of July 19 – July 23, 2010

2010-07-15T17:23:00.000-04:00

House Armed Services Committee: schedule for the week of July 19 – July 23, 2010
Ike Skelton, Chairman
July 15, 2010

The House Armed Services Committee announces the following schedule for the week of July 19 – July 23, 2010:

Tuesday, July 20, 2010 – 10:00am – 2118 Rayburn – Open

The Readiness Subcommittee will meet to receive testimony on Modeling and Simulation: Enhancing Military Readiness.

Witnesses:

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

Major General Stephen R. Layfield, USA
Director, Joint Training and Joint Warfighting Center U.S. Joint Forces Command

Major General Marke F. Gibson, USAF
Director of Operations, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Requirements Headquarters U.S. Air Force

Rear Admiral Fred L. Lewis, USN (ret)
President National Training and Simulation Association

Thursday, July 22, 2010 – 10:00am – 2118 Rayburn – Open

The Full Committee will meet to receive testimony on managing the Department of Defense in a time of tight budgets.

Witnesses:

The Honorable Elizabeth McGrath
Deputy Chief Management Officer U.S. Department of Defense

The Honorable Joseph Westphal
Under Secretary of the Army

The Honorable Robert O. Work
Under Secretary of the Navy

The Honorable Erin Conaton
Under Secretary of the Air Force

###

Technorati Tags:
HASC (House Armed Services Committee), Schedule

Lockheed Martin Unveils GPS Exhibit at the United Nations in Vienna, Austria

2010-07-15T17:22:00.000-04:00

Lockheed Martin Unveils GPS Exhibit at the United Nations in Vienna, Austria
July 15, 2010

VIENNA, - Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has opened a Global Positioning System (GPS) exhibit as a part of the Permanent Space Exhibit of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Austria to emphasize the importance of satellite navigation technology serving millions of citizens around the globe.

The GPS constellation works in concert with ground receivers to provide position, navigation and timing information to military and civilian users anywhere in the world. GPS technology supports a wide range of civil, scientific and commercial functions -- from air traffic control to car navigation systems and from cell phones to wristwatches. GPS is increasing productivity in areas as diverse as farming, mining, construction, surveying, package delivery and supply chain management. The system is also enhancing public safety by reducing response times for ambulances, firefighters and other emergency services.

Lockheed Martin sponsored the exhibit, in conjunction with the International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), also known as the ICG. The joint government industry partnership was formed to address issues of compatibility and interoperability of all the world's GNSS systems to include the United States' GPS and the European Galileo, and to encourage and promote the use of these GNSS systems in the developing world. The exhibit will showcase the benefits of GNSS and GPS infrastructure to an audience of more than 50,000 visitors annually to the United Nations Vienna International Center.

"Lockheed Martin is delighted to celebrate the opening of this GPS exhibit and the on-going work that the United Nations is doing with the ICG to support the use of this system worldwide," said Rick Ambrose, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager of its Surveillance and Navigation Systems line of business. "This exhibit represents our enduring dedication to GPS technology that continues to improve not only our world today, but also the world of tomorrow."

In remarks at the opening of the Exhibit, Mr. Prunariu, Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, said, "GPS III is the first GPS satellite designed to be interoperable with other GNSS systems. It is therefore fitting that it flies above our heads, a true testament to international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space."

Mr. Robert Wood, the State Department's Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Vienna, said, "Lockheed Martin's exhibit demonstrates how space technology can become meaningful in our daily lives and have significant uses beyond the realm of outer space. This amazing technology clearly merits a place in the permanent space exhibit at the UN."

Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Newtown, Pa., designed and built 21 GPS IIR satellites and later modernized eight of those spacecraft to provide enhanced capabilities and performance. In 2008, the team was awarded a $3 billion Development and Production contract to produce up to 12 GPS IIIA satellites, with first launch projected for 2014. GPS III will improve position, navigation and timing services and provide advanced anti-jamming capabilities yielding superior system security, accuracy and reliability.

The team is progressing in the GPS IIIA Critical Design Review (CDR) phase of the program and is well on its path to the overall space vehicle CDR in August, two months ahead of the planned schedule. Successful completion of the space vehicle CDR will allow the team to enter the production phase of the program.

Technorati Tags:
Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT), UN (United Nations)

Boeing, Jacksonville Community Celebrate Arrival of F-16s for Aerial Target Program

2010-07-15T17:20:00.000-04:00

Boeing, Jacksonville Community Celebrate Arrival of F-16s for Aerial Target Program
July 15, 2010

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., - Boeing [NYSE: BA] employees joined congressional representatives, local government officials and community leaders on July 9 at Cecil Field in Jacksonville to celebrate the arrival of the first F-16s for the QF-16 aerial target program.

Boeing received a $69.7 million contract from the U.S. Air Force in March to convert up to 126 retired F-16s into QF-16 Full-Scale Aerial Targets that can fly either manned or unmanned. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2014.

"This is an important program for the Air Force and Boeing," Steve Waltman, Boeing director of Aircraft Sustainment & Maintenance, told the audience. "This is a significant off-platform project for our company, and we have confidence that our Cecil Field teammates will deliver the aerial targets to our customer on budget and on time."

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Technorati Tags:
Boeing (NYSE:BA), F-16 Falcon

General Dynamics Awarded $21 Million to Support the U.S. Army

2010-07-15T17:18:00.000-04:00

General Dynamics Awarded $21 Million to Support the U.S. Army
July 15, 2010

FAIRFAX, Va., -General Dynamics Information Technology, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has been awarded $21 million in task orders through the Installation Information Infrastructure Modernization Program (I3MP) contract to upgrade the voice telecommunications switching capabilities at two U.S. Army bases: Fort Carson, Colo., and Redstone Arsenal, Ala. The task orders cover a two-year period of performance.

General Dynamics will engineer, furnish, install, test and cut over into operational service (EFIT&C) a full range of government certified telecommunications systems, including voice, transport and data networks. The effort will result in modernized voice systems that pave the way for future convergence of Army voice and data networks.

"General Dynamics has successfully completed infrastructure modernization projects for the U.S. Army for more than ten years," said Zannie Smith, senior vice president of the Army Solutions Division. "This extensive experience will enable us to provide timely and efficient support to Fort Carson and Redstone Arsenal which will enhance communications for military personnel stationed at those facilities, thus enabling the cooperation, quick response and seamless operations necessary for mission achievement and warfighter readiness."

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, state and local government and commercial sectors.

Technorati Tags:
Communications, Contract win, General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), US Army

U.S. Navy Certifies Raytheon's Second Performance Based Logistics Depot

2010-07-15T17:15:00.000-04:00

U.S. Navy Certifies Raytheon's Second Performance Based Logistics Depot
July 15, 2010

MCKINNEY, Texas, - Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) second U.S. Navy Performance Based Logistics facility has been certified to perform depot level repairs for its Multi-Spectral Targeting System.

"It's important that the fleet benefits from this relationship, and that the warfighter leaves with new capabilities for the battlefield," said Mark Schroeder, program manager of Raytheon's Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Systems. "We look forward to providing this support to the Naval Air Station Jacksonville (Florida), the largest tenant command."

The MTS system determines the bearing, course and speed of a target by viewing the scene as an infrared image, regardless of weather conditions. This system's capabilities enhance night navigation, target detection and recognition, search and rescue, and more.

This new MTS component repair center expands Raytheon's existing public and private partnership supporting the MTS weapon system. Performance based logistics balances current readiness needs with future requirements through a government-industry partnership to provide cost-wise, high quality service to the warfighter.

Technorati Tags:
Raytheon (NYSE:RTN), USN (US Navy)

Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin Team to Jointly Pursue U.S. Air Force's HH-60 Recap Helicopter Program

2010-07-15T17:13:00.000-04:00

Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin Team to Jointly Pursue U.S. Air Force's HH-60 Recap Helicopter Program
July 15, 2010

Washington, - Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), and Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE: LMT) will compete jointly for the contract to replace the U.S. Air Force's fleet of combat search and rescue helicopters.

The two companies signed a teaming agreement formalizing their intent to offer an advanced version of Sikorsky's UH-60M BLACK HAWK helicopter for the Air Force's HH-60 Personnel Recovery Recapitalization program (HH-60 Recap). The agreement positions Sikorsky as prime contractor, with Lockheed Martin as the major subsystems supplier.

The HH-60 Recap program seeks to replace the 112 existing HH-60G PAVE HAWK(TM) helicopter fleet with an equal number of new aircraft requiring minimum airframe modification or mission systems development. The initial operational capability of eight aircraft -- four trainers and four mission-ready aircraft, plus test aircraft -- is expected in fiscal year 2015.

"Our team has the resources and experience to rapidly deliver the proven UH-60M airframe design with mature situational awareness sensors and mission systems," said Scott Starrett, president of Sikorsky Military Systems. "We believe a UH-60M aircraft missionized for the complexities of the combat search and rescue mission will fit seamlessly into established Air Force training and logistics operations, thus providing a fiscally responsible and reliable platform for rescue operations."

Sikorsky submitted a response to the U.S. Air Force's HH-60 Recap request for information on April 23. The document details how the UH-60M helicopter would be manufactured and integrated as a low-risk, off-the-shelf solution for the combat search and rescue mission.

Operational with the U.S. Army (including as a medevac helicopter in the HH-60M configuration), the UH-60M features a strengthened airframe, wider rotor blades and more powerful engines than earlier-design BLACK HAWK helicopters. Sikorsky has delivered 200 'M' model helicopters to the U.S. Army since 2005.

Lockheed Martin has provided integrated avionics and mission systems for other H-60 aircraft, including U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force special operations helicopters, and Air Force combat rescue helicopters. Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin also have a well established working relationship over 38 years, delivering more than 400 SH-60B and MH-60R/S mission-ready aircraft to the U.S. Navy.

"Lockheed Martin has 25 years of experience integrating mission systems for special operations and combat rescue helicopters," said Dan Spoor, vice president of Lockheed Martin Aviation Systems. "We also can bring to the HH-60 Recap program the mature systems and readiness from our work on the prior CSAR-X competition."

In April, the companies announced a teaming agreement to compete jointly for the U.S. Navy's revived VXX Presidential Helicopter program. The companies will share facilities, experience and engineering talent for both opportunities.

Technorati Tags:
Helicopter, Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT)

More aware and better protected: SELEX Galileo boosts sensing capabilities at Farnborough International Airshow 2010

2010-07-15T17:11:00.000-04:00

More aware and better protected: SELEX Galileo boosts sensing capabilities at Farnborough International Airshow 2010
July 15, 2010

SELEX Galileo, a Finmeccanica Company, is exhibiting its latest technology as part of the Finmeccanica Group pavilion at Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2010.

As a leading supplier of mission and sensor systems, SELEX Galileo will showcase its range of airborne radar, defensive aids suites, aircraft and mission avionics for surveillance, combat and ISTAR applications in land and airborne domains.

Central to the Company’s offering is its world leading AESA airborne radar technology, with system solutions that exploit this technology having been provided to customers in the UK, US, Italy and South America. On display in the static area, AgustaWestland will be displaying the Lynx Wildcat which integrates the Seaspray 7400E and the HIDAS 15 defensive aid suite selected by the UK MoD.

Another key pillar of SELEX Galileo’s portfolio is its range of airborne Electro-Optic (EO) systems such as the EOST 46 four sensor turret and the VigilX system. EOST 46 has been selected for five different platforms and is displayed at FIA. VigilX is based on distributed sensor technology combined with advanced image processing algorithms. It allows pilots and flight crew to “see through the hull” of their aircraft by fusing onboard sensor data to generate a 360° panoramic integrated picture around the aircraft, providing the highest level of situational awareness.

SELEX Galileo also provides highly effective, life-saving defensive systems for fixed and rotary wing platforms, proven on operations in the harshest environments. The ground-breaking HIDAS defensive aid suite is installed on Apache helicopters in the UK, Kuwait and Greece, and the latest Aircraft Gateway Processor (AGP) solution currently equips the US Army’s Apache fleet.

The Company’s Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance (ATOS) system, installed on more than 10 different platforms in 4 different continents, will be present at the Show in one of its most successful versions, featuring the Company’s Gabbiano radar and the EOST 45 turret, currently in service on board of the Nigerian Air Force ATR42MP. The Gabbiano is a versatile, x-band, pulse doppler radar also selected as a standard fit on the AW139 helicopter.

A range of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), from mini/micro up to the tactical and medium altitude / endurance models, come fully equipped with sensors and networked capability, delivering a high degree of situational awareness and contributing to force protection within modern ISTAR solutions. The tactical UAS Falco has captured a fair amount of international attention and has been selected by two customers in the Middle East / Central East Asia markets. Leveraging on world class mission systems and sensor integration expertise, SELEX Galileo is working to position itself as one of the main players in the fast evolving and growing market of OUAS/MALE, offering state of the art bespoke avionics and mission systems to national and international platform primes.

The capability to simulate tactical scenarios and evaluate the performance of next generation sensors is provided by the SELEX Galileo Battlelab, which effectively integrates the Company’s UAS solutions.

SELEX Galileo is proud of its contribution to the Eurofighter Typhoon programme, where the Company is responsible for the delivery of mission critical systems. These include the CAPTOR M-scan radar, the PRAETORIAN defensive aid suite, including innovative towed decoys, the ‘Pirate’ Infrared Search and Track (IRST) and over 60 percent of the fighter’s avionics suite.

SELEX Galileo computers, covering vehicle mission and flight control operations can also be found on AgustaWestland’s AW101/103/129 platforms.

As partner of choice for next generation aircraft, SELEX Galileo has been selected by SAAB to develop and supply the latest generation AESA radar and IRST solutions for their Gripen NG fighter. The Company’s Raven ES-05 is a wide field of regard radar system optimised for multi-role/ swing-role operations, while the Skyward G provides full operational passive and stealthy search and track detection capability.

On the highly successful Alenia Aermacchi M346 advanced jet trainer, SELEX Galileo has gained the responsibility of the complete mission core system and important components of the mission simulator. SELEX Galileo has also been selected to integrate and supply the Grifo radar for the light attack version of the M346. SELEX Galileo is fully committed to supporting Alenia Aermacchi in all international marketing campaigns and programmes.

SELEX Galileo also works closely with Northrop Grumman Corporation to deliver DIRCM transmitters that are in large scale deployment across the US Air Force fleet. More than 1200 transmitters have been delivered to date, and the partnership is now expanding to compete for emerging US requirements such as the Army’s CIRCM programme.

The Company’s newest situational awareness system for ground vehicles, adapted from the existing Indirect Vision System (IVS) in wide service on the UK’s ground vehicle fleet including Ridgback, Mastiff and the Challenger 2, has been updated to reflect current and future operational needs. The new system incorporates a variety of additional capabilities including world class thermal imaging, integrated sniper detection and GPS navigation.

SELEX Galileo has established a dedicated Support and Service Solutions business (S3) focusing on availability contracting and contracting for capability. Working with partners at all levels of the supply chain, S3 provides affordable, combat proven, avionic support solutions to the most advanced fixed and rotary wing platforms in home markets and for export customers. This offer is complemented by other services including training, simulation and test ranges management.

Technorati Tags:
Farnborough 2010, Selex

General Richards to take over as Chief of the Defence Staff

2010-07-14T20:31:00.000-04:00

General Richards to take over as Chief of the Defence Staff
July 14, 2010

General Sir David Richards will take over from Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup as the next Chief of the Defence Staff, Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox has announced today, Wednesday 14 July 2010.

Currently serving as the Chief of the General Staff, General Sir David Richards will take up the post of Chief of the Defence Staff in October 2010.

The appointment has been approved by Her Majesty The Queen.

It has yet to be decided who will take over from General Richards as the Chief of the General Staff.

General Sir David Richards KCB CBE DSO ADC Gen

Born in 1952 and educated at Eastbourne College, David Richards was commissioned into the Royal Artillery in 1971 prior to studying international relations at University College Cardiff. Graduating in 1974 he spent the next nine years at regimental duty in the Far East, Germany and the UK (principally with 29 Commando Regiment RA and C Anti-Tank Battery Royal Horse Artillery) and on the staff of 11th Armoured Brigade in Germany. This period included three tours in Northern Ireland.

After attending the Staff College in 1984, he returned to 11th Armoured Brigade to command a field battery in 47th Field Regiment. From there he spent two years in Berlin as the Chief of Staff of the Berlin Infantry Brigade. Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, he spent the next three years as an instructor at the Staff College, Camberley, before being appointed to command 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery. This period included another operational tour in Northern Ireland. In 1994 he was promoted and appointed Colonel Army Plans in the MOD, responsible for the shape and size of the Army.

Promoted to Brigadier in 1996, and after attending the Higher Command and Staff course, he became Commander 4th Armoured Brigade in Germany. In 1998 he was posted to the Permanent Joint Headquarters as Chief Joint Force Operations, the UK's default one-star commander for short notice expeditionary operations. In this role he was involved in a number of operations, including commanding the UK Contingent in East Timor in 1999, and twice commanding a UK Joint Task Force in Sierra Leone in 2000.

Promoted to Major General, he was appointed Chief of Staff of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) in April 2001 before becoming Assistant Chief of the General Staff in September 2002. Appointed to command the ARRC in January 2005, he served as Commander of the International Security Assistance Force Afghanistan between May 2006 and February 2007, a period that included NATO/ISAF expansion across the south and east of Afghanistan.

Given substantive promotion in January 2008, he took over as Commander-in-Chief UK Land Forces before assuming the appointment of Chief of the General Staff in August 2009. His operational awards include a Mention in Despatches, Commander of the Order of the British Empire, the Distinguished Service Order and Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath.

General Sir David Richards has a home in Wiltshire, is married to Caroline, and has two daughters (Joanna and Pippa). He is Honorary Colonel 3rd Regiment RHA, Colonel Commandant Royal Artillery, Colonel Commandant Brigade of Gurkhas, Chairman Gurkha Welfare Trust, Colonel Commandant Media Operations Group (Volunteers), President of Army Skiing, President of Army Tennis, and Admiral of the Army Sailing Association and the British Kiel Yacht Club. He is also Patron of Wiltshire Search and Rescue (WILSAR) and the Afghan Appeal Fund. A keen student of military history, he is a qualified offshore yachtsman, a governor of his old school, and an occasional horseman.

Technorati Tags:
Appointments, British Army, UK Ministry of Defence

Today in the Department of Defense, Thursday, July 15, 2010

2010-07-14T17:10:00.000-04:00

Today in the Department of Defense, Thursday, July 15, 2010
July 14, 2010

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.

A National Capital Region Flyover of Arlington National Cemetery occurs at 9:53 a.m. EDT with one C-17.

Director, Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy Shay Assad testifies at a hearing of the Senate Budget Committee on contracting and procurement policies at 10 a.m. EDT in room 608, Dirksen Senate Office Building.

Acting Director, Office of Small Business Programs Linda B. Oliver testifies at a hearing of the House Committee on Small Business on service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses at 10 a.m. EDT in room 2360, Rayburn House Office Building.

Maj. Gen. Richard P. Mills, commanding general for Regional Command Southwest, will brief the media live from Afghanistan at 11 a.m. EDT, in the DoD Briefing Room, Pentagon 2E973, to provide an update on current operations.

Technorati Tags:
Department of Defense (DoD), Schedule

DOD CONTRACTS for July 14, 2010

2010-07-14T17:08:00.000-04:00

DOD CONTRACTS for July 14, 2010
July 14, 2010

ARMY
Linc Government Services, LLC, Hopkinsville, Ky., and Lockheed Martin Services, Inc., Gaithersburg, Md., were awarded on July 9 a $300,000,000 firm-fixed-price, time-and-material task order contract. This acquisition is for acquiring operations and maintenance services under North American Industry Classification System Code 561210, facilities support services, to preserve and maintain government medical and non-medical real property facilities on such a condition that they may be effectively used for their designated functional purpose. This acquisition applies to medical and non-medical facilities inside and outside the contiguous U.S. This acquisition will provide operations and maintenance engineering enhancement services at highly complex facilities including in-patient medical facilities, medical research facilities, and medical facilities having unusual or complex systems that are not normally found in the typical medical facility or medical centers over 300,000 square feet in size. Work is to be performed in Huntsville, Ala., with an estimated completion date of June 21, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with eight bids received. U.S. Corps of Engineers, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (W912DY-10-D-0049).

General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, Burlington, Vt., was awarded on July 8 a $48,215,074 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for 12,180 Bradley reactive armor skirt tiles and 435 installation kits for the Bradley fighting vehicle system. Work is to be performed in Haifa, Israel (47.4); Burlington, Vt. (23.2 percent); Niceville, Fla. (6.4 percent); Garland, Texas (6.3 percent); Lyndonville, Vt. (6 percent); Stone County, Miss. (3.6 percent); Saugerties, N.Y. (3.1 percent); College Park, Ga. (1.6 percent); Stoughton, Mass. (1 percent); Aberdeen, Md. (0.3 percent); St. Paul, Minn. (0.3 percent); Warrendale, Pa. (0.2 percent); Williamston, S.C. (0.2 percent); Austin, Texas (0.1 percent); Middletown, Iowa (0.1 percent); Montreal, Canada (0.1 percent); and Rochester, N.Y. (0.1 percent), with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2011. One bid solicited with one received. U.S Army Contracting Command, CJM-MA, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-10-C-0006).

General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, Burlington, Vt., was awarded on July 7 a $35,212,375 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is to purchase 6,180 M2E2 quick change barrel kits, providing warfighters with a faster, more accurate way to change barrels on the M2 machine gun and decreasing exposure to enemy fire. It is critical that the warfighter have the capability to quickly change the barrel and resume firing without resetting the headspace and timing, and to maneuver with the weapons in a ready-to-fire fashion. Work is to be performed in Saco, Maine, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 23, 2012. Three bids were solicited with three bids received. Army Contracting Command, Joint Munitions and Lethality Life Cycle Management Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-09-C-0060).

NAVY
Raytheon Technical Services Co., Reston, Va., is being awarded a $20,372,898 modification (P00070) under previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N00140-05-C-0015) for services in support of the Navy Forces Surveillance Support Center relocateable over-the-horizon radar system. Work will be performed in Reston, Va. (40 percent); Texas (30 percent); and Puerto Rico (30 percent). Work is expected to be completed by July 2011. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively awarded. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Contracting Department, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity.

General Dynamics C4 Systems, Scottsdale, Ariz., is being awarded a $9,972,000 modification (P00214) under previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (M67854-02-C-2052) to purchase 120 generator environmental control unit and tent trailers. Work will be performed in Scottsdale, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by March 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors, Manassas, Va., is being awarded a not-to-exceed $9,653,513 undefinitized modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-6247). This modification is for the procurement of 10 AN/BVY-1 Integrated Submarine Imaging Systems (ISIS). This is the first delivery order for the Technical Insertion 10 (TI-10) variant of the ISIS system to be delivered to the Navy. The ISIS provides mission critical, all-weather, visual and electronic search, digital image management, and indication, warning and platform architecture interface capabilities for attack submarine (nuclear propulsion) (SSN) SSN 688 (Los Angeles class); SSN 21 (Seawolf class); submersible, ship, guided, nuclear (SSGN Ohio class); and SSN 774 (Virginia class) submarines with potential for ship, submersible, ballistic, nuclear (SSBN) (Trident class) and potentially other submarines. Work will be performed in Manassas, Va. (32 percent); Wake Forest, N.C. (20 percent); Chantilly, Va. (19 percent); Johnstown, Pa. (12 percent); Northampton, Mass. (11 percent); Paoli, Pa. (3 percent); Eagan, Minn. (2 percent); and Middletown, R.I. (1 percent). Work is expected to be completed by July 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

AIR FORCE
Boeing Co., Integrated Defense Systems, Seattle, Wash., was awarded a $5,915,735 contract modification which will exercise the options for the Phase II-A production requirements of the Radar System Improvement Program capability for the Royal Saudi Air Force Airborne Warning and Control System fleet of five aircraft. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. AASSD/HBSK, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (F19628-01-D-0016; Delivery order 0070; Modification 001).

Technorati Tags:
Contract win, Department of Defense (DoD)

Northrop Grumman, CyberPatriot Team Honored With Air Force Association's 2010 Hoyt S. Vandenberg Award

2010-07-14T17:06:00.000-04:00

Northrop Grumman, CyberPatriot Team Honored With Air Force Association's 2010 Hoyt S. Vandenberg Award
July 14, 2010

MCLEAN, Va. – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been honored with the Air Force Association's (AFA) 2010 Hoyt S. Vandenberg Award, recognizing contributions to the field of aerospace education, for its role as presenting sponsor of CyberPatriot.

The award will be presented at the AFA Air and Space Conference in National Harbor, Md. on Sept. 14, 2010.

"We are proud of our entire CyberPatriot team, and appreciate Northrop Grumman for their support of CyberPatriot and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education," said Joe Sutter, Chairman of the Board for AFA. "The Hoyt S. Vandenberg Award recognizes AFA's strong commitment to education and we are honored to have Northrop Grumman share our vision for this important cyber education initiative."

CyberPatriot is the national high school cyber defense competition designed to excite, educate, and motivate the next generation of cyber defenders. Northrop Grumman announced in May 2010 that it would be the presenting sponsor of CyberPatriot III, investing time and resources over the 2010-2011 school year to assist in coaching teams and mentoring students. The company's involvement in CyberPatriot will contribute to building a talent base in the cybersecurity field that will ultimately ensure the country's future cyber protection.

"Northrop Grumman is honored to receive the Vandenberg Award," said Linda Mills, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman Information Systems. "We are committed to supporting STEM and as a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions we believe it is our responsibility to help build the pipeline of qualified cyber professionals."

Established in 1948, the Hoyt S. Vandenberg Award is one of the Air Force Association's top awards. It is given in recognition of the most outstanding contribution in the field of aerospace education.

Northrop Grumman is actively engaged in supporting cybersecurity education, training and technology. In addition to sponsoring CyberPatriot, the company has formed a Cybersecurity Research Consortium, an industry/academia partnership addressing the cybersecurity challenges of the future and is a co-sponsor of the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition.

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Technorati Tags:
Cyber warfare, Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC)

National Guard (in Federal Status) and Reserve Activated as of July 13, 2010

2010-07-14T13:10:00.000-04:00

National Guard (in Federal Status) and Reserve Activated as of July 13, 2010
July 14, 2010

This week the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard announced a decrease in activated reservists, while the Navy announced no change. The net collective result is 1,818 fewer reservists activated than last week.

At any given time, services may activate some units and individuals while deactivating others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease. The total number currently on active duty from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 90,144; Navy Reserve, 6,354; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 16,457; Marine Corps Reserve, 4,917; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 787. This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been activated to 118,659, including both units and individual augmentees.

A cumulative roster of all National Guard and Reserve personnel who are currently activated may be found online.

Technorati Tags:
National Guard, Reserve Forces

General Dynamics NASSCO Delivers USNS Charles Drew

2010-07-14T13:08:00.000-04:00

General Dynamics NASSCO Delivers USNS Charles Drew
July 14, 2010

SAN DIEGO, -General Dynamics NASSCO, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), today delivered USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10) to the U.S. Navy. The ship is named in honor of Dr. Charles R. Drew (1904-1950), the African American surgeon and hematologist who pioneered the procedures for the safe storage and transfusion of blood.

NASSCO began construction of USNS Charles Drew in October 2008. The 689- foot-long supply ship will serve under the Navy's Military Sealift Command. The ship is capable of delivering almost 10,000 tons of dry cargo and petroleum products at one time to Navy and allied ships underway at sea.

Including the Charles Drew, NASSCO has delivered ten T-AKEs, which are also known as Lewis and Clark-class ships. The eleventh through thirteenth ships are under construction at the San Diego shipyard. Construction of the fourteenth and final ship of the Lewis and Clark class will begin in the fall.

Technorati Tags:
General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), Naval Systems

Northrop Grumman Elects Sid Ashworth Corporate Vice President of Government Relations

2010-07-14T13:02:00.000-04:00

Northrop Grumman Elects Sid Ashworth Corporate Vice President of Government Relations
July 14, 2010

LOS ANGELES -Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) announced today that its board of directors has elected Sid Ashworth corporate vice president of Government Relations, effective August 16, 2010. In her new role Ashworth will be responsible for maintaining effective relations between the company and the U.S. government. She will report to Wes Bush, the company's chief executive officer and president, and become a member of the company's Corporate Policy Council.

"We are pleased to welcome Sid Ashworth to our senior management team," Bush said. "Her extensive legislative and executive branch expertise, including many years as a professional staff member with the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations and as a civilian in the Department of the Army, are well suited to her new role. We look forward to working with her as we drive to improve performance and deliver value for our shareholders, customers and employees."

A photo accompanying this release is available

Ashworth joins Northrop Grumman from GE Aviation, where she is vice president of its Washington Operations. Prior to joining GE Aviation, she was principal of the Ashworth Group.

Ashworth has more than 25 years experience in the legislative and executive government branches, including 14 years as a professional staff member with the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations. She also served as staff director of the Defense Subcommittee and staff director of the Military Construction Subcommittee. During Ashworth's tenure with the Defense Subcommittee, she was responsible for formulating funding and legislation recommendations for defense and intelligence spending in excess of $600 billion annually. She also worked as a civilian in the Department of the Army and was focused on resource management, force structure and strategy.

Ashworth earned a master's degree in business administration from Campbell University and a bachelor's degree in management from the University of Maryland. Additionally, she was a Senior Executive Fellow at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University and serves as a senior advisor with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

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Appointments, Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC)

USMC General Officer Announcements

2010-07-14T13:00:00.000-04:00

USMC General Officer Announcements
July 14, 2010

The Secretary of Defense announced today that the President made the following nominations:

Marine Corps Reserve Col. William T. Collins has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. Collins is currently serving as the assistant chief of staff, G-5, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing in Fort Worth, Texas.

Marine Corps Reserve Col. James S. Hartsell has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. Hartsell is currently serving as chief of staff, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Individual Mobilization Augmentee Detachment in Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine Corps Reserve Col. Roger R. Machut has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. Machut is currently serving as deputy commander, 4th Marine Logistics Group in New Orleans, La.

Marine Corps Reserve Col. Marcella J. Monahan has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. Monahan is currently serving as assistant chief of staff, G-7, II Marine Expeditionary Force in Camp Lejeune, N.C.

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Appointments, USMC (US Marine Corps), USMC United States Marine Corps

Boeing to Release Second-Quarter Results on July 28

2010-07-14T12:58:00.000-04:00

Boeing to Release Second-Quarter Results on July 28
July 14, 2010

CHICAGO, - The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) will release its financial results for the second quarter at 7:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, July 28. Boeing Capital Corp. results will also be released at that time.

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jim McNerney and Corporate President and Chief Financial Officer James Bell will discuss the results and company outlook during a conference that day at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time.

Visit to access a link to the live broadcast of the conference. A Boeing news release will also be available on that site.

Individuals should check the website prior to the session to ensure their computers can access the audio stream and slide presentation. Instructions for obtaining the required free downloadable software will be posted on the site.

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Boeing (NYSE:BA), Financial Results

Raytheon Delivers Third Advanced SUV-based Radiation Detection System to Florida

2010-07-14T12:57:00.000-04:00

Raytheon Delivers Third Advanced SUV-based Radiation Detection System to Florida
July 14, 2010

TEWKSBURY, Mass., - Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) delivered its third Mobile Nuclear Radiation Detection System (MNRDS) to Florida's Department of Transportation.

The Florida Department of Transportation took ownership of the system during a ceremony at Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems' Integrated Air Defense Center in Andover, Mass.

"With this third delivery, the state of Florida is expanding its ability to protect citizens against nuclear threats," said Karen Kalil Brown, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems vice president of National & Theater Security Programs. "We're proud that Florida continues to choose this proven capability to meet a critical need shared by every state with a large city."

The MNRDS is a mobile radiation detection system mounted in a sports utility vehicle; it provides the ability to detect and identify nuclear radiation in mobile and stationary operations using advanced spectroscopic technology. It will expand the state's capability to safeguard against nuclear threats on highways, bridges, overpasses, tunnels, ports of entry, and public venues such as major sporting events and other large gatherings that might be considered targets.

This delivery grows Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems' position as a source for homeland security solutions to all levels of government. With award-winning manufacturing capability, a highly skilled workforce, proven and affordable technology innovations can rapidly be delivered.

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DHS (Department of Homeland Security), Raytheon (NYSE:RTN), WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction)

Boeing NewGen Tanker Win Would Bring 1,100 Jobs, $57 Million to Illinois

2010-07-14T12:37:00.000-04:00

Boeing NewGen Tanker Win Would Bring 1,100 Jobs, $57 Million to Illinois
July 14, 2010

ST. LOUIS, - The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced that Illinois will benefit from an estimated 1,100 total jobs and generate an estimated $57 million in annual economic impact if the Boeing NewGen Tanker is selected as the U.S. Air Force's next aerial refueling aircraft.

Boeing submitted its proposal July 9 to replace 179 of the 400 Eisenhower-era KC-135 aircraft. The Air Force is expected to award a contract in November.

"Boeing's NewGen Tanker would support more than 200 jobs at Hamilton Sundstrand in Rockford and in the surrounding communities, bringing $11 million in economic impact to the region each year," said U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo. "Boeing is in great position to win this competition and build the Air Force's next-generation refueling tanker, putting more Americans back to work in northern Illinois and throughout the country."

"I have been a strong supporter of Boeing building the new tanker, precisely because it will mean good paying jobs right here in Illinois," said U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello. "This fact is even more important as we continue to deal with the effects of the economic downturn. Boeing has a tremendous economic impact on our state, and I look forward to this process moving toward completion."

Illinois manufacturers ready to produce critical components on the NewGen Tanker include:

Elecsys Division of DCX Chol, Pekin
Hamilton Sundstrand, Rockford
Northrop Grumman, Rolling Meadows
Rexnord, Downers Grove
Scot, Downers Grove
SKF Aerospace Sealing Solution, Elgin
Woodward MPC, Skokie.
Currently, Boeing has more than 600 employees in Illinois and works with nearly 850 suppliers/vendors, delivering a total $714 million in annual economic impact.

The NewGen Tanker is a widebody, multi-mission aircraft based on the proven Boeing 767 commercial airplane and updated with the latest and most advanced technology. Capable of fulfilling the Air Force's needs for transport of fuel, cargo, passengers and patients, the combat-ready NewGen Tanker will meet or exceed the 372 mandatory requirements described in the service's final KC-X Request for Proposal released Feb. 24.

The NewGen Tanker will be made with a low-risk approach to manufacturing that relies on existing Boeing facilities in Washington state and Kansas as well as U.S. suppliers throughout the nation, with decades of experience delivering dependable military tanker and derivative aircraft. Nationwide, the NewGen Tanker program will support approximately 50,000 total U.S. jobs with Boeing and more than 800 suppliers in more than 40 states.

The Boeing NewGen Tanker also will be more cost-effective to own and operate than a larger, heavier tanker. It will save American taxpayers more than $10 billion in fuel costs over its 40-year service life because it burns 24 percent less fuel than the competitor's airplane.

Boeing has been designing, building, modifying and supporting tankers for decades. These include the KC-135 that will be replaced in the KC-X competition, and the KC-10 fleet. The company also has delivered four KC-767Js to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and is on contract to deliver four KC-767As to the Italian Air Force.

More information on Boeing's NewGen Tanker, including video clips and an interactive tour of the aircraft, is available. For more information on joining the company's efforts, visit.

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Boeing (NYSE:BA), KC-767 Tanker

Northrop Grumman's Fire Scout Vertical Unmanned System Successfully Completes Testing Under Extreme Environmental Conditions

2010-07-14T12:33:00.000-04:00

Northrop Grumman's Fire Scout Vertical Unmanned System Successfully Completes Testing Under Extreme Environmental Conditions
July 14, 2010

Field Trials Add Momentum to System Readiness for Domestic, International Evaluation

ABU DHABI, UAE - With the support of the United States Navy, Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) and its industry partners (Sikorsky/Schweizer, Rolls-Royce, Raytheon, FLIR Systems, Cubic, Kearfott, Rockwell-Collins, General Electric, Sierra Nevada, Telephonics, and L-3 Communications) today successfully completed a rigorous set of flight demonstrations of the MQ-8B Fire Scout vertical unmanned aerial system (VUAS) in the United Arab Emirates under extreme environmental conditions.

A social media version of this news release, which includes key facts, quotes, photos, video clip and other relevant links and information can be found at http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=196314

The test flights were conducted in early July over a ten day period in the United Arab Emirates. They validated Fire Scout's steady system maturation and helped signal its readiness for the U.S. Navy's upcoming Operational Evaluation of the system, planned for late 2010 aboard the USS Halyburton (FFG-40).

"We welcome Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Navy to the UAE for continued testing of the Fire Scout," said Ali Al Yafei of ADASI (Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investment). "As a VUAS, Fire Scout has many unique capabilities to offer and we're looking forward to reviewing the results of this in-country testing."

The Fire Scout demonstrations included numerous takeoffs and landings in hot, windy and sandy conditions in temperatures as high as 47 degrees Celsius (117 degrees Fahrenheit). The VUAS also conducted various test flights at altitudes up to 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) . These demonstration missions included non-line-of-sight operations that showcased Fire Scout's ability to operate autonomously in remote locations, and its FLIR Systems electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensing capabilities used to locate and acquire targets.

Video imagery from the testing was presented today at a post-testing event to an audience of interested multi-national government agencies, and domestic and international media. The imagery, a compilation of video produced by Fire Scout's sensors during field trials, demonstrated the VUAS's real-time imagery-transmission capability, a vital element of the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions it performs for military forces.

"Today's demonstration was very impressive and reinforces the continued maturation of the Fire Scout system and its capabilities," said John Brooks, president of Northrop Grumman International Inc. "Northrop Grumman thanks the UAE for being such a gracious host and offering us the opportunity to test Fire Scout in the extreme heat of summer. The UAE represents an important partnership for Northrop Grumman and our customers internationally demand the best. We are committed to continuing to meet and exceed their expectations."

The only U.S. Department of Defense VUAS program of record, Fire Scout is a mature, flexible and reliable system whose capabilities can serve as a true force multiplier.

"The capabilities that Fire Scout delivers to warfighters really stood out today," said Duke Dufresne, sector vice president and general manager for the Strike and Surveillance Systems Division of Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector. "It's clear from this demonstration that Fire Scout can do exactly what it's designed to do: extend the range at which we can gather crucial information during peacekeeping or wartime missions."

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Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC), UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles)