LOCKHEED MARTIN F-35A LOGS 50TH MISSION; F-35B PREPARES FOR TRANSITION TO STOVL FLIGHTS

LOCKHEED MARTIN F-35A LOGS 50TH MISSION; F-35B PREPARES FOR TRANSITION TO STOVL FLIGHTS

FORT WORTH, Texas, September 30th, 2008 -- The conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] F-35A Lightning II notched its 50th flight last week in preparation for testing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., while the F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) variant began a planned modification interval that will lead to STOVL-mode flight early next year.

In preparation for its deployment to Edwards, the F-35A is conducting a final series of in-flight refueling tests from its Fort Worth base, having taken on 12,000 pounds of fuel during a three-hour flight on Thursday, Sept. 25. Additionally, on Sept. 16, the aircraft flew for the first time with a full weapons load in its internal bays. The mock-up weapons duplicate the dimensions and weight of a typical F-35 strike mission load-out in full stealth configuration: two 2,000-pound Joint Direct Attack Munitions and two Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles.

With more than 5,000 pounds of ordnance in its internal weapons bays, performance remained strong, with no discernable indication of the degradation sometimes experienced in current fighters because of aerodynamic drag. "The acceleration in maximum-afterburner takeoff was very quick," said F-35 Chief Test Pilot Jon Beesley. "The climb-out with full internal weapons carriage was particularly impressive to me. Very pleasant to see clean-fighter climb rates and angles while carrying a combat load."

At Edwards Air Force Base, pilots will test the F-35A's ability to shut down and restart the engine while airborne.

While AA-1 has been preparing for its Edwards deployment, the STOVL F-35B has undergone a range of handling-qualities tests, engine-power transitions from idle to full afterburner, extended its retractable fuel probe, and opened and closed all of the doors associated with its STOVL propulsion system. "The aircraft performed exactly as we predicted with the STOVL doors in their various positions. It has exceeded our expectations in its 14 flights to date, and this was a key milestone to achieve before starting vertical flight operations in the next few months," said Dan Crowley, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and F-35 program general manager. The tests validated computer modeling and simulation predictions and moved the aircraft a step closer to vertical flight early next year.

The F-35B now begins a 12-week modification period for system evaluations, calibrations and software and hardware updates, including the installation of the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine that is certified for short takeoffs, hovers, vertical landings and the full range of STOVL-mode and conventional flight. The test plan calls for transition to vertical flight operations in early 2009.

With four System Development and Demonstration aircraft complete and the remaining 15 in production, Lockheed Martin plans to begin delivering one F-35 per month, with all SDD aircraft scheduled for completion by late 2009. Additionally:

The second F-35B has already transitioned from production to the flight line and is undergoing ground testing prior to its projected first flight in early 2009.
The first structurally optimized F-35A also has entered final assembly in the recently completed moving assembly line.
The first F-35 dedicated solely to ground-test activities has tested structural components to well beyond their designed load limits.
The program is on schedule to begin delivery of production-model aircraft to the armed services beginning in 2010.
The F-35 is a supersonic, multi-role, 5th generation stealth fighter. Three F-35 variants derived from a common design, developed together and using the same sustainment infrastructure worldwide will replace at least 13 types of aircraft for 11 nations initially, making the Lightning II the most cost-effective fighter program in history.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

F-35 and Lightning II are trademarks of Lockheed Martin Corporation.

Technorati Tags:
Joint Strike Fighter, Lockheed Martin

Boeing, US Air Force Celebrate Opening of F-15E Training Center in UK

Boeing, US Air Force Celebrate Opening of F-15E Training Center in UK

SUFFOLK, UK, Sept. 30, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Air Force today celebrated the opening of the new F-15E Mission Training Center (MTC) at Royal Air Force Lakenheath in Suffolk, United Kingdom. The center began operations in April 2008 and has supported approximately 350 training missions so far while maintaining a 100 percent availability rate. It provides aircrews with high-fidelity, simulator-based training without the material and personnel costs and environmental issues associated with training on operational aircraft.
"The MTC provides a forum where pilots are able to 'train as they fight' on a daily basis," said Kay Grabanski, F-15E MTC program manager for Boeing. "It is a highly realistic training system that allows pilots to sharpen their skills without putting themselves in harm's way or adding wear and tear to their aircraft."

The training center provides two high-fidelity, dual-cockpit F-15E simulators, each with a 360-degree visual system and a robust synthetic environment, as well as instructor/operator and brief/debrief stations. The simulators, enhanced with head-tracked area-of-interest display visual systems, can be operated individually or linked to provide two- or four-ship training within the MTC. They also can be linked locally with two medium-fidelity F-15E Manned Combat Stations to allow local four-ship training. The Lakenheath MTC will join the Air Force's Distributed Mission Operations (DMO) training network in 2009.

"The Boeing-operated center provides an important training capability that will help ensure operational readiness for the U.S. Air Force," said Mike Kurth, managing director, Boeing Defence UK. "The 48th Fighter Wing will use the system for introductory, operational and continuation training of all F-15E squadrons."

Boeing supports this training capability with several key products, including the Visual Integrated Display System, Manned Combat Stations and the Big Tac Combat Environment Server. Boeing also provides the key network elements to enable local and long-haul networked training. Lockheed Martin provides the instructor/operator station, the non-combatant natural environment system and the electro-optical/infrared imaging system, along with geographic databases. SAIC provides the brief/debrief station.

Under the F-15E MTC contract, Boeing has delivered two F-15E MTCs to two other sites -- Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina.

Boeing has delivered and currently operates six Air Force F-15C MTCs around the world and is the prime contractor for the F-15E and F-16 MTC contracts. Boeing also is integrating the F-22 Raptor into the DMO training network.

Technorati Tags:
Boeing, US Air Force, F-15 Eagle

Navy chief unveils joint doctrine for special forces operations

Navy chief unveils joint doctrine for special forces operations
14:41 IST

Admiral Sureesh Mehta, the Chairman, Chief of Staff Committee and the Chief of the Naval Staff, formally unveiled the 'Joint Doctrine for Special Forces Operations', here today, authored by HQ Integrated Defence Staffs, Doctrine Branch. The function was attended by the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee Lieutenant General HS Lidder and a number of distinguished inter-service officers.

The necessity for bringing out this latest doctrine has been mooted by current global trends where such integrated forces have operated jointly in numerous highly sensitive situations. The Special Forces of every nation are potent force multipliers. To recall India's own experience, during the latter part of the 80's, its Army and the Naval Special Forces were employed in operations conducted in Sri Lanka as part of the IPKF, while, to a limited extent, the Army and the IAF were also involved in the Maldives where they went in at the request of its government in distress.

Besides synergy and jointness amongst the three Services, all future wars or conflicts will demand the Special Forces to play an increasingly dominant role at all levels of war, be it strategic, operational or tactical. Therefore, the bringing. out of this Special Forces doctrine has been most timely and apt. Not only is it visually most appealing, it consists of an introductory and information packed nine chapters. The former provides the basic information of the respective Special Forces of the three Services that is the Para Special Forces of the Army, the Marine Commandos or MARCOS of the Navy and the Garuds of the Air Force.

Subsequent chapters cover the operational environment in which the Special Forces are likely to operate. They highlight the organisational set up and special characteristics of the Special Forces, which make them ideally suited for varied role across the entire spectrum of conflict, that is from strategic and operational level tasks to unconventional warfare and counter insurgency / counter terrorism tasks. The Doctrine also charts out the ideal command and control organisation necessary for Joint Special Forces tasking, joint planning aspects at theatre level, including operational, environmental and intelligence requirements. It has also briefly covered, apart from the aspects of detailed planning, conduct of rehearsals and integration of Special Forces in the overall theatre plans. The doctrine emphasises the need for providing timely, wholesome and accurate intelligence, fire support by attack helicopters, naval gunfire, artillery, precision guided munitions and rockets for the successful conduct of special operations. The Doctrine also highlights the importance of various aspects of joint training to achieve greater cohesion and understanding necessary for conducting joint special operations.

Technorati Tags:
Doctrine, India MoD

DE&S: Armour and new equipment gives rocket system extra punch

DE&S: Armour and new equipment gives rocket system extra punch

An Equipment and Logistics news article
30 Sep 08

A major project to provide enhanced protection for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) has been completed by a Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) team based in Bristol.

The GMLRS system and its 70km-range multiple guided rockets have been a huge success in Afghanistan, providing land forces with their first organic precision fire capability. Around 140 rockets have been fired since going into service last year.

Now the GMLRS team, located within the Artillery Systems Integrated Project Team (IPT) at MOD Abbey Wood in Bristol, has completed urgent operational requirements (UORs) to give extra armour and equipment to enhance protection and help make the life of its three-strong crew safer and more comfortable.

Bar armour surrounds the cab with appliqué armour plates beneath, while under the vehicle mine protection plating has been added, all of which contributes to much higher levels of protection against rocket propelled grenades and improvised explosive devices.

Inside the cab are new energy absorbing seats and an enhanced day and night vision capability from three thermal imaging cameras with screens for driver and vehicle commander. There is also a machine gun, a wire cutter and air conditioning to help the crew when conditions in Helmand province turn hot. With the extra weight the vehicle carries, the suspension has been upgraded.

The time available to design, trial and fit all the systems in the UK and therefore ensure full system integration and give the crews time to familiarise themselves before deploying was limited:

"It is a very successful piece of kit and the feedback we are getting from the front line is very positive," said Den Parrett, the team's technical support manager for rockets.

"Since deployment in June last year, all the vehicles have remained 100 per cent operationally available, which is a remarkable achievement, especially as each vehicle is often fully switched on for up to 48 hours.

"The business case for the UORs was signed in March 2007 and the vehicles deployed in May this year. It has been hard work in a short time, but very satisfying. These UORs will make life a lot safer and more comfortable for the crew."

Armour, seats and the night vision equipment were provided by Lockheed Martin Insys, electronic equipment by Dytecna, and the Defence Support Group carried out the integration and fitting work at Donnington. A wide range of electronic and automotive trials were conducted mostly by QinetiQ.

Mr Parrett added:

"Everyone involved can take a lot of pride in the superb additional capability they have delivered. Contractors worked extremely hard in producing the various kits, in particular the outstanding work DSG Donnington carried out in fitting all the systems and getting the vehicles completed in time for deployment."

This article first appeared in the September 2008 edition of Desider: the magazine for Defence Equipment and Support.

Technorati Tags:
Artillery, British Army, Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S)

Another success in the USA: 287 million dollars contract by U.S. Air Force for eighteen G.222 tactical transport aircraft

Rome, 30 September 2008

Another success in the USA: 287 million dollars contract by U.S. Air Force for eighteen G.222 tactical transport aircraft

A new success in the USA for Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica company. Its subsidiary Alenia North America has been awarded a 287 million dollars contract by the United States Air Force for 18 refurbished G.222 tactical transport aircraft. Through the United States Air Force’s Combined Air Power Transition Force based in Kabul, the G.222s, operated until 2005 by the Italian Air Force, will be supplied to the Afghanistan National Army Air Corps (ANAAC).

The aircraft will be delivered commencing in 2009 and deliveries will continue through 2011. The program currently includes 18 aircraft in a standardized operational configuration as well as the equipment to convert two aircraft to a VIP Transport configuration. Additionally, the program encompasses an initial spare parts inventory, ground support equipment, technical publications and contractor logistics support for a period of three years.

Pier Francesco Guarguaglini, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Finmeccanica, said: “Today’s announcement is yet another signal of our Group’s growing strength in the U.S. market. It is a great honour for Finmeccanica to be entrusted with this responsibility and we are proud to support the U.S. Air Force in these critical efforts. This announcement, combined with our growing investments in the U.S.A., further demonstrates the Group’s commitment to the U.S. market”.

The United States Air Force has determined that the G.222’s capabilities for ANAAC is vital to achieving long term stability in Afghanistan. The G.222s, operated until 2005 by the Italian Air Force and the U.S. Air Force during the 1990s as the C-27A, are capable of delivering ten tons of cargo, transporting vehicles, and providing medical evacuation for 36 patients. The aircraft’s ability to perform at high altitudes makes it a well matched solution to satisfy Afghanistan’s medium transport aircraft requirement. The G.222 is known for its robust, rugged military design and its ability to operate in austere conditions from unprepared and short landing strips.

Technorati Tags:
Contract Win, US Air Force, Finmeccanica

Babcock International Group PLC: Pre-close Trading Statement

Babcock International Group PLC: Pre-close Trading Statement
30 September 2008

Babcock International Group PLC (Babcock) makes the following statement on trading for the first half of the 2008/09 financial year, prior to entering its close period ahead of announcing half year results on 11 November 2008. Trading for the Group remains strong and is in line with our expectations that this will be another year of excellent progress for Babcock. The Group's cash flow performance remains strong and gearing ratios are comfortably within both internal and external benchmarks. The Group's debt position remains very secure, supported by a five year committed debt facility of £600 million negotiated last year.

Contract Awards
A number of milestone contracts have been signed since the beginning of the
financial year. This has increased our order book to a record level of over £5 billion.
The C$250 million (£125 million) five year contract with the Canadian Government to provide in-service support for their Victoria class submarines represents our first opportunity to utilise our submarine expertise in international markets.
The manufacturing contracts for the future aircraft carrier project (CVF) were signed at the beginning of July and we were awarded a contract for £675 million to construct the bow sections and to carry out the assembly and completion of the ships at our dockyard in Rosyth.
The 30 year contract to provide training and training support for the Royal School of Military Engineering (RSME) was signed at the beginning of September. This contract, worth £1.5 billion to Babcock, provides significant opportunities for the Group to extend its position in the military training market.
Our pipeline remains strong and we expect further significant contracts to be signed in the near future.

Divisional Review
Marine, our largest division, has had a very successful first half benefiting from the steady programme of warship and submarine refit projects and in-service maintenance work.

New contracts at Devonport are currently being negotiated in line with the Heads of Terms signed in October last year. A Process Commitment Document will be signed in early October as we continue to progress negotiations on the Terms of Business Agreement (ToBA). As a result there will be no delays to new contracts being placed or synergies being realised. By 2011, we expect synergies to include an extra £10 million (on an annual basis) in addition to the originally identified £4 million. We expect final signature of the Terms of Business Agreement to take place in the summer of 2009, when the Ministry of Defence can conclude our ToBA at the same time as other Maritime Change Programme initiatives.

A new business unit has been formed within the Marine division to bring together the engineering, design, systems integration and platform management capabilities across the Group. This creates one of the largest organisations of its type in the UK with some 1100 engineers and technical staff, and consolidates our leading position in the UK Defence sector. This business unit enables us to continue developing our international naval support activities.

The contracts within the Defence division continue to perform as expected. The RSME contract signed at the beginning of September will become operational on 1 January 2009 and will be worth some £50 million in revenue per annum. The 2009/10 financial year will be the first full year of operation when significant profits will be realised. Financial close on the Hackney Building Schools for the Future (BSF) contract has been delayed further but we expect progress to be made in the coming weeks. The Airports baggage handling business has had a good first half, building on its strong relationship with BAA and excellent track record at Heathrow.

The Rail division continues to focus on recovery and delivering long term financial improvements. The Track and Signalling business units have recovered well with a steady flow of orders under the long term framework agreements and we are rebalancing the business to focus on these types of contracts. The Projects business remains difficult and has two underperforming contracts which will adversely impact the Rail divisionís results in the first half. We expect this to reverse in the second half and as a result we expect the division to have a similar financial profile to last year.

BNS Nuclear Services has made good progress in the first half and will show the benefit arising from the integration of Alstec, INS and Strachan & Henshaw. The markets for operational support remain strong and we are well placed in these markets benefiting from our scale and expertise. In addition we are in discussion with various parties on the UK's nuclear new build programme.

In the Networks division the Transmission business continues to see a steady flow of work through its alliance contracts, although scarcity of resource remains an issue. Significant new opportunities within the telecommunications market bode well for the medium term, whilst the Digital Switchover programme provides a steady flow of work.

The Engineering and Plant division has made further strong progress in the first half. South Africaís focus on improving and extending electricity supply is driving increased demand for the power generation support business and increased orders for the Powerlines business. The Equipment business has seen further growth in the order book for Volvo plant, with demand from the mining (in particular coal mining) and construction sectors continuing.

Exceptional Items ñ Discontinued Businesses
The Group will report an exceptional post tax charge of £13 million in the first half following a settlement being agreed by Babcock and other parties with Tesco Stores Limited. As previously disclosed, Babcock was in dispute with Tesco in relation to matters arising out of a contract for the design and construction of tunnelling works for the store at Gerrards Cross, for which the Peterhouse Group had provided a Parent Company Guarantee. This contract was originally entered into by the civil engineering division of the Peterhouse Group which was sold, by Peterhouse, prior to Babcockís acquisition of the Peterhouse Group in 2004.

Outlook
Overall, trading conditions across the Group have been strong during the first half. The Group continues to perform in line with our expectations, with weakness in the Rail division more than offset by improved performance across the rest of the Group. The major contracts signed in the first half have further strengthened our order book and our long term prospects. We remain confident that this will be another year of excellent progress for Babcock.

Technorati Tags:
Babcock International Group PLC, Financial Results

VT Group: pre-close statement

VT Group: pre-close statement
30 September 2008

Defence and support services company VT Group plc today issues the following pre-close period statement. The Group’s interim results will be announced at 7.00am on Tuesday, 11 November 2008.

The Group continues to trade overall in line with the Board’s expectations with strong performances in the Group’s service businesses offsetting a slower contribution from the shipbuilding Joint Venture, BVT Surface Fleet . Since the AGM we have received our initial dividend from the Joint Venture of £22m.

VT continues to focus on developing its engineering-based support services and the current services order book stands at £4.6 billion. This represents an increase of £600m from the beginning of the year, with organic growth achieved from a number of extensions to existing contracts, as well as new business wins. Since the AGM the following contracts have been won:

In the national security and resilience sector a contract with Firebuy Limited , on behalf of the Department of Communities and Local Government (CLG), to provide capability management for the New Dimension fleet of emergency vehicles and equipment modules. The 16-year programme, with an option for up to four further years, is a primary outsource. Service provision will start from 1 October.

Also in the UK a three-year multi-activity facilities management contract at RAF Cosford ; a four-year contract to train Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) maintenance technicians; a contract to install new satellite navigation equipment on 14 General Lighthouse Authority (GLA) sites and another to repair and upgrade electronic warfare training communications at RAF Spadeadam (Cumbria) have all been secured in the period.

In the US, a multiple award construction contract has been received from the U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center to carry out repair and renewal work at military installations throughout the country.
In total, these new contracts are valued at up to £200 million.

BVT Surface Fleet has signed a contract worth €150m to support the construction of Fast Attack Craft for the Hellenic Navy with our Partner in Greece.

AirKnight, the Joint Venture partnership between VT and Lockheed Martin, is competing for the UK's SAR-H search and rescue helicopter requirement . The competition for this 30 year multi-billion pound PFI has narrowed to two remaining bidders from an original field of four.

VT Group Chairman Mike Jeffries commented: “The overall trading environment in VT's markets remains robust and continues to offer significant growth opportunities for engineering support services.”

Technorati Tags:
Financial Results, VT Group

Raytheon KillerBee Demonstrates Capabilities in Simulated Combat Environment

Raytheon KillerBee Demonstrates Capabilities in Simulated Combat Environment

YUMA PROVING GROUND, Ariz., Sept. 30, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon
Company's (NYSE: RTN) KillerBee unmanned aircraft system demonstrated its interoperability, integration and functionality as an end-to-end UAS combat system.

During the demonstration, a Raytheon flight operations crew simulated a combat environment by delivering the KillerBee system to a remote location via Humvees. In less than 45 minutes, the crew set up the system and launched the UAS. The team then executed the operational scenario and safely retrieved the UAS with a unique net-recovery system.

The KillerBee is designed to provide the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine
Corps with a UAS for their respective Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft
Systems and Tier II missions. A mini-common data link enables KillerBee
interoperability with both U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps intelligence,
surveillance and reconnaissance systems.

"The KillerBee is at a point where we can demonstrate an integrated
combat capability," said Ken Pedersen, Raytheon Missile Systems' vice
president of Advanced Programs. "Combined with Raytheon's Universal Control System, a first-of-its-kind unmanned aircraft flight station, the KillerBee can reliably insert ISR into the battlespace and then quickly deliver actionable data to a combatant commander."


Note to Editors:

The mission was conducted using U.S. Marine Corps combat operations
center hardware, and an operator controlled the KillerBee with a variant of Raytheon's Universal Control System. The KillerBee system received target input from a Javelin Command Launch Unit and an Improved Target Acquisition System from Raytheon's TOW (Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided) missile.

The KillerBee electro-optical/infrared sensor was cued to the targets, prior to providing target confirmation back to the CLU and ITAS. The system then selected a target and cued the Javelin CLU operator through a Command and Control Personal Computer.

Technorati Tags:
Raytheon, UAV, USMC United States Marine Corps

Boeing Delivers 1st Standard Missile-3 Kinetic Warhead Kit Built in Huntsville

Boeing Delivers 1st Standard Missile-3 Kinetic Warhead Kit Built in Huntsville

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Sept. 30, 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] last month delivered on schedule the first production Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) kinetic warhead kit built in Huntsville, Ala. The delivery came almost one year to the day after Boeing's announcement that it would transfer its missile defense production work from Anaheim, Calif., to Huntsville.

The placement of the SM-3 production work in Huntsville expands production capability and co-locates Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense production with similar missile defense activities. Boeing received approval from the Missile Defense Agency and the U.S. Navy to begin SM-3 kinetic warhead production in the newly reconfigured Huntsville facility following a successful mission readiness review in June 2008.

"The Boeing team is very proud of this accomplishment," said Debra Rub, Weapons Programs vice president for Boeing. "Establishing a new, Lean production line presents many challenges, but the focus and dedication of this team ensured that our warfighters will have the reliable and accurate weapons they need."

Aegis SM-3, deployed on Aegis cruisers and destroyers, defends with hit-to-kill accuracy against short- to medium-range ballistic missile threats.

Boeing has partnered with Raytheon on Aegis SM-3 development since 1996 and is under subcontract to integrate and test the kinetic warhead avionics, guidance and control hardware and software, as well as the ejection subsystem.

Boeing is the largest aerospace company in Alabama. Today, the work force of more than 3,000 employees performs leading-edge work on a broad array of key space and defense programs, including Ground-based Midcourse Defense, Ares I, International Space Station, Avenger, Arrow and PAC-3 Missile.

Technorati Tags:
Boeing, Missiles, Naval Systems

BAE SYSTEMS DELIVERS PROTOTYPE NIGHT-VISION GOGGLE TO U.S. ARMY

BAE SYSTEMS DELIVERS PROTOTYPE NIGHT-VISION GOGGLE TO U.S. ARMY

30 Sep 2008 | Ref. 255/2008

LEXINGTON, Massachusetts — BAE Systems has developed and delivered to the U.S. Army a new helmet-mounted night-vision goggle system that combines visible, low-light, and infrared imagery for all-weather use in darkness and in other visibility-limiting conditions.

Developed through the Army’s Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier Enhanced Night Vision Goggle advanced technology development program, BAE Systems’ digitally fused enhanced night vision goggle, or ENVG(D), will allow soldiers to view, via a monocular eyepiece, imagery that exploits features from visible, low-light-level, and infrared sensors. The digitized data can then be shared across the battlefield, enabling the Army’s vision for the “digital battlefield.”

“The design and delivery of this prototype is a milestone in the Army’s roadmap toward a digitally fused night vision goggle capability,” said Rajani Cuddapah, ENVG(D) program manager for BAE Systems in Lexington, Massachusetts. “It substantially improves situational awareness for our men and women in combat, which means increased mission effectiveness — and, more important, increased survivability.”

Using BAE Systems’ MicroIR™ sensor technology, the ENVG(D) prototype provides several modes of fusion for varied application needs, such as visible-only imagery, IR-only imagery, monochrome fusion, or colorized fusion with a user-selectable color palette. The system includes a goggle, helmet mount, battery pack assembly, and related cabling.

As part of the Army’s ongoing effort to develop a next-generation, digitally fused night-vision capability, the ENVG(D) prototype system is being evaluated to compare its mission utility with existing night-vision goggles.

Technorati Tags:
BAE Systems

BAE SYSTEMS SECURES $71 MILLION FOR MRAP UPGRADE ORDER

BAE SYSTEMS SECURES $71 MILLION FOR MRAP UPGRADE ORDER

30 Sep 2008 | Ref. 254/2008

YORK, Pennsylvania – BAE Systems, under a U.S. Marine Corps contract worth $71 million, will provide spare parts and apply engineering changes to Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles that improve the mobility and survivability for the U.S. Marines, the U.S. Army and Special Forces.

Awards totaling $63.9 million will provide spare parts to maintain and repair Heavy Armored Ground Ambulance (HAGA) and Category II 6x6 RG33 vehicles purchased previously.

The order for engineering changes worth $7.2 million will also be applied to these vehicles to incorporate modifications that improve vehicle performance.

Work under the contract will begin immediately by the existing workforce at BAE Systems facilities in York, Pennsylvania; Aiken, South Carolina; Anniston, Alabama; Fairfield, Ohio and Louisville, Kentucky; with assistance from Spartan Motors, Inc.'s Spartan Chassis subsidiary in Charlotte, Michigan and Demmer Corporation in Lansing, Michigan. Deliveries are anticipated to be completed over the course of the year ending in April 2009.

BAE Systems manufactures three of the five MRAP variants: the Caiman, the RG31 and the RG33. The RG33 is manufactured in several configurations including the Category I 4x4, Category II 6x6, HAGA and the Special Operations Command (SOCOM) vehicle.

The contract is managed by the U.S. Marine Corps.

Technorati Tags:
BAE Systems, Contract Win, Land Systems, USMC United States Marine Corps

GAO: DEFENSE ACQUISITIONS - Fundamental Changes Are Needed to Improve Weapon Program Outcomes

GAO: DEFENSE ACQUISITIONS - Fundamental Changes Are Needed to Improve Weapon Program Outcomes

Highlights of GAO-08-1159T, a testimony before the Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security, Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, U.S. Senate

Since 1990, GAO has designated the Department of Defense’s (DOD) management of major weapon system acquisitions a high risk area. DOD has taken some action to improve acquisition outcomes, but its weapon programs continue to take longer, cost more, and deliver fewer capabilities than originally planned. These persistent problems—coupled with current operational demands—have impelled DOD to work outside of its traditional acquisition process to acquire equipment that meet urgent warfighter needs.

Poor outcomes in DOD’s weapon system programs reverberate across the entire federal government. Over the next 5 years, DOD expects to invest more than $357 billion on the development and procurement of major defense acquisition programs. Every dollar wasted on acquiring weapon systems is less money available for other priorities.

This testimony describes DOD’s current weapon system investment portfolio, the problems that contribute to cost and schedule increases, potential solutions based on past GAO recommendations, and recent legislative initiatives and DOD actions aimed at improving outcomes. It also provides some observations about what is needed for DOD to achieve lasting reform. The testimony is drawn from GAO’s body of work on DOD’s acquisition, requirements, and funding processes, as well as its most recent annual assessment of selected DOD weapon programs.

Technorati Tags:
Department of Defense (DoD), GAO

GAO: DEFENSE MANAGEMENT - DOD Needs to Establish Clear Goals and Objectives, Guidance, and a Designated Budget to Manage Its Biometrics Activities

GAO: DEFENSE MANAGEMENT - DOD Needs to Establish Clear Goals and Objectives, Guidance, and a Designated Budget to Manage Its Biometrics Activities

Highlights of GAO-08-1065, a report to congressional requesters

The Department of Defense (DOD), in its response to unconventional threats from terrorists, uses biometrics technologies that identify physical attributes, including fingerprints and iris scans. However, coordinating the development and implementation of biometrics and ensuring interoperability across DOD has been difficult to achieve. Biometrics also is an enabling technology for identity management, a concept that seeks to manage personally identifiable information to enable improved governmentwide sharing and analysis of identity information. GAO was asked to examine the extent to which DOD has established biometrics goals and objectives, implementing guidance for managing biometrics activities, and a designated budget. To address these objectives, GAO reviewed documentation, including DOD biometrics policy and directives, and interviewed key DOD officials involved with making policy and funding decisions regarding biometrics.

What GAO Recommends
To improve DOD’s management of its biometrics activities, GAO recommends that the Secretary of Defense ensure that the Principal Staff Assistant and Executive Committee establish clear goals and objectives, implementing guidance, and a designated budget for managing its biometrics activities. DOD concurred with all of GAO’s recommendations.

Technorati Tags:
Department of Defense (DoD), GAO

MILITARY OPERATIONS: DOD Needs to Address Contract Oversight and Quality Assurance Issues for Contracts Used to Support Contingency Operations

MILITARY OPERATIONS: DOD Needs to Address Contract Oversight and Quality Assurance Issues for Contracts Used to Support Contingency Operations

Highlights of GAO-08-1087, a report to congressional committees

The Department of Defense (DOD) uses contractors to meet many of its logistical and operational support needs. With the global war on terrorism, there has been a significant increase in deployment of contractor personnel to areas such as Iraq and Afghanistan. In its fiscal year 2007 report, the House Appropriations Committee directed GAO to examine the link between the growth in DOD’s operation and maintenance costs and DOD’s increased reliance on service contracts. GAO determined (1) the extent to which costs for selected contracts increased and the factors causing the increases, (2) the extent to which DOD provided oversight for selected contracts, and (3) the reasons for DOD’s use of contractors to support contingency operations. To address these objectives, GAO reviewed a nonprobability sample of seven DOD contracts for services that provide vital support to contingency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. GAO reviewed contract requirements, funding documents and DOD guidance for these contracts and interviewed DOD and contractor personnel.

What GAO Recommends
To ensure effective oversight, GAO recommends that DOD adequately staff oversight positions with qualified personnel, and address inconsistencies in maintaining contract files and implementing quality assurance principles. DOD concurred with each of GAO’s recommendations and stated the Army was aware of and addressing the identified problems.

Technorati Tags:
Department of Defense (DoD), GAO, Military Operations

Indo-Russian strategic cooperation arrangement extended by ten more years

Indo-Russian strategic cooperation arrangement extended by ten more years

Apex Committee set up for fast track resolution of contentious issues
15:46 IST

India and Russia today took a significant step in cementing their strategic ties as they agreed to extend the tenure of the Indo-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC) by another ten years on the expiry of its present term in 2010. After signing the protocol on IRIGC-MTC here today with his Russian counterpart, the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony, at a joint press conference, said that an apex committee will be formed to iron out problems on a fast-track basis on different issues related to ongoing and proposed projects for acquisition, joint development and production, joint defence R&D and interaction between the defence forces of both countries including joint exercises. He further said that the apex committee, jointly headed by Defence Secretaries of both countries, would meet atleast once in six months and its first meeting will be held in Moscow before the visit of the Russian President in December 2008.

Describing Russia as a 'trusted partner' Shri Antony said Indo-Russian relations have stood the test of time. Replying to a question on the existing bilateral defence cooperation, he said that it has been decided to procure 347 T-90 tanks from Russia. Another 1,000 tanks would be manufactured in India under transfer of technology. On the delay in acquisition of Gorshkov aircraft carrier, Shri Antony said the Indian side has considered the Russian demand for an escalation in price. “The same has been considered and would be placed before the cabinet for consideration,” he added. .

The Russian Defence Minister Mr. Anatoly Serdyukov said the defence ties between the two countries are transforming from a vendor-seller relationship to joint development and production partnership. .

Earlier, in his opening remarks to the IRIGC-MTC, Shri Antony stressed on the need to promote joint exercises, training and frequent exchange of delegations. “The early conclusion of the Status of Forces Agreement would provide the framework to hold mutually beneficial joint exercises regularly,” he added. Shri Antony pointed out that defence cooperation remains the cornerstone of Indo-Russian bilateral relations. “A major part of our defence inventory is of Russian origin, and continues to remain so even now,” he said.

Technorati Tags:
India MoD, Russia

HMS Turbulent completes major comms upgrade

HMS Turbulent completes major comms upgrade

An Equipment and Logistics news article
29 Sep 08

The Trafalgar class attack submarine HMS Turbulent has left Devonport Naval Base following a major refit which has provided the vessel with some of the most advanced communications links in the Royal Navy.

Several key upgrades, along with routine service and maintenance, were incorporated in the fifteen month long refit, part of the Warship Support Modernisation Initiative (WSMI), delivered by Babcock Marine, which will extend the submarine's operational life by two years.

An upgrade to the communications system will significantly improve interoperability with allied forces on deployed operations and newly installed IT systems will provide ship to shore connectivity when she is in port.

The IT systems inside the submarine have also been upgraded with the installation of the Defence Information Infrastructure (Future) (DII(F)) network onto submarine computers which provides a common communications platform across the MOD.

Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Baroness Ann Taylor, said:

"This project is an important investment in the submarine fleet, equipping the crew with the latest technology. This not only facilitates operations, but also provides links back to land for those serving in the unusual conditions aboard a submarine which can give a real boost to morale.

"Turbulent's return to operational duties is key to the delivery of the high readiness attack submarine force and is an example of how we work with industry to provide the front line with the equipment and capabilities it needs."

Alasdair Stirling, Director of Defence Equipment and Support's In-Service Submarines team, said:

"Effective communications are one of the most challenging aspects of submarine operations and effective, up to date technology is vital. The upgrades that we have installed have made HMS Turbulent one of the best connected submarines in the Navy.

"She has also been fitted for the latest Tomahawk Block IV cruise missile which can fly a third further than its predecessor, hitting targets 1,000 miles [1,609km] away with pinpoint accuracy. It can also be retargeted in flight, and can relay images to aid battlefield intelligence gathering - it's a significant upgrade to the boat's combat ability."

Devonport's dedicated maintenance facilities are managing a busy programme of maintenance, currently hosting two Trafalgar class submarines, HM Ships Tireless and Triumph, for major service and repair programmes, as well as several major surface ship support projects.

HMS Turbulent is one of seven 5,200 tonne Trafalgar class nuclear-powered submarines. She entered into service in 1984. The class is based at HMNB Devonport, in Plymouth. The 84m long Trafalgar class boats are armed with Spearfish torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles. They carry 130 crew and can remain submerged indefinitely. The reactor is refuelled once during the boat's service life.

Upgraded systems/enhancements include:

Communications Upgrades;
IT system upgrade;
Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) upgrade to Block IV;
Improvements to Sonar equipment;
Improvement to Command System;
Enhancements to the Weapon Discharge System.

Technorati Tags:
Naval Systems, Royal Navy

U.S. ARMY PLACES $152 MILLION ORDER FOR 12 ADDITIONAL LOCKHEED MARTIN EQ-36 COUNTERFIRE TARGET ACQUISITION RADARS

U.S. ARMY PLACES $152 MILLION ORDER FOR 12 ADDITIONAL LOCKHEED MARTIN EQ-36 COUNTERFIRE TARGET ACQUISITION RADARS

Contract Option in Addition To Five EQ-36 Radars Now In Production

SYRACUSE, NY, September 29th, 2008 --

To accelerate the fielding of the new Enhanced AN/TPQ-36 Counterfire Target Acquisition radar, the U.S. Army has exercised $152 million in contract options for 12 additional systems from Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT].

The EQ-36 radars will detect, classify, track and determine the location of enemy indirect fire such as mortars, artillery and rockets in either 90-degree or 360-degree modes. These systems will replace aging TPQ-36 and TPQ-37 medium-range radars, currently in the Army’s inventory.

The 12 new EQ-36 systems covered under the contract options are in addition to five radars that will be delivered to the Army's Program Executive Office – Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors within 36 months under a $120 million design and development contract awarded to Lockheed Martin in January 2007.

The 12 new systems will include enhanced performance capabilities in both the 90-degree and 360-degree modes of operation. Further, to support the war fighter, delivery of all 12 systems will be accelerated.

With both awards now running in parallel, the first of the combined 17 EQ-36 systems is on schedule for delivery to the Army by summer 2009; the last systems will be delivered by fall 2010.

In October 2007, the EQ-36 program completed a successful Preliminary Design Review and in March, the program successfully completed its Critical Design Review (CDR).

In November and December 2007, a prototype EQ-36 radar, built by industry partner Syracuse Research under an Army Technology Objective, was tested in full 360-degree counter-fire mode against mortars and rockets at the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona. During the tests, which were specifically designed to evaluate the radar’s ability to meet U.S. Army requirements, the EQ-36 prototype successfully located the firing positions of both rocket and mortar launchers in 360-degree mode. Live fire testing was conducted over a seven-day period without a single false alarm.

Technorati Tags:
Artillery, Contract Win, Lockheed Martin, US Army

Boeing Uses Flight-Proven Satellite Technology for TSAT Review

Boeing Uses Flight-Proven Satellite Technology for TSAT Review

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Sept. 29, 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that it has used an operational, commercial communications satellite to demonstrate the maturity of its Internet-like, space-based packet-switching technology during a program review of the company's proposed Transformational Satellite Communications System (TSAT) for the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).

The Boeing-built SPACEWAY™ 3 satellite was used for the review, which took place earlier this month at three locations across the United States with participants interacting through a videoconference and collaboration software. SPACEWAY 3, which is owned and operated by Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), is the only satellite of its type in orbit. Its unique packet-switching technology is directly applicable to Boeing's proposed TSAT system.

"The SPACEWAY 3 satellite system provides an operational, commercial broadband service that brings unique capabilities beyond that of any other space-based network," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. "These capabilities are commercial versions of many of the capabilities TSAT will provide to the U.S. military. SPACEWAY 3 shows that implementing TSAT is the next logical step from what Boeing and Hughes developed and have operational today."

Conventional satellites use circuit-switching technology that sets up a limited number of exclusive-use, defined-capacity connections between points to communicate. SPACEWAY 3 uses packet-switching technology that connects users in an adaptable network that dynamically forwards information to each person as needed, increasing flexibility by allowing communication with any other user. Packet switching provides for much more efficient use of available capacity. The most common use of packet switching is the Internet.

Once launched, the TSAT system will provide survivable, protected, high-capacity Internet-like connections for the DOD. TSAT will be the communications backbone and a large part of the DOD's secure, global communications network.

Boeing's TEAM TSAT consists of Cisco, Hughes, IBM, Harris Corp., Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., LGS Innovations, Raytheon, General Dynamics C4 Systems, L-3 Communications, BBN Technologies, EMS Technologies, Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) and Innovative Communications Engineering (ICE).
###

Technorati Tags:
Boeing, Space Systems, TSAT

Crucial Meeting of Indo-Russian Defence Cooperation body tomorrow

Crucial Meeting of Indo-Russian Defence Cooperation body tomorrow
15:23 IST

The Eighth Meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military- Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC) to be held here tomorrow will cover a broad spectrum of issues including supply of defence systems, equipment upgrade, product and life cycle support for defence equipment of Russian origin. The Meeting will also discuss licensed and joint production, joint development and production of systems and platforms, interaction between the two armed forces and military technical cooperation.

The Russian Defence Minister Mr Anatoly Serdyukov is arriving here this evening, leading a high-powered military delegation, to take part in the Meeting. Mr Serdyukov will co-chair the Commission meeting with the Defence Minister Mr AK Antony. Mr Serdyukov is visiting India for the first time as the Russian Defence Minister. During his three-day stay in India, he would be visiting the Brah-Mos Aerospace Complex in the capital besides the Para Brigade of the Army in Agra.

IRIGC-MTC was established in 2000 with a view to strengthen our bilateral defence cooperation. India and Russia share long standing friendly relations. Since the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries in 2000, the two governments have steadily developed and strengthened bilateral cooperation covering a range of areas of which defence forms a significant component.

Technorati Tags:
India MoD, Russia

First Presidential Debate: Senator McCain comments regarding defense procurement

In the first Presidential debate which occured last night (September 26th), Senator John McCain made three comments of relevance to the defence community;

Firstly, he declared his intent to end cost-plus contracts generally in Government which would have an impact on defense contracting;

Second, he referred specifically to the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) as an example of cost overruns which he deemed unacceptable;

Thirdly, he referred to the stop-start acquisition of replacement aerial re-fuelling aircraft as an example of his prepardness to cut programmes deemed inappropriate.

LOCKHEED MARTIN INCREASES DIVIDEND BY 36 PERCENT

LOCKHEED MARTIN INCREASES DIVIDEND BY 36 PERCENT


Bethesda, MD, September 25th, 2008 -- Lockheed Martin Corporation [NYSE: LMT] today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a dividend increase of 36 percent or $0.15 per-share.

Following the increase, the company's quarterly dividend will be $0.57 per-share. The dividend is payable Dec. 26, 2008 to holders of record as of Dec. 1, 2008.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

Technorati Tags:
Financial Results, Lockheed Martin

GAO: DEFENSE ACQUISITIONS - Sound Business Case Needed to Implement Missile Defense Agency's Targets Program

GAO: DEFENSE ACQUISITIONS - Sound Business Case Needed to Implement Missile Defense Agency's Targets Program

Highlights of GAO-08-1113, a report to congressional committees

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is likely to spend $460 million annually on missiles used as targets for flight tests. Executing these tests depends on the quality and availability of targets. Congress asked GAO to assess (1) if MDA is providing reliable targets; (2) the causes of any deficiencies; and (3) if resolutions exist for any problems identified.
To do this, GAO analyzed acquisition policies and procedures; flight test data; and budget, program execution, and acquisition materials; and interviewed MDA and DOD officials.

What GAO Recommends
GAO recommends that the Secretary of Defense establish a revised business case for providing targets for a robust flight test program and use that as a guide to align the program’s plans and resources. DOD partially concurred with these two recommendations, but did not concur with a third recommendation that it report its targets acquisition strategy, business case, and baselines to Congress, preferring to rely on briefings to Congressional staff and information in the annual budget submission. GAO is therefore suggesting that Congress consider requiring DOD to report this information to the Congressional Defense Committees.

Technorati Tags:
GAO, Missiles

DEFENSE ACQUISITIONS: Sound Business Case Needed to Implement Missile Defense Agency's Targets Program

DEFENSE ACQUISITIONS: Sound Business Case Needed to Implement Missile Defense Agency's Targets Program

Highlights of GAO-08-1113, a report to congressional committees

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is likely to spend $460 million annually on missiles used as targets for flight tests. Executing these tests depends on the quality and availability of targets. Congress asked GAO to assess (1) if MDA is providing reliable targets; (2) the causes of any deficiencies; and (3) if resolutions exist for any problems identified.
To do this, GAO analyzed acquisition policies and procedures; flight test data; and budget, program execution, and acquisition materials; and interviewed MDA and DOD officials.

What GAO Recommends
GAO recommends that the Secretary of Defense establish a revised business case for providing targets for a robust flight test program and use that as a guide to align the program’s plans and resources. DOD partially concurred with these two recommendations, but did not concur with a third recommendation that it report its targets acquisition strategy, business case, and baselines to Congress, preferring to rely on briefings to Congressional staff and information in the annual budget submission. GAO is therefore suggesting that Congress consider requiring DOD to report this information to the Congressional Defense Committees.

Technorati Tags:
Department of Defense (DoD), GAO, Missiles

Kinetic Energy Interceptor Team Completes Missile Defense Test of Enhanced Rocket Motor

Kinetic Energy Interceptor Team Completes Missile Defense Test of Enhanced Rocket Motor

TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 26, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- The Raytheon Company
(NYSE: RTN) and Northrop Grumman Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI) team
fired a Stage 2 rocket motor featuring an enhanced nozzle and upgraded
ballistics. The firing occurred at the Alliant Techsystems' test facility in Elkton, Md., Sept. 25.

KEI is a land-based missile defense system featuring the Missile
Defense Agency's newest rapid acceleration interceptor. Fully deployed, the mobile system will have the capability to destroy medium, intermediate and intercontinental ballistic missiles in their boost, ascent and midcourse phases of flight.

"This test builds additional confidence in our booster design and
demonstrates significant progress toward our first flight test in 2009,"
said Chuck Ross, Raytheon Missile Systems' vice president of KEI. "This
firing paves the way for future tests in high-altitude environments."

KEI features a compact, lightweight design that enables mobility and
flexible deployment.

Northrop Grumman is leading the team charged with developing and
testing a KEI capability for the Missile Defense Agency. Raytheon leads the program's interceptor development work. Alliant Techsystems is Raytheon's principal subcontractor and is responsible for performing Stage 1 and Stage 2 rocket-motor development work.

Orbital Sciences will integrate the booster and prepare range
operations for the 2009 flight.

Technorati Tags:
Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD), Missiles, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon

Response to "indecision time in defence" blog entry by Conservative MP Douglas Carswell

With regard to the item "indecision time in defence" written by Conservative MP Douglas Carswell, The purpose of defence is to deter (i.e. not to start from a position of "choosing which wars to fight"). Deterring potential aggressors requires the investment in capabilities to put them off of doing wrongful things.

Capabilities require an industrial base capable of providing them - what is the point of knowing the problem but being unable to address it ? Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) was all about matching industrial capabilities to defence needs and further enhanced with the Defence Technology Strategy (DTS - identifying R&D priorities in support).

Criticising procurements such as the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft at the superficial level is all too easy. However it is with no small sense of irony to note that the Eurofighter contract was so tightly written because of the propensity of politicians to change their minds causing chaos for the military and industry.

The Future Aircraft Carrier (CVF) is regarded a key to projecting military capability around the world to protect British interests in an era of globalisation - is this not the logical product of reviewing British foreign policy interests and defence needs ?

Lastly, with regard to buying the best kit in the world, there is an implicit assumption that overseas developed military equipment is superior - interesting that the USA is buying defensive electronics and means to combat improvised explosive devices (IED's) from the UK by the bucket-load.

To suggest the military and MoD lack clarity is perhaps a reflection of the broad failure both of politicians in government to manoeuvre as circumstances change but also of the opposition for choosing to be shrill about defence rather than pursuing a more detailed analysis and critique of the subject as best befits the role of the Opposition.

Technorati Tags:
Editorial, House of Commons, Douglas Carswell MP

Technorati Tags:
Conservative Party

House Armed Services Committee: Skelton Statement on Disciplinary Action Related to Nuclear Misshipment to Taiwan

House Armed Services Committee: Skelton Statement on Disciplinary Action Related to Nuclear Misshipment to Taiwan

Ike Skelton, Chairman
For Immediate Release: September 25, 2008

Washington, DC – House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) released the following statement concerning disciplinary action taken against six generals and nine colonels in connection with the misshipment of nuclear components to Taiwan:

“Maintaining proper institutional safeguards on our nation’s nuclear arsenal is a critical mission. The disciplinary actions announced today are regrettable, but are necessary to address recent leadership failures. The Air Force must now focus on improving its security culture to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.”

###

Technorati Tags:
Department of Defense (DoD), House Armed Services Committee (HASC)

GAO: DEFENSE ACQUISITIONS: DOD’s Requirements Determination Process Has Not Been Effective in Prioritizing Joint Capabilities

GAO: DEFENSE ACQUISITIONS: DOD’s Requirements Determination Process Has Not Been Effective in Prioritizing Joint Capabilities

Highlights of GAO-08-1060, a report to the Committee on Armed Services, U.S. Senate

Increasing combat demands and fiscal constraints make it critical for the Department of Defense (DOD) to ensure that its weapon system investments not only meet the needs of the warfighter, but make the most efficient use of available resources. GAO’s past work has shown that achieving this balance has been a challenge and weapon programs have often experienced cost growth and delayed delivery to the warfighter.

In 2003, DOD implemented the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) to prioritize and ensure that the warfighter’s most essential needs are met. In response to Senate Report 109-69, GAO reported in March 2007 that DOD lacks an effective approach to balance its weapon system investments with available resources.

This follow-on report focuses on (1) whether the JCIDS process has achieved its objective to prioritize joint warfighting needs and (2) factors that have affected DOD’s ability to effectively implement JCIDS. To conduct its work, GAO reviewed JCIDS guidance and capability documents and budgetary and programming data on major weapon systems, and interviewed DOD officials.

What GAO Recommends
GAO is recommending actions aimed at improving DOD’s ability to prioritize joint capability needs. DOD generally concurred, but believes that current processes and resources in the department are sufficient for doing this.

Technorati Tags:
Department of Defense (DoD), GAO

GAO: MISSILE DEFENSE: Actions Needed to Improve Planning and Cost Estimates for Long-Term Support of Ballistic Missile Defense

GAO: MISSILE DEFENSE: Actions Needed to Improve Planning and Cost Estimates for Long-Term Support of Ballistic Missile Defense

Highlights of GAO-08-1068, a report to the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives

The Department of Defense (DOD) has spent a total of over $115 billion since the mid-1980s to develop a Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) comprised of land, air, and sea-based elements—such as missiles and radars—working together as an integrated system. Since the cost to operate and support a weapon system usually accounts for most of a system’s lifetime costs, the resources needed to fund BMDS could be significant as DOD fields an increasing number of BMDS elements. In 2005, DOD began planning to transition responsibility for supporting BMDS elements from the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to the services.

GAO was asked to assess the extent to which DOD has (1) planned to support BMDS elements over the long-term, and (2) identified long-term operation and support costs. To do so, GAO analyzed 7 BMDS elements that will be fielded by 2015, compared DOD’s plans and cost estimates to DOD and GAO key principles, and assessed the extent to which MDA and the services have agreed on responsibilities for supporting and funding BMDS elements.

What GAO Recommends
GAO recommends that DOD establish a standard process for long-term BMDS support planning and establish a requirement to estimate BMDS operation and support costs. In response, DOD generally agreed stating that its draft proposal for managing BMDS is intended to handle these issues.

Technorati Tags:
Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD), GAO

HMS Daring ready to take to the waves

HMS Daring ready to take to the waves

An Equipment and Logistics news article
25 Sep 08

The first of the Royal Navy's new powerful Type 45 destroyers, Daring, has successfully completed her final set of contractor sea trials, bringing her a step closer to operational service.

During the five week trial, the 7,350 tonne vessel was put through her paces as the full range of communications equipment was tested to ensure that all elements of the system can communicate.

Previous trials have seen Daring demonstrate her speed and manoeuvrability in varied conditions, as well as testing her state-of-the-art radar and missile systems. These further sea trials have reaffirmed her capability.

Minister for Defence Equipment and Support Baroness Ann Taylor said:

"The Type 45 destroyers are the most advanced ships of their type in the world to date and will provide the backbone of the Royal Navy's air defence. The combat system trials are vital, giving the Royal Navy confidence that the ship has the ability to defend herself and her company from even the most sophisticated anti-ship missile.

"I am delighted that Daring has passed a further milestone with the completion of these sea trials. This highlights once again the outstanding progress being made on the Type 45 programme."

"As we move towards raising the white ensign for the first time, this third successful set of sea trials has further strengthened the bond between the sailors who will operate her and the engineers who built her.

Daring is fitted with the Fully Integrated Communications System (FICS), a state-of-the-art communications system comprising satellite communications, high frequency and V/UHF capabilities via the ship's own dedicated radio and communication plan management system.

The FICS was tested to its limits during the trials, with 30 or more operators using all aspects of the system from all over the ship simultaneously. This was the ultimate test to prove that FICS can seamlessly operate and manage a full range of communication frequencies, and included a video conference via satellite between the ship at sea and a land-based team.

Daring's Commanding Officer, Captain Paul Bennett, said:

"As we move towards raising the white ensign for the first time, this third successful set of sea trials has further strengthened the bond between the sailors who will operate her and the engineers who built her. Without doubt this successful partnership will deliver Daring to the Royal Navy on time."

During the trials the ship's company also undertook a large number of familiarisation and training activities as part of preparations for the transfer of custody of the vessel from the BAE Systems and VT Group to the Royal Navy, which is planned for December 2008.

The second Type 45 destroyer, Dauntless, is due to commence her first set of Stage 1 sea trials in early November 2008.

Technorati Tags:
Naval Systems, Royal Navy, UK MoD

General Dynamics Awarded $26 Million Contract to Support Switzerland's F/A-18 Hornet Fleet

September 25, 2008

General Dynamics Awarded $26 Million Contract to Support Switzerland's F/A-18 Hornet Fleet

FAIRFAX, Va. – General Dynamics Information Technology, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), was awarded a contract to provide program management services for the Swiss government’s F/A-18 Hornet fighter fleet. The five-year contract was awarded to General Dynamics by the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command and has a total potential value of $25.7 million if all options are exercised.

Under this contract, General Dynamics will provide logistics, information technology (IT) and engineering support for global Swiss F/A-18 Hornet operations. Additionally, General Dynamics will provide communications management and training services to support the Swiss F/A-18 Hornet fleet.

“International air forces are turning to recognized global technology services leaders to enhance their operations and responsiveness,” said Cresswell Elmore, General Dynamics Information Technology vice president of logistics for Navy/Air Force Systems. “General Dynamics’ worldwide support for the Swiss F/A-18 Hornet fleet reflects our proven capabilities in providing international services and technology support.”

The Swiss government acquired the F/A-18 Hornet fighters through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program.

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

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 84,600 people worldwide and anticipates 2008 revenues of approximately $29.5 billion. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about the company is available on the Internet at www.generaldynamics.com.
# # #

Technorati Tags:
Contract Win, F-18 Hornet, General Dynamics, Switzerland

Raytheon Company Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend

Raytheon Company Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend

WALTHAM, Mass., Sept. 25, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Raytheon
Company (NYSE: RTN) announced today that its Board of Directors has
declared a quarterly cash dividend of 28 cents per outstanding share of
common stock. The cash dividend is payable on November 4, 2008 to
shareholders of record as of the close of business on October 7, 2008.

Raytheon Company, with 2007 sales of $21.3 billion, is a technology
leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government
markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 86
years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems
integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and
command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a
broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham,
Mass., Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide.

Technorati Tags:
Financial Results, Raytheon

LOCKHEED MARTIN ANNOUNCES INCREASE OF ADDITIONAL 30 MILLION SHARES TO EXISTING SHARE REPURCHASE AUTHORITY

LOCKHEED MARTIN ANNOUNCES INCREASE OF ADDITIONAL 30 MILLION SHARES TO EXISTING SHARE REPURCHASE AUTHORITY


Bethesda, MD, September 25th, 2008 -- Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the purchase of up to an additional 30 million shares of Lockheed Martin common stock under its existing share repurchase program.

The company's share repurchase program was initiated in October 2002. Through June 29, 2008, the company had repurchased a total of 113.9 million shares, out of the existing share authorization of 128 million shares under the program. In the first six months of 2008, Lockheed Martin repurchased 18.6 million shares under the program. As of June 29, the company had approximately 396 million shares of common stock outstanding. The number of shares purchased and the timing of purchases under the program are at the discretion of management and are to be made in compliance with applicable law and regulation. Shares may be purchased in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions.

Earlier in the day, the Corporation announced that its Board of Directors authorized a dividend increase of 36 percent or $0.15 per-share.

With this increase, the company's quarterly dividend will be $0.57 per-share. The dividend is payable Dec. 26, 2008 to holders of record as of Dec. 1, 2008.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

Technorati Tags:
Financial Results, Lockheed Martin

BAE SYSTEMS OFFER FOR DETICA DECLARED WHOLLY UNCONDITIONAL

BAE SYSTEMS OFFER FOR DETICA DECLARED WHOLLY UNCONDITIONAL

25 Sep 2008 | Ref. 253/2008

BAE SYSTEMS OFFER FOR DETICA DECLARED WHOLLY UNCONDITIONAL

Please find attached RNS, relating to BAE Systems’ acquisition of Detica, which was issued to the London Stock Exchange a short time ago.

Commenting on this development Ian King, BAE Systems Chief Executive, said:

“This acquisition is the latest and most exciting step so far in helping to deliver our strategy to develop a world-leading security and resilience business across BAE Systems’ home markets”.

The key points of this acquisition are:

This transaction is fully in line with and helps to deliver one of BAE Systems’ strategic objectives, which is to progress the development of security and resilience businesses in its home markets.

The intention is to finance this acquisition through existing cash resources. No BAE Systems’ shares will be issued as part of this transaction.

Detica Chief Executive, Tom Black, will continue leading the team through its next phase of growth.

Detica will be a stand alone business unit within BAE Systems, tasked with developing an enhanced strategy to pursue growth opportunities within the security and resilience market. In particular, it will provide a platform for BAE Systems to apply Detica’s capabilities into the US Homeland Security market.

The combination of Detica’s well established customer relationships and technical capabilities together with BAE Systems’ systems integration capabilities will result in a depth of financial and technical capability to address growth opportunities and better service existing and future customers.

Detica’s core businesses operate in a business sector which is experiencing strong growth. This acquisition provides an economically attractive and accelerated implementation of BAE Systems strategy to address these growth opportunities.

Technorati Tags:
Acquisition, BAE Systems

House Armed Services Committee: House-Senate Committee Agreement Reached On Fiscal Year 2009 Defense Authorization Bill

House Armed Services Committee: House-Senate Committee Agreement Reached On Fiscal Year 2009 Defense Authorization Bill

Ike Skelton, Chairman

Washington, DC – House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) announced that the House and Senate Armed Services Committees have reached agreement on the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009.

The agreement, which is expected to be considered this week in the House and the Senate, authorizes $531.4 billion in budget authority for the Department of Defense (DoD) and the national security programs of the Department of Energy (DoE). The bill also authorizes $68.6 billion to support ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan during fiscal year 2009.

Chairman Skelton released the following statement:

“This agreement reflects our bipartisan commitment to our service members and their families and to a strong national defense. This defense bill promotes our main policy objectives: restoring military readiness; taking care of the troops and their families; increasing focus on the war in Afghanistan; and improving interagency cooperation, oversight, and accountability.

“Continuing our effort to restore military readiness tested by the demands of two wars, the agreement provides $8.6 billion for the Army and $1.8 billion for the Marine Corps to repair and replace equipment. The agreement also provides $800 million for National Guard and Reserve equipment. To help manage demands placed on our service members by our military obligations, the agreement increases the size of the military by 7,000 soldiers, 5,000 Marines, 1,023 sailors, and by 450 airmen.

“To improve the quality of life for our forces and their families, the agreement provides a 3.9 percent pay raise for the troops, which is .5 percent more than the President’s budget request. The agreement also preserves important health benefits, by prohibiting fee increases in TRICARE and the TRICARE pharmacy program and creating new preventive health care initiatives to improve the readiness of our force, keep service members and their families healthy, and to reduce the overall need for care.

“The war in Afghanistan is a critical mission that demands greater attention. To better coordinate military operations and achieve a unity of command whenever possible, the agreement requires a report on the command and control structure for military forces operating in Afghanistan. The agreement also requires reporting on enhancing security and stability in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region.

“For greater transparency and accountability, the agreement places restrictions on the use of training and reconstruction funds in Iraq and requires the Defense Department to report to Congress on the details of any Status of Forces Agreements that exist or are signed between the U.S. and Iraq. The agreement also bans permanent U.S. bases in Iraq and bans U.S. control over Iraqi oil.

“To jumpstart the interagency reform effort, the agreement establishes a 12-member advisory panel, modeled after the Defense Policy Board, to improve coordination among the Department of Defense, the Department of State, and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on matters relating to national security. Controlled by and reporting directly to the Secretaries, the advisory panel is a tool to help agency leaders do a better job dealing with interagency objectives.

“Since the Senate approved its version of the defense authorization bill last week, House and Senate Armed Services Committee members and staff have been working to reach agreement so a bill can be considered by both houses and sent to the President before Congress adjourns. This is an excellent bill and I urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to support the agreement.”

A detailed summary of the agreement on the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 is available on the House Armed Services Committee web site.

###

Technorati Tags:
Defence Budget, Department of Defense (DoD), House Armed Services Committee (HASC)

Boeing Awarded Contract for B-52 Advanced Targeting

Boeing Awarded Contract for B-52 Advanced Targeting

WICHITA, Kan., Sept. 24, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced a $15 million contract award from the U.S. Air Force to develop advanced targeting capabilities for the B-52 Stratofortress.

The software upgrades will include improvements for transmitting video and targeting information from the targeting pod to friendly forces, and reduce flight crew workload. These capabilities will enable better close air support for ground troops and prepare the most versatile aircraft in the U.S. inventory for future enhancements of the flight crew's situational awareness.

"This contract includes full integration of the SNIPER targeting pod, allowing the B-52 to have one of the most advanced targeting capabilities available for our warfighters," said Cathy Clothier, B-52 deputy program manager for Boeing. "Continuing to make upgrades and advancements to this platform is critical as we help the Air Force keep the B-52 as a relevant and viable asset now and into the future."

The contract also calls for the development of software that will better use new technologies such as the B-52 Multi-Function Color Display and a digital-integrated hand controller.

The new targeting capabilities will begin tests in 2009 and are planned to be integrated onto the entire fleet by 2010. Software integration, interface design and installation will take place at Boeing's Wichita, Kan., facility.

Technorati Tags:
Boeing, Contract Win, US Air Force