Sanswire Invites Public to US Debut of Its STS-111 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Demonstration of Cutting Edge Airship to Take Place at Sanford International Airport, Orlando, FL
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL--(Marketwire - 12/29/09) - Sanswire Corp. (OTC.BB:SNSR - News), through its joint venture Sanswire-TAO Corp., today announced that it opened requests to cordially invite interested parties to the US unveiling of the STS-111 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle tentatively scheduled for the second quarter of 2010 at Sanford International Airport (SFB) in Orlando, Florida. Exact dates will be promulgated at a later time. Sanswire has posted a special request form on www.sanswire.com/invite where shareholders, investors, members of the media, aerospace industry executives, US military personnel, as well as federal and state government officials can request a formal invitation to the event.
The demonstration of the STS-111 UAV will take place on runway 9R-27L at Sanford International Airport, and will feature flight tests and systems presentations that showcase the unique capabilities of the STS-111 and demonstrate how the airship could be deployed in various global and homeland security applications. In addition, attendees can participate in a "hands-on" inspection of the STS-111 and the craft's onboard systems.
The STS-111 is a Mid Altitude Long Endurance (MALE), lighter-than-air UAV designed for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The STS-111 airship is a low-cost unmanned platform designed to be rapidly deployed, and ideally suited to work in tandem with currently deployed heavier-than-air UAVs in global operations. The STS-111 incorporates Sanswire-TAO's patented segmented design, which utilizes a non-rigid articulating structure. Under gust loads, this proprietary design allows the airship's segments to articulate and relieve stress, greatly enhancing the craft's stability. The increased stability of this design provides all of the benefits associated with a lighter-than-air vehicle to be employed in Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance missions.
Captain David Christian, CEO of Sanswire, said, "We are pleased with the progress of our airship program and are looking forward to the opportunity to share this long awaited event with our supporters and the general public. Following this demonstration, we plan to deliver the STS-111 to our systems integrator and operations partner, which we strongly believe is a major milestone for lighter-than-air aviation, as well as for Sanswire-TAO."
The public demonstration of the STS-111 in Orlando, FL, will be similar to an earlier private viewing held on December 18, 2009, in Stuttgart, Germany. To view video of that event, or to download the Sanswire STS-111 invitation request form, please visit www.Sanswire.com.
About Sanswire-TAO Corp.
Sanswire-TAO exclusively owns and markets all the technology and intellectual property associated with TAO's lighter-than-air (LTA) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), including the Stratellite(TM) high-altitude airships, the STS-111 Mid-altitude airships, the low-altitude SAS-51 airship, and the PADDS (Precision Air Drop Delivery System) in the US, Canada and Mexico. Sanswire-TAO Corp. is jointly owned by TAO Technologies GmbH and Sanswire Corp. For more information, visit www.sanswire-tao.com.
About Sanswire Corp.
Sanswire Corp. (OTC.BB:SNSR - News) is a developer of integrated aerospace communications products and services. The company specializes in the design and construction of autonomous, lighter-than-air UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) capable of carrying payloads that provide persistent security solutions at low, mid, and high altitudes. Sanswire's airships and auxiliary products are designed for use by commercial and government-related entities that require real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support for homeland defense, maritime, and border missions. The company's long-term objective is to develop and deliver state-of-the-art airship technology that provides surveillance sensor suites and other advanced wireless broadband capabilities to the broader commercial markets.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release constitute forward-looking statements or statements which may be deemed or construed to be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "forecast," "project," "intend," "expect," "should," "would," and similar expressions and all statements, which are not historical facts, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, any of which could cause the Company's previously reported actual results, performance (finance or operating) to change or differ from future results, performance (financing and operating) or achievements, including those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no, and hereby disclaims any, obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

Contact:
Contact:The Investor Relations Group
212-825-3210
Jason Strominger (Investor Relations)
Mike Graff (Media Relations)

TeleCommunication Systems on Pace to Power Nearly 700 Billion Text Messages in 2009; Averaging Over 2 Billion Messages per Day

Signs Multi-Quarter Contract With Leading Wireless Carrier to Support Messaging Efforts
ANNAPOLIS, MD--(Marketwire - 12/29/09) - TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) (NASDAQ:TSYS - News), a leading provider of mission-critical wireless communications, today announced the company's Short Message Service Center (SMSC) application running on platforms in wireless carriers' networks is set to process close to 700 billion text messages by the end of 2009 and is poised to handle the tremendous surge in messaging forecasted for this holiday season. TCS' messaging software has already powered approximately 480 billion messages through the third quarter of this year, surpassing the expected two billion messages per day mark. The company expanded its deployed messaging platform base by nearly 30 percent in 2009, as TCS wireless carrier customers continue to experience and forecast strong growth in text messaging. According to a recent report from Frost and Sullivan, the text messaging demand is estimated to increase by more than 50 percent in 2010.
Based on latest growth trends, TCS messaging software in carrier customers' networks is expected to power well over two and a half times the volume it handled in 2008 by the end of 2009. Additionally, TCS expects the upcoming 2009 New Year's Eve busiest hour spike to be nearly three times the spike of last year.
TCS is also pleased to announce that it has signed another multi-quarter capacity agreement with its largest commercial customer to extend support for the continued rapid rate of text messaging growth. This agreement, as well as record license sales for TCS in 2009, illustrates that text messaging is seemingly recession-proof, with continued significant growth expected in 2010.
"Our largest commercial customer has again shown its confidence in our messaging applications by committing to purchase a large amount of capacity through the end of 2010," said Drew Morin, TCS Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice President. "This validates the reliability of our messaging platform and its ability to easily scale to support rapidly growing text message volumes within the world's largest carrier networks. This solution is performance engineered to withstand extremely high spikes in traffic. We look forward to setting a new record in messages processed over the holiday season, as well as enabling new innovative applications over the coming year."
A key driver of text messaging growth is social media. Social networking applications are playing a large role in driving Short Message Service (SMS) growth beyond rates initially envisioned, as more and more consumers have recognized the power of SMS integrated with social media applications as a cost effective and timely method of communicating with their network of friends, family and business associates. Twitter is one such application that TCS expects will continue to play a major role in driving future SMS growth. According to a recent statement by the co-founder of Twitter, "There are over one billion people with Internet access on the planet but there are more than four billion people with mobile phones and Twitter can work on all of them because even the simplest of these devices feature SMS."
TCS' next-generation Short Message Service Center (SMSC) offers flexible deployment options and allows operators to configure its systems to meet customer messaging traffic needs. The TCS next-generation SMSC supports store and forward, first delivery attempts and voting capabilities over standard air interfaces and over mobile broadband.
About TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.

TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) (NASDAQ:TSYS - News) engineers and delivers highly reliable wireless communications technology. TCS is a leader in wireless text messaging and location-based technology, including E9-1-1 services and commercial applications like navigation that use the precise location of a wireless device, and secure satellite-based communications systems and services. Customers include leading wireless and VoIP carriers around the world, cable MSOs, automotive telematics vendors, and agencies of the U.S. Departments of Defense, State, and Homeland Security. TCS is one of six primary vendors on a $5 billion Army Worldwide Satellite Systems Contract vehicle. For more information, visit www.telecomsys.com.
Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements as defined within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and are based upon TCS' current expectations and assumptions that if incorrect would cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Risks include without limitation the possibility that the contract will not be fully funded, and those detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009.
Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances, or otherwise.

Contact:
Company Contact:

TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.

Meredith Allen

410-295-1865

MAllen@telecomsys.com

Media Contact:

Welz & Weisel Communications

Evan Weisel

703-218-3555

evan@w2comm.com

Investor Relations:

Liolios Group, Inc.

Scott Liolios

949-574-3860

info@liolios.com

Saab Signs Contract With LIG Nex1 For Localisation of Signal Intelligence Systems for Submarines

STOCKHOLM, Sweden-- December 29, 2009, (BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News:
Defence and security company Saab has signed a contract with LIG Nex1 for the localisation of Saab’s naval ESM system for the South Korean second batch of Class 214 submarines. The order value is close to MEUR 11 (approximately MSEK 114).
The contract, which sees LIG Nex1 localise parts of the Saab ESM (Electronic Support Measures) system, is for the delivery of ESM systems to Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft GmbH (HDW) for the South Korean Navy’s second batch of Class 214 submarines.
“This contract underlines our capabilities in naval ESM systems and our good relationship with both LIG Nex1 and HDW. It also creates a new promising partnership with one of the biggest defence companies in South Korea,” says Micael Johansson, business unit manager, Saab Avitronics.
As the main contractor LIG Nex1 takes full responsibility for the ESM system. The co-establishment of an Integrated Test Bench, used for system acceptance and maintenance, at the LIG Nex1 production facilities in Gumi, South Korea, will also ensure future support of the system.
“This fruitful partnership with the South Korean industry and excellent relationship with the South Korean Navy creates a foundation which in partnership with LIG Nex1 will ensure continued success,” says Micael Johansson.
Saab was contracted in 2002 and successfully delivered ESM systems from its South African operations to HDW for the first batch of Korean Class 214 submarines. This second contract once again confirms Saab’s position as a world leader in ESM and ELINT (Electronic Intelligence) systems for non-nuclear submarines. Saab’s submarine ESM systems have been sold and delivered to Greece, South Korea, Portugal and South Africa.
Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents and constantly develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.
The information is that which Saab AB is required to declare by the Securities Business Act and/or the Financial instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication on December 29 at 10.30.
This information was brought to you by Cision http://www.cisionwire.com

China eyes big jetliner test flight by 2014 -paper

SHANGHAI, Dec 29 (Reuters) - China aims to conduct its first test flight of a domestically developed large commercial jetliner by 2014 and to begin deliveries in 2016, the China Business News reported on Tuesday, citing unnamed executives from aircraft manufacturer Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC).
The company broke ground on Monday on an aircraft assembly plant near Shanghai that the executives said would be capable of producing 20 of the large jetliners, code-named the C919, and 50 regional ARJ21 jets per year by 2016, the newspaper reported.
Beijing has made public an ambitious goal of manufacturing large passenger jets with more than 150 seats and freighters capable of handling more than 100 tonnes of cargo to take on Boeing (BA.N) and Airbus (EAD.PA) (EAD.DE).
After the delivery of the first C919 passenger jet, China will start working on larger jets with 250 seats, COMAC executives were quoted as saying.
China has not yet announced any orders for the C919 but has 208 orders for the ARJ21, including five firm orders from General Electric's (GE.N) aircraft leasing arm, GE Commercial Aviation Services. (Reporting by Fang Yan and Edmund Klamann)

Aura Allocated $800,000 in the Approved Defense Bill

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--December 28, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE)--Aura Systems, Inc. (OTCBB:AUSI - News) announced today that the approved Defense Bill allocated $800,000 to Aura to develop upgraded electronics to support a 30 kW VIPER system.
This $800,000 is in addition to the $800,000 approved last year for a laboratory demonstration of a new 30 kW VIPER system. With the $1,600,000 approved funds, Aura will demonstrate a 30kW VIPER system integrated into a military vehicle.
Recently the U.S. Army and Aura agreed on a statement of work for the first $800,000 award and the contract is expected to start after the start of the 2010-year. The entire $1.6 million program including both the mechanical and electronic components is expected to be completed during calendar 2010.
Dr. Arthur Schwartz, Aura’s CTO and board member said, “Experience has shown that the VIPER system easily lends itself to back to back stacking in order to provide additional power. We routinely deliver our Tangen system which is two 8.5 kW VIPERS stacked back to back. We have used analytical and computer tools and determined that we could have a 30 kW VIPER as either a single configuration or a Tangen configuration consisting of two 15 kW VIPERs back to back. This program will allow us to actually built and test and integrate into a military vehicle a 30 kW system. In addition, the physics of the AuraGen predicts that at larger power levels, our size, weight and cost advantage over traditional radial technology is even greater than our advantage at the current 8.5 kW level. This program will allow us to demonstrate that advantage.”
Mr. Gagerman, Aura’s CEO said, “We are very excited about this program because we will be able to demonstrate an integrated vehicle power system that no one thought possible until now. It is clear that the military is constantly in need of more power particularly at low engine RPMs. This solution will clearly be a paradigm shift in available power for on board military requirements.”
For more information on Aura Systems Inc. visit www.aurasystems.com
Contact:
Aura Systems, Inc.
Melvin Gagerman
Chairman and CEO
310-643-5300 x171
mgagerman@aurasystems.com
or
Cipora Lavut
404-539-2161
clavut@aurasystems.com

Lockheed Martin-Built Trident II D5 Missile Achieves 130th Consecutive Successful Test Flight

D5 Fleet Ballistic Missile Launched in Navy Test in the Atlantic Continues 20-year Record of Reliability

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Dec. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The U.S. Navy conducted a successful test flight Dec. 19 of a Trident II D5 Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) built by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT). The Navy launched the unarmed missile from the submerged submarine USS ALASKA (SSBN 732) in the Atlantic Ocean.
This test marked the 130th consecutive successful test flight of the Trident II D5 missile since 1989 – continuing a 20-year record of reliability that is unmatched by any other large ballistic missile or space launch vehicle.
"The professionalism of the entire Navy and industry team for the Trident Strategic Weapon System has made possible the 100-percent mission success of the D5 missile in 130 test flights over 20 years," said Melanie A. Sloane, vice president of Fleet Ballistic Missile programs, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, the Navy's Trident missile prime contractor.
The Navy launched the missile as part of a Demonstration and Shakedown Operation (DASO) to certify USS ALASKA for deployment, following a shipyard overhaul period. For the test, a missile was converted into a test configuration using a test missile kit produced by Lockheed Martin that contains range safety devices and flight telemetry instrumentation.
First deployed in 1990, the D5 missile is currently aboard OHIO-class submarines and British VANGUARD-class submarines. The three-stage, solid-propellant, inertial-guided ballistic missile can travel a nominal range of 4,000 nautical miles and carries multiple independently targeted reentry vehicles.
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., is the Trident missile prime contractor and program manager for the U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Programs. 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. Lockheed Martin Space Systems has been the Navy's prime strategic missile contractor since the inception of the program more than 50 years ago.
The test also involved the Lockheed Martin-integrated navigation subsystem that provides navigation data required to support today's stringent Trident Weapon System performance requirements. Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors Undersea Systems at Mitchel Field, N.Y., has been the prime contractor for the navigation subsystem aboard fleet ballistic missile submarines since 1955.
Altogether, nearly 3,000 employees throughout the Lockheed Martin Corporation support the Navy's Fleet Ballistic Missile program.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

Electronic Control Security, Inc. Announces Appointment of Jerry Dropik as Director of Marketing, Sales and Corporate Accounts

CLIFTON, NJ--(Marketwire - 12/28/09) - Electronic Control Security, Inc. (OTC.BB:EKCS - News) (ECSI), a leading provider of electronic security system technologies to the government and private sectors, announced the appointment of Jerry Dropik as Director of Marketing, Sales and Corporate Accounts in the U.S. Mr. Dropik will also be responsible for managing ECSI's international sales representatives and dealer/installers in the Middle East.
As a Vice President for Lucent Technologies, Mr. Dropik organized and led a culturally-diverse sales, business development and administration team for five years in Cairo, Egypt. This team grew to 650 employees and $300 million in sales. He was also responsible for Public/Government Affairs for Cairo, GOE, USAID Agency, Egypt's U.S. Embassy, and Washington, D.C. Mr. Dropik also served on the Overseas Security Advisory Council of the U.S. Embassy in Cairo and was a member of the U.S. Ambassador's Technical Council that addressed communications and security threats.
As Sales Support Director for AT&T, he headed a team of sales managers and market and senior project consultants to support sales of switching, transmission and cable/fiber system sales to various telecommunications corporations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa with sales of $500 million annually.
Mr. Dropik earned a B.S. in Management and Organizational Behavior from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, an A.A.S. in Industrial Engineering from Erie Community College in Buffalo, N.Y., and completed electrical engineering studies at the State University of New York at Buffalo.
Arthur Barchenko, President and CEO, stated that the appointment of Mr. Dropik will add substantially to the commercial/industrial marketing and sales efforts of the Company, especially pertaining to the vehicle and personnel access control lines offered as part of its perimeter security technology.
ABOUT ECSI
ECSI is a global leader in perimeter security and a quality provider to the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, nuclear power stations, and other large commercial-industrial complexes. The Company designs, manufactures and markets physical electronic security systems for high profile, high threat environments utilizing risk assessment and analysis to determine and address the security needs of its customers. Teaming agreements with major system integrators enable ECSI to support the installation and aftermarket of its products in the U.S. and overseas. ECSI is located at 790 Bloomfield Avenue, Bldg. C-1, Clifton, NJ 07012. Tel: 973-574-8555; Fax: 973-574-8562. For more information on ECSI and its customers, please visit http://www.ecsiinternational.com.
ECSI INTERNATIONAL, INC. SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT: This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial uncertainties and risks. These forward-looking statements are based upon our current expectations, estimates and projections about our business and our industry and reflect our beliefs and assumptions based upon information available to us at the date of this release. We caution readers that forward-looking statements are predictions based on our current expectations about future events. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including but not limited to changes in economic conditions generally and in our industry specifically, changes in security technology, legislative or regulatory changes that affect us, the availability of working capital, timing of purchase orders, acceptance of company proposals, changes in costs and the availability of goods and services, the introduction of competing products, changes in our operating strategy or development plans, our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, changes in our acquisition and capital expenditure plans, sufficiency of cash reserves and the risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading "RISK FACTORS" in Item 1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement for any reason.
Contact:
Natalie Schneider
973-574-8555

ManTech Names Robert P. Frisbie as Senior Vice President in Its Mission, Cyber and Technology Solutions Group

Former Senior Industry Executive for Cyber and Defense Programs

FAIRFAX, VaDecember 28, 2009,.-- (BUSINESS WIRE)--ManTech International Corporation (Nasdaq: MANT - News) has named Robert P. Frisbie as Senior Vice President in its Mission, Cyber and Technology Solutions group. Mr. Frisbie will be responsible for the security support and special military programs business areas, and for business development efforts in Afghanistan.
Prior to joining ManTech Mr. Frisbie was the Senior Vice President, Defense Sector, STG Inc. responsible for defense and intelligence programs including those in Korea, Qatar, Hawaii and Europe. At Northrop Grumman he was the Vice President and Director for the Information Operations and Net-Centric Defense operating unit which focused on cyber, information assurance and intelligence support. He also served as the Vice President for Northrop Grumman TASC Cyber, directing one of the company’s largest information operations programs and threat analysis, vulnerability assessment and information protection initiatives. At QuesTech Inc. he was the Director of Strategic Planning responsible for establishing their Information Warfare group.
Before entering private industry, Mr. Frisbie was the Deputy Director of the U.S. Army Communications Electronics Command Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Directorate where he established the first Army Information Warfare Special Program Office, helped develop Army doctrine in information warfare and provided engineering support for all of the Army tactical signals intelligence, electronic warfare and intelligence fusion programs. He also served as the National Military Command Center Communications Officer for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, J6 Directorate, responsible for the National Military Command System and its connectivity with SATCOM, HF, UHF and commercial communications systems. Mr. Frisbie was the Senior Test Manager for national level, interagency C3 programs for the Command Systems Integration Agency.
“Bob brings years of experience and familiarity with many of our current clients, and a strong knowledge of our business,” said Bill Varner, President, ManTech Mission, Cyber and Technology Solutions group. “Bob has always been focused on the client’s mission first, and will bring strong leadership to a critical area of the business for ManTech.”
Mr. Frisbie received a master of science degree in Operations Research/Systems Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School; and a bachelor of science degree in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Military Institute.
About ManTech International Corporation:
Headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia with approximately 8,000 professionals, ManTech International Corporation is a leading provider of innovative technologies and solutions for mission-critical national security programs for the Intelligence Community; the departments of Defense, State, Homeland Security and Justice; the Space Community; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and other U.S. federal government customers. ManTech’s expertise includes systems engineering, systems integration, software development services, enterprise architecture, cyber security, information assurance, intelligence operations and analysis support, network and critical infrastructure protection, information operations and information warfare support, information technology, communications integration, global logistics and supply chain management, and service oriented architectures. The company supports the advanced telecommunications systems that are used in Operation Iraqi Freedom and in other parts of the world; has developed a secure, collaborative communications system for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; and builds and maintains secure databases that track terrorists. The company operates in the United States and 40 countries. In 2008, BusinessWeek magazine chose ManTech for its ‘InfoTech 100’ listing representing the best performing tech companies in the world; Forbes.com named ManTech as one of the 400 Best Big Companies in the nation; and A-Space, a Web 2.0 enhanced collaboration tool that ManTech developed for the Intelligence Community was named one of the Top 50 Inventions of the Year by Time magazine. Also in 2008, GI Jobs magazine named ManTech a Top Ten Military Friendly Employer for the third year in a row. Additional information on ManTech can be found at www.mantech.com.
Forward-Looking Information:
Statements and assumptions made in this press release, which do not address historical facts, constitute "forward-looking" statements that ManTech believes to be within the definition in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control. Words such as "may,” "will,” "intends,” "should,” "expects,” "plans,” "projects,” "anticipates,” "believes,” "estimates,” "predicts,” "potential,” "continue,” or "opportunity," or the negative of these terms or words of similar import are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, including, without limitation: adverse changes in U.S. government spending priorities; failure to retain existing U.S. government contracts, win new contracts, or win recompetes; adverse results of U.S. government audits of our government contracts; risks associated with complex U.S. government procurement laws and regulations; adverse effect of contract consolidations; risk of contract performance or termination; failure to obtain option awards, task orders or funding under contracts; adverse changes in our mix of contract types; failure to successfully integrate recently acquired companies or businesses into our operations or to realize any accretive or synergistic effects from such acquisitions; failure to identify, execute or effectively integrate future acquisitions; risks of financing, such as increases in interest rates and restrictions imposed by our credit agreement; risks related to an inability to obtain new or additional financing; and competition. These and other risk factors are more fully discussed in the section entitled "Risks Factors" in ManTech's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2009, and, from time to time, in ManTech's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including among others, its reports on Form 10-Q.
The forward-looking statements included in this news release are only made as of the date of this news release and ManTech undertakes no obligation to publicly update any of the forward-looking statements made herein, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or circumstances, changes in expectations or otherwise.

Contact:
ManTech International Corporation

Stuart Davis

Corporate EVP, S

trategy and Communications

703-218-8269

stuart.davis@mantech.com

SecureWorks Again Named Finalist in 2010 SC Magazine Awards for Best Managed Security Service

ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwire - 12/28/09) - SecureWorks, a leading global provider of security services protecting 2,700 clients worldwide, has been named a finalist in the Best Managed Security Service category in the 2010 SC Awards for outstanding achievement in information technology (IT) security. SecureWorks' portfolio of Managed Security Services was named as a premiere solution in the Reader Trust Award competition, which honors best-in-class security products and services. In addition to being a finalist for the 2010 award, SecureWorks is a four-time winner of the Best Managed Security Service Award (2006-2009).
SecureWorks' Managed Security Services were selected from more than 600 entries submitted in more than 31 technology categories. All finalists will be reviewed and winners will be chosen by the Reader Trust Voting Panel -- comprised of security and technology experts from large, medium and small enterprises from all major vertical markets -- representing the wide distribution of SC Magazine readers.
"Our finalists, including SecureWorks, represent some the industry's leading lights, as judged by our readership," said SC Magazine Editor-in-Chief Illena Armstrong. "Moving into 2010, our readers are recognizing that companies, such as SecureWorks, are helping them meet their ongoing, pressing security challenges."
As the industry's preeminent awards program, the annual SC Awards has recognized security's key contributors and outstanding products for more than a decade. The SC Awards are designed to honor the professionals, companies and products that help fend off the myriad security threats confronted in today's corporate world. Individuals, brands and solutions recognized in the program address not only the security challenges prominent today, but also the emerging threat landscape of tomorrow.
"SecureWorks is honored to be recognized once again as a finalist for our Managed Security Services in the well-respected SC Magazine Awards. Service excellence is paramount to our organization, and we believe our integrity sets us apart as a leading provider of information security services," said Mike Cote, chairman and CEO of SecureWorks. "Our ongoing success is attributed to our dedication to delivering the best security solutions and excellent client service. This dedication combined with world-class research, years of solid expertise, and a full breadth of service offerings that can be tailored to the specific needs of each of our clients, has helped garner us the recognition as a four-time winner of SC's Best Managed Security Service award and a current finalist."
Winners of this year's SC Awards will be announced at a gala dinner and award ceremony to be held in San Francisco on Tuesday, March 2, 2010. The event is an evening filled with excitement and offers an invaluable opportunity to network with the top corporate IT professionals in attendance. To attend the SC Awards, please register at http://www.scmagazineus.com/sc-magazine-awards-2010/section/1053/
About SC Magazine
SC Magazine provides IT security professionals with in-depth and unbiased information through timely news, comprehensive analysis, cutting-edge features, contributions from thought-leaders and the best, most extensive collection of product reviews in the business. By offering a consolidated view of IT security through independent product tests and well-researched editorial content that provides the contextual backdrop for how these IT security tools will address larger demands put on businesses today, SC Magazine enables IT security pros to make the right security decisions for their companies. Besides the monthly print magazine and daily website, the brand's portfolio includes the SC Awards, SC Directory, SC Magazine Newswire and the annual SC World Congress conference and expo.
Become a fan of SC Magazine on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
About SecureWorks
SecureWorks is a market leading provider of world-class information security services with over 2,700 clients worldwide spanning North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific Rim. Organizations of all sizes, including more than ten percent of the Fortune 500, rely on SecureWorks to protect their assets, improve compliance and reduce costs. The combination of strong client service, award-winning security technology and experienced security professionals makes SecureWorks the premier provider of information security services for any organization. Positioned in the Leader's Quadrant of Gartner's Magic Quadrant for MSSPs, SecureWorks has also won SC Magazine's "Best Managed Security Service" award for 2006, 2007, 2008 & 2009 and has been named to the Inc. 500, Inc. 5000 and the Deloitte lists of fastest-growing companies. www.secureworks.com
Contact:
Contacts:
Elizabeth Clarke
SecureWorks
404-486-4492
Email Contact
Ashley Vandiver
SecureWorks
404-235-0197
Email Contact

Key Air Completes Recapitalization Transaction

Existing Equity Investors Acquire Key Air Debt; Transaction Ensures Key Air's Long-Term Financial Stability and Facilitates Growth Strategy

OXFORD, Conn., Dec. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The principle equity investors (led by Rizvi Traverse Management) of Key Air, a leading national provider of FBO services and best-in-class aircraft management and worldwide executive charter services, has recently acquired all of Key Air's debt in a recapitalization transaction. The transaction will enable Key Air to successfully restructure its balance sheet with no disruption to the business and will provide additional working capital to enable Key Air to execute on its growth strategy in 2010 and beyond. Key Air has implemented several recent organizational initiatives, including the hiring of key industry personnel, implementation of specialized customer service programs and expansion of its facilities and support centers nationwide.
"This transaction demonstrates the importance of having a strong financial sponsor," says Brad D. Kost, President and CEO of Key Air. "By restructuring Key Air's balance sheet, the Company is financially well-positioned to continue investing in building a strong national presence and infrastructure so that we can continue our growth plan into 2010 and beyond."
Key Air experienced significant growth in 2009 and added 12 managed aircraft to its certificate, bringing the total number of aircraft under management to 28. Key Air saw a sizeable increase in aircraft based at Key Air NY Metro (OXC) in Oxford, CT and also in other national locations. Several Dassualt Falcon aircraft were added to both its Key Air NY Metro (OXC) and Key Air Twin Cities (ANE) locations and are currently available for charter. Key Air also added hangar facilities and client support at Van Nuys Airport in Van Nuys, California to provide its West Coast customers access to aircraft management and charter services.
"We have streamlined our internal processes and added key personnel to enhance our client service and aircraft on-boarding processes, now adding aircraft to our fleet in an even more efficient manner," Mr. Kost continues. "We also now have self-conformity authority from the FAA, ensuring that we can get our new clients' Part 135 aircraft flying and generating revenue quickly."
Key Air also experienced considerable growth in their FBO operations in 2009, adding a record number of hangar and office tenants in each of its three FBO locations: Key Air NY Metro (OXC) in Oxford, CT; Key Air Twin Cities (ANE) just outside Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN; and Key Air South Florida (FPR) in Ft. Pierce, FL. "We have invested significant dollars in further developing our U.S. infrastructure and now have our domestic hub system in place to better service our clients," Kost adds.
About Key Air
Key Air has Fixed Base Operations and private aviation terminal space in strategic locations nationwide to provide a seamless private air travel experience. With convenient proximity to major U.S. cities like New York, Boston, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Palm Beach and Los Angeles, Key Air can deliver a more efficient and streamlined alternative to the often congested airports in each of these locations. Key Air's three FBO facilities include: Key Air NY Metro (OXC) in Oxford, CT; Key Air Twin Cities (ANE) just outside Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN; and Key Air South Florida (FPR) in Ft. Pierce, FL. And now, with the addition of a Southern California location, Key Air Southern California (VNY), Key Air is well positioned to offer clients nationwide access to a vast range of Key Air services.
For more than 20 years, Key Air has provided stability, experience and unsurpassed customer satisfaction. As an industry leader in worldwide charter and aircraft management, Key Air offers a full range of support and services. The company's dedication to client satisfaction, safety and security is unmatched in the industry. With close business relationships with vendors throughout the U.S., Key Air is known for their consistent attention to detail, dependability and knowledgeable, dedicated professionals. Through extensive experience with all facets of executive aviation, Key Air has established an impeccable reputation for providing perfect flying conditions to a variety of individuals and corporations.
For more information about Key Air and its offerings, contact 888.KEYAIR.1 or visit www.KeyAir.com.

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

Company to Provide Assessment, Strategic Planning, and Programming Support to Help Standup New Command

MCLEAN, Va. and SAN DIEGO, Dec. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) (NYSE: SAI) today announced it has been awarded a prime contract by the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) to provide requirements assessment, strategic planning, and programming support. The contract has a one year base period of performance, a single one-year option, and a total value of more than $10 million if the option is exercised. Work will be performed primarily at Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, La.
AFGSC is a new major command that will assume control of the nation's intercontinental ballistic missile and strategic bomber forces. Its activation is part of a broad, comprehensive strategy the Air Force is undertaking to ensure they have the proper focus on our critical missions that provide nuclear deterrence and global strike forces for the combatant commander, the joint team and allies Under the contract, SAIC will assist with the design and implementation of processes and organizations to help ensure the command satisfies requirements and resource allocation objectives.
"We look forward to utilizing our expertise in nuclear operations and organizational efficiency to help standup a critical command for the Air Force, and assisting as it assumes its full complement of missions – developing and providing combat-ready forces for nuclear deterrence and global strike operations," said Beverly Seay, SAIC senior vice president and business unit general manager.
About SAIC
SAIC is a FORTUNE 500® scientific, engineering, and technology applications company that uses its deep domain knowledge to solve problems of vital importance to the nation and the world, in national security, energy and the environment, critical infrastructure, and health. The company's approximately 45,000 employees serve customers in the U.S. Department of Defense, the intelligence community, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, other U.S. Government civil agencies and selected commercial markets. Headquartered in McLean, Va., SAIC had annual revenues of $10.1 billion for its fiscal year ended January 31, 2009. For more information, visit www.saic.com. SAIC: From Science to Solutions®
Statements in this announcement, other than historical data and information, constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be very different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in SAIC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended January 31, 2009, and other such filings that SAIC makes with the SEC from time to time. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

Contact:

Melissa Koskovich

(703) 676-6762

Melissa.l.koskovich@saic.com

Laura Luke

(703) 676-6533

laura.luke@saic.com

U.S. Marine Corps Funds $8 Million to Procure TeleCommunication Systems Wireless Point-to-Point Link Systems and Services

WPPL Order Includes Spare Parts, Field Support Representatives and Extended Maintenance

ANNAPOLIS, MD--(Marketwire - 12/28/09) - TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) (NASDAQ:TSYS - News), a leading provider of mission-critical wireless communications, today announced that it has been awarded an additional $8 million in funding from the U.S. Marine Corps for the TCS Wireless Point-to-Point Link (WPPL) systems. WPPL systems provide deployed Marines with secure point-to-point and point-to-multipoint transmission of voice, video and data communications over terrestrial microwave radio links. Under this award, TCS will provide field support representatives and extended maintenance warranty support. In addition, TCS will supply spare parts for the RF and Network packages of the WPPL systems, including sector and directional antennas, modems, routers, router cards and router modules.
The TCS WPPL provides Marines with critical last-mile communications and allows them to extend their Local Area Network (LAN) to forward-deployed locations by extending services over terrestrial microwave radio links. It enables Non-Secure Internet Protocol Router (NIPR), Secret Internet Protocol Router (SIPR), Voice over IP (VoIP), Video and Defense Switched Network transmission of vital information.
This order was awarded by the Army Project Manager for the Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (PM WIN-T) Commercial Satellite Terminal Program (CSTP) and through the U.S. Army's $5 billion World-Wide Satellite Systems (WWSS) contract vehicle.
"Our WPPL system has proven to be a workhorse in-theater," said Michael Bristol, senior vice president of government solutions for TCS. "We continue to field these systems on a regular basis and support the forward-deployed warfighter with critical last-mile communications capability."
The TCS SwiftLink(R) family of deployable communications solutions provides multimedia capabilities to convey encrypted voice, video and data. TCS SwiftLink products are highly transportable and ruggedized, with a graphical user interface that facilitates easy set-up and operation. The modularity and "plug and play" interfaces between all RF and Baseband configurations inherent in the SwiftLink product line result in communication solutions tailored to the end-user's specific needs.
TCS has established a proven track record over the past decade of providing cost effective, highly reliable solutions to the Department of Defense, Special Operations and intelligence communities, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State. The TCS SwiftLink product line meets the critical communications demands of this elite customer set, no matter where or how they deploy.
For more information on TCS WPPL solutions, visit: http://www.telecomsys.com/government/TCS_Wireless_PPL_WPPL
About TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.

TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) (NASDAQ:TSYS - News) engineers and delivers highly reliable wireless communications technology. TCS is a leader in wireless text messaging and location-based technology, including E9-1-1 services and commercial applications like navigation that use the precise location of a wireless device, and secure satellite-based communications systems and services. Customers include leading wireless and VoIP carriers around the world, cable MSOs, automotive telematics vendors, and agencies of the U.S. Departments of Defense, State, and Homeland Security. TCS is one of six primary vendors on a $5 billion Army Worldwide Satellite Systems Contract vehicle. For more information, visit www.telecomsys.com.
Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements as defined within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and are based upon TCS' current expectations and assumptions that if incorrect would cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Risks include without limitation the possibility that the contract will not be fully funded, and those detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009.
Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances, or otherwise.

Contact:
Company Contact:

TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.

Meredith Allen

410-295-1865

MAllen@telecomsys.com

Media Contact:

Welz & Weisel Communications

Evan Weisel

703-218-3555

evan@w2comm.com

Investor Relations:

Liolios Group, Inc.

Scott Liolios

949-574-3860

info@liolios.com

Japan PM to pursue thaw in India ties, boost trade

* India seeks details of China policy, East Asia initiative
* Two sides want to engineer further thaw in ties, trade
* Hatoyama's ratings falling at home after ex-aides arrested
By Krittivas Mukherjee
NEW DELHI, Dec 28 (Reuters) - Japan's prime minister, who has promised to forge a new place for east Asia in international diplomacy, opened three days of talks in India on Monday focusing on engineering a further thaw in relations and boosting trade.
Yukio Hatoyama took office in September after 50 years of almost uninterrupted rule by the conservative, pro-U.S. Liberal Democratic Party, but has since seen his popularity ratings slide to 50 percent in a survey published on Monday.
Japan and India, Asia's largest and third largest economies, have been working at improving ties since Japan slapped sanctions on India in response to its 1998 nuclear tests.
Hatoyama launched his visit by meeting Indian industrialists, including Tata group chairman Ratan Tata and Reliance Industries (RELI.BO) head Mukesh Ambani, at a Mumbai hotel which was one of the targets attacked by gunmen in November 2008. He was due later to hold talks with his Indian opposite number, Manmohan Singh.
India, long a top recipient of Japanese aid, wants details of Hatoyama's foreign policy, particularly Tokyo's attempts to pursue a foreign policy more "independent" of Washington and improve ties with China, New Delhi's longtime rival.
New Delhi will want to know more about India's place in Hatoyama's proposed East Asian community with a single currency, inspired by the 27-nation European Union.
"Yukio Hatoyama ... is unlike any other Japanese leader that the Indian side has dealt with in the past decade," wrote Siddharth Varadarajan, a senior editor at The Hindu newspaper.
"Hatoyama's vision of an East Asian Community and his desire to work with China provides India and Japan with an opportunity to build their bilateral relations on ground firmer than the quicksand of 'balance of power'," he said.
That was a reference to a view in New Delhi that looks at Japan as a hedge against a rising China. BOOSTING TRADE, MILITARY TIES
Trade, analysts say, is one way of cementing that partnership underscored by closer recent military ties and Japanese support for last year's landmark U.S.-India civilian nuclear deal.
"The two sides...are in the process of concluding discussing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)," said India's foreign ministry spokesman, Vishnu Prakash. Twelve rounds of talks on the agreement had already taken place, he said.
Japan is India's sixth largest investor. Bilateral trade, more than $12 billion in 2008-09, is targetted to climb to $20 billion by next year.
Hatoyama's talks in India could also focus on on climate change policies -- with the two countries on opposite sides of the debate, particularly on expanding the scope of Japanese support for renewable energy projects in India.
Indian officials said the sides would also discuss Japan's offer to train former Taliban fighters as part of a $5 billion Japanese aid package for Afghanistan. India remains uncomfortable about co-opting the Taliban into any power structures in Kabul.
Hatoyama's government will likely seek to present the visit as a success as domestic criticism rises. Last week he approved a record trillion dollar budget, which will further inflate Japan's massive debt as the government struggles with the weak economy.
Japanese voters are also expressing growing doubts about Hatoyama's ability to make tough foreign policy decisions, and the arrest of two former aides has spurred calls for more explanation of a scandal over false political funding records. (Additional reporting by Rina Chandran in MUMBAI and Isabel Reynolds in Tokyo; Editing by Bappa Majumdar and Ron Popeski)

Bourse halts Agility on US settlement reports

* Newspapers say Agility has settled with U.S. in fraud case
* Agility seeking settlement of up to $600 million - newspapers
(Adds details, background)
KUWAIT, Dec 28 (Reuters) - The Kuwait bourse has halted trading in Agility (AGLT.KW) pending clarification of reports that the logistics firm is near to a settlement in its U.S. fraud case, the bourse said in a statement on Monday.
Several Kuwaiti newspapers carried reports on Monday about Agility seeking a settlement of up to $600 million with the U.S. government.
"Until now the final settlement has not been signed, as some of the points are still pending, however the amount is between $500 million and $600 million," Kuwaiti daily al-Qabas said in an unsourced report.
The firm will seek to schedule the settlement amount over a a five-year period, Qabas said, adding that the settlement will allow Agility to acquire new contracts.
Officials at Agility could not be reached for comment.
In November, a U.S. grand jury indicted Agility on charges of fraud and conspiracy alleging that it overcharged the U.S. Army on $8.5 billion worth of contracts to provide food to soldiers in Iraq, Kuwait and Jordan. [ID:nLH545993]
Agility, which supplies food to U.S. soldiers in Iraq and Kuwait, said it had been temporarily suspended, but not debarred, from new U.S. government contracts pending the outcome of the grand jury indictment. [ID:nLI21800]
If convicted of violations of the False Claims Act, the firm faces probation and a fine of up to twice the gain it realised or twice the loss to the United States.

New U.S. security restrictions could hurt airlines

By Clare Baldwin and Jui Chakravorty
NEW YORK, Dec 27 (Reuters) - Tighter security measures at U.S. airports following an attempt to blow up a Detroit-bound jet could dampen enthusiasm for air travel, hurting the airline industry just as it seemed poised to recover from a period of bruising losses, some industry experts say.
Airline passengers this weekend already faced tighter security after a Nigerian man tried to blow up a Northwest Airlines (DAL.N) plane as it approached Detroit on a flight bound from Amsterdam on Friday.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said it was boosting airport security after the incident and advised passengers they may experience more scrutiny. One DHS official said available security measures that could be implemented range from bomb-sniffing dogs to behavior detection as well as other techniques.
And the tighter security is not being confined to U.S. airports. Passengers may also face pat-downs and are being ordered to stay seated during the last hour of flight with nothing on their laps, airlines and security officials said.
Though delays caused by the new measures might not dissuade international travelers who are already spending massive amounts of time in transit, it could put a significant dent in short hops by business travelers, some analysts said.
Robert Mann, an airline consultant at R.W. Mann & Company, said airlines must watch for the impact on business travelers, who pay higher fares and travel more frequently than leisure passengers.
"If it becomes something like a four-hour wait, business travelers aren't going to do that," Mann said. "They're either not going to travel or they're going to hire their own private lift, and just avoid scheduled transportation altogether."
The security changes come just as major U.S. airlines had been trumpeting the return of demand from well-heeled business travelers who pay full fare. Delta Air Lines (DAL.N), which merged with Northwest Airlines last year, in mid-December had said its fourth-quarter revenue trends had suggested a better 2010.
Delta, like other airlines, had responded to the huge drop in traffic as the recession sapped corporate and consumer demand by cutting capacity.
The U.S. airline industry, which lost $23.6 billion in 2008, has slashed capacity and increased fares to cope with weaker demand and higher fuel prices.
After Friday's attempted attack, Air Canada (ACa.TO) advised U.S.-bound travelers to expect flight delays, cancellations and missed connections, and limit themselves to a single piece of carry-on baggage.
Air Canada said on its website that new rules imposed by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration also limit on-board activities in U.S. airspace that could adversely impact in-flight service.
"Among other things, during the final hour of flights, customers must remain seated, will not be allowed to access carry-on baggage or have personal belongings or other items on their laps," the airline said.
MORE HASSLES
Some airlines were going as far as shutting down in-flight entertainment systems, which include route-tracking maps.
Security measures are unlikely to have a major impact on earnings for this quarter, which will close in less than a week left, but could have longer-term repercussions.
Passengers who have already had to absorb at least five industrywide fare hikes from major U.S. airlines this year and faced additional fees for services such as bag checks or priority seating may find the new restrictions the last straw.
Michael Boyd, president of aviation research and consultancy firm Boyd Group International, said restrictions that include not being able to use laptops for the last hour of the flight could hurt domestic travel, where one hour could be a significant chunk of the entire flight.
Joseph Schwieterman, a professor of urban transportation issues at DePaul University, said the effects of new security regulations will likely be moderate. "There will be some effect, but we don't know how much."
"We again have a combination of a high fuel prices and heavy publicity on terrorism," he said. "That's a disturbing combination." (Additional reporting by John Crawley, Kyle Peterson and Michael Erman; Editing by Leslie Adler)

Siemens prepped for more US light rail, high speed

* Siemens to build 200 light-rail cars in US over 3 years
* Midwest likely high-speed winner given political weight
SACRAMENTO, Calif., Dec 23 (Reuters) - The U.S.-based transport arm of Siemens AG (SIEGn.DE) has ramped up production to feed growing demand for urban light-rail systems and also has its eyes on a nascent U.S. push for high-speed rail.
Siemens Mobility, created to combine the German company's rail, logistics and signaling divisions, is the light-rail leader with over a third of the U.S. market, according to Robin Stimson, vice president for strategic business development.
He said its plant just outside Sacramento, California, which produced about 25 light-rail cars annually five years ago, made 58 this year and is set to build about 200 more over the next three years -- with capacity for more.
Also competing for U.S. light-rail business are Ansaldo Breda, a unit of Italian group Finmeccanica (SIFI.MI), Skoda of the Czech Republic, Canada's Bombardier (BBDb.TO), Spain's CAF (CAF.MC) and Japan's Kinki Sharyo (7122.T).
A major obstacle to light-rail growth, however, was a lack of coordination between municipal and state authorities when tackling transport problems, Stimson said, and he hoped Siemens could foster cooperation with the united Mobility division.
"We'd like to bring these folks to the table," he said in an interview at the rail plant late on Tuesday.
The facility is producing cars for Norfolk, Virginia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Salt Lake City, Utah; Denver, Colorado; and Edmonton, Alberta.
California lawmakers at the Capitol building nearby, following voter approval of a nearly $10 billion high-speed rail bond offering last year, are now trying to tap federal funds dedicated to development of fast trains around the United States.
Stimson said Siemens had bought property just north of its plant, where joists had been built during the now-collapsed California home-building boom, and referred to it as the "high-speed lot."
While California faces some obstacles in securing right of way for its trains, Stimson was encouraged by recent moves in Florida to help attract federal high-speed funds.
Ahead of an initial disbursement of money by the Federal Railroad Administration next month, Stimson said he believed the Midwest corridor branching out to cities from a Chicago hub would likely be a big contender for money given that the president and transport secretary were both from Illinois.
(Reporting by Braden Reddall; Editing by Richard Chang)

Boeing Delivers Four Next-Generation 737-900ERs to Lion Air

SEATTLE, Dec. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) delivered four Next-Generation 737-900ER (Extended Range) airplanes to Lion Air in December. The new jetliners will be deployed to increase frequencies on existing routes and to replace older airplanes in the fleet.
Lion Air, a Jakarta-based private carrier in Indonesia, is the launch customer of the 737-900ER. The airline operates an all-Boeing fleet, which includes MD-80s, MD-90s and 747s. It has a fleet of 41 737s including Classics and Next-Generation models.
Shown here are three of the four airplanes as they are being prepared for delivery to Lion Air. The unique photo opportunity occurred at the 737 Customer Delivery Center at Boeing Field in Seattle.
Photo and caption are available here: http://boeing.mediaroom.com
Neg. K64824-03
Contact:
Linda Lee
International Communications
+1 206 766 2905
linda.a.lee@boeing.com

OM Group to Acquire Advanced Battery Manufacturer EaglePicher Technologies, LLC for $171.9 Million

-- Profitable EaglePicher Would Expand OMG's Portable Power Growth Platform --

-- Deal Enhances OMG's Presence in Fast-Growing Battery, Battery Materials Markets --

CLEVELAND, Dec. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- OM Group, Inc. (NYSE: OMG) today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to purchase EaglePicher Technologies LLC, (EaglePicher) a wholly owned subsidiary of EaglePicher Corporation for $171.9 million.
Based in Joplin, MO, EaglePicher is a leader in designing and manufacturing batteries, battery management systems and energetic devices for the defense, aerospace and medical industries. For more than 50 years, the company has provided a broad product line of technically differentiated, high-performance products and solutions to industry leading corporations. EaglePicher is also actively pursuing opportunities that would leverage its advanced power storage technologies to serve the rapidly growing alternative energy market.
In fiscal year 2009, EaglePicher recorded revenues of approximately $125 million, of which approximately 60 percent came from its defense business, approximately 31 percent from its aerospace business and the balance from its medical and other businesses.
"The proposed acquisition of EaglePicher is a logical extension of our portable power platform and is another excellent example of the type of acquisition we seek to transform our business model," said Joseph M. Scaminace, OM Group's chairman and chief executive officer. "Similar to the enhanced market position we've created for OMG in other key segments through our transformation strategy, we believe EaglePicher will provide us a strong and profitable base from which we can accelerate our growth in battery materials."
According to Scaminace, "As we went through our deliberate evaluation process, there were several critical factors that clearly established EaglePicher as a priority, including its recognized leadership position in profitable, established end markets; its strong and enduring customer relationships; and its broad R&D and technical expertise in sophisticated battery systems and a wide range of battery chemistries that will allow it to pursue emerging, high-growth markets.
"With EaglePicher, OM Group would not only balance its portfolio of high-quality, value-added materials with world-class, market-facing technologies, but would create an effective channel through which we could bring our various materials closer to the end user. As we have stated many times in the past when discussing our transformational strategy, migrating our materials forward along the value chain is a critical component of long-range growth imperative. With the help of Randy Moore, EaglePicher's president, and his experienced and talented team, we believe we have taken a significant step forward towards this goal."
The proposed transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to close by the middle of the first quarter of 2010. The transaction will be funded by OMG's existing cash and credit facility.
About EaglePicher
EaglePicher Technologies, LLC is the leading producer of batteries and energetic devices for the defense, space and commercial industries, and provides the most experience and broadest capability in battery electrochemistry of any battery supplier in the United States. EaglePicher Technologies offers a wide range of battery technology including thermal, nickel hydrogen, lithium carbonmono-fluoride, lithium thionyl chloride, lithium manganese dioxide, lithium sulfur dioxide, lithium ion, reserve lithium oxyhalide, custom battery assemblies and silver zinc batteries. It also provides other energy products and pyrotechnic devices for the defense industry, as well as advanced battery chargers and other power solutions for business, industrial and recreational applications.
About OM Group, Inc.
OM Group, Inc. is a diversified global developer, producer and marketer of value-added specialty chemicals and advanced materials that are essential to complex chemical and industrial processes. Key technology-based end-use applications include affordable energy, portable power, clean air, clean water, and proprietary products and services for the microelectronics industry. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, OM Group operates manufacturing facilities in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa. For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.omgi.com/.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The foregoing discussion may include forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based upon specific assumptions and are subject to uncertainties and factors relating to the company's operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of the company. These uncertainties and factors could cause actual results of the company to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements contained in the foregoing discussion. Such uncertainties and factors include: the potential impact that the current global economic and financial market crisis may have on our business and operations, including future goodwill impairments; the direction and pace of our strategic transformation, including identification of and the ability to finance potential acquisitions; the successful acquisition of EaglePicher Technologies, LLC and integration of those operations; the operation of our critical business facilities without interruption; the speed and sustainability of price changes in cobalt; the potential for lower of cost or market write-downs of the carrying value of inventory necessitated by decreases in the market price of cobalt or the selling prices of the Company's finished products; the availability of competitively priced supplies of raw materials, particularly cobalt; the demand for metal-based specialty chemicals and products in the Company's markets; the impact of environmental regulations on our operating facilities and the impact of new or changes to current environmental, health and safety laws on our products and their use by our customers; the effect of fluctuations in currency exchange rates on the Company's international operations; the effect of non-currency risks of investing and conducting operations in foreign countries, including political, social, economic and regulatory factors; the effect of changes in domestic or international tax laws; and the general level of global economic activity and demand for the Company's products.

Boeing gets $750 mln US Air Force B-52 bomber contract

WASHINGTON, Dec 24 (Reuters) - Boeing Co (BA.N) has won a $750 million U.S. Air Force contract for modernization and maintenance of the Boeing-built B-52 Stratofortress bomber's weapons system, the Defense Department said Thursday. *The nuclear weapons capacity includes 12 ACMSs, 20 ALCMs and eight bombs.
The B-52, dubbed BUFF for Big Ugly Fat Fellow, first entered combat in 1965 over Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. (Reporting by Jim Wolf; Editing by Gary Hill)

Oshkosh Defense Awarded $54 Million Delivery Order for M-ATV Armor Kits

OSHKOSH, Wis.-- December 24, 2009,(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK - News), has received an order valued at more than $54 million from the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command Life Cycle Management Command (TACOM LCMC) to supply more than 970 add-on protection kits for the MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV).
Under the delivery order, Oshkosh will supply more than 170 explosively formed penetrator (EFP) kits through April 2010 and 800 rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) kits through May 2010. To date, Oshkosh has received awards valued at $3.52 billion to deliver 6,619 M-ATVs, as well as spare kits and aftermarket in-theater support.
“The M-ATV provides exceptional protection capabilities for our U.S. Armed Forces in Afghanistan, and these add-on armor kits will only further improve upon those capabilities,” said Andy Hove, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Defense. “A flexible design and advanced independent suspension system allows the vehicle to take on additional payloads, including add-on armor upgrades.”
Oshkosh Defense teamed with Plasan North America to provide an advanced armor solution for the M-ATV. Plasan also developed the armor system used on more than 5,000 legacy MRAPs and thousands of Oshkosh Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) Armored Cabs already in theater.
The M-ATV uses the Oshkosh-patented TAK-4® independent suspension system to provide superior off-road mobility as well as support vehicle upgrades, such as heavier armor. The system, which has undergone more than 500,000 miles of government testing, provides 16 inches of independent wheel travel and helps the vehicle achieve a 70-percent off-road profile capability to negotiate harsh cross-country terrain and unimproved roads.
Existing Oshkosh facilities have the capacity, highly skilled workforce and proven manufacturing capability to deliver the M-ATV and vehicles for all other Army and Defense programs, including the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV), as well as any surges in production.
About Oshkosh Defense
Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, is an industry-leading global designer and manufacturer of tactical military trucks and armored wheeled vehicles, delivering a full product line of conventional and hybrid vehicles, advanced armor options, proprietary suspensions and vehicles with payloads that can exceed 70 tons. Oshkosh Defense provides a global service and supply network including full life-cycle support and remanufacturing, and its vehicles are recognized the world over for superior performance, reliability and protection. For more information, visit www.oshkoshdefense.com.
About Oshkosh Corporation
Oshkosh Corporation is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency and military vehicles and vehicle bodies. Oshkosh Corp. manufactures, distributes and services products under the brands of Oshkosh®, JLG®, Pierce®, McNeilus®, Medtec®, Jerr-Dan®, Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles, Frontline™, SMIT™, CON-E-CO®, London® and IMT®. Oshkosh products are valued worldwide in businesses where high quality, superior performance, rugged reliability and long-term value are paramount. For more information, log on to www.oshkoshcorporation.com.
®, ™ All brand names referred to in this news release are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains statements that the Company believes to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s future financial position, business strategy, targets, projected sales, costs, earnings, capital expenditures, debt levels and cash flows, and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “should,” “project” or “plan” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include risks related to the required increase in the rate of production for the M-ATV contract and the amount, if any, of additional orders for M-ATVs that the Company may receive; the cyclical nature of the Company’s access equipment, commercial and fire & emergency markets, especially during a global recession and credit crisis; the duration of the global recession, which could lead to additional impairment charges related to many of the Company’s intangible assets; the expected level and timing of U.S. Department of Defense procurement of products and services and funding thereof, including the outcome of the formal protests of the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) award to the Company; risks related to reductions in government expenditures and the uncertainty of government contracts; the consequences of financial leverage associated with the JLG acquisition, which could limit the Company’s ability to pursue various opportunities; risks related to the collectability of receivables during a recession, particularly for those businesses with exposure to construction markets; risks related to production delays as a result of the economy’s impact on the Company’s suppliers; the potential for commodity costs to rise sharply, including in a future economic recovery; risks associated with international operations and sales, including foreign currency fluctuations; and the potential for increased costs relating to compliance with changes in laws and regulations. Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update information contained in this press release.
Contact:
Oshkosh Corporation
Financial: Patrick Davidson
Vice President, Investor Relations
920.966.5939or
Media: Ann Stawski
Vice President, Marketing Communications
920.966.5959