U.S. arms sales seen topping $40 billion

PARIS (Reuters) - U.S. government-to-government arms sales are growing fast and will likely exceed the bullish estimate of $40 billion for 2009, the Pentagon's top arms sales official said on Wednesday at the Paris Air Show.
Vice Admiral Jeffrey Wieringa, head of the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency, told Reuters it was unclear if arms sales would keep rising, but noted that was possible since several large weapons competitions were underway, and many countries had aging equipment to replace.
Arms sales were at a "pretty unprecedented level" after averaging $8 billion to $13 billion per year in the early 2000s, Wieringa said in an interview.
Sales in the first half reached $27 billion, some 60 percent of the year's expected total, making it likely the actual 2009 total would top $40 billion, he said.
Wieringa said the Obama administration was committed to building international partnerships, and arms sales were an important instrument of that policy.
"We sell stuff to build relationships," he said, noting that U.S. partners needed the right equipment and training to carry out their security missions.
Wieringa said he participated in 40 separate meetings at the world's largest air show, where U.S. companies display their latest hardware and vie with global competitors for billions of dollars of commercial and military orders.
The show generated less commercial orders than in years past, with the focus on large weapons competitions underway in India, Brazil, Japan and across the Middle East.
Wieringa said the increased focus on global arms sales came at an opportune time for U.S. companies, which face cutbacks in some weapons programs and a flatter overall defense budget.
"Foreign military sales can be a stabilizing factor that keeps jobs stable and production lines stable," he said.
One of the biggest deals on the table is an Israeli order for Lockheed Martin Corp's (NYSE:LMT - News) F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
Wieringa said Israeli officials told him at the air show that they expected to submit a letter of request for the weapons program within days, but he had no yet received it.
Brigadier General David Heinz, who heads the Pentagon's F-35 program, told reporters on Wednesday that development and testing of the new fighter jet was going well, and that 6,000 of the new fighter jets could be sold over time as world fleets of F-15, F-16, F-18 and other fighter jets need replacements.
Heinz said the United States and its eight foreign partners on the programs were expected to order more than 3,100 fighters and initial foreign military sales to other countries such as Israel, Spain, Greece, Singapore, South Korea, Japan and Finland could add at least 1,000 more orders.
Heinz said he was confident the F-35 would do well in Japan's FX fighter competition, noting that the Pentagon had repeatedly said it was not offering the F-22, in which Japan has expressed interest in the past, for export.
Bruce Lemkin, deputy undersecretary of the U.S. Air Force, told Reuters there was also strong interest in transport planes built by Boeing Co (NYSE:BA - News), L-3 Communications Holdings Inc (NYSE:LLL - News), and Lockheed Martin Corp (NYSE:LMT - News).
Lemkin said "quite a few" nations were on the verge of ordering Boeing's C-17 cargo plane, which could help keep the plane in production for one to two more years. A number of European countries could also buy C-17s as part of a strategic airlift alliance, adding to three sold to the group.
There was also strong continued interest in Lockheed's C-130J transport and 25 countries were "seriously interested" in the smaller C-27J Joint Cargo Aircraft being built by L-3 and Alenia, a unit of Italy's Finmeccanica Spa (Milan:SIFI.MI - News).
Lemkin underscored the Obama administration's commitment to expanding partnerships around the world.
"We cannot go it alone in this world," Lemkin said.
"We need friends and partners with the right capabilities to take care of their own security, to contribute to regional security, and through that relationship have the ability when it is appropriate ... to join us in operations against common threats and enemies," he said.
(Reporting by Andrea Shalal-Esa; Editing by Brian Moss and Richard Chang)

Universal Detection Technology Analysis of the al-Qaida Biological Weapon Threat From the Mexican Border

The Anthrax Threat Was Aired on an al-Qaida Video
LOS ANGELES, CA--(MARKET WIRE)--Jun 17, 2009 -- Universal Detection Technology (www.udetection.com) (OTC BB:UNDT.OB - News), a developer of early-warning monitoring technologies to protect people from bioterrorism and other infectious health threats and provider of counter-terrorism consulting and training services, today issued an analysis of the al-Qaida biological weapon threat from the Mexican Border.
U.S. counterterrorism officials have authenticated a video by an al-Qaida recruiter threatening to smuggle a biological weapon into the United States via tunnels under the Mexican border, the latest sign of the terrorist group's determination to stage another mass-casualty attack on the U.S. homeland.
The video aired this year as a recruitment tool makes clear that al-Qaida is looking to exploit weaknesses in U.S. border security and also is willing to ally itself with white militia groups or other anti-government entities interested in carrying out an attack inside the United States, according to counterterrorism officials interviewed by The Washington Times.
"It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that terrorist organizations would utilize the border to enter the U.S.," said a DEA official who also asked not to be named because of his involvement in ongoing intelligence operations. "We can't ignore any threat or detail when it comes to al-Qaida and other terrorist organizations bent on attacking the U.S."
UNDT is a supplier of biological weapon detection systems that can detect agents such as anthrax, ricin and botulinum toxins in as little as three minutes. UNDT's customers include the DOD and the Washington D.C. Fire and EMS Services.
"The threat of terrorist organizations such as al-Qaida smuggling biological weapons such as anthrax through the Mexican border is very alarming," said Mr. Jacques Tizabi, UNDT's Chief Executive Officer. "First responders should be equipped with the latest technologies to detect such weapons before they can harm anyone," he added.
For more information, please visit our website at www.udetection.com or
Email us at info@udetection.com.
About Universal Detection Technology
Universal Detection Technology is a developer of monitoring technologies, including bioterrorism detection devices. The Company on its own and with development partners is positioned to capitalize on opportunities related to Homeland Security. For example, the Company, in cooperation with NASA, has developed a bacterial spore detector that detects certain biohazard substances. The Company is also a reseller of handheld assays used for detection of five bioterrorism agents, radiation detection systems, and antimicrobial products. For more information, please visit www.udetection.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause the Company's actual results, performance and achievement in the future to differ materially from forecasted results, performance, and achievement. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes in the Company's plans or expectations.
Contact:
Contact:

Jacques Tizabi
310-248-3655
Email Contact

AIRSHOW-UPDATE 1-Boeing sees strong role in military planes

* Rejects view Boeing being edged out of military planes
* Unmanned vehicles meet different needs
* Boeing says company positioned for growth
(New throughout; adds quotes, detail, byline)
By Andrea Shalal-Esa
PARIS, June 17 (Reuters) - Boeing Co (BA.N) will remain a strong force in the military aircraft market, the head of the company's defense unit said on Wednesday, rejecting speculation that the Pentagon's No. 2 contractor is being edged out of that business.
Jim Albaugh also defended his leadership of Boeing's defense segment, which was hit particularly hard by a series of defense cuts announced by U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates in April.
"The numbers are pretty darn good," Albaugh said in an interview with Reuters at the Paris Air Show, reacting to questions about the health of Boeing's defense sector, which has faced setbacks even as the commercial sector is grappling with production delays and deferred plane deliveries.
Boeing has lost several key defense contracts in recent years, and others have been scaled back by the Pentagon, but the company has taken steps to offset those losses -- even before they happened, Albaugh argued.
He cited a strong focus on three growth areas: cybersecurity, unmanned vehicles and intelligence.
"There may be a flat spot for a year or two, but we're positioned for growth," he said, noting that Boeing had weathered previous cyclical downturns by changing its focus.
The company has branched out into other government business such as intelligence and homeland security to avoid being too dependent on Pentagon and NASA orders, Albaugh said.
He said the two agencies accounted for about 95 percent of business eight to nine years ago, but now stood at 60 to 65 percent after hard work to move into other sectors.
Boeing is fighting hard to win a multibillion-dollar U.S. Air Force contract for new refueling aircraft, after losing the contract in an earlier round to rival Northrop Grumman Corp (NOC.N) which partnered with Airbus parent EADS (EAD.PA).
"Obviously, this is a very important program, but there's no one competition that makes or breaks this company," he said.
STRONG AIRCRAFT DEMAND
Albaugh said there was continued strong demand for Boeing's F/A-18 fighters and cited a potential market of about 500 airplanes. He said the P-8 maritime surveillance plane could generate over 100 international orders, and Boeing also had a range of different unmanned vehicles to meet customers' needs.
Boeing is also continuing to market different variants of its F-15 fighter, and announced on Wednesday that it would spend its own money to further develop the partly stealthy F-15 Silent Eagle version, with an eye to a flight demonstration in the third quarter of 2010.
The announcement came at the air show following meetings with potential customers.
"Making this commitment to get the program through to a flight demonstration will ultimately help international customers understand how this aircraft meets their need for a flexible, long-range, large-payload, high-speed, multi-role strike fighter with reduced observability," Albaugh said in a statement.
Boeing said it would continue discussions with a number of international aerospace companies about potential co-development opportunities.
Bruce Lemkin, deputy undersecretary of the Air Force for international affairs, told Reuters that the government had not received any formal request for information on the fighter plane variant.
Albaugh said the company's C-17 transport plane was also still generating international interest, a statement echoed by Lemkin, who said "quite a few" countries were on the verge of ordering the large military transport, which could help extend the plane's production line for one to two years.
Big orders are in the offing from Taiwan and Turkey, among others, Boeing's C-17 chief said this week.
Albaugh acknowledged that the Pentagon's decision to end the ground vehicle portion of the Future Combat Systems program cut into the potential revenues, but said Boeing would continue to play an important role in the overall program.
The Pentagon's decision to scrap the Transformational Satellite communications program also hurt, but wasn't unexpected, he said. He said Boeing could benefit from additional orders for its Wideband Global SATCOM satellites, as the Pentagon replaced the expected TSAT capacity.
He said he and other top Boeing leaders were committed to remaining in the space business, despite the lack of big new government satellite programs, and were aggressively going after a big commercial satellite deal,
Also poised for growth was Boeing's rotorcraft business, which includes the popular Chinook and Apache helicopters, as well as the V-22 Osprey, which takes off and lands like a helicopter, but flies like a plane. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal-Esa; Editing by Tim Dobbyn)

NASA heads to moon as panel weighs its future

*Options for commercial launch service to station
* Moon probe set to launch Thursday
* Panel to issue report in August
By Irene Klotz
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., June 17 (Reuters) - As NASA prepared to launch its debut mission in a program aimed at returning astronauts to the moon, a presidential panel on Wednesday began looking at alternative ways to get there and whether the United States should even go.
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 5:12 p.m. (2112 GMT) on Thursday, is designed to map the lunar surface so NASA can find safe and scientifically interesting landing spots for future human missions.
The United States is shifting the focus of its human space program from research and technology development in low-Earth orbit with the space shuttle and International Space Station to an exploration initiative. That would culminate in the return of U.S. astronauts to the moon in 2020 -- a half-century after the pioneering Apollo lunar landings of 1969 to 1972.
NASA plans to retire the shuttle fleet in 2010 after eight more missions to complete space station construction. It would then shift funding to ramp up development of a pair of expendable rockets, known as Ares, and a beefed-up Apollo-style capsule called Orion that can ferry crews to the moon and other destinations.
Orion's debut flight to the space station is targeted for 2015 -- five years after the shuttle stops flying.
With costs estimated at more than $100 billion for a lunar excursion and concerns about the five-year gap, President Barack Obama has ordered a top-level review of the U.S. human space program.
Hearings in Washington opened on Wednesday with commercial companies, NASA and other space advocates laying out options for flying astronauts to the space station and getting to the moon.
Panel members will also consider whether the moon should even be a destination. The panel, headed by retired Lockheed Martin Chief Executive Norm Augustine, is expected to issue a report in August.
PROPOSING ALTERNATIVES
At the meeting, United Launch Alliance, a Boeing (BA.N) and Lockheed Martin (LMT.N) joint venture that markets the unmanned Atlas and Delta rockets, pitched an upgraded version of its rockets to replace NASA's planned Ares booster, an option a NASA-backed study found to be less expensive.
But the consultancy that prepared the study cautioned that would only be cheaper if NASA dropped plans for a second Ares rocket, a heavy-lifter that could carry cargo to the moon.
NASA's original plan for the new exploration initiative, known as Constellation, was a complete program that folded together the cost of developing both versions of the Ares rocket, using one as a predecessor for the other.
"When one starts contemplating replacing pieces of that architecture, all kinds of things begin to happen," said Gary Pulliam of The Aerospace Corporation.
Another company, Space Exploration Technologies, known as SpaceX, proposed another alternative to carry crews.
SpaceX founder Elon Musk said his firm's Dragon capsule, already purchased by NASA to haul cargo to the space station, could be used to transport astronauts by adding an escape system and making minor upgrades.
"The whole purpose of SpaceX from the beginning has been human space flight. That's why I created it," said Musk. "Dragon has five windows. You don't need windows for cargo." (Editing by Jane Sutton and Peter Cooney)

Magellan Aerospace Receives Order For F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Horizontal Tails

PARIS AIR SHOW, Le Bourget, June 17 /CNW/ - Magellan Aerospace has been awarded a contract this past month to produce F-35 Lightning II horizontal tail components in the third lot of Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP). It is the initial contract awarded to Magellan by BAE Systems for F-35 components, valued at $11M Cdn. over a two year period.
Magellan has been participating on the F-35 Lightning II aircraft program from the earliest stages in 2001. Machined details and complex assemblies have been delivered throughout the System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase. Magellan is currently producing components for all three of the F-35 variants. The horizontal tails produced at Magellan will be used on the Conventional Takeoff and Landing (CTOL) variant. Currently up to 1038 ship sets of horizontal tails are planned to be produced by Magellan over the life of the F-35 (also known as the Joint Strike Fighter) program.
"As the F-35 program deliveries ramp up, Magellan will be producing half of the CTOL horizontal tails required each year. With program delivery requirements targeted at one a day by 2015, a steady increase in production rates will take place over the next six years," said Jim Butyniec, President and Chief Executive Officer, Magellan Aerospace Corporation. The U.S., and eight nations partnering in the project, plan to acquire 3,173 F-35 fighters.
"Whilst this initial contract is small in its relative size, it establishes the critical first steps on the journey that BAE Systems and Magellan have commenced, which is aimed at developing a robust capability and affordable manufacturing solution at Magellan that will have the essential capacity to support and produce F-35 Horizontal Tail components in Canada", says BAE Systems' International Industrial Participation Programme Manager, John Dunstan.
With estimated revenues in excess of $250 to 300 billion over 25 years, the Joint Strike Fighter program will develop and manufacture the next generation fighter aircraft for the U.S. Navy, Air Force and Marines and for export to U.S. allies. In 2001 the U.S. Department of Defense named the Lockheed Martin JSF team as the winner of the contract to develop the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas, is the F-35 prime contractor while Northrop-Grumman in El Segundo, Calif., and BAE Systems (British Aerospace) in Samelsbury, U.K. are principal partners in the project.
About Magellan Aerospace Corporation:
Magellan Aerospace Corporation is one of the world's most integrated aerospace industry suppliers. Magellan designs, engineers, and manufactures aeroengine and aerostructure assemblies and components for aerospace markets, advanced products for military and space markets, and complementary specialty products. Magellan is a public company whose shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MAL - News), with operating units throughout Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and India.
Forward Looking Statements:
This press release contains information and statements of a forward-looking nature and is based on assumptions and uncertainties as well as on management's reasonable evaluation of future events. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, and/or are beyond the Corporation's control. A number of important factors could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements.

UPDATE 1-US eases process for GE India to import technology

* US eases licensing process for GE India
* Aims to smooth trade in technology
* US seeks more protection of intellectual property rights
(Adds details from Commerce Secretary speech, GE release)
WASHINGTON, June 17 (Reuters) - The U.S. Commerce Department will this month give General Electric's (GE.N) India division a standing license to import controlled technology, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said on Wednesday.
"That means the company will be allowed to enter a pre-approved, export express lane as a trusted end user. No more need for a license," Locke said in a speech to the U.S.-India Business Council.
GE will use its new status, known as "validated end user authorization," to exchange technology with its security, aviation and energy infrastructure businesses in India, the company said in a statement.
"It will not only permit technology exchange on energy and aviation between GE and our research facilities in India, but will also permit the sale of advanced security systems to the Indian Ministry of Defense, Indian police and other Indian security organizations," said Tejpreet Chopra, Chief Executive of GE India.
The deal will help trade in technology move more efficiently between the two countries, Locke said.
Last year, U.S. companies exported $18 billion worth of goods to India, and India shipped the United States $25 billion worth of goods, Locke said.
The United States wants India to loosen foreign direct investment restrictions in the financial services, retail and cable and satellite television sectors, Locke said.
India also needs to boost its protection of intellectual property rights, he said.
"Piracy and counterfeiting is still a serious problem and India's criminal enforcement regime remains weak." Locke said.
"U.S. businesses also need more clarity on guidelines and procedures for doing business in India, which can be every bit as difficult a barrier to entry as onerous tariffs," he said. (Reporting by Roberta Rampton)

Global Zero Commission to Make Recommendations Before Obama/Medvedev Nuclear Weapons Summit

Commission Meeting in Washington, D.C. June 28-29
WASHINGTON, June 17 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Zero Commission, a group of political and military leaders from the U.S., Russia and other key countries, will outline a step-by-step process to achieve the elimination of nuclear weapons -- a goal called for by Presidents Obama and Medvedev at their first meeting on April 1. The outline will include specific recommendations for the Obama and Medvedev administrations in advance of the July 6-8 Moscow Summit.
The press briefing will take place Monday, June 29 at 1:30 pm EDT at the St. Regis Hotel, 923 16th St. NW, Washington, DC, in the Astor Ballroom on the first floor.
The Commission is part of the Global Zero initiative (globalzero.org) -- an international, non-partisan effort formed in response to the growing threats of proliferation and nuclear terrorism and dedicated to achieving the phased, verified elimination of all nuclear weapons. Global Zero is spearheaded by a group of more than 100 leaders worldwide, including many who have worked at senior levels with issues of national security such as former heads of state, former foreign ministers, former defense ministers, former national security advisors, and more than 20 former top military commanders.
Global Zero Commissioners
Dr. Jacques Attali, Honorary Member, Council of State, and Fmr. Advisor to the President, Republic of France
Amb. K. Shankar Bajpai, Chairman, National Security Advisory Board, Fmr. Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs, India
Amb. Alexander Bessmertnykh, Fmr. Foreign Minister, the Soviet Union
Amb. Richard Burt, Fmr. United States Chief Negotiator, Strategic Arms Reduction Talks (START)
P.M. Yasuo Fukuda, Fmr. Prime Minister, Japan
Sen. Chuck Hagel, Fmr. United States Senator
Amb. Wolfgang Ischinger, Fmr. Ambassador of Germany to the United Kingdom and the United States
Gen. (Ret.) Jehangir Karamat, Fmr. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Fmr. Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States
Amb. Shaharyar Khan, Fmr. Foreign Secretary and Ambassador of Pakistan to Jordan, the United Kingdom and France
Anthony Lake, Fmr. National Security Advisor, the United States
Sen. Mikhail Margelov, Senator and Chairman, Committee for Foreign Affairs, Council of Federation, Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation
Col. Gen. (Ret.) Evgeny Maslin, Fmr. Chief of the Main Directorate, Ministry of Defense, Russian Federation
Amb. Brajesh Mishra, Fmr. National Security Advisor, India
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Guangqian Peng, Strategist, Academy of Military Science, the People's Republic of China
Amb. Thomas Pickering, Fmr. Ambassador of the United States to the United Nations, Russia and India
Sir Malcolm Rifkind, Fmr. Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, and Fmr. Secretary of Defense, the United Kingdom
Amb. Yukio Satoh, Fmr. Ambassador of Japan to the United Nations
Gen. (Ret.) Jack Sheehan, Fmr. Commander in Chief, United States Atlantic Command
Air Chf. Mshl. (Ret.) SP Tyagi, Fmr. Chief of the Air Staff, Indian Air Force
Dr. Evgeny Velikhov, President, Kurchatov Institute
Amb. Jianmin Wu, Fmr. Permanent Representative of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations, and Ambassador to France and the Netherlands
Dr. Jiemian Yang, Senior Fellow and President, Shanghai Institute for International Studies, the People's Republic of China
Mr. Igor Yurgens, Chairman of the Management Board, Institute of Contemporary Development

Quasar Aerospace Industries, Inc. Announces an Agreement for Its Third Acquisition

On Wednesday June 17, 2009, 11:19 am EDT
Quasar Aerospace Industries, Inc. (Pinksheets: QASP) (formerly) Equus Resources, Inc. (EQUR).
Quasar Aerospace Industries, Inc. is pleased to announce the signing of an agreement to acquire a third aviation/aerospace company. The full Board of Directors of the company to be acquired unanimously approved recommending to the shareholders that they accept the offer of One Dollar per share for the 32,000,000 shares outstanding. The members of the Board hold over 80% of the outstanding stock so shareholder approval is certain to be obtained.
The company's name for the obvious reasons must remain anonymous until the transaction is closed, which is scheduled for the middle of August of this year. This acquisition will add approximately $18,000,000 to our annual revenues and $3,750,000 to the bottom line. The current management team will remain intact. Quasar's management team has been closely associated with this company for over three years, and is extremely pleased that they have elected to join our family of companies.
Chief Executive Officer Dean Bradley said that this acquisition will open other opportunities that we will pursue in coming months that could conceivably double the forecast for 2010.
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and Equus Resources, Inc. and Quasar Aerospace Industries, Inc. under take no obligation to update such statements.
Contact:

Contacts:
Dean Bradley
904-612-8485
deanbrad@bellsouth.net
Scott Martin
770-521-9410
scott.martin@jpccapital.com

AIRSHOW-Aerospace execs see easier financing in 2010

PARIS, June 17 (Reuters) - Global aerospace companies are seeing early signs that financing conditions could improve next year, but executives cautioned at the Paris Air Show that the economic situation remained tense.
General Electric (GE.N) Vice Chairman John Rice said on Wednesday he expected credit conditions to improve by 2010, though he added that it could be too early to say the economy had reached a trough.
"The environment continues to be difficult. People talk about green shoots and stabilisation -- I don't know that we've seen enough yet to say that we've bottomed out, although certainly we expect that to happen," he said. [ID:nWEA7106]
GE's Aviation unit makes large jet plane engines, each one of which costs millions of dollars. Companies around the world have been squeezed by tight credit markets in the global economic crisis, and airlines have found it difficult to finance expensive aircraft purchases.
An improvement in the availability of funds would be seen as a sign that the downturn could be nearing its end.
Customers of planemaker Bombardier (BBDb.TO), whose corporate jet business has been hurt by a drop in spending by companies, still face difficult financing conditions.
"It's very challenging right now," Bombardier Aerospace President and Chief Operating Officer Guy Hachey told Reuters Television in an interview at the air show. [ID:nWEA6952]
But the rate at which customers are cancelling orders has peaked, and the company now has fewer so-called "white tails," he said. White tails are planes that have been built but not yet sold and so are not painted in any airline's livery.
The sales chief of EADS unit (EAD.PA) European planemaker Airbus said at the air show that financing had been secured for remaining deliveries this year but that the jury was still out on 2010.
POSITIVE MESSAGES
"Essentially, (2009 deliveries) are now financed. The question is whether they will stay financed," John Leahy said, adding that well over half of anticipated 2010 deliveries had been financed. [ID:nWEA6821]
European credit agencies have been asked to raise the amount of finance offered to support aircraft deliveries to 50 percent of the total from 20 percent last year. Airlines are currently getting about 40 percent of their finance from such agencies, Leahy said, adding "we will put some money in ourselves".
German engine maker MTU Aero Engines (MTXGn.DE) sees a light at the end of the tunnel next year as early signs of an improvement on credit markets emerge.
"Compared with a few weeks and months ago, when we had a lot of bad news on financing, we have been getting a lot more positive messages," MTU Chief Executive Egon Behle said.
MTU, which builds military and civil aircraft engines and offers maintenance services to airlines, has had to offer support to some suppliers who are exposed to the weak automotive industry to help them weather the downturn, Behle said.
In another segment of the aerospace market, EADS (EAD.PA) unit Astrium Satellites said commercial satellites were also feeling the squeeze of tight credit markets.
"Because of the financial crisis the commercial market is very volatile," division Chief Executive Evert Dudock said, adding that he was urging governments to help stabilise the market by providing loan guarantees.
"For 2009, the market is still looking stable, but from what I am seeing at the moment, it will be more critical next year," he said.

Avnet Electronics Marketing and White Electronic Designs Sign Americas Distribution Agreement

On Wednesday June 17, 2009, 11:00 am EDT
PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas business region of Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT - News) has inked a distribution agreement with White Electronic Designs Corporation (NASDAQ: WEDC - News). White Electronic Designs’ full line of advanced multi-chip package products is now available from Avnet in the Americas.
WEDC designs and manufactures multi-chip semiconductor packages, high-efficiency memory devices and build-to-print electromechanical assemblies for defense and aerospace applications. Their products are primarily used in aircraft, defense communications, guidance/fire control, missile and radar/electronic warfare applications.
“WEDC products offer defense and aerospace customers unique package solutions with extended environmental performance,” said Bryan Brady, vice president of defense/aerospace for Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas. “This strengthens our ability to offer distinct product size, weight and performance advantages for high reliability applications.”
“Avnet's design and supply chain expertise will enable us to better support and service our customers and to expand our presence in the defense electronics market,” said Dan Tarantine, interim office of the president and executive vice president of sales and marketing for White Electronics Design. “By combining our specialized microelectronics technology with Avnet’s advanced logistics, we’re able to streamline operations while more efficiently focusing our resources on new business development.”
For more information about Avnet and WEDC products, please visit www.em.avnet.com/whe.
About Avnet Electronics Marketing
Avnet Electronics Marketing is an operating group of Phoenix-based Avnet, Inc. that serves electronic original equipment manufacturers (EOEMs) and electronic manufacturing services (EMS) providers in more than 70 countries, distributing electronic components from leading manufacturers and providing associated design-chain and supply-chain services. The group's Web site is located at www.em.avnet.com. Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT - News), a Fortune 500 company, is one of the largest distributors of electronic components, computer products and embedded technology in the world. Avnet accelerates its partners’ success by connecting the world’s leading technology suppliers with a broad base of more than 100,000 customers and providing cost-effective, value-added services and solutions. For the fiscal year ended June 28, 2008, Avnet generated revenue of $17.95 billion. For more information, visit www.avnet.com.
Contact:
Avnet Electronics Marketing
Jody LaRoque, Public Relations, 480-643-2547
jody.laroque@avnet.com

Air China and Pratt & Whitney Set Milestone for Operation of Engine Model

LE BOURGET, France, June 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PARIS AIR SHOW -- Air China's Boeing 777 fleet powered by PW4000 engines has surpassed 550,000 hours, or the entire operational span of the Air China Boeing 777 fleet, without an in-flight shut-down setting a new standard for operational excellence for the carrier's PW4000 112" engines. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX - News) company.
As a whole, PW4000-112" engines have accumulated more than 10 million hours of flight time on 14 airline fleets, including Air China. Air China installed PW4077D engines on its Boeing 777-200 aircraft in 1998.
"It is an honor to help Air China rank first among the world's fleet of similar aircraft for dependable engine operation," said Aki Nakano, vice president, Sales, Greater China, P&W. "This is an important milestone and significant benchmark of safety."
Air China senior management recently expressed its satisfaction with the 112" PW4000 engine's reliability and performance at the Excellent Operation Performance Award presentation ceremony in Beijing, China. Pratt & Whitney provides a full range of customer support service for Air China including field representatives, overhaul services and lowering cost of ownership.
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and commercial building industries.
Greg Brostowicz Matthew Perra
Commercial Engines & Global Services Pratt & Whitney
+1-860-565-1655 Int'l Mobile: +1-860-595-6515
gregory.brostowicz@pw.utc.com matthew.perra@pw.utc.com

Air Austral Selects Engine Alliance GP7200 Engines and Associated Fleet Management Agreement

LE BOURGET, France, June 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Air Austral has selected Engine Alliance GP7200 engines to power its two Airbus A380 aircraft. Air Austral has also selected the Engine Alliance as its service provider to maintain, repair and overhaul the engines with a 10-year Fleet Management Agreement. The total value of the deal is worth $240M (USD) at list prices.
"We have selected the Engine Alliance's offer and the GP7200 engine because the Engine Alliance's proposal presents the assurances that suit our requirements for the success of our new economical concept," Air Austral's President of the Executive Committee Gerard Etheve said.
Based in Saint Denis, La Reunion, Air Austral has provided service over the Indian Ocean since 1975. The airline flies to nearby Indian Ocean islands as well as locations in France, Australia, South Africa and Thailand. In January, Air Austral announced plans to have its new A380 aircraft operated in a single, economy class configuration on its high-density route from La Reunion to Paris, France, through a subsidiary airline working under a "low-cost" model.
"Air Austral's use of the A380 in a high density configuration demonstrates the flexibility of the A380," Engine Alliance President Jim Moravecek said. "We're delighted they've chosen our fuel efficient GP7200 engines to help them increase the value of this remarkable aircraft."
The GP7200 is derived from two successful wide body engine programs, the GE90 and the PW4000. It benefits from the two programs' latest, proven technologies and the lessons learned from more than 25 million flight hours of successful operation. Certified at 76,500 pounds (340 kN) of thrust, the engine has the capability to produce more than 81,500 pounds (363 kN) of thrust. In addition to being the quietest, most fuel efficient engine for the A380, the GP7200 engine has emissions that are well below current and anticipated regulations.
The GP7200 is manufactured at GE and Pratt & Whitney, with GE assembling the core in Durham, NC (North Carolina), and Pratt &Whitney manufacturing the fan module, low pressure compressor and low pressure turbine. Final engine assembly is conducted at Pratt & Whitney's Engine Center in Middletown, CT (Connecticut). GP7000 Engine Program participants include SNECMA (France), Techspace Aero (Belgium) and MTU Aero Engines (Germany).
The GP7200 entered revenue service in August 2008, with the first Emirates A380. Since entering service, the GP7200-powered A380 has not had an in-flight shutdown and has demonstrated a departure reliability rate greater than 99.9%.
In addition to Emirates, the Engine Alliance GP7200 has been selected to power A380 aircraft for Air France, Korean Airlines, Etihad Airways and the International Lease Finance Company (ILFC). Air France is scheduled to receive its first GP7200-powered A380 aircraft in October.
The Engine Alliance is a 50/50 joint venture of General Electric (NYSE: GE - News) and Pratt & Whitney, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX - News).
For further information, contact:
Deb Case, U.S.: 513.243.0094, email: deborah.case@ge.com
Katy Padgett, US: 860-565-3433, email: kathleen.padgett@pw.utc.com

Pratt & Whitney Endorses Industry Research That Could Lead to Biojet Fuel Certification

LE BOURGET, France, June 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PARIS AIR SHOW -- Pratt & Whitney signed the executive summary released today by Boeing highlighting the positive results of a pioneering industry flight test and research program that should lead to future certification of sustainable biojet fuels. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX - News) company.
The results indicate sustainable sources of bio-derived oils and processing methods can produce a Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene (Bio-SPK) jet fuel. Bio-SPK fuel was tested in current commercial aircraft at a blend ratio of up to 50 percent with normal jet fuel (Jet A or Jet A-1).
The flight tests of Bio-SPK fuels were conducted by an industry team. In 2009, Pratt & Whitney, Japan Airlines and Boeing completed a successful flight test of a second-generation biojet fuel on a Pratt & Whitney-powered 747 aircraft. The flight test used a biofuel primarily refined from the sustainable crop, camelina.
"The flight test and research program generated valuable data to support certification of Bio-SPK at a 50 percent blend ratio," said Alan Epstein, Pratt & Whitney vice president, Technology & Environment. "These flight tests provide further evidence that biojet fuels are technically viable and represent a promising path to reducing aviation greenhouse gas emissions."
Pratt & Whitney is a leader in the testing and certification of alternative jet fuels and has been working with industry groups, customers and aircraft manufacturers to explore alternative fuel options that improve fuel supplies and reduce environmental emissions. Pratt & Whitney Canada is also working with industry experts to develop and test alternative fuels for general aviation, business jets and the Virgin Galactic spaceship program.
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and commercial building industries.
Jeffrey Jurgensmier Matthew Perra
Pratt & Whitney Pratt & Whitney
+1.860.565.4490 Int'l Mobile: +1.860.595.6515
jeffrey.jurgensmier@pw.utc.com matthew.perra@pw.utc.com

China Southern Selects Pratt & Whitney PW4000 Advantage70(TM) Engines in Deal Valued at $590 Million

LE BOURGET, France, June 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PARIS AIR SHOW -- China Southern Airlines has selected Pratt & Whitney's PW4170 Advantage70(TM) engine to power 10 Airbus A330 aircraft. The contract is valued at $590 million, including a 10-year Fleet Management Plan for engine maintenance. China Southern's selection marks the first Pratt & Whitney-powered Airbus A330 aircraft to enter service in China. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp.
"We selected Pratt & Whitney because the advanced technology of the PW4170 Advantage70 engine will generate significant benefits for our customers in terms of operational needs and cut our CO2 output," said Mr. Si Xianmin, chairman, China Southern Airlines. "This also translates into real savings with environmental benefits."
"This agreement is a great example of the benefits our customers experience from Pratt & Whitney's OEMRO(TM) capability. We are committed to unmatched capability and excellence as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider," said Bob Keady, senior vice president, Global Sales, Pratt & Whitney. "We are delighted China Southern selected Pratt & Whitney and we are looking forward to entering the A330 market in China."
China Southern Airlines, one of the world's largest airlines, currently operates a fleet of 368 aircraft, including two Boeing B747F's and 100 Airbus A320s, powered by the PW4062A-3 and V2500, respectively. The airline also has 26 V2500-powered A320s on order. The V2500 is produced by the International Aero Engines (IAE). IAE is a multinational aero engine consortium whose shareholders comprise of Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, Japanese Aero Engines Corporation and MTU Aero Engines.
Pratt & Whitney offers the Advantage70 both as a new engine and as an upgrade kit for existing engines. The upgrade includes a suite of technology enhancements that can be incorporated during engine overhaul. Advantage70 technology delivers superior engine performance, including a 2 percent thrust increase, a 1 percent reduction in fuel consumption, increased durability, and reduced maintenance costs. The first PW4000-100" engines with the Advantage70 technology upgrade entered service this month.
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and commercial building industries.
Katy Padgett Matthew Perra
Commercial Engines & Global Services Pratt & Whitney
+1-860-565-3433 Int'l Mobile: +1-860-595-6515
kathleen.padgett@pw.utc.com matthew.perra@pw.utc.com

WestJet Signs $850 Million Engine MRO Agreement

Airline's engine maintenance, repair and overhaul work to be done in Winnipeg
CALGARY, Alberta, June 17 /PRNewswire/ -- WestJet today announced it has signed an exclusive 12-year OnPoint* solution agreement valued at more than $850 million (USD) over the life of the contract with GE Aviation for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of its fleet of CFM56-7(+) engines that power 79 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft.
As part of the agreement, maintenance, repair and overhaul of WestJet's engines will be performed at the StandardAero plant in Winnipeg, which has just undergone a major expansion, resulting in additional employment for Manitobans.
GE Aviation and StandardAero have completed a material and licensing agreement in connection with the WestJet contract. As part of the agreement, GE Aviation will provide material and high-technology component repairs to StandardAero. The material is produced at various GE facilities, including Bromont, Canada, Hooksett, New Hampshire, and Madisonville, Kentucky. StandardAero will become a GE Designated FulFillment Center* for CFM56-7B engines.
"We are excited about working with two global leaders in the field of jet engine systems," said Sean Durfy, President and CEO of WestJet. "Safety is our number one priority, and while we have one of the most modern fleets of Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft of any airline in North America, the maintenance, repair and overhaul of our aircraft engines is an integral part of our ongoing safety program."
"GE Aviation is looking forward to working with WestJet and StandardAero on this CFM56-7 OnPoint solution agreement," said Tom Gentile, vice president and general manager of GE Aviation. "The agreement is a perfect example of the flexibility of GE's service offerings and enables WestJet to benefit from GE's OEM material while getting overhaul services from StandardAero, a world class engine overhaul facility that is part of the GE global MRO network."
"Entry into the large-engine MRO market has long been a goal for StandardAero," said Rob Mionis, President and CEO of StandardAero. "WestJet and GE Aviation are great partners and we look forward to continuing to provide them with the superb service and support we are known to deliver."
GE and StandardAero have developed a strong relationship over the years. StandardAero was the first independent repair and overhaul company to become an Authorized CF34* Service Provider and provide MRO service for GE's CF34-1, -3 and -8 engines. StandardAero also provides service support for GE's LM1600 marine gas turbine engines.
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, statements regarding the expected value of maintenance, repair and overhaul services and the anticipated location and provider of such work. However, these forward-looking statements are subject to, and may be affected by, numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond WestJet's control. WestJet's results may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include but are not limited to: availability of skilled labour, availability of parts and materials, contractor capacity, general economic conditions, the competitive environment and other factors described in WestJet's public reports and filings. Forward-looking statements are subject to change, and WestJet does not undertake to update, correct or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law.
About StandardAero
StandardAero, a Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) company with $1.4 billion in annual revenue, specializes in engine maintenance, repair and overhaul, and nose-to-tail services that include airframe, interior refurbishments and paint for business and general aviation, air transport, and military aircraft. The company, part of the DAE Engineering division, forms a global services network of 12 primary facilities in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Singapore and Australia, with an additional 14 regionally located service and support locations.
About GE Aviation
GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE - News), is a world-leading provider of commercial and military jet engines and components as well as avionics, electric power, and mechanical systems for aircraft. GE Aviation also has a global service network to support these offerings.
About WestJet
WestJet is Canada's leading high-value low-cost airline offering scheduled service throughout its 55-city North American and Caribbean network. Named one of Canada's most admired corporate cultures in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. WestJet offers increased legroom, leather seats and live seatback television provided by Bell TV on its modern fleet of 79 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 42 aircraft, bringing its fleet to 121 by 2013, WestJet strives to be the number one choice for travellers.
* OnPoint is a registered service mark, Designated Fulfillment Center is a trademark and CF34 is a registered trademark of General Electric Company.
(+) CFM56-7 engines are a product of CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (SAFRAN Group) and General Electric Company.

Pratt & Whitney Announces Four-Year Exclusive Repair Agreement with TAM

LE BOURGET, France, June 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PARIS AIR SHOW -- Brazil's TAM Linhas Aereas (TAM) signed a four-year exclusive repair agreement with Pratt & Whitney for Airbus A330-200 thrust reversers. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:
"We work hard to keep the operating costs for our fleet of A330-200 aircraft controlled with maintenance agreements such as this one," said Captain David Barioni Neto, president and CEO, TAM Linhas Aereas, S.A. "Having equipment operating at optimum levels helps to keep assets in service and avoid costly break downs."
TAM currently operates 11 A330-200s with Pratt & Whitney PW4168A model engines. Those engines are covered by an exclusive service agreement provided by Pratt & Whitney Global Service Partners.
"TAM has been a very successful airline in Latin America and a market leader in Brazil and we are pleased that TAM will benefit from our composite repair capabilities on thrust reversers," said Tom Hutton, vice president, Pratt & Whitney Global Repair Services. "Arrangements such as this help to control costs for customers by allowing us to perform more precise planning and to identify operational efficiencies. Building on the success of the concept, plans are in place to expand the arrangement to cover additional nacelle components."
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries.
Greg Brostowicz
Matthew Perra
Commercial Engines & Global Services
Pratt & Whitney
+1.860.565.1665 Int'l
Mobile: +1.860.595.6515
gregory.brostowicz@pw.utc.com

66mm Visual and Infrared Screening Smoke Grenades for U.S. Marines

American Rheinmetall Munitions (ARM) receives order for 66mm MK 1 MOD 0
STAFFORD, Va., June 17 /PRNewswire/ -- American Rheinmetall Munitions (ARM) announced today that it has received an $8.2 million order from the Program Manager for Ammunition, Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, VA for Grenade, 66mm Smoke Screening IR, Vehicle Launched, (SSVL) MK 1 MOD 0. The order signifies continued satisfaction with the company's designs, which address mission needs and support federal directives to reduce environmental impacts whenever possible. The Marines had been looking for a product to support the war and training requirements, and chose the tried-and-tested Grenade, 66mm SSVL, MK 1 MOD 0 over the M76 design.
Both 66mm grenades, M76 and the MK 1 MOD 0, provide screening smoke in the visible and thermal infra-red wavebands. However, ARM's design, which features red phosphorus (RP) pellets and wafers, delivers a thick smoke, longer-lasting coverage in windy conditions; the pellets hold firmly to the ground, while the brass flakes in the M76 blow away. The MK 1 MOD 0 is also less toxic then the M76. It is based on burning RP, which, if inhaled in high concentrations for extended periods, could be harmful to humans, but has been cleared for use by chemists and toxicologists at the Edgewood Chemical and Biological Command in Maryland. The Marines have opted to use the MK 1 MOD 0 instead of the M76, which has been banned for use in training due to the health hazards and environmental risks of brass flakes.
The Grenade, 66mm, MK 1 MOD 0 reduces the probability of enemy hits by interrupting the line of sight (LOS) in the visual and infrared spectrum. It protects combat vehicles from visual and infrared observation; aiming equipment; sensor-guided weapons; as well as laser illuminators, beam-riders and laser rangefinders. The technology is based on a bi-modular, multispectral ammunition concept consisting of a rapid-reaction jamming module, which produces intense over-radiation by utilizing proven decoy technology, coupled with a long-duration module producing visual and infrared screening smoke.
The Marines plan to use the MK 1 MOD 0 wherever they deploy around the world. The Grenade, 66mm SSVL can only be fired from one of three dischargers fielded by the Marines: the M1 Abrams Tank, Amphibious Assault Vehicle, and the Light Armored Vehicle. Some USMC High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV) are mounted with M7 Light Vehicle Obstruction Smoke Screen Systems but are not authorized to use this Grenade, 66mm SSVL. The 66mm MASKE, the German version of the 66mm SSVL, is qualified for use in the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands.
The order will be managed by American Rheinmetall Munitions, Inc. (ARM), which is headquartered in Stafford, Virginia. ARM is committed to continued growth through strategic teaming, excellent supply-chain management, advanced production techniques, and alignment with Department of Defense initiatives to provide the finest equipment for America's war-fighters.

Hamilton Sundstrand Announces More Than $2.6 billion in New Business at Paris Air Show

PARIS, June 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PARIS AIR SHOW -- Hamilton Sundstrand, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX - News), announced more than $2.6 billion in new business at the 2009 Paris Air Show. The new business includes cumulative revenues over the expected life of the agreements.
That new business includes OEM agreements with Airbus on its new A350XWB (Extra Wide Body) aircraft family and Bombardier on its new CSeries commercial aircraft family, as well as aftermarket agreements with Air France Industries, Global Aviation Holdings, KLM Engineering & Maintenance, Lockheed Martin, Sabena technics and SilkAir.
Hamilton Sundstrand aftermarket agreements come in the form of spare parts, repair, Maintenance Service Programs, On-Site Support, and Comprehensive Asset Repair and Exchange (C.A.R.E.).
"Hamilton Sundstrand is proud to offer airlines, MRO partners and OEM customers reliable, convenient and cost-effective support," said Matthew Bromberg, Hamilton Sundstrand Customer Service vice president and general manager. "Our comprehensive product offering and best-in-class service network allow us to offer the most flexible and competitive maintenance solutions in the industry."
With 2008 revenues of $6.2 billion, Hamilton Sundstrand employs approximately 18,000 people worldwide and is headquartered in Windsor Locks, Conn. Among the world's largest suppliers of technologically advanced aerospace and industrial products, the company designs, manufactures and services aerospace systems and provides integrated system solutions for commercial, regional, corporate and military aircraft. It also is a major supplier for international space programs.
United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries worldwide.
This release includes "forward looking statements" concerning business opportunities and other matters that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or implied in forward looking statements include changes in economic conditions and airline flight hours; challenges in the design, development, production and support of advanced technologies and new products; and delays and disruption in delivery of materials and services from suppliers. For information identifying other important legal, technological, competitive and other uncertainties, see UTC's SEC filings as submitted from time to time, including but not limited to, the information included in UTC's 10-K and 10-Q Reports under the headings "Business," "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Cautionary Note Concerning Factors that May Affect Future Results," as well as the information included in UTC's Current Reports on Form 8-K.
Contact: Dan Coulom
Chalet A406 www.hamiltonsundstrand.com
+33(0)1 41 57 11 50
Exhibit Stand: Hall 5, B30

Sigma Space Awarded $120 Million Contract from NASA for Delivery of Biospheric and Hydrospheric Science Support

On Wednesday June 17, 2009, 10:00 am EDT
LANHAM, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NASA announced yesterday the award of the Hydrospheric and Biospheric Sciences support contract to Sigma Space Corp. The contract requires Sigma to deliver design services, science data analysis, validation and calibration products, instrumentation, and computational and data processing to several Laboratories within NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and the Wallops Flight Facility, the main customer being the Laboratory for Hydrospheric and Biospheric Sciences (HBSL) at GSFC.
According to the selection statement, Sigma Space Corp. demonstrated superior understanding of the broad range of scientific activities carried out by the HBSL Laboratory and proven knowledge and experience in space instrument development and delivery.
“This award is a significant milestone for our company,” said Dr. Marcos Sirota, President and CEO of Sigma Space. “The core scientific disciplines of the Laboratory are the ones best served by our company, and the breadth of space instrumentation deployed to date by HBS, as well as in the upcoming missions, will present unique challenges and opportunities for our staff,” he added. “It is a privilege to be a participant in the unprecedented scientific quest that Climate Change research presents.”
Sigma Space is one of the fastest growing providers of optoelectronic aerospace instrumentation for NASA, DOD, and commercial customers. It produces pioneering instrumentation in lidar, laser ranging, attitude determination, spectroscopy, and radiometry for remote sensing and defense applications. It also supplies optical and electronic subsystems, as well as design and consulting services to its government customers. Sigma received the NASA GSFC Contractor of the Year award for Products in 2007.
Contact:
Sigma Space
Jeff Newcomer, 301-552-6300

DRS Technologies Awarded $43.9 Million in Follow-On Orders for P5 Combat Training Systems

PARSIPPANY, NJ--(MARKET WIRE)--Jun 17, 2009 -- DRS Technologies, Inc. announced today the receipt of follow-on orders of $43.9M for the P5 Combat Training System/Tactical Combat Training System (P5 CTS/TCTS.) As with all previous orders, DRS will be responsible for the production, testing, and fielding of the pods which are flown on a variety of aircraft, to include the F-15, F-16, FA-18, and AV-8B.
DRS will provide additional P5 pods for use by U.S. Air Forces Europe (USAFE) squadrons at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom; Spangdahlem AB, Germany; and Aviano Air Base, Italy as well as U.S. Navy squadrons in the continental United States. Under contracts awarded by the 689th Armament Systems Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, these additional pods will be delivered along with ground station consoles from Cubic Defense Applications, Inc. who is the prime contractor.
The pods will be manufactured at the DRS Technologies facility in Ft. Walton Beach, FL and deliveries will begin in mid-2010, approximately 11 months after receipt of order. These latest orders bring the total number of latest generation airborne subsystems ordered from DRS to 1,209. These orders will result in the first delivery of P5 pods to U.S. aircrews outside the continental United States.
P5 pods are mounted onto participating aircraft, allowing rangeless operations as well as real-time monitoring of the exercise. During air combat training exercises, the pods record mission data; relay time, space and positioning information between participating aircraft; support real time weapon simulations, and provide "kill" notification to affected aircrews. Post-mission, the recorded data is replayed on the ground station consoles that are provided by Cubic Defense Applications, Inc. and allow the ability to review the performance of participating aircrews in order to fine-tune their combat skills.
P5 CTS/TCTS is available to international users through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Poland was the first FMS customer with pod delivery scheduled for this summer. A second FMS contract was awarded to Cubic/DRS in May to provide P5 pods and ground systems to Singapore for use at Mt. Home AFB, Idaho. Discussions to establish additional FMS cases with other international partners are underway.
DRS Technologies, headquartered in Parsippany, NJ, is a leading supplier of integrated products, services and support to military forces, intelligence agencies and prime contractors worldwide. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Finmeccanica S.p.A. (FNC.MI) which employs more than 73,000 people worldwide. For more information about DRS Technologies, please visit the company's website at www.drs.com.
Contact:
For additional information please contact:

Richard M. Goldberg
Senior Vice President
Public Affairs and Communications
(973) 451-3584
Email Contact

Brian T. Gallagher
Director
Public Affairs and Communications
(973) 898-7322
Email Contact

OSI Geospatial Signs US$2.5 Million of R&D Contracts With U.S. Army

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(MARKET WIRE)--Jun 17, 2009 -- OSI Geospatial Inc. (Toronto:OSI.TO - News) ("OSI") announced today that its U.S. Systems Operations has signed contracts worth a total value of approximately US$2.5 million. Under the terms of these contracts, the company will further develop and enhance its command and control technology to meet future U.S. Army operational requirements.
"We are pleased that the U.S. Army continues to invest in our command and control technology," said Ken Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of OSI Geospatial. "These research and development projects are very important to the continued development our technology."
About OSI Geospatial
OSI Geospatial Inc. delivers advanced geospatial systems and software that enable shared real-time situational awareness for military, safety and security applications. Our products and services enable our customers to integrate and visualize live data with any combination of sensor data, imagery, maps and charts. This capability provides our customers with enhanced operational performance, safety and security through shared real-time situational awareness. OSI Geospatial systems and software are in use by military, government, and commercial customers around the world. The company is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange. For additional information please visit www.osigeospatial.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements and information which reflect the current view of OSI Geospatial Inc ("OSI") with respect to future events and financial performance. Any such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and OSI's actual results of operations could differ materially from historical results or current expectations. Additional information on these and other potential factors that could affect OSI's financial results are detailed in disclosure documents filed from time to time with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities.
Copyright © 2009 OSI Geospatial Inc. and its affiliated or related companies. ECPINS and COP-IDS are registered trademarks of Offshore Systems Ltd., an OSI Geospatial company. IGEN and C3CORE are registered trademarks of CHI Systems Inc., an OSI Geospatial company. Other company brand, product and service names are for identification purposes only and may be either trademarks, service marks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Data subject to change without notice.
Contact:
Contacts:
OSI Geospatial Inc.
Jane Hayward
Investor Relations
613-287-8004 or 888-880-9797
613-287-0466 (FAX)
invest@osigeospatial.com

"Military Energy and Fuels Conference" Welcomes Back Alternative Fuel Technologies CEO Mr. James McCandless for an Encore Performance at Our Nation's

"Military Energy and Fuels Conference" Welcomes Back Alternative Fuel Technologies CEO Mr. James McCandless for an Encore Performance at Our Nation's Capital to Address "Energy Security"
REDFORD, MI--(MARKET WIRE)--Jun 17, 2009 -- Alternative Fuel Technologies Inc. (Other OTC:AFTC.PK - News) -- President and CEO Jim McCandless has been invited back to Washington, DC to offer insight on how his alternative fuel and related technologies are capable of reducing fuel costs for the United States Military. The rising costs of Military Fuel and the insecurity of foreign suppliers has driven the Department of Defense to develop alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. Mr. McCandless has been asked to discuss how using DME, Dimethyl Ether, along with AFTC's proprietary DME Fuel Injection Systems can satisfy the United States prime imperative to provide National Energy Security, which impacts not only US and Western economic objectives, but our Military objectives, strategies, and missions.
This October, CEO Jim McCandless will return to Washington, DC as one of the key experts charged with leading the way for The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) in contributing to the solution of this critical cost burden. The OSD is the principal "element of the Secretary of Defense" whose role, in part, is resource management, fiscal, and program evaluation. On April 17, 2009, Mr. McCandless of Alternative Fuel Technologies Inc. (AFTC) discussed the possibilities and impact of using his DME or Dimethyl Ether "alternative" fuel in United States Military Vehicles.
CEO Jim McCandless is "overjoyed" to be invited back as a key expert at October's "Military Energy and Fuels Conference." Mr. McCandless stated, "Much will depend on making future systems, platforms and weapons more fuel efficient. However, the Department of Defense appears to be heavily invested in seeing that US technological ingenuity will provide the next generation of fuel solutions...We at AFTC feel strongly about our solution and potential to contribute to our government and our country."
About Dimethyl Ether or DME
DME is a new ultra-clean diesel fuel replacement that can be produced from abundant resources. These include natural gas, landfill methane, coal and biomass. At current oil prices, DME can be produced and distributed at less than 1/2 the cost of conventional fuel. When burned in a diesel engine, all soot emissions are eliminated and NO emissions are lowered dramatically without the use of expensive exhaust after treatment devices.
About AFTC:
Alternative Fuel Technology Inc. is a research & development organization engaged in the design, development and prototype manufacturing of advanced fuel systems for use with a new alternative fuel -- dimethyl either (DME). AFTC has developed practical, low-cost fuel injection equipment for DME fueled vehicles and currently provides complete DME fuel systems for testing and research purposes in addition to retrofit systems that can be used with most diesel engines. The company's ultimate goal is series production of DME fuel systems for the global automotive market by 2011.
Safe Harbor Statement: Statements contained in this release, which are not historical facts, including statements about plans and expectations regarding business areas and opportunities, acceptance of new or existing businesses, capital resources and future business or financial results are "forward-looking" statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, customer acceptance of our products, our ability to raise capital to fund our operations, our ability to develop and protect proprietary technology, government regulation, competition in our industry, general economic conditions and other risk factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, they relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made, and our future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements may not meet these expectations. We do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this press release to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations, except as required by law.
Further information on Alternative Fuel Technologies Inc. is available at: http://www.altfueltechnology.com/
Contact:
CONTACT:
InvestSource, Inc.
Investor Relations:
Email Contact
714-847-2460

AIRSHOW-Thales Alenia Space wins $250 mln Orbital deal

PARIS, June 17 (Reuters) - Satellite maker Thales Alenia Space won an order from Orbital Sciences Corp (ORB.N) to supply nine pressurised cargo modules to be used at the International Space Station, it said at the Paris Air Show on Wednesday.
Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (TCFP.PA) and Finmeccanica (SIFI.MI), said the contract was worth about $250 million.

Boeing, MCAP Announce Order for Two 737-800s

LE BOURGET, France, June 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA - News) and MC Aviation Partners (MCAP), a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corp., have finalized an order for two Next-Generation 737-800s valued at $153 million at list prices.
The order represents MCAP's first direct purchase of airplanes from Boeing.
"We are delighted that we signed a purchase agreement with Boeing for two 737-800s. We consider this a very memorable event for MCAP and Boeing. These aircraft will be leased to Skymark Airlines Inc. in Japan," said Tatsuo Sato, CEO, MCAP.
"Boeing has enjoyed a long and productive relationship with Mitsubishi Corp., and we now look forward to a new chapter as we build a strong relationship with MCAP," said John Wojick, vice president of Sales - Leasing and Asset Management, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "With this purchase of Next-Generation 737s, MCAP will be able to provide its customers the world's most popular jetliner - featuring high reliability, fuel efficiency and low operating costs, valuable factors for successful carriers around the globe."
The Tokyo-based MCAP, which holds the largest aircraft lease assets in Japan, owns 60 airplanes worth more than $2 billion. MCAP also manages 60 other airplanes.
Earlier this year, Boeing announced performance enhancements to the Next-Generation 737. The company is reducing fuel consumption by 2 percent by 2011 through a combination of airframe and engine improvements. Airplane structural improvements will reduce drag on the airplane, reducing fuel use by about 1 percent. Boeing's engine partner, CFM, is contributing the other 1 percent fuel savings through hardware changes to its engine.
More than 110 customers have ordered more than 5,000 Next-Generation 737s. Boeing has more than 2,150 unfilled orders for the Next-Generation 737 valued at more than $157 billion at current list prices.
Contact:
Jim Condelles - Paris, France
Boeing Commercial Airplanes
International & Sales Communications
+1 206-769-6310

AIRSHOW-UPDATE 1-US official sees interest in US planes

PARIS, June 17 (Reuters) - A senior U.S. Air Force official on Wednesday cited strong international interest in Boeing Co's (BA.N) C-17 cargo plane, which could help keep the production line running for one to two more years.
Bruce Lemkin, deputy undersecretary of the Air Force for international affairs, told Reuters a number of European countries could buy C-17s as part of a strategic airlift alliance, adding to three sold to the group already.
"There are quite a few other nations that are basically on the verge of moving forward with C-17 acquisition," Lemkin said in an interview at the Paris Air Show, adding, "I think those numbers could be enough to keep the (production) line going for another year or two."
There was also strong continued interest in Lockheed Martin Corp's (LMT.N) C-130J transport plane, Lemkin said.
He said 25 countries were "seriously interested" in the smaller C-27J Joint Cargo Aircraft being built by L-3 Communications Holdings Inc (LLL.N) and Alenia, a unit of Italy's Finmeccanica Spa (SIFI.MI).
Lemkin said the Obama admininstration was keenly interested in expanding partnerships around the world and often that meant ensuring those countries could operate together militarily with U.S. forces.
"We cannot go it alone in this world," Lemkin said. "We need friends and partners with the right capabilities to take care of their own security, to contribute to regional security, and through that relationship have the ability when it is appropriate ... to join us in operations against common threats and enemies," he said. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal-Esa; Editing by Brian Moss)

MP2 Technologies' Subsidiary, Weatherly Aircraft, Selects Agro Importer, CA Exclusive Distributor for Venezuela

IRVING, TX--(MARKET WIRE)--Jun 17, 2009 -- MP2 Technologies (MP2) (Other OTC:MPTO.PK - News) announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Weatherly Aircraft Nevada, has reached an agreement with Agro Importer, CA to be its exclusive distributor for Venezuela. Agro, based in Caracas, is currently working with the Department of Agriculture of Venezuela for the supply of 15 new crop duster planes and Weatherly is a strong contender for this contract. Agro also has other private Agricultural Operators who have expressed a strong interest in the new Weatherly fuel injected radial engine model 620B.
Richard Corlin e, Weatherly's CEO, stated, "This is another milestone in implementing our international sales plan and we are delighted to have found such a strong partner. The cost advantage to our new customers in adopting the new fuel injected radial (piston) engine is considerable. In addition, the Weatherly allows for the use of alternative fuels such as ethanol which reduce operating costs and is better for the environment."
In an unrelated matter, the Company announced that it is working closely with the FAA to complete compliance for its new manufacturing operations in Bogalusa, LA. Following an on-site meeting with the FAA last week, Weatherly agreed to take certain remedial actions to reach total compliance prior to commencing full production.
Weatherly Aircraft Nevada, Inc. designs, manufactures and sells cost efficient, safe and reliable aerial application aircraft for agricultural, chemical and fire fighting applications. The Weatherly aircraft are based on an FAA issued "Type Certificate" for which the Company has the licensing rights. The current fleet size of Weatherly aircraft in service on a world wide basis is in excess of 200 units. The Company intends to open its new US customer support center by March 2009 and supply spare parts and technical support to existing customers. It is anticipated that newly built aircraft will be ready for delivery to customers in December of 2009. For more information about Weatherly Aircraft Nevada, Inc., go to www.weatherlyair.com.
MP2 Technologies, Inc. serves as a holding company for technology and service related businesses that can share common management resources and access to marketing channels. New acquisitions will be announced over time as opportunities that fit the company's acquisition profile become available. Acquired companies will benefit from MP2's public company expertise, executive management, and sales and marketing contacts throughout the world. More information on the company can be found at www.mp2technologies.com.
Safe Harbor Act Disclaimer: Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, and uncertainties and actual results could differ from those discussed. This material is information only and is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell the securities.
Contact:
Contact:
Richard Corline
985-735-9339
Email: Email Contact

Investor Relations Contact:
The Eversull Group, Inc.
Jack Eversull
972-378-7917
972-378-7981 (fax)
Email Contact

AIRSHOW-UPDATE 1-Mubadala in GE deal, seeks partnerships

* Mubadala not interested in buying stakes in partners
* Signs maintenance partnership deal with GE Aviation
By Helen Massy-Beresford and John Bowker
PARIS, June 17 (Reuters) - Abu Dhabi state investment agency Mubadala Development said on Wednesday it was interested in partnerships with leading aerospace groups but denied a report it planned to take stakes in major European aerospace companies.
"Partnering with the world's leading aerospace organisations forms an integral part of the long-term strategy we are taking," Aerospace Associate Director Homaid Al Shemmari said at the Paris Air Show on Wednesday.
"Building a global aerospace industry for Abu Dhabi is a key part of the emirate's diversification," he added.
But he denied a news wire report quoting him as saying that Mubadala may consider buying stakes in partners such as EADS (EAD.PA), Finmeccanica (SIFI.MI) and Rolls-Royce (RR.L).
"We are not interested in taking equity stakes in any of our current partners. Our current model is for partnerships and joint ventures with a focus on Abu Dhabi," Al Shemmari told Reuters.
He was speaking after signing a maintenance partnership deal with General Electric (GE.N) unit GE Aviation, the world's largest maker of jet engines, that will see GE supply support and services while Mubadala builds a maintenance network for GEnx engines.
This is the latest in a series of aerospace deals by the Abu Dhabi investment fund as the world's fifth-largest oil producer seeks to diversify its economy.
GE and Mubadala did not give any financial details of the deal, which forms part of a broader partnership the two groups agreed last year.
GE Vice Chairman John Rice said the group would not limit the areas where the company would consider future collaboration with Mubadala.
The groups are analysing the market and looking at how revenue will be split between them in the next few months, Mubadala's Al Shemmari said.
Last July, Mubadala forged a deal with Airbus parent EADS to provide parts for wide-body aircraft from a composites plant that Mubadala plans to open from next year.
Ultimately, large aircraft structures will be designed, developed and manufactured in Abu Dhabi.
Mubadala said on Sunday it would start the first phase of the plant later this month and that it would be operational in 2010. Partnerships had been formed with EADS, Airbus, FACC and Alenia Aeronautica, part of Finmeccanica.
At the Farnborough Air Show a year ago, Abu Dhabi national airline Etihad place a $10 billion order for Airbus planes.
Although the industrial deals are not officially linked, the plane purchase was finalised in December in what experts described as a landmark agreement that could see EADS producing part of its next generation of jets in Abu Dhabi.

IAI, Airbus test new eco-friendly towing system

JERUSALEM, June 17 (Reuters) - State-owned Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) said on Wednesday that Airbus (EAD.PA) had agreed to test its environmentally friendly, pilot-controlled aircraft towing system.
IAI said in a statement its Taxibot Dispatch Towing concept had the potential to reduce annual fuel costs for the airline industry from $8 billion to below $2 billion and to slash the industry's annual carbon emissions by 16 billion tons.
The Taxibot system allows both wide and narrow body commercial airplanes to taxi to and from the gate and the runway without the use of their jet engines.
IAI said two companies were testing the towing system on Airbus A340-600 planes in Toulouse. If it passes performance, commercial and safety tests, IAI and Airbus have agreed to launch a joint venture to develop and market Taxibot.
First deliveries of Taxibot, which also reduces noise pollution, would start by the third quarter of 2011, IAI said. (Reporting by Joseph Nasr, editing by Will Waterman)

ATK Receives $42 Million in Military Small-Caliber Ammunition Orders

New Orders Include Additional Production of 5.56mm, 7.62mm and .50-Caliber Rounds
Work on Contract to be Performed at the ATK-Operated Lake City Army Ammunition Plant
MINNEAPOLIS, June 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK - News) has received an additional $42 million in small-caliber ammunition orders from the U.S. Army Sustainment Command in Rock Island, Ill. Work on the contracts will be performed by ATK Small Caliber Systems at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant (LCAAP) in Independence, Mo. The orders are for the production of 5.56mm, 7.62mm and .50-caliber ammunition.
ATK began operating the LCAAP in 2000 and is the largest supplier of small-caliber ammunition to the United States military, producing a mix of 5.56mm, 7.62mm, .50-caliber, and 20mm cartridges, as well as ammunition links. Working in partnership with the Army, ATK has expanded manufacturing capacity at the plant and is also under contract to modernize the facility. The company has delivered an overall business total of 1.4 billion rounds of ammunition in Fiscal Year 2009.
ATK is a premier aerospace and defense company with more than 18,000 employees in 22 states, Puerto Rico and internationally, and revenues in excess of $4.7 billion. News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.
Certain information discussed in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although ATK believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved. Forward-looking information is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Among those factors are: changes in governmental spending, budgetary policies and product sourcing strategies; the company's competitive environment; the terms and timing of awards and contracts; and economic conditions. ATK undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. For further information on factors that could impact ATK, and statements contained herein, please refer to ATK's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Media Contact: Investor Contact:
Amanda Covington Jeff Huebschen
Phone: 801-779-4625 Phone: 952-351-2929
E-mail: amanda.covington@atk.com E-mail: jeff.huebschen@atk.com

EADS Defence & Security Selects CalAmp's Sentry 4G for Wireless Communication Applications Outside North America

New Broadband Communications Platform Extends EADS Defence & Security Product Portfolio
Broadband Capabilities Ideally Suited for Customer Needs
On Wednesday June 17, 2009, 8:00 am EDT
OXNARD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CalAmp Corp. (NASDAQ: CAMP - News), a leading provider of wireless products, services and solutions, today announced it has entered into an exclusive agreement with EADS Defence & Security to supply a customized version of its WiMAX-based Sentry 4G™ Wireless IP Router, a new rugged broadband communications and networking platform for mission-critical broadband communication applications. The custom high-power mobile data terminal will be marketed under the EADS Defence & Security brand name to address customers in the defense and public safety markets outside the United States and Canada.
CalAmp’s Sentry 4G provides high-speed, long-range broadband wireless connectivity based on IEEE 802.16e-2005 (mobile WiMAX) technology and also supports an embedded Wi-Fi module as well as GPS.
The targeted market will be defense and security customers where licensed 2.5 GHz frequencies are available for mobile broadband wireless applications. Applications for the device include video surveillance and other visual multimedia applications providing officers with increased situational awareness through a WiMAX network overlay to existing mission-critical Professional Mobile Radio (PMR) networks.
“We were looking to extend the EADS Defence & Security portfolio in order to better respond to customer requirements for wireless broadband connectivity,” said Dirk Borchardt, Head of Security and Communication Solutions in EADS Defence & Security. “CalAmp is a leader in wireless data communication and understands the unique needs of mission-critical public safety communications. We selected CalAmp’s Sentry 4G as an ideal platform to address the broadband wireless connectivity needs of our customers and are pleased to welcome CalAmp as a trusted partner.”
“Video Surveillance is just one of the applications that highlight the need for mobile, high-speed, long-range broadband wireless connectivity in the defense and security markets,” commented Michael Burdiek, Chief Operating Officer of CalAmp. “We are proud to be selected by EADS Defence & Security as supplier of the broadband wireless subscriber units for EADS customers outside the U.S. and Canada. EADS is a global leader for mission-critical communications systems and we look forward to contributing our wireless technology expertise to a long-term alliance with EADS.”
About CalAmp Corp.
CalAmp provides wireless communications solutions that enable anytime/anywhere access to critical data and content. The Company serves customers in the public safety, industrial monitoring and controls, mobile resource management, public utilities and direct broadcast satellite markets. The Company’s products are marketed under the CalAmp, Dataradio, SmartLink, Aercept, LandCell and Omega trade names. For additional information, please visit www.calamp.com.
About EADS Defence & Security
EADS Defence & Security is a world leading provider of mission-critical communication and Command & Control solutions through its line of business Security and Communication Solutions. Its portfolio ranges from sensors and secure networks through missiles to aircraft and UAVs as well as global security, service and support solutions. In 2008, DS – with around 23,000 employees – achieved revenues of € 5.7 billion. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2008, EADS generated revenues of € 43.3 billion and employed a workforce of about 118,000. For additional information, please visit www.eads.com.
Contact:
CalAmp Corp.
Garo Sarkissian
VP Corporate Development
805-987-9000
or
Lasse Glassen, 213-486-6546
lglassen@mww.com
or
EADS Defence & Security
Nelly Tartivel
General Information
33 1 61 38 70 60
nelly.tartivel@eads.com

Digital Angel's SARBE Unit Delivers New Generation AAPLB to BAE Systems

On Wednesday June 17, 2009, 8:00 am EDT
SO. ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Digital Angel (NASDAQ:DIGA - News), an advanced technology company in the field of animal identification and emergency identification solutions, announced today that its SARBE unit has delivered the first new generation Personal Locator Beacons to BAE Systems Flight Operations. This new device is the SARBE Advanced Aircrew Personal Locator Beacon (AAPLB) and is the same as that specified by the UK Ministry of Defense.
Joseph J. Grillo, Chief Executive Officer of Digital Angel, said, “BAE Systems has been a loyal SARBE customer for many years. We are pleased to be supplying it with the latest generation beacons that will be in service for many years to come.”
The beacons are to be used by BAE Systems’ air crew who work within Military Air Solutions, as well as by visiting aircrew from the UK and overseas. The AAPLB will form an essential part of the standard survival equipment to be used in the event of having to abandon a stricken aircraft. In an emergency the AAPLB is activated to transmit a distress message containing the exact GPS coordinates and identity of the survivor. The distress signal is received by the Search And Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (COSPAS-SARSAT) global satellite network which then alerts the rescue authorities.
Aircraft that the AAPLB will be carried on include Typhoon, Tornado and Hawk. BAE Systems has a long history of using SARBE Personal Locator Beacons and the AAPLB will be replacing equipment rendered obsolete due to satellite monitoring changes.
About SARBE
A division of Digital Angel’s Signature Industries subsidiary, based in the United Kingdom SARBE is a world leading producer of Locator Beacons, Emergency Location Transmitters, and Submarine Locator Beacons. These products are in Tri-Force use on every continent. The very latest production techniques and technology ensure continuous product development. SARBE equipment is manufactured under an ISO Quality System and to the relevant STANAG, DEF STAN, CAA, FAA and COSPAS/SARSAT regulations and standards.
About Digital Angel
Digital Angel (www.digitalangel.com) is an advanced technology company in the field of animal identification and emergency identification solutions. Digital Angel's products are utilized around the world in such applications as pet identification using its patented, FDA-approved implantable microchip; livestock identification and tracking using visual and radio frequency identification (RFID) ear tags; and global positioning systems (GPS) search and rescue beacons for use on aircraft, ships and boats, and by adventure enthusiasts.
This press release contains certain “forward-looking” statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Forward-looking statements included in this press release include, without limitation, those concerning expectations regarding the continued success of the Company’s products and their impact on the Company’s financial results. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Additional information about these and other factors that could affect the Company's businesses is set forth in the Company's Form 10-K under the caption "Risk Factors" filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 31, 2009, and subsequent filings with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this statement or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.
Contact:
Digital Angel
Jay McKeage, 651-554-1564
jmckeage@digitalangel.com