Communications & Power Industries Receives $1.7 Million Initial Contract for High-Power Amplifiers to Support a Multinational Organization

PALO ALTO, Calif., June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Communications & Power Industries, Inc. (CPI) has received an approximately $1.7 million initial contract from Globecomm Systems Inc. to support a multinational defense organization. Under the contract, CPI will supply high-power, X-band communications amplifiers for new and upgraded satellite ground terminals. CPI's high-power amplifiers will be used to expand the capacity of existing terminals to operate in X-band frequencies, as well as in the design and development of new satellite ground terminals that also operate in X-band frequencies. CPI, a subsidiary of CPI International, Inc. (Nasdaq: CPII - News), is a leading provider of microwave, radio frequency, power and control solutions for critical defense, communications, medical, scientific and other applications. Globecomm Systems (Nasdaq: GCOM - News) provides satellite-based communications infrastructure solutions and services to commercial and government-related customers around the world.
(Logo: http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=AsUoE37rEEUBOtj50tnGVguxcq9_/SIG=11p2f67ub/**http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060426/CPILOGO)
Work on this contract will be performed at CPI's Satcom Division, and shipments are scheduled to begin in fiscal 2009. The initial program is expected to result in a multi-year program for CPI, with potential follow-on contracts of up to $3.5 million over the next three years.
"Supporting military communications programs is a growing business for CPI," said Andy Tafler, president of CPI's Satcom Division. "This latest contract to support a multinational defense organization demonstrates that our military communications products are in demand both within the U.S. and internationally."
About CPI International, Inc.
CPI International, Inc., headquartered in Palo Alto, California, is the parent company of Communications & Power Industries, Inc., a leading provider of microwave, radio frequency, power and control solutions for critical defense, communications, medical, scientific and other applications. Communications & Power Industries, Inc. develops, manufactures and distributes products used to generate, amplify, transmit and receive high-power/high-frequency microwave and radio frequency signals and/or provide power and control for various applications. End-use applications of these systems include the transmission of radar signals for navigation and location; transmission of deception signals for electronic countermeasures; transmission and amplification of voice, data and video signals for broadcasting, Internet and other types of commercial and military communications; providing power and control for medical diagnostic imaging; and generating microwave energy for radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer and for various industrial and scientific applications.
Certain statements included above constitute "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. Forward-looking statements provide our current expectations, beliefs or forecasts of future events. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from the results projected, expected or implied by these forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, competition in our end markets; the impact of a general slowdown in the global economy; our significant amount of debt; changes or reductions in the U.S. defense budget; currency fluctuations; U.S. government contracts laws and regulations; changes in technology; the impact of unexpected costs; and inability to obtain raw materials and components. These and other risks are described in more detail in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result of these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All future written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect us. We undertake no duty or obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events occurring after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes in our expectations.

Orion Propulsion Completes Qualification Testing for Innovative "Green" Propulsion System that will Power World's First Commercial Space Habitat

Bigelow Aerospace Approves System; Moves to Production of Flight Hardware
On Monday June 22, 2009, 12:00 pm EDT
HUNTSVILLE, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Orion Propulsion, Inc. today announced completion of a qualification test program for the Forward Propulsion System (FPS) of Bigelow Aerospace’s Sundancer Project, the world’s first commercial space habitat. The innovative Orion Propulsion thruster system uses hydrogen and oxygen that are produced from Bigelow’s proprietary Environmental Control Life Support System (ECLSS) as propellants for the spacecraft’s attitude control system. This truly “people-powered” space craft, which burns hydrogen and oxygen generated from water, sweat, and urine, eliminates the need for more toxic propellants such as hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide that are more costly to use and harmful to the environment - on Earth and in space.
Tim Pickens, CEO of Orion Propulsion, said, “We are excited to complete this critical demonstration that will move Bigelow Aerospace one step closer to creating a self–sufficient commercial human habitat that is safer and more environmentally friendly than any other system in use. I am proud of our team for delivering a best-in-class solution for this landmark project. We look forward to completing production and flying critical flight hardware on the world’s first commercial space habitat.”
“Orion Propulsion has been an excellent partner and has met every delivery date and performance milestone,” said Bigelow Aerospace Program Manager, Eric Haakonstad. “Their team worked with our very specific and demanding requirements to put together an elegant and “green” propulsion system that is safe, cost efficient, powerful and reliable - these are critical elements that will enable Sundancer’s success over its 15 year life cycle in space.”
The test program was a thorough evaluation of the propulsion system and included thermal cycle vacuum testing, electro-magnetic interference testing, acoustic and vibration testing. In addition, an accelerated life test program was conducted simulating space environments including vacuum, and temperature swings. The culmination of the qualification period was a Design Certification Review held with Bigelow Aerospace May 27-28, 2009. The review presented the results of the qualification test program and documented the requirement verification process for the FPS. The review was passed and authority has been given to proceed with assembly of the flight hardware. The assembly of flight hardware began June 1, 2009 and will continue through the summer. The first flight ship-set should be completed in August of this year.
The Orion Propulsion “green propulsion” system provides environmental benefits through eliminating the need to launch into the atmosphere other highly toxic propellants such as hydrazine or nitrogen tetroxide, thus reducing weight and launch costs. It also creates a safer, cleaner work environment for humans on Earth and in space. In addition, it can be adapted for other uses including “roll control” for small launch vehicles and propulsion or attitude control on other space craft.
About Bigelow Aerospace
Bigelow Aerospace is dedicated to developing next-generation crewed space complexes to revolutionize space commerce and open up the final frontier to all of humanity. At Bigelow Aerospace, we're building the future today! For more information, visit www.bigelowaerospace.com.
About Orion Propulsion, Inc.
Orion Propulsion is a leading provider of reliable, affordable rocket propulsion systems and test infrastructure solutions to commercial and government organizations. Founded in 2004 by CEO Tim Pickens, Orion Propulsion specializes in rocket propulsion design and fabrication, engine testing services, ground support equipment, and launch operations support. Orion Propulsion is a woman-owned business, headquartered in Huntsville, AL. For more information, visit www.orionpropulsion.com.
Contact:
Phillips & Company for Orion Propulsion
Scott Green,
512-402-5857 x-26
wsgreen@phillipscompany.com

Interfast Inc. Represents Four New Product Lines for Distribution

Launches updated website to provide customers with timely information
On Monday June 22, 2009, 11:19 am EDT
Interfast Inc, a leading global aircraft and specialty fastener distributor, today announced that it is representing four new product lines for distribution and also launched an updated web site (www.interfast.ca) that provides significantly more information and tools to keep people current on the latest developments.
"We've recently started to represent UK-based bigHead in the US and Canada, as well as coupling and clamp manufacturer Oetiker, slide creator Accuride, and avionics mounting clamp producer Avionics Mounts Inc. in Canada," adds John Rossi, marketing/distribution manager, Interfast Inc. "Information on all four organizations and the products we're carrying can be found on our updated website. Now at the click of a button, people can see the new products we're carrying. It's all about making information easily accessible to our customers."
Rossi notes customers and prospective customers can now get detailed insights into the range and depth of product available. Interfast represents more than 40 fastener and component manufacturers servicing the aerospace and industrial markets The company also provides details on its services through a Solutions link, which highlights its custom kitting, VMI (vendor managed inventory, CIMS (customized inventory management system) and Twin Bin offerings.
"We recognized that customers are interested in tailored information," says John Rossi. "We've updated our easy quote process, committing that all inquiries will be answered within 24 hours. Similarly, Interfast is known for its engineering support, and we've provided a direct number to staff who can provide support on fastener related challenges."
Building connections through LinkedIn
Rossi adds that everything is designed to help customers get the information they need quickly and easily, and he anticipates more developments in the near future.
"We've set up an Interfast group on LinkedIn and welcome our customers to join our group," adds Rossi. "We believe it's another new and powerful way to stay in touch with our customers and the fastener community. It's always important to follow new industry developments, so we've added daily news feeds to help people stay abreast of industry news."
The site also includes details on trade show participation and updated corporate information.
About Interfast Inc.
Interfast Inc. is a distributor of specialty fasteners, fastening systems, and production installation tooling for the aerospace, automotive, electronics and general industry markets. Interfast distribution serves the global market through a network of strategic business partnerships, combining its extensive business and product knowledge with local representatives. The company works with the OEMs (original equipment manufacturer) and their sub tiers, airlines and the MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) sectors to deliver proactive and innovative fastener-based solutions for a broad base of applications.
Contact:
Contacts:
HMB Communications for Interfast
Hugh Black
905-338-1590 / Cell: 416-898-4871
hughblack@interfast.ca

Orbital-Built MEASAT-3a Communications Satellite Successfully Launched

--Early Mission Results Indicate Satellite Is Operating as Expected --
-- MEASAT-3a Launch Is Second of Four Planned GEO Communications Satellite Deployments in 2009 --
On Monday June 22, 2009, 11:17 am EDT
DULLES, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE:ORB - News), the world’s leading manufacturer of smaller-sized geosynchronous (GEO) communications satellites, announced today that the MEASAT-3a satellite, which is based on the company’s STAR-2 platform, was successfully launched into orbit during a mission that took place on Sunday, June 21, 2009. Orbital designed, built, integrated and tested the MEASAT-3a spacecraft for MEASAT Satellite Systems of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The satellite was delivered into its initial orbit by a Land Launch Zenit-3 rocket launched from the Baikonur Cosomodrome in Kazakhastan. Results from early tests of the satellite indicate that it is operating as planned for this phase of its mission.
“We are very pleased for our MEASAT customer that the satellite deployment was successful and that the early in-orbit tests are progressing well,” said Mr. Michael Larkin, Orbital’s Executive Vice President and General Manager of its Space Systems Group. “We look forward to completing the testing process and transferring operational control to MEASAT later this summer.”
The MEASAT-3a satellite is the fourth communications spacecraft in MEASAT’s in-orbit fleet. It will provide C-band communications services throughout Asia, the Middle East and Africa, and Ku-band direct-to-home television broadcasting to Malaysia and Indonesia. It is designed to generate approximately 3.6 kilowatts of payload power and carries 12 C-band and 12 Ku-band transponders. Over the next several weeks, the spacecraft will be maneuvered to its final orbital slot at 91.5 degrees East longitude over Southeast Asia.
Orbital is the world leader in the market for smaller, more affordable GEO communications satellites. Orbital’s highly successful communication satellites are based on the company’s STAR platform that provides up to 7.5 kilowatts of payload power. Orbital currently has nine additional GEO spacecraft in various stages of design, production and testing at its Dulles, VA satellite manufacturing facility for marquee customers such as SES Global, Intelsat and several regional satellite service operators around the world.
The company’s commercial communications satellite business is in addition to Orbital’s long-established presence in the market for civil government space- and Earth-science satellites and its rapidly growing position in the national security space systems market.
About Orbital
Orbital develops and manufactures small- and medium-class rockets and space systems for commercial, military and civil government customers. The company’s primary products are satellites and launch vehicles, including low-Earth orbit, geosynchronous-Earth orbit and planetary spacecraft for communications, remote sensing, scientific and defense missions; human-rated space systems for Earth-orbit, lunar and other missions; ground- and air-launched rockets that deliver satellites into orbit; and missile defense systems that are used as interceptor and target vehicles. Orbital also provides satellite subsystems and space-related technical services to government agencies and laboratories.
More information about Orbital can be found at http://www.orbital.com
Contact:
Orbital Sciences Corporation
Barron Beneski,
703-406-5528
Public and Investor Relations
beneski.barron@orbital.com

RegeneRx Working with U.S. Military to Test T4 Against Exposure to Chemical Agents in the Eye

On Monday June 22, 2009, 11:13 am EDT
BETHESDA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--REGENERX BIOPHARMACEUTICALS, INC. (NYSE Amex:RGN) (the “Company” or “RegeneRx”) announced today that it is collaborating with the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) and Dr. Gabriel Sosne, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Wayne State University, to evaluate Tβ4’s (RGN-259 eye drops) ability to prevent or reduce damage to the eye caused by exposure to chemical agents. The ability to prevent or reduce such damage is the focus of substantial efforts by both the military and homeland security. The project will consist of a series of research experiments over the next twelve months with Tβ4, which is being commercially developed by RegeneRx and is in Phase II clinical trials.
Dr. Sosne and his colleagues have published several scientific articles describing Tβ4’s ability to reduce damage from a number of different chemical agents by reducing inflammation and promoting re-epithelialization to repair the cornea. Other scientific teams have reported Tβ4’s ability to promote stem cell differentiation to protect and repair tissue in the heart and skin.
“We are pleased to be working with U.S. military on this important project. We hope their work will lead to the use of our technology for treatment of eyes exposed to caustic chemicals. RegeneRx is prepared to assist in any way possible to support efforts to protect our military personnel and citizens from exposure to debilitating or life-threatening chemical agents,” stated J.J. Finkelstein, RegeneRx’s president and CEO.
About RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.
RegeneRx is focused on the discovery and development of novel peptides to accelerate tissue and organ repair. Currently, RegeneRx is developing three product candidates, RGN-137, RGN-259 and RGN-352 for dermal, ophthalmic, and cardiovascular tissue repair, respectively. RegeneRx is also developing RGN-457 for use in pulmonary indications such as cystic fibrosis. These product candidates are based on Tβ4, a synthetic copy of a 43-amino acid, naturally occurring peptide, in part, under an exclusive world-wide license from the National Institutes of Health. RegeneRx holds over 60 world-wide patents and patent applications related to its products and has sponsored four Phase II dermal and ophthalmic clinical trials and a Phase I parenteral (injectable) clinical trial supporting systemic delivery of RGN-352 for acute cardiovascular indications.
RegeneRx Technology Background
Tβ4 is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring peptide present in virtually all human cells. It is a first-in-class multi-faceted molecule that promotes endothelial cell differentiation, angiogenesis in dermal tissues, keratinocyte migration, collagen deposition, and down-regulates inflammation. RegeneRx has identified several molecular variations of Tβ4 that may affect the aging of skin, among other properties, and could be important candidates as active ingredients in pharmaceutical and consumer products. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health, and at other academic institutions throughout the U.S., have published numerous scientific articles indicating Tβ4’s in vitro and in vivo efficacy in accelerating wound healing and tissue protection under a variety of conditions. Abstracts of scientific papers related to Tβ4’s mechanisms of action may be viewed at RegeneRx’s web page: www.regenerx.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Examples of such forward-looking statements include statements concerning the Company’s collaborative work with the U.S. military and others as described herein. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements include the risk that the U.S. military’s research may not be successful, may not demonstrate safety and/or efficacy, the risk that the Company or its collaborators will not obtain approval to market the Company’s product candidates in the U.S. or abroad, the risks associated with the Company’s need for additional financing to meet capital requirements necessary for the further development and commercialization activities relating to its product candidates, the risks associated with protecting the Company’s intellectual property, or that the Company will not be able to obtain continued patent protection, or that its issued patents will be infringed, and such other risks described in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and other filings it makes with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements are made pursuant to Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and, as such, speak only as of the date made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Contact:
RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.
J.J. Finkelstein,
301-280-1992
jjfnk@regenerx.com
Buzz up! 0

Venga's Affiliate Announces Initial Results of Its Liberian Gold Mining Operations

On Monday June 22, 2009, 10:35 am EDT
Venga Aerospace Systems Inc. (TSX-V: VAV)(PINK SHEETS: VNGAF) (the "Company") announced that Liberia's Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy has confirmed that the Company's mining affiliate, Global Mineral Investments, LLC ("GMI"), has recovered 14 ounces of gold from GMI's Dugbe River and Kumasi Hill projects in Sinoe County, Liberia. This production occurred between May 29 and June 13, 2009 during the initial or start up phase for both GMI mining projects.
In an official communique to GMI, Mr. A. Kpandel Fayia, Deputy Minister for Planning and Development in Liberia's Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy stated, "Congratulations on your gold finds on the Kumasi Hill and Dugbe River in Sinoe County. GMI is now a gold production company in Liberia. Please call me if I can be of any service to you or GMI. Again, congratulations!!"
Photographs depicting GMI's Liberian gold mining enterprise, including images of the initial operational activities at the Kumasi Hill project, can be viewed on line at Venga's website: www.vengasystems.webs.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that may cause the Company's results to differ materially from expectations and speak only as of the date hereof.
SHARES ISSUED: 239,171,893
The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contact:
Contacts:
Venga Aerospace Systems Inc.
Hirsh Kwinter
President
(514) 489-7175
venga@rogers.com
www.vengasystems.webs.com
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QuintessenceLabs Announces Partnership with Lockheed Martin Corporation

QuintessenceLabs, the leader in quantum communications technology for networking, communications, national security and defence, announces partnership with Lockheed Martin Corporation to develop applications of Quantum Key Distribution for markets in Australia and the United States.
CANBERRA, Australia, June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- QuintessenceLabs, the leader in ultrasecure quantum communications, has announced a partnership with Lockheed Martin Corporation for the development of its Quantum Key Distribution technology towards applications in Australian and US markets. The relationship confirms an announcement made during National E-Security Awareness Week at an address to The National Press Club of Australia in Canberra.
QuintessenceLabs' second generation QKD technology integrates seamlessly with preexisting communications infrastructure providing one-time pad encryption in real-time. Products incorporating QuintessenceLabs' bright laser technology can achieve high speed, untappable communications at a fraction of the cost of competing technologies.
Commenting on the announcement, QuintessenceLabs Chairperson, Peter Shergold, said, "We are delighted to be entering into partnership with Lockheed Martin. Lockheed Martin is a global technology leader which has identified national security as a key strategic priority. Following an evaluation of QuintessenceLabs' technology, Lockheed Martin decided to enter into this relationship to develop leading edge information security solutions."
"We are pleased to have this relationship with QuintessenceLabs," said Paul Johnson, CEO of Lockheed Martin Australia, "Global security is a major focus for Lockheed Martin and we are delighted to be working with QuintessenceLabs, a company at the forefront of QKD technology that has important information security applications. We believe that QKD technology has great promise worldwide and look forward to a continued partnership."
About QuintessenceLabs
QuintessenceLabs is a leader in quantum communications technology for networking, communications, national security and defence. Our second generation, high performance communications technology makes use of breakthrough research in continuous variable, bright laser quantum cryptography. Unlike first generation systems, our technology incorporates off-the-shelf components to deliver lower cost, higher performance, highly robust and scalable quantum security products facilitating ultrasecure, untappable everlasting security.
For more information please contact:
QuintessenceLabs Founder and CEO
Vikram Sharma
Phone: +61 2 6125 9498
Email: press@quintessencelabs.com
Web: www.quintessencelabs.com
Office:
QuintessenceLabs,
Suite 23,
Physics Building #38,
Science Road,
Australian National University,
Acton ACT 0200,
Australia

Federal Bureau of Investigation Awards Lockheed Martin Biometric Card Scanning Service Contract

ROCKVILLE, Md., June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has awarded Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT - News) a five-year, $47 million contract to continue managing the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division's Card Scanning Service (CSS) program. The contract covers the conversion of paper fingerprint, palm print and photo records into high-quality electronic records for the FBI.
Records processed through this program are submitted by state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies and used to populate the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) database, a national fingerprint and criminal history system maintained by the FBI CJIS Division. With this new contract, the FBI will also be able to automatically process paper fingerprint records submitted by foreign law enforcement agencies.
"We're proud to continue our decade-long partnership with the FBI on the Card Scanning Service program," said Barbara Humpton, vice president, Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Services. "Having secure, accessible records is a vital element in the Bureau's ability to take quick and decisive actions for citizen safety. This new system will significantly improve how the FBI accesses traditional fingerprints as well as palm print and photo records."
"This card scanning service contract will aid the FBI in establishing a more complete and up-to-date criminal history record in support of law enforcement and criminal justice efforts, while creating employment opportunities in West Virginia," added FBI CJIS Division Acting Assistant Director Jerome M. Pender.
Operations for the program will take place primarily in Fairmont, WV, with support from several small business partners across the country, including West Virginia-based IMTS; Communications Resource, Incorporated (CRI), a woman-owned small disadvantaged business located in McLean, Va.; Massachusetts-based Aware, Inc.; and BancTec, headquartered in Dallas, TX.
Eventually, the records processed through the CSS program will populate the FBI's Next Generation Identification (NGI) program. NGI will further advance the FBI's biometric identification services, providing an incremental replacement of current IAFIS technical capabilities while also introducing new functionality. Lockheed Martin is the lead industry partner on the NGI program.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

Largest Global Photovoltaic Testing Network Gets Even Bigger

TÜVRheinland® Opens New Test Lab in Cologne, Germany
On Monday June 22, 2009, 10:00 am EDT
NEWTOWN, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TÜVRheinland® is increasing its domination of the photovoltaic market, expanding its global reach once again by opening a new test laboratory in Cologne, Germany this month.
The new Cologne location offers state-of-the-art technology for inspecting photovoltaic modules and solar thermal collectors and systems. It includes six climate chambers and five sun simulators, as well as two stations for mechanical load testing. The 1,800 m2 facility is three times larger than the previous Cologne test site, which could no longer meet the requirements of the rapidly growing solar energy market. The company also operates two external facilities – one in Cologne and another in Italy – for testing modules under real-weather conditions.
TÜVRheinland plays a key role in the international development of solar energy usage and quality assurance of solar modules. Since 1995, the company has continuously expanded its laboratory capacity and resources to address the needs of the ever-growing production of photovoltaic systems.
“Approximately 70% of all manufacturers of solar modules worldwide have their products tested in TÜVRheinland laboratories in order to obtain international market licenses and gain the recognition of both users and investors,” said Stephan Schmitt, President & CEO of TÜV Rheinland North America Holding Company. “Our newest test lab in Cologne demonstrates our leadership position and further solidifies our stronghold in the solar testing arena.”
With an international network across six continents, TÜVRheinland® maintains the largest network of Solar Energy Laboratories worldwide with five major laboratories on three continents, providing services that include product testing and certification, production monitoring, system testing and monitoring and research and development. In addition to the German test center, the company has established solar laboratories in Japan, China and the United States.
The US laboratory, based in Tempe, Arizona, is TÜV Rheinland PTL, LLC, a leading provider of safety and performance testing, and market certification serving every sector of the photovoltaic marketplace, from the supply chain through installation. TÜV Rheinland PTL is a unique partnership between Arizona State University, an institution with more than 50 years of research on solar energy and extensive solar testing know-how, and TÜVRheinland®, a $1.5 billion global provider of independent testing, assessment, and certification services.
About TÜVRheinland®
TÜVRheinland® delivers premier independent testing, assessment, and certification services to help companies gain access into global markets. Boasting an international network across six continents, the company’s in-country experts ease the path to compliance with cost-effective pricing and quick turnaround times. The $1.5 billion corporation is comprised of an international network of more than 13,300 employees in 61 countries and serves most industry sectors and markets worldwide. For more information, visit www.us.tuv.com.
Contact:
Catalyst Marketing Communications, Inc.
Melissa LoParco,
203-348-7541
Account Executiveor
TÜVRheinland®Virginia Palmer-Skok,
203-426-0888
Marketing Manager

Taos Industries Wins $30M Equipment Contract

On Monday June 22, 2009, 9:54 am EDT
HUNTSVILLE, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Taos Industries, a leading supplier of integrated logistics and procurement services to defense and government customers, won a $30.2 million contract awarded by the U.S. Army Sustainment Command.
The contract calls for Taos to procure and deliver military equipment to the government of the Republic of Iraq and to the U.S. Marine Corps.
The contract has one base year and a one-year option. Taos has supplied military equipment to the Republic of Iraq in support of U.S. government contracts since 2003.
About Taos Industries Inc.
Taos Industries, based in Huntsville, Ala., is a subsidiary of Agility Defense & Government Services. Taos provides logistics and commodity services, specialized procurement, and household relocation services to the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of State, NATO and other government and defense customers. Taos offers base operations support, and defense reutilization and marketing services, as well as contingency operations and natural disaster support. Taos Industries has been supplying the U.S. government and its allies since 1991.
Contact:
Taos Industries
Hobie Frady,
256-772-7743
www.taos-inc.com

BBN Technologies Awarded $30 Million in Defense Funding to Teach Machines to Read

On Monday June 22, 2009, 9:23 am EDT
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BBN Technologies, an advanced technology solutions firm, has been awarded $29.7 million in funding by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) under the Machine Reading program in a contract awarded by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The goal of the Machine Reading program is to develop a revolutionary, automated reading system that bridges the gap between naturally occurring text and the artificial intelligence reasoning systems that need such knowledge.
Although this intelligent learning system would initially be used to automate military intelligence analysis, it could also enable a variety of civilian applications. For example, as more and more of the world’s libraries are converted to digital text, this system could provide unprecedented access and automated analysis, allowing for vastly expanded cultural awareness and historical and cultural research.
Under this contract, BBN will leverage its expertise in natural language processing and distillation to develop a universal text engine that captures knowledge from text and transforms it into the formal representations required by artificial intelligence systems. A central goal of the research effort is to develop techniques that can generalize across the linguistic structure and content of diverse documents to extract relations and axioms directly from text rather than relying on a knowledge engineer to encode such information. A related goal is to develop techniques capable of performing such automatic extraction of text at the massive scale available on the World Wide Web. Over the course of the five-year program, BBN’s system will be tested against increasingly complex targets, including its ability to learn axioms from text and to read and digest vast quantities of Web text.
Prem Natarajan, vice president, Speech and Language Processing, BBN Technologies, said, “The machine reading system that DARPA envisions is not evolutionary, but revolutionary. Such a system could eliminate many of the impediments to stability that our military faces such as a lack of understanding of local customs, and give us the ability to assess global technology developments continuously.”
About BBN Technologies
BBN Technologies is a legendary R&D organization that leverages its substantial intellectual property portfolio to produce advanced, repeatable solutions such as the Boomerang shooter detection system. With expertise spanning information security, speech and language processing, networking, distributed systems, and sensing and control systems, BBN scientists and engineers have amassed a substantial collection of innovations and patented solutions. BBN now employs over 780 people in seven locations in the US: Cambridge, Massachusetts (headquarters); Arlington, Virginia; Columbia, Maryland; Middletown, Rhode Island; San Diego, California; St. Louis Park, Minnesota; and O'Fallon, Illinois. For more information, visit www.bbn.com.
Contact:
BBN Technologies
Joyce Kuzmin,
617-873-8120
jkuzmin@bbn.com
or
Mark Gauthier,
978-325-7048
mgauthier@bbn.com

AmSafe Seatbelt Airbag Protecting Passengers on More than 9,000 Aircraft Worldwide

On Monday June 22, 2009, 9:14 am EDT
PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AmSafe®, Inc., the leading provider of highly engineered restraint systems, today announced that the AmSafe Seatbelt Airbag is now installed on more than 9,000 commercial and general aviation aircraft around the world.
The AmSafe Seatbelt Airbag is a self-contained, modular restraint designed to protect occupants from serious head-impact injury and enhance one’s ability to exit an aircraft following a survivable accident. Integrated into the lap belt portion of the seatbelt, the AmSafe Seatbelt Airbag inflates in less than 90 milliseconds and, unlike automotive airbags, safely deploys up and away from the occupant, making it a safe restraint for passengers of all ages.
“Demand for the AmSafe Seatbelt Airbag continues to grow. Today, AmSafe Seatbelt Airbags secure passengers in more than 43,000 seats on more than 9,000 commercial and general aviation aircraft around the world. The technology is now standard equipment on 80 percent of new single engine general aviation aircraft, is available as an aftermarket option for many models and has been adopted by more than 30 commercial airlines in the U.S. and abroad,” said AmSafe Aviation President Bill Hagan. “More importantly, the AmSafe Seatbelt Airbag has already saved lives. We fully expect it will continue to do so in the future as more airlines and operators adopt the system to improve survivability and reduce injuries during taxi, take-off and landing, where the majority of accidents occur.”
In service since 2001, the AmSafe Seatbelt Airbag has enabled airlines to comply with a new FAA safety regulation that takes effect this October requiring commercial aircraft seats to withstand a crash impact of up to 16 times the force of gravity. As compliance with this regulation has proven difficult to attain in certain seating environments, airlines have turned to the AmSafe Seatbelt Airbag in order to meet the new standard. By so doing, they have been able to deliver enhanced passenger safety and at the same time avoid the alternative approach to compliance: removal of rows of seats and the associated loss of millions of dollars per aircraft in revenue.
The AmSafe Seatbelt Airbag has also enabled the innovation of lie-flat, pod-style and other premium seating that has become prevalent in first- and business-class cabins on long haul international aircraft. In some instances, the AmSafe Seatbelt Airbag not only makes the use of these innovative new seats possible, but it also helps carriers maximize the number of premium seats on an aircraft while still meeting FAA safety standards.
The AmSafe Seatbelt Airbag is installed in new single engine general aviation aircraft manufactured by Air Tractor, American Legend, Aviat, Cessna Aircraft, Cirrus Design, Cub Crafters, Diamond Aircraft, Hawker Beechcraft, Lancair International, Mooney Airplane Company, Pilatus, Quest Aircraft, SportAir USA, Zenair, and now Piper Aircraft.
About AmSafe, Inc. and AmSafe Aviation
AmSafe, Inc., and its affiliated business units are world leaders in safety and securement products for the aerospace, defense and ground transportation industries. AmSafe’s innovative products can be found on virtually every commercial aircraft in the world and include seatbelts, restraints, airbags, cargo and barrier nets, tie-downs and cabin interior textiles. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, AmSafe operates manufacturing and service facilities around the globe and is committed to providing quality products and timely, cost-effective solutions to customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.amsafe.com.
Contact:
Press:
AmSafe Corporate Communications
Carlotta Soares,
602-850-2730
csoares@amsafe.com
or
Schwartz Communications
Anna Dreyser/Rachel Lear,
781-684-0770
AmSafe@schwartz-pr.com
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OSI Geospatial to Report 2009 Second Quarter Results

On Monday June 22, 2009, 9:00 am EDT
OSI Geospatial Inc (TSX: OSI) will release its 2009 second fiscal quarter results at 4:05PM, Eastern Time (1:05PM Pacific Time) on July 13, 2009. The company will hold a conference call to discuss its financial results at 5:00 PM, Eastern Time (2:00 Pacific Time) the same day, July 13, 2009.
The call can be accessed in North America, toll-free, by dialing +1-800-319-4610 and internationally by dialing +1-604-638-5340. Please phone in 5-10 minutes prior to the start of the call and simply ask to join the call. The conference call will also be broadcast live over the Internet and under Upcoming Event.
In addition, a replay of the call will be available via telephone for seven business days, beginning approximately two hours after the call. To listen to the telephone replay, North American callers please dial +1-800-319-6413 and international callers please dial +1-604-638-9010. Enter access code 7826 followed by the # key.
About OSI Geospatial
OSI Geospatial Inc. delivers advanced navigation and command and control systems that provide shared real-time situational awareness for military 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 call Jane Hayward or visit www.osigeospatial.com.
Contact:
Contacts:
OSI Geospatial
Jane Hayward
Investor Relations
613-287-8004 or +1-888-880-9797
613-287-0466 (FAX)
invest@osigeospatial.com?

Raytheon and Ultra Electronics Team to Pursue Next-Generation Bomb Rack System

INDIANAPOLIS, June 22, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN - News) and Ultra Electronics Precision Air Systems have teamed to pursue the BRU-69/A Multi-Purpose Bomb Rack (MPBR) program for the U.S. Navy's Naval Air Systems Command.
MPBR is a twin-store, non-pyrotechnic carriage system that will replace several legacy bomb racks currently deployed on the F/A-18 E/F. Advanced on-board avionics will ensure that MPBR is compatible with current and future "smart weapons." Use of a common, non-pyrotechnic bomb rack will provide substantial life-cycle cost savings.
Raytheon Technical Services Company LLC (RTSC), with a nearly 40-year history of bomb rack and missile launcher design, manufacture, and in-service engineering and support, will lead the pursuit as the prime contractor. Ultra will provide the pneumatic energy source that powers this next-generation stores carriage and non-pyrotechnic ejection system. The team has worked together for more than a year to craft a competitive MPBR solution that offers the Navy the best combination of systems engineering, design and production expertise, mature and proven technology, and a track record of delivering cost-effective solutions that meet demanding operational needs.
"With more than 5,500 units in service, Ultra is the only company in the world with pneumatic and compressor technology that is certified, in service and deployed on multiple platforms," said Wayne Iurillo, vice president of RTSC's Customized Engineering and Depot Support business unit. "Ultra's superior performance on the F-35 and Small Diameter Bomb BRU-61 programs is unique and makes the company our partner of choice for MPBR."
Raytheon's operation at Indianapolis has designed, manufactured and provided in-service support for bomb racks and missile launchers since 1971. The current Mil-Std-1760 smart weapon interface had its roots at the Indianapolis facility with the initial design of the AWW-13 weapon data link pod in the late 1980s.
Ultra has demonstrated more than 12 years of on-budget and on-time success with highly reliable, high-performance pneumatic products for the Navy. The company's High Pressure Pure Air Generator (HiPPAG) products have distinguished Ultra as the world leader for reliability and ease of maintenance. This has been repeatedly demonstrated during current operational deployments and the accumulation of more than 3 million flight hours.
Raytheon and Ultra have worked together previously on several successful programs for the U.S. Navy. In 1994, the companies integrated the first HiPPAG system onto Navy F-18 and AV-8 aircraft launchers to provide cryogenic cooling for the AIM-9M Sidewinder missile.
Ultra Electronics is a defense and aerospace company specializing in the design, manufacture and support of electronic and electromechanical systems, subsystems and products. Ultra's products are used on aircraft, ships, submarines, armored vehicles, surveillance systems, airports and transport systems around the world.
Ultra Electronics Precision Air Systems is a leading manufacturer of compact on-board gas solutions and pneumatic systems for mission- and safety-critical defense and aerospace applications, including cryogenic cooling and stores ejection systems.
Raytheon Technical Services Company provides technical, scientific and professional services, as well as a full spectrum of training services and outsourcing for defense, federal and commercial customers worldwide. It specializes in Mission Support, training, counter-proliferation and counter-terrorism, range operations, product support, homeland security solutions and customized engineering services.
Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.
Note to Editors:
MIL-STD 1760 provides a common electrical and digital interface between weapons and aircraft.
Contact:
Gerald L. Petrie
317.306.7066 (office)
972.834.4472 (mobile)
Gerald_L_Petrie@raytheon.com

Sectra: Swedish Defense Forces Streamline Peacekeeping Forces' Communications

On Monday June 22, 2009, 3:07 am EDT
STOCKHOLM, Sweden--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News: Sectra has been commissioned by FMV, the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration, to further develop the Tiger system used by the Swedish Defense Forces for encrypted telephony. The solution being developed in cooperation with FMV will enable peacekeeping forces to communicate in a secure manner directly between headquarters and troops in the field. The order value amounts to SEK 13 million.
Sweden’s defense policy relating to international peacekeeping forces places demands on flexibility and capability to transmit information between users of various types of communications equipment. Swedish-led forces, such as the Nordic Battlegroup, use Sectra’s Tiger XS for secure IP telephony in command positions and Sectra’s crypto product for secure tactical radio by troops in the field. The assignment that Sectra recently received from the Swedish Defense Forces pertains to the integration between these various crypto systems.
“It is important for us to simplify daily life for users of our crypto products. The solution that we are currently developing will provide personnel in the field and in command positions the opportunity for secure communications with each other and contribute to more efficient communications within peacekeeping forces,” says Michael Bertilsson, President of Sectra Communications.
Sectra Tiger for encrypted telephony Tiger XS is a personal voice encryptor that protects telephone calls from eavesdropping over telephone lines, GSM, ISDN and IP networks as well as via satellite systems. Tiger has been certified by the EU, NATO and several government authorities for national security purposes, making it the most secure product in the market for encrypted telephony.
Sectra crypto for secure tactical radio Sectra’s voice encryptor for tactical radio protects radio communications between vehicles and troops in the field from eavesdropping. Tactical radios are used by military troops for radio communications and are either portable or installed in vehicles and containers.
About Sectra's secure communication systems
Sectra develops and sells products for secure voice and data communications. The customers are primarily government authorities and defense departments in Europe with strict demands on communications security. Sectra has strong core expertise in encryption and is one of the world's leading companies in the design and development of secure communications systems. Sectra Tiger is used by customers in more than half of all EU member states.
About the Sectra Group
Sectra successfully develops and sells cutting-edge products in the expansive niche segments of medical systems and secure communication systems. The company was founded in 1978 and has its roots in the Linköping University in Sweden. Today, Sectra has offices in twelve countries and operates through partners worldwide. Sales in the 2008/2009 fiscal year totaled SEK 863 million. The Sectra share is quoted on the NASDAQ OMX Stockholm AB exchange.
Contact:
Sectra Communications AB

Dr. Michael Bertilsson, President,

+46 (0)708-23 52 25or

Sectra ABDr. Jan-Olof Brüer, CEO and President,

+46 (0)13-23 52 09

SNC Awarded $248 Million Competitive Contract for Counter-IED Jammers

On Monday June 22, 2009, 6:00 am EDT
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) CEO Fatih Ozmen has announced that SNC is being awarded a $36,479,655 contract for production of Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare (JCREW) 3.1 dismounted systems to meet urgent requirements of the Department of Defense in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
The dismounted JCREW systems are critical to protecting U.S. personnel from the threat posed by improvised explosive devices. Dismounted JCREW systems are electronic jammers designed to prevent the initiation of radio-controlled improvised explosive devices (RCIED).
This contract is for the urgent procurement and support of JCREW systems, to be used by forces in each of the military services of the Central Command area of responsibility. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $248,312,153.
For more information, visit www.SNCorp.com.
About Sierra Nevada Corporation:
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) is known for its rapid, innovative, and agile technology solutions in electronics, aerospace, avionics, space, propulsion, micro-satellite, aircraft and communications systems for both the private and public sectors. Founded in 1963, SNC's seven unique business areas employ more than 1600 people in 31 different locations in 20 states -- all of whom are dedicated to providing leading-edge solutions to SNC's dynamic customer base.
Over its 45 year history, SNC has remained focused on providing its customers the very best in diversified technologies to meet their needs and has a strong and proven track record of success. Headed by President and CFO Eren Ozmen, SNC has grown into one of the Top Woman-Owned Federal Contractors in the United States while maintaining its reputation for innovation and agility. The company continues to focus its growth on the commercial sector through internal advancements and outside acquisitions, including the emerging markets of telemedicine, nanotechnology, energy and net-centric operations.
Contact:
MEDIA CONTACT:
generalinfo@sncorp.com
775-331-0222?

Functional Test Technology Partners

Geotest and JTAG Technologies Announce Integrated System
On Monday June 22, 2009, 5:00 am EDT
Following a successful series of JTAG / Functional test seminars in Europe and the United States, Geotest - Marvin Test Systems and JTAG Technologies are pleased to announce a new Technology Partnership. Under the partnership, Geotest now offers pre-configured PXI test systems including the JTAG Technologies' high-performance JT 37x7/PXI boundary-scan controller. Included with the boundary scan test option is JTAG Technologies' high-level driver suite for Geotest's ATEasy software which facilitates integrating boundary-scan applications as part of an overall functional test strategy.
The preconfigured Geotest Basic Automated Test System (GBATS) offers functional and structural test methods in a compact PXI-based platform as well as providing high-throughput in-system programming for flash memories and programmable logic devices.
James Stanbridge, JTAG Technologies' Sales Manager in UK, commented, "We're very pleased to have worked with Geotest in offering the test community such a practical and beneficial system. During the recent seminars, we've had a good close-up view of customer needs and the combined capability we offer with Geotest should be right on target."
Mike Dewey, Geotest's Senior Marketing Product Manager, added, "Combining functional and boundary scan test methods is a test strategy that we see more and more users adopting. Our partnership with JTAG Technologies is a natural fit for providing customers with solutions that meet these demands and address the need for test coverage and throughput, particularly for boards with limited test access."
The GBATS TS-720 system with the JT controller is available in 6-8 weeks. JTAG Technologies' PIP/ATEasy software integration package is available immediately and is priced at $6250.
About Geotest
A subsidiary of the Marvin Group, Geotest - Marvin Test Systems, Inc. is a global supplier of PXI and PC-based test products, systems, and solutions. Geotest's products and systems are used worldwide in thousands of aerospace, semiconductor, communication, medical, industrial, and military test applications.
About JTAG Technologies
JTAG Technologies is a market leader and technology innovator of boundary-scan software and hardware products and services, focusing on the development of boundary-scan technology. It was the first to bring to the market such important advances as automated test generation, automated flash and PLD programming via boundary-scan, and visualized boundary-scan analysis. Its customers include world leaders in electronics design and manufacturing such as Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, Flextronics, Honeywell, Medtronic, Motorola, Nokia, Philips, Raytheon, Rockwell-Collins, Samsung, and Sony. Its innovative boundary-scan products provide test development, test execution, coverage analysis and in-system programming applications. With an installed base of over 6,000 systems worldwide, JTAG Technologies serves the communications, medical electronics, avionics, defense, automotive, and consumer industries with offices throughout North America, Europe and Asia. JTAG Technologies headquarters are located in Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
JTAG Technologies is a registered trademark of JTAG Technologies, Inc. All other brand names or product names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holder(s).
Contact:
For more information, please contact:
Geotestwww.geotest.com
Mike DeweySr.
Product Marketing Product Manager
888-837-8297
949-263-2222
949 263 1203 (fax)
Email Contact
?JTAG Technologies
www.jtag.com
Ray Dellecker
North America Marketing Manager
425-898-8968
Email Contact?

"Body-count" Processing Must End at VA, Says The American Legion

National Commander Calls for Urgent Changes in Claims System
On Monday June 22, 2009, 5:00 am EDT
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--An immediate overhaul of the Department of Veterans Affairs disability claims processing system is the only way out of a fast-growing nationwide backlog of unresolved cases, American Legion National Commander David K. Rehbein said after a congressional hearing last Thursday evening.
“As the backlog of claims approaches 1 million, and the needs of deserving veterans go unmet, VA can wait no longer to institute new and workable policies and procedures,” the leader of the nation’s largest veterans service organization said following a House Veterans Affairs subcommittee session on the problem.
Lawmakers heard compelling testimony from American Legion member David Bohan, a Gulf War Army combat veteran from Oregon who suffered service-connected permanent damage to his left foot as well as post-traumatic stress disorder. His disability claim is one of hundreds of thousands caught up in the VA backlog. Bohan’s story is among those highlighted in an extensive, three-part series of articles that debuted in the June issue of The American Legion Magazine.
The scope of the VA claims backlog problem and some potential solutions were detailed to subcommittee members by Ian dePlanque, assistant director of The American Legion’s Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission.
The VA’s so-called work-credit system, which awards a claims processor credit in “body-count” fashion for completion of a job even if errors occur, was criticized by The American Legion representative. “To count work credit the same whether it is performed properly, or whether details are overlooked encourages corners to be cut,” dePlanque said. “In the past, it has been proposed that VA count work credit when a claim reaches a final decision. In that manner, the encouragement will be to perform every aspect of the claim correctly, as appeals over missed technical details will only hamper the process and create lengthy delays in the claims process.”
The American Legion has long recognized understaffing and poor staff retention as factors contributing to the VA’s claims backlog, especially in light of an ever increasing number of claimants. The Legion representative’s remarks reiterated this point, and also questioned the quality of claims processors.
“The American Legion national staff has interviewed regional office employees during quality review visits,” said dePlanque, “with the consistent complaints among regional office employees being: inadequate staffing levels, inadequate continuing education, and pressure to make quick decisions, (resulting) in an overall decrease in quality of work. It is an extreme disservice to veterans, not to mention unrealistic to expect VA to continue to process an ever-increasing workload while maintaining quality and timeliness, with the current staff levels,” he said. “The current wartime situation provides an excellent opportunity for VA to actively seek out returning veterans from Operations Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, especially those with service-connected disabilities, for employment opportunities within the Veterans Benefits Administration.”
The American Legion reasons that employment of veterans with recent military experience would increase the speed and accuracy of processing claims because veterans would have greater understanding of military terminology and the circumstances of a claim. They would also help minimize what is termed “over-development” of claims “when the simple facts to grant (the claim) are already present…needless exams and searches for extra records continue to drag out the process,” dePlanque testified.
Commander Rehbein echoed his staff’s criticism of some of the VBA’s practices but reiterated American Legion support for the critical challenges VA faces with a fast growing new generation of war veterans entering the system. “By offering our suggestions for improvement, as well as our critique, we strive to work hand-in-hand with VA – as we have for decades – to improve the quality of life of some of our most worthy citizens, our military veterans.”
Contact:
The American Legion
Craig Roberts, 202-263-2982
Cell: 202-406-0887
www.legion.org