Thursday, September 10, 2009

U.S. Senate panel seeks end to F-22 export ban

* Urges Air Force start developing modified fighter
* Japan, Israel, Australia have shown interest
* Bill ends F-22 production for U.S. Air Force

(Adds call to end ban on exports of F-22 jet fighter)
By Jim Wolf
WASHINGTON, Sept 10 (Reuters) - A Senate panel urged the Air Force on Thursday to start developing an export model of its F-22 Raptor, the most advanced U.S. fighter jet, even as it voted to end U.S. purchases. Japan, Israel and Australia have shown interest in buying the supersonic, radar-evading F-22 Raptor, designed to destroy enemy air defenses in the first days of any conflict and clear the way for other missions.
Foreign sales were banned by a 1998 law aimed at protecting the "stealth" technology and other high-tech features said to have made the F-22 too good for money to buy.
If enacted, the measure adopted by the Senate Appropriations Committee would let the Defense Department prepare a modified F-22 that protects classified and sensitive information, technologies and U.S. war fighting capabilities.
"The committee urges the Air Force to start this effort within the funds appropriated in Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force, for the F-22 aircraft," a report accompanying the bill said.
Neither Lockheed Martin nor the Air Force had any immediate comment.
Creating an export version would preserve U.S. jobs and an option to buy more F-22s later, without having to pay the full cost of restarting production.
The U.S. Air Force has estimated Japan would have to spend as much as $2.3 billion for development of its own version of the Raptor. For years, Tokyo has sought to buy two squadrons of the F-22, possibly 40 planes, a request that has become more compelling amid tensions with neighboring North Korea.
The bill, adopted 30 to 0 in 15 minutes without debate, largely backed program cuts sought by President Barack Obama. Overall, it provided $636.3 billion for defense in fiscal 2010, which starts Oct. 1.
The measure would kill a combat search-and-rescue helicopter, a presidential helicopter and a missile-defense project called Kinetic Energy Interceptor.
It includes $128.2 billion for "overseas contingency operations," primarily to keep fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The legislation would cap the U.S. F-22 "Raptor" fleet at 187, down from an original Air Force Cold War-era plan to buy as many as 750 of the air-superiority fighters.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates, announcing plans to terminate the F-22 on April 6, said doing so was "not a close call." He said the military should gear up more for wars such as those in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The bill, which must be reconciled with the House of Representatives' version, provided no funds for a second, interchangeable engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
The alternate engine, which Obama considers wasteful, would be veto bait, the White House has said. In July, the House approved $560 million for the second engine development as part of its 2010 defense appropriations bill, despite the veto threat.
General Electric Co (GE.N) and Rolls-Royce Group PLC (RR.L), partners in the second engine, have said they are confident a House-Senate conference committee will preserve competition for the F-35 engine.
Sen. Daniel Inouye, the Hawaii Democrat who chairs the appropriations committee and its defense subpanel, told reporters he did not know how the second engine's fate would play out.
"Apparently the Senate is not for it, so we'll go into conference on that basis. But as always, my mind is open," he said.
The Senate panel put rival United Technologies Corp's (UTX.N) Pratt & Whitney unit, maker of a fully funded engine for the F-35, a step closer to a monopoly over a projected $100 billion market.
At issue is the engine and its aftermarket for three variants of the F-35, a single-engine Lockheed Martin fighter in early stages of production. It would replace at least 13 types of warplanes, initially for 11 nations.
The Senate committee, in sync with recommendations made Wednesday by its defense subpanel, broke with Obama on Boeing Co's (BA.N) C-17 cargo plane. It added $2.5 billion to sustain the production line by buying 10 more in 2010. The administration wants to end the C-17 program without further purchases.
The House approved $674 million in its defense appropriations bill to buy three more C-17s.
The full Senate could vote on the defense bill as early as next week. House and Senate representatives then meet to mesh their legislation before it is sent to the White House. The House-Senate conference is on track to take place by the end of this month, said Sen. Thad Cochran of Mississippi, the Senate panel's top Republican. (Reporting by Jim Wolf; editing by Andre Grenon)

New Military Communications Satellite Begins Final Round of Testing at Lockheed Martin

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The first Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) military communications satellite built by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT - News) for the U.S. Air Force has entered final testing at the company's Sunnyvale, Calif. facilities.
AEHF will provide global, highly secure, protected, survivable communications for all warfighters serving under the U.S. Department of Defense. The AEHF system is the successor to the five-satellite Milstar constellation which has accumulated over 50 years of combined on-orbit operations.
With the successful completion of all spacecraft environmental testing, the Lockheed Martin-led team is now executing the final integrated spacecraft and system test procedures necessary to prepare the vehicle for flight. Over a 75-day period, the satellite will go through a series of factory tests to verify all spacecraft interfaces, demonstrate full functionality and evaluate satellite performance.
"The start of final integrated system testing is a major milestone for the team that moves this sophisticated space vehicle another step closer to the launch pad," said John Miyamoto, Lockheed Martin's AEHF vice president.
Col. Michael Sachet, commander of the Protected Satellite Communications Group at the U.S. Air Force's Space and Missile Systems Center said, "We are on track for delivery early next year and look forward to the ultimate deployment of this satellite, which will provide substantially improved high-speed, protected communications for our warfighters."
The first AEHF spacecraft is planned for a 2010 launch aboard an Atlas V launch vehicle. The second and third AEHF satellites are also progressing through final integration and test activities and are on track for launch in 2011 and 2012 respectively.
Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Sunnyvale, Calif., is the Advanced EHF system prime contractor and is providing a militarized version of its flight-proven A2100 spacecraft bus and the mission control segment, which will consolidate Milstar and Advanced EHF satellite control and communication resource planning into a single, modernized mission control system.
Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, Redondo Beach, Calif., is the payload integrator and provider of the payload processors, nulling antennas, the inter-satellite crosslinks, RF antenna equipment, and phased array antennas. Advanced EHF satellites will also feature an electric propulsion system, provided by Aerojet of Sacramento, Calif.
A single AEHF satellite will provide greater total capacity than the entire Milstar constellation currently on-orbit. Individual user data rates can be up to five times higher than Milstar's highest speed. The faster data rates will permit transmission of tactical military communications, such as higher-quality real-time video and quicker access to battlefield maps and targeting data.
In addition to its tactical mission, AEHF will also provide the critical survivable, protected, and endurable communications to the National Command Authority including presidential conferencing in all levels of conflict.
Lockheed Martin is currently under contract to provide three AEHF satellites and the Mission Control Segment to the Military Satellite Communications Systems Wing, located at the Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. The program has begun advanced procurement of long-lead components for a fourth AEHF satellite.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.
Media Contacts:
Steve Tatum,
408-742-7531;
e-mail, Stephen.o.tatum@lmco.com
Samantha Un,
408-742-3516;
e-mail, Samantha.un@lmco.com
NOTE TO EDITORS: for low- and high-resolution JPEG image files of Advanced EHF,

SRA Awarded $19 Million Air Force Contract

Developing a one-stop source for AF Distributed Common Ground System operational, planning and programming documentation
FAIRFAX, Va., Sept. 10, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SRA International, Inc. (NYSE: SRX - News), a leading provider of technology and strategic consulting services and solutions to government organizations and commercial clients, today announced it has been awarded a project by the U.S. Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (AF/A2) valued at $19 million over three years if all tasks are exercised.
Under the contract, SRA will develop a one-stop source that will improve the planning, programming and operational employment of AF reconnaissance equipment and the AF Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS). DCGS is the AF's weapon system that provides critical combat or other operational activity decision-making information to the Joint Task Force and component commanders below.
Building on the Air Force's web-enabled intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) database, SRA will design interfaces allowing direct user input to the enterprise architecture database, along with models that perform independent analysis and experimentation while maintaining data integrity. This analytical capability will provide the AF team with the ability to make policy, functional and programmatic decisions related to the continuing development, fielding and operation of the DCGS enterprise.
"Timely analysis and dissemination of information are challenges for the Air Force warfighter in combat situations," said SRA Vice President Anna Hogan. "With over a decade of DCGS modeling and simulation experience, SRA's web-enabled system will provide quick analysis of various reconnaissance data flows, communications capacities, ground crew composition and other key components to the Air Force."
About SRA International, Inc.
SRA and its subsidiaries are dedicated to solving complex problems of global significance for government organizations serving the national security, civil government and global health markets. Founded in 1978, the company and its subsidiaries have expertise in such areas as air surveillance and air traffic management; contract research organization (CRO) services; cyber security; disaster response planning; enterprise resource planning; environmental strategies; IT systems, infrastructure and managed services; logistics; public health preparedness; strategic management consulting; systems engineering; and wireless integration.
FORTUNE® magazine has chosen SRA as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" for ten consecutive years. The company and its subsidiaries employ more than 6,900 employees serving clients from headquarters in Fairfax, Va., and offices around the world. For additional information on SRA, please visit www.sra.com.

US Air Force Orders DeTect MERLIN(TM) Bird Radar System for Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan

Another industry first for DeTect - System is the first use of bird strike avoidance radar technology in an active military theater.
PANAMA CITY, Fla., Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- DeTect, Inc. today announced that the US Air Force has ordered a MERLIN(TM) Aircraft Birdstrike Avoidance Radar System for Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan. "The Bagram MERLIN system is the first use of bird radar technology in a war zone, another industry first for DeTect," commented Gary Andrews, DeTect's CEO.
The MERLIN SS200m system to be delivered to Bagram includes DeTect's new generation MERLIN SharpEye(TM) solid-state bird radar sensors that provide enhanced detection of hazardous bird activity out to 8 miles, 360 degrees around the airfield and in all weather conditions.
"The fully self-contained, mobile military series MERLIN unit has a number of special features that include a Kevlar hardened electronics/technician cabin, redundant dual-range processors, dual power units, military desert paint scheme and Milspec off-road construction," added Mr. Andrews.
The system will be deployed and operational by the end of 2009 and will provide, real-time 3-D monitoring of airspace around the airfield for hazardous bird activity providing automated bird strike warnings to air traffic controllers and pilots.
The US Air Force purchased its first MERLIN bird radar system in 2003 and has installed six systems at US air bases and ranges to date. The MERLIN system, originally developed for the US Air Force and NASA, is the most widely used bird radar technology in the world with over 50 units operating in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Africa and New Zealand for aviation safety and bird control applications.
DeTect specializes in radar technologies for bird detection, meteorology and airspace/marine surveillance and is headquartered in Panama City, Florida USA with offices in Arizona, California, Colorado, Texas and Washington, DC and in Canada and Germany.
Contact:
Gary W. Andrews
DeTect, Inc.
850-763-7200
gary.andrews@detect-inc.com

US Senate panel leaves F-35 2nd engine unfunded

* Subcommittee recommends no funds for F-35 2nd engine
* Omission of funding is boost to United Technologies Corp
* GE-Rolls Royce confident their engine will survive (Adds quotes from companies, analysis, background)
By Jim Wolf

WASHINGTON, Sept 10, 2009 (Reuters) - A U.S. Senate subcommittee recommended no funding on Wednesday for an alternate F-35 fighter jet engine in a boost for United Technologies Corp (UTX.N), maker of an engine inching closer to a potential $100 billion monopoly. But General Electric Co (GE.N) and Rolls-Royce Group PLC (RR.L), partners in developing the second engine, voiced confidence that a House of Representatives-Senate conference committee would preserve competition.
"What happened today is not a surprise," said Rick Kennedy, a GE spokesman. The Senate action followed a threat that President Barack Obama would veto a bill funding an alternate engine on the grounds it was wasteful.
A joint GE-Rolls Royce statement cast Sen. Daniel Inouye, a Democrat who chairs the Senate Defense Appropriations subcommittee, and Thad Cochran, the panel's top Republican, as longtime supporters of the second engine. The statement suggested they were maneuvering to rescue it at the 11th hour, in a budget conference with the House.
Inouye, a Democrat from Hawaii, "is going to act in a way that he feels is best to save the engine," Kennedy said. Inouye made no mention of the project in presenting his panel's 2010 spending plan.
GE and Rolls Royce said they were "confident of a successful outcome because competition and cost discipline in major defense procurement programs have proven to be in the best interest of taxpayers and our armed services."
Rob Blumenthal, a spokesman for Inouye of Hawaii, declined to comment. A spokesman for Cochran of Mississippi did not return a phone call.
At issue is a projected $100 billion market to power three variants of the single-engine F-35, a Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) fighter in early stages of production. It would replace at least 13 types of warplanes, initially for 11 nations.
The alternate engine has become the latest bone of contention in a year in which the administration plans to end several big-ticket arms programs, including Lockheed's F-22 fighter jet, a presidential helicopter, combat rescue helicopters and an antimissile program known as the Kinetic Energy Interceptor.
The Pentagon says the F135 engine being built by Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies unit, for the F-35 is doing well.
Pratt & Whitney expressed satisfaction with the omission of funding for its competitor.
"The F135 is performing exceptionally well in flight test, has retired 90-plus percent of program risk and is in production," said Erin Dick, a company spokeswoman.
By contrast, GE and Rolls-Royce cited a House Armed Services Committee finding that Pratt & Whitney's development program was $1.9 billion over budget.
Under the Senate subcommittee's version of the $636.3 billion defense appropriations bill for fiscal 2010, which begins October 1, funding would be omitted for alternate engine development, a summary of the panel's recommendations said. It did not say why.
The full Senate Appropriations Committee, also headed by Inouye, is to consider the bill on Thursday.
In July, the House voted 400 to 30 to approve a 2010 defense appropriations bill that included hundreds of millions of dollars for the second engine development.
Differences between the House and Senate bill must be resolved in a conference before final passage of a bill that can be signed into law.
The Senate subcommittee also recommended adding $2.5 billion to sustain Boeing's C-17 cargo plane line by buying 10 more in 2010. The administration wants to end the C-17 program without further purchases.
The House approved $674 million in its defense appropriations bill to buy three more C-17s.
Inouye said his panel was not in complete agreement with administration officials on ending arms programs but was concurring in general.
"I would like to remind my colleagues that the Defense Department has been wrong on several occasions in recommending program terminations," he added, without citing the engine. (Reporting by Jim Wolf; editing by Andre Grenon, Toni Reinhold)

Radixx(R) Announces Latest Technology Breakthrough

Award-Winning Airline Reservation and Distribution System Provider Releases Radixx Air Enterprise(R) With Multi-Brand Capability
ORLANDO, FL--(Marketwire - 09/10/09) - Radixx International today announced that it had achieved another first in the airline industry as it released its latest technology breakthrough, a new category of reservation and distribution system -- Radixx Air Enterprise with Multi-Brand capability. Radixx Multi-Brand technology gives airline management groups the ability to centrally manage and distribute multiple airlines with different marketing and operating carrier codes, all in one system. Carriers within the system can have different business models, offer different ancillary services, sell through different channels and maintain unique pricing and fare rules by carrier code.
"No other technology provider in the airline industry can offer this capability," noted Radixx CEO Ron Peri. "We are proud to continue to lead the way with radical technology breakthroughs that consistently improve the bottom line for our airline partners. This breakthrough enables an airline management group to operate any number of separately coded and branded carriers, as if they were one virtual airline, while permitting the retention of individual brand characteristics."
Radixx Air Enterprise allows for hybrid distribution, giving airlines the ability to sell through any channel, e-ticket or ticketless, traditional or modern. The system fully supports IATA standard codeshare and interline distribution; Internet direct API links with over 60 online travel agencies; and full GDS connectivity with e-ticketing. Radixx provides the most complete and cost-effective enterprise level reservations and distribution system in the industry. The Radixx system is completely Internet-based and boasts a powerful call center application, Internet booking engine, travel agency portal and departure control system, supported by a fully integrated management reporting system. All aspects of the system are specifically designed to be flexible, scalable to any size carrier, and ultra-reliable to meet the ever changing demands of the airline economy.
About Radixx International:
Radixx International, Inc. is headquartered in Orlando, Florida. Voted "Best Technology Provider" at the World Low Cost Airlines Congress in 2007, Radixx Air Enterprise provides a complete airline reservation and distribution system designed to meet the entire range of industry needs: hybrid, low-cost, and traditional airlines. Founded in 1993, Radixx is the technology provider for over 30 airlines on six continents.

Contact:
Jamie O'Coin
+1-407-856-9009 ext. 186
http://www.radixx.com

Korea Aerospace Industries Cuts Electrical Design Time Using Mentor Graphics CHS Tools

Source: Mentor Graphics CorpWILSONVILLE, Ore.-September 9, 2009, -(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mentor Graphics Corporation (NASDAQ:MENT - News) announced today that Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), a manufacturer of fixed and rotary wing aircraft, has been able to reduce significantly the time needed to design the electrical wiring system of its newest platform. The Korean Helicopter program is scheduled to first fly early in 2010. For this project, KAI decided to use tools within Mentor’s CHS™ product family, with the objective of improving process efficiency for this complex task.
Business Wire - Source: KAI website http://www.koreaaero.com.
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The development of this helicopter has reached an important milestone with the release of a complete set of electrical wiring designs, so valid comparisons can be made with previous methodologies. Specifically, KAI has achieved a 20% reduction in wiring system design time compared with their previous norms. KAI said, “CHS gives us a substantial productivity boost. Not only are the tools easy to use, they also provide superior automation and ensure a high level of data correctness, thus cutting the time needed to develop the very complicated interconnect wiring found on a modern helicopter. And we can extend our use of the tools to achieve yet more efficiency improvements, for example by exploiting CHS’s web-based data reporting capability.”
KAI used Mentor’s CHS Capital® Logic software, supplemented by CHS electrical simulation and 3D MCAD integration applications, to create several hundred detailed wiring schematics representing the new helicopter’s electrical system. Because the CHS product employs a highly data-centric paradigm, many design tasks — such as the management of objects shared across multiple schematics — can be significantly automated, reducing both design and validation time. Martin O’Brien, general manager of Mentor’s Integrated Electrical Systems Division, said, “KAI is a textbook example of an organization leveraging CHS’s technical power to achieve real business benefits. Wiring design often occurs late in a platform’s development cycle, so time savings have a genuine impact. As regulatory requirements relating to aerospace wiring become increasingly onerous, we expect more and more attention to be paid to this area.”
About Mentor Graphics
Mentor Graphics Corporation (NASDAQ:MENT - News) is a world leader in electronic hardware and software design solutions, providing products, consulting services and award-winning support for the world’s most successful electronics and semiconductor companies. Established in 1981, the company reported revenues over the last 12 months of about $800 million and employs approximately 4,425 people worldwide. Corporate headquarters are located at 8005 S.W. Boeckman Road, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070-7777. World Wide Web site: http://www.mentor.com/.
(Mentor Graphics and Capital are registered trademarks and CHS is a trademark of Mentor Graphics Corporation. All other company or product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.)
MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6046146
Contact:
Mentor Graphics

James Price,
503-310-1652
James_Price@mentor.com
or
Mentor Graphics
Suzanne Graham,
503-685-7789
suzanne_graham@mentor.com

Army Issues 70% Increase to BRS Aerospace Parachute Contract

SOUTH ST. PAUL, MN--(Marketwire - 09/09/09) - BRS Aerospace (Ballistic Recovery Systems, Inc.) (Pinksheets:BRSI - News), a manufacturer of whole-aircraft emergency parachute systems, military cargo and personnel parachutes, and reflective safety products, announced today that it has been awarded an extra $2.75M in new orders (an increase of 72% over its initial order) by the US Army to manufacture additional "low velocity" cargo parachutes over an 18-month period. Production for this contract will occur at the company's North Carolina facility where at least 20 more employees will be hired to accommodate this increase. Combined with the original Low Velocity contract received in July, the Low V program will bring in more than $6.6M of revenue over the initial 18-24 month delivery period and more than 40 new jobs to the Pinebluff, NC region.
The Low Velocity parachute, made of lower cost woven polypropylene instead of traditionally used, but more expensive, ripstop nylon, is designed for humanitarian relief efforts and resupply missions where it is difficult to recover airdrop equipment or reach troops by ground convoy and from deployment altitudes of 500-1,200 AGL (above ground level). These parachutes are designed to be light, simple in design, and up to 80% less expensive than the standard parachutes and containers now used for these missions.
Low Velocity Parachute
"We are very proud that the Army has recognized our capabilities and desire to provide quality defense articles in a timely manner, something we have been striving toward for some time now," said BRS Aerospace CEO and President, Larry Williams. Norman Girdwood, General Manager of BRS Aerospace's Pinebluff, North Carolina facility added, "This is the kind of problem I like having... hiring new people, scheduling new shifts, ensuring quality specs are met... all that is entailed in ramping up a successful product line." Concluding, Girdwood commented, "I've known that we were at the cusp of being recognized as a strong partner with the Army... we've worked very hard as a corporation to make this happen. This additional award makes that a reality."
About BRS Aerospace
Based in South Saint Paul, Minnesota, BRS Aerospace consists of three divisions: BRS Aviation, which designs, manufactures, and distributes whole-aircraft emergency parachute systems for general aviation and recreational aircraft; BRS Defense, which designs and manufactures a variety of parachute systems for US Department of Defense and foreign military customers; and BRS Safety, which designs and manufactures reflective and load-bearing safety vests, and other safety apparel and is a leader in the "cut & sew" industry. Since 1981, BRS Aerospace has delivered more than 30,000 parachute systems to aircraft owners worldwide, including over 3,700 systems on FAA-certificated aircraft such as the Cirrus Design SR20 and SR22 manufactured in Duluth, Minnesota and a variety of Cessna aircraft including the C-172/182 and new C-162 Skycatcher. To date, BRS Aerospace parachute recovery systems have been credited with saving the lives of 240 pilots and passengers.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words such as "anticipates," "expects," "plans," "believes," "intends," and other similar words or phrases. These statements are only predictions, and are based on current information and expectations. Such statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including market fluctuations, pricing, procurement, manufacturing efficiencies, operating risks, and other risks that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those projected. For more information, review the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, particularly the Company's annual report on Form 10-KSB. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and BRS undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.
Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1059976

Contact:
Gary D. Moore
Email Contact
Larry E. Williams
Email Contact
Voice: 651-457-7491
FAX: 651-457-8651

Kubotek Spectrum Multi-CAD Viewer Available Now for $99

MARLBOROUGH, Mass.- September 9, 2009,-(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kubotek announces that its Multi-CAD Viewer, Spectrum, is now on sale for $99. The Multi-CAD viewer views, manipulates and prints the most popular 2D and 3D CAD formats like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, NX, CATIA V4, Pro/E, IGES, STEP and many others. It also allows users to measure and calculate mass properties.
This viewer is employed by many contract manufacturers in the supply chain because it allows easy viewing for quoting purposes. The viewer normally retails for $695. A version of the product is also available that allows companies to view the CATIA V5 format. The price for this extended version is only $599 (Retail price is $2500).
There is a free seven day trial download available for the standard version viewer to test out the product before purchasing.
“Manufacturers everywhere need the ability to view and manipulate data that is non-native to their proprietary CAD packages. Our Spectrum viewer allows manufacturers to do that. This gives contract manufacturers a real edge, especially in the quoting process,” says Scott Sweeney, Vice President of Marketing at Kubotek. “If manufacturers really want to extend their productivity, they should also know that Kubotek offers products to edit, compare and validate non-native CAD files for a variety of other manufacturing related purposes.”
Contact:
Kubotek USA, Inc.

Andrea Giles,
508-229-2020, ext 7057
agiles@kubotekusa.com

U.S. Army Extends Agreement with nFocus Software

PHOENIX-September 9, 2009-(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Army has extended its maintenance and support agreement with nFocus Software for the TraxSolutions Student Management System, which is customized for the Army Digital Training Management System, or DTMS. The DTMS has been in use by the Army since May 2004.
nFocus Software's TraxSolutions is the official and mandated training system for the U.S. Army, and currently houses training records for over 1.2 million soldiers and 50,000 users. TraxSolutions seamlessly integrates with Army Knowledge Online to provide individualized training information at the soldier level.
Ananda Roberts, President of nFocus Software, said, “Everyone at nFocus Software is proud to continue support of the United States Army, by helping to ensure that our soldiers and units have the training they need to accomplish their missions.”
TraxSolutions Student Management System is part of the TraxSolutions training management suite from nFocus Software, providing training organizations, schools, and school districts with the ability to track and merge detailed student information. Core capabilities of the Student Management System include skill analysis, data aggregation, class scheduling, and student management.
The Digital Training Management System (DTMS) is a web-based commercial-off-the-shelf software application customized to implement FM 7-1 Battle Focused Training. Optimized for use at brigade level and below, the DTMS provides the ability to plan, resource, and manage unit and individual training at all levels. It compiles and displays a unit roll-up of training conducted through a series of customizable tabs to track weapons qualification, Army physical fitness tests, AR 350-1 mandatory training, and deployment tasks from enlistment to retirement.
nFocus Software is the leading provider of data collection and outcome measurement software to the public sector. nFocus Software’s solutions track and measure outcomes for more than 2.5 million children across America and Canada. Our customers include non-profits, Fortune 500 companies and government agencies. Our solutions capably serve organizations ranging from local organizations serving fewer than 100 individuals, to statewide deployments, to the United States Army, where our solutions track the global training and mission readiness of all 1.2 million soldiers.
Contact:
nFocus Software

Rachel Sikes,
602-954-9557
rsikes@nfocus.com

"US-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference 2009" to Discuss Taiwan's Strategy for Integration, Innovation, and Military Transition

ARLINGTON, Va.-September 9, 2009, -(BUSINESS WIRE)--The US-Taiwan Business Council today announced that it will host the 8th annual US-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference from September 27-29, 2009 in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Keynote speakers at the conference will include Wallace “Chip” Gregson, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian & Pacific Security Affairs; David Shear, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for China, Hong Kong, Taiwan & Mongolia; and a senior representative from Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense. Council Chairman Dr. Paul Wolfowitz will be the conference host.
This annual conference focuses on US-Taiwan defense and military cooperation and Taiwan’s future defense and national security needs. This year, conference sessions will examine Taiwan’s military transition and transformation strategy, force modernization and integration, and defense innovation. Special breakout sessions will cover each of the services: Army, Navy, and the Air Force.
Rupert Hammond-Chambers, President of the Council, said “We are honored to have General Gregson and Mr. Shear as keynote speakers. Their views and insights on the U.S.-Taiwan defense and security relationship, and on current and future challenges for Taiwan, will be both valuable and timely.”
Hammond-Chambers added “The Defense Industry Conference is the most important private event reviewing US-Taiwan defense and security issues each year. A high-caliber group of leading U.S. and Taiwan experts - including members of think tanks and academia, as well as representatives from the defense industry - will address many important topics and will engage our attendees in an informative dialogue on shared issues and concerns.”
Visit the US-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference website at www.us-taiwan.org/defense/2009.
About the US-Taiwan Business Council:
The US-Taiwan Business Council (www.us-taiwan.org) is a membership-based non-profit association, founded in 1976 to foster trade and business relations between the United States and Taiwan. The Council provides its members with business intelligence, offers access to an extensive network of relationships, and serves as a vital and effective representative in dealing with business, trade, and investment matters.
Contact:
US-Taiwan Business Council

Lotta Danielsson-Murphy,
703-465-2930
LottaDM@us-taiwan.org

ATK Composite Technology Supports Recent Atlas V Launch

ATK's Heat Shield Protects the Atlas V Launch Vehicle during Ascent ATK Composite Technology Used on 17 Atlas V Launches
MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alliant Techsystems' (NYSE: ATK - News) composite technology supported Tuesday's successful launch of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. The launch placed the PAN satellite into orbit for the U.S. Government.
Using advanced fiber placement manufacturing techniques, ATK produced the 10 foot diameter composite heat shield that provides essential protection for the first stage of the launch vehicle. The part was fabricated by ATK at its Clearfield, Utah facility. This is the 17th Atlas V launch using ATK built composite structures.
ATK's composite technologies deliver superior performance for numerous space launch vehicles, including the Atlas V, Delta II and Delta IV. Composite structures are lighter weight than traditional metal alloys yet offer increased strength. The company also manufactures composite components for military and commercial aircraft.
ATK is a premier aerospace and defense company with more than 18,000 employees in 22 states, Puerto Rico and internationally, and revenues of approximately $4.8 billion. News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.
Media Contact:
Investor Contact:
Rod Gibbons
Phone: 410-864-4932
E-mail:
rod.gibbons@atk.com

Sustainable Oils to Supply Navy with Camelina-Based Jet Fuel

Fuel Will Be Used to Support Navy’s Certification Testing Program
BOZEMAN, Mont.- September 9, 2009,-(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sustainable Oils, a producer of renewable, environmentally clean, and high-value camelina-based fuels, announced today it has been awarded a contract by the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC) for 40,000 gallons of camelina-based jet fuel. The fuel will be delivered to the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) fuels team in 2009 and will support the Navy’s certification testing program of alternative fuels. The contract includes an option to supply up to an additional 150,000 gallons of camelina-based jet fuel.
“This is a substantial endorsement of the years of research and development Sustainable Oils has been doing to improve camelina as a next generation feedstock,” said Scott Johnson, president of Sustainable Oils as well as president of the North American Camelina Trade Association. “Our camelina-based biojet fuel has already performed as well its petroleum counterparts in aviation tests involving a Boeing 747-300. We’re expecting similar performance with different, and even more demanding aircraft. I can think of nothing more appropriate for our nation’s defense aircraft than to be running on domestically-produced fuel.”
Camelina was selected by the DESC because it does not compete with food crops, has been proven to reduce carbon emissions by more than 80 percent, and has already been successfully tested in a commercial airline test flight. In addition, camelina has naturally high oil content, is drought tolerant and requires less fertilizer and herbicides. It is an excellent rotation crop with wheat, and it can also grow on marginal land.
Camelina is the most readily available renewable fuel feedstock that meets the Navy’s criteria, with the ability to scale up acreage to meet demand. The camelina for the contract was primarily grown in 2009 and harvested recently by farmers in Montana. The company also has several field trials in Washington state.
Sustainable Oils has the largest camelina research program in the nation. The company’s camelina breeding program began in 2005 and has steadily expanded to include more than 140 trials across North America from 2005-2009. The company is also evaluating more than 90 breeding populations of camelina to analyze agronomic and oil qualities and to develop new high-yielding varieties. Sustainable Oils leverages biotechnology resources from its Seattle-based agricultural biotech parent company Targeted Growth.
“This contract reflects the great promise of camelina as a readily-available drop-in replacement for aviation fuel,” said Johnson. “It also sends a strong message to farmers that there will be a long term market for camelina oil. We look forward to working with an even larger group of growers in 2010 to meet the increased demand.”
Camelina has also been proven to significantly reduce carbon emissions in aviation fuel. A life cycle analysis (LCA) of jet fuel created from camelina conducted at Michigan Tech University in conjunction with UOP LLC, a Honeywell Company, and Sustainable Oils found that the renewable fuel reduces carbon emissions by 80 percent compared to petroleum jet fuel.
In January, Sustainable Oils sourced the camelina for Japan Airlines’ historic biojet demonstration flight, whose biofuel blend was comprised primarily of camelina. In August, camelina again performed under high-test conditions in a 100 percent blend of fuel powering the Boeing U-787 hydroplane in a series of demonstration laps at the Seafair Cup in Seattle.
The upcoming Navy tests are part of a larger effort to test and certify promising biofuels in support of the Navy and Department of Defense’s strategy to enhance energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
"DESC is partnering with the Navy to move this alternative fuel demonstration forward," said Mark Iden, deputy director of operations for DESC. "This initiative also supports the DoD's desire to meet the intent and goals of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007."
About the Defense Energy Support Center
The Defense Energy Support Center (DESC) is the Department of Defense’s combat logistics support agency. It provides the Department of Defense and other governmental agencies with comprehensive energy solutions in the most effective and efficient manner possible. More information is available at http://www.desc.dla.mil/.
About Sustainable Oils
Sustainable Oils, Inc. is a producer and marketer of renewable, environmentally clean, and high-value camelina-based biodiesel. A joint venture between Targeted Growth, Inc., a renewable energy bioscience company, and Green Earth Fuels, a vertically integrated biodiesel energy company, Sustainable Oils is focused on the continued research and development of dedicated energy crops such as camelina. Sustainable Oils solidly supports both agricultural and green energy initiatives with camelina, which is efficiently and economically grown even on marginal lands, harvested with traditional equipment, and requires minimal water. More information is available at www.susoils.com.
Contact:
Scoville Public Relations

John Williams,
206-625-0075 x 1
jwilliams@scovillepr.com
or
LeAnne Philips,
712-551-7918
lphilips@entira.net

Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Successfully Powers Rocket Launch for U.S. Government Mission

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne yesterday evening helped boost a Lockheed Martin-built satellite for the U.S. government into orbit from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The satellite was aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket powered by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne's RL10 upper-stage engine and the RD AMROSS RD-180 booster engine.
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne is a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX - News). RD AMROSS LLC is a joint venture of Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne and NPO Energomash.
"The RL10 rocket engine continues to provide our Lockheed Martin and United Launch Alliance customers dependable propulsion for launching high value payloads into space," said Jim Maus, director, expendable propulsion programs, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne.
"The AV-018 launch represents the 23rd consecutive successful mission for the RD-180 engine powering an Atlas launch vehicle," said Len Dest, president and CEO of RD AMROSS.
The Atlas V Centaur upper stage is powered by a single RL10A-4-2 engine that delivers 22,300 pounds of thrust. For over 46 years, the RL10 has been one of the United States' most reliable upper-stage engines. The Atlas V booster stage is powered by the RD-180 engine delivering nearly 1 million pounds of thrust. The RD-180 is the only liquid oxygen-kerosene fueled engine with an oxygen-rich staged combustion cycle flying in the United States today.
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc., a part of Pratt & Whitney, is a preferred provider of high-value propulsion, power, energy and innovative system solutions used in a wide variety of government and commercial applications, including the main engines for the space shuttle, Atlas and Delta launch vehicles, missile defense systems and advanced hypersonic engines.
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.

L-3 Awarded Army Technology Contract for Bradley Fighting Vehicles

NEW YORK- September 9, 2009, -(BUSINESS WIRE)--L-3 Communications (NYSE:LLL - News) announced today that its Combat Propulsion Systems and Magnet Motors divisions have been awarded a development contract by the U.S. Army to provide high power electrical generation for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The first phase for the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) is underway, and L-3 will provide 10 system prototypes in the next two years.
Under this program, L-3 will integrate a permanent magnet starter generator and the associated power electronics with its 800 horsepower transmission. The L-3 ISG will be an integral component of the hydro-mechanical power transmission (HMPT), providing all needed vehicle electrical power, as well as the transmission disconnect clutch and auxiliary pump drive system.
“Our unique system will enable the Army to increase the power levels for its combat vehicle electrical systems, which will enhance the capability of the Bradley Fighting Vehicles,” said Charles J. Schafer, senior vice president and president of L-3’s Products Group. “We are very pleased to have successfully applied this technology for use on military vehicles.”
The L-3 HMPT-800-EG system will provide substantial electrical power generation for increasing mission loads and additional integration options for high capacity auxiliary loads for the Bradley Family of Fighting Vehicles. The Bradley G40 ISG is sized for power output of 70 to 160kW between 800 and 2800 rpm.
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications employs over 66,000 people worldwide and is a prime contractor in aircraft modernization and maintenance, C3ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems and government services. L-3 is also a leading provider of high technology products, subsystems and systems. The company reported 2008 sales of $14.9 billion.
To learn more about L-3, please visit the company's Web site at www.L-3com.com. L-3 uses its Web site as a channel of distribution of material company information. Financial and other material information regarding L-3 is routinely posted on the company’s Web site and is readily accessible.
Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this news release are forward-looking statements. Statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to events or conditions or that include words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “will,” “could” and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements set forth above involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any such statement, including the risks and uncertainties discussed in the company’s Safe Harbor Compliance Statement for Forward-looking Statements included in the company’s recent filings, including Forms 10-K and 10-Q, with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and the company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Contact:
L-3 Communications

Corporate Communications
212-697-1111

Quasar Aerospace Industries, Inc. Announces Major Addition to Flight School

JACKSONVILLE, FL--(Marketwire - 09/09/09) - Quasar Aerospace Industries, Inc. (Pinksheets:QASP - News) (formerly) Equus Resources, Inc. (EQUR), announced that Atlantic Aviation has just completed the installation of a state of the art flight simulator. Joshua Henderson, President and Chief Flight Instructor for Atlantic, states that this major addition will greatly enhance our flight training operations, and facilitate the expansion of our flight training business. For more information on this great training aide please go to Redbird Flight Simulations, Inc.'s website at http://www.redbirdflight.com. Mr. Henderson suggests you go to media and view the video, it is quite amazing.
Dean Bradley, CEO of both Quasar Aerospace and Atlantic Aviation, states that we are pleased that our companies are in a strong enough cash position that expensive asset acquisitions like this can be made without resorting to debt financing in the tough credit markets we are all facing in these trying times.
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:
Info-QASP@equititrend.com
800-585-6988

U.S. Navy Awards Raytheon $93 Million Contract for Standard Missile-6

TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 9, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN - News) won the first of several planned low rate initial production (LRIP) contracts to build Standard Missile-6 systems for the U.S. Navy.
The $93 million contract includes the production of missiles and delivery of spare parts and missile containers. Delivery will begin in early 2011.
"Standard Missile-6 has been on budget and on schedule since the program started in 2004," said Frank Wyatt, vice president of Raytheon's Naval Weapon Systems. "LRIP clears the way for delivery to the warfighter of this integral weapon system."
SM-6 will meet the U.S. Navy's requirement for an extended-range anti-air warfare (AAW) missile. The system will provide a defensive capability against fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and anti-ship cruise missiles.
"When combined with future integrated fire control, SM-6 will provide the U.S. Navy with an extended battlespace capability against over-the-horizon AAW threats," said Wyatt. "By taking full advantage of the Standard Missile family's kinematics, SM-6 provides signal processing and superior guidance and control capabilities."
SM-6 also allows the use of active and semi-active modes and advanced fuzing techniques.
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:
This contract award was originally announced by the Department of Defense Sept. 4, 2009.
Contact:
John Eagles
502.364.6768 - office
502.727.9391 - mobile
John_J_Eagles@Raytheon.com

BAE Systems to Provide All-Weather Vehicle Vision Systems To U.S. Army, Marine Corps

AUSTIN, Texas- September 9, 2009, -(BUSINESS WIRE)--BAE Systems will produce a system of infrared sensors that provides 24-hour all-weather visibility to operators of U.S. Army and Marine Corps ground vehicles. The company received an initial order of $10.7 million to deliver 338 Driver’s Vision Enhancer Family of Systems, or DVE-FOS.
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The award from the Army Communications Electronics Command Life Cycle Management Center is part of an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum value of $1.94 billion and a 5-year period of performance. BAE Systems was one of two contractors selected for the contract.
“BAE Systems was selected from a very competitive field of highly capable contractors to provide this important capability,” said Kent Jacobson, director of vehicle solutions for BAE Systems in Austin, Texas. “DVE-FOS will improve mission effectiveness, survivability, and operational safety of military vehicles in all environments.”
DVE-FOS is a comprehensive suite of infrared sensors, displays, vehicle integration kits, and other equipment that will provide all-weather, day-or-night visibility to operators of combat and logistics vehicles. The family of systems includes four variants that are compatible with 17 configurations of Army and Marine Corps vehicles, covering most wheeled and combat platforms in the U.S. inventory.
This award extends BAE Systems’ role as the U.S. forces’ partner of choice in infrared sensors. DVE-FOS joins more than 40,000 thermal weapon sights already in the hands of soldiers and Marines.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defense, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.
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Contact:
BAE SystemsKaren Spiller

Tel: +1 603-885-2818
Mobile: +1 603-566-2090
karen.spiller@baesystems.com
or
Shannon Smith
Tel: +1 703-907-8257
Mobile: +1 703-967-3854
shannon.n.smith@baesystems.com
www.baesystems.com

iLOOKABOUT Partners with JLR Recherche immobiliere to Capture Quebec

LONDON, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - 09/09/09) - iLOOKABOUT Corp. (TSX-V:ILA - News) ("iLOOKABOUT" or the "Company") announced today an Agreement with JLR Recherche immobiliere ("JLR") to provide StreetScape street-level imagery for the Canadian Province of Quebec. Financial terms were not disclosed.
iLOOKABOUT will provide full coverage of most public streets in the Province of Quebec, with its StreetScape visual data intelligence product, to JLR for integration and resale with their real estate data products. JLR will utilize the new StreetScape imagery to update property characteristic data and enhance their current report offering. In addition, the two companies will collaborate on new offerings combining visual and relevant real estate related data to offer enhanced report capabilities, as well as entering into resale and cross licensing agreements.
"JLR is extremely pleased to be entering into a long term agreement with iLOOKABOUT," stated Louis Felix Laroche, CEO of JLR. "The quality of the imagery, speed of capture and unique visual products are a perfect match with our real estate data offering. JLR is committed to continually enhancing our product offering." He continued, "With iLOOKABOUT providing new and improved imaging capabilities, we can continue to expand our real estate data."
"iLOOKABOUT is very happy to be partnered with a market leader like JLR," said Jeff Young, President and CEO, iLOOKABOUT, "StreetScape is ideally suited to the real estate market and when combined with JLR's extensive, high quality database it creates a formidable offering." Image collection and integration commenced early in August.
About iLOOKABOUT
iLOOKABOUT is a visual data intelligence company serving commercial enterprise in the real estate, insurance, municipal, utility, assessment and appraisal sectors in North America and Europe. iLOOKABOUT is a pioneer in visual data intelligence with its StreetScape and Virtual Tour products. StreetScape is a visual data intelligence product for the geo-spatial market, providing panoramic, comprehensive, street level perspective visual data, geo-coded with latitude and longitude coordinates for accuracy and supported by patented software processes and proprietary security and storage systems. Headquartered in London, Ontario, Canada, iLOOKABOUT has offices in Toronto, Canada and London, UK. iLOOKABOUT's shares are traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol ILA.
About JLR Recherche immobiliere
Since 1987 JLR Recherche immobiliere has provided real estate related data to the Province of Quebec. Sales history, market comparables, descriptions, building permits and municipal assessment data are all available online in easy to consume reports. Headquartered in Blainville, Quebec, the company also offers property reports from the United States.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:
iLOOKABOUT Corp.
Jeff Young
President and CEO
519-963-2015
519-963-5009 (FAX)
info@ilookabout.com
www.ilookabout.com

AeroMechanical Services Ltd. Announces First Business Aircraft Installation

CALGARY, Alberta--September 9, 2009, (BUSINESS WIRE)--AeroMechanical Services Ltd. (AMA) is pleased to announce that it has completed its first installation of afirsTM UpTimeTM on a business aircraft and conducted a flawless flight test on a Hawker Beechcraft business jet in Europe. The aircraft, operated by a large fleet operator, will now enter an in-service evaluation of afirs UpTime flight watch, real time event reporting, UpTime Fuel and Emissions Management, flight data monitoring support, and emergency mode data streaming. The certifications (by Transport Canada, the United States Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”), and European Aviation Safety Agency (“EASA”)) that result from the flight test will supplement previously-granted certifications for the installation provisions. These activation approvals, normally expected within a period of several weeks, will apply to the Hawker Beechcraft 750, 800XP, 850XP and 900XP models, of which over 700 are in service or on order.
Richard Hayden, President of AMA, stated, “We are delighted, but not surprised, with the successful integration and testing of afirs on this popular business aircraft series. This represents a key milestone in AMA’s long term strategy to expand our customer base into the business aviation market, where our capabilities will be highly valued. We believe that the scope of services that we have now deployed is unrivaled in the business aviation sector. Thanks to all involved for the tremendous team effort to make this day possible”.
About AeroMechanical Services Ltd.
AeroMechanical Services Ltd. provides proprietary technological solutions and services designed to reduce costs and improve efficiencies in the aviation industry. The company has successfully commercialized three products and associated services currently marketed to airlines, manufacturers and maintenance organizations around the world. Its premier technology, afirs™ UpTime™, and FIRSTTM allows airlines to monitor and manage aircraft operations anywhere, anytime, in real-time.
afirs, UpTime, FLYHT and aeroQ are Trade Marks of AeroMechanical Services Ltd.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contact:
AeroMechanical Services Ltd
Tom French, CFO,
403-291-7427
tfrench@amscanada.com
www.amscanada.com
or
The Howard Group Inc.
Bob Beaty
Toll Free: 1-888-221-0915
Info@howardgroupinc.com
www.howardgroupinc.com

STG Wins $5.1 Million NOAA ITC Task Order

STG to Manage Day-to-Day IT Operations at ITC
RESTON, Va.--September 9, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE)--STG, Inc. (STG) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Information Technology Center (ITC) task order. This performance-based bridge task order is worth $5.1 million over an 18-month period and will be performed under NOAA’s Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) and High-Performance Computing and Communications, Information Systems Management Office (ISMO). STG will assume the day-to-day responsibility for managing NOAA’s IT resources at the ITC and software support to the Administrative Services Division (ASD).
“In developing our solution for NOAA, we delivered the best-value solution that ensures a stable and secure platform that will meet all performance requirements while exceeding expectations,” said Paul Fernandes, STG COO. “This contract goes beyond numbers for STG…it offers us an opportunity to leverage our expertise within NOAA OCIO while at the same time strengthening our existing 8-year relationship within the administration.”
ISMO operates NOAA’s financial and administrative computing center and provides IT oversight, systems analysis, design and computer programming support for NOAA. The objectives of this task order are to ensure that the infrastructure functions efficiently, provide data for management and reporting, assist the government in changes to the IT infrastructure, meet NOAA strategic goals for state-of-the-art and secure IT support services and increase efficiency by having a single source to contact.
“STG was chosen based on our strong Financial and IT core competencies and ability to kick off the task order demands immediately,” said STG President and CEO Simon Lee. “STG has a rich history of partnering with NOAA, and we are honored that they recognized that STG has the superior technical experience required to succeed on this task order. We demonstrated our commitment to NOAA by completing a smooth, seamless transition just three days after award, and we look forward to meeting all future challenges and exceeding expectations.”
About STG
Since 1986, STG has provided the U.S. government with customer-focused, performance-based solutions — using technology as an engine to drive our customers’ missions. Solutions are leveraged from our core competencies in information technology, applied engineering, homeland security and scientific support. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, STG is one of a small percentage of U.S. companies with an SEI CMMI Maturity Level 3 rating and ISO 9001:2000 certification — ensuring repeatable processes with high-quality, low-risk results for our customers. Visit STG at www.stginc.com
.
Contact:STG, Inc.
David Lilie
703-691-2480 x219
dlilie@stginc.com

Raytheon Awarded $19 Million Contract for Lightweight Torpedoes

TEWKSBURY, Mass., Sept. 9, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN - News) has received a $19.3 million U.S. Navy contract to provide MK54 lightweight torpedo hardware.
With this award, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) is under contract to deliver 241 MK54 kits, of which 100 kits will be delivered to the Turkish Navy via a Foreign Military Sales agreement.
"We are working with our Navy customer and advancing the reliability and effectiveness of both light and heavyweight torpedoes," said Charles "Tom" Bush, IDS' vice president of Seapower Capability Systems. "Our dedication to quality and execution stems from our commitment to deliver the most capable undersea warfare weapons to the U.S. Navy and naval fleets around the world."
Raytheon IDS is the U.S. Navy's sole production supplier for light and heavyweight torpedoes. The company works directly with the Navy to meet the torpedo requirements of U.S. and allied fleets.
Together, the Navy and Raytheon have formed a total enterprise partnership, Team Torpedo, dedicated to the design and production of the world's most capable torpedoes. Raytheon's Team Torpedo combines manufacturing, design engineering, and support services expertise with the systems engineering and testing capabilities of Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) operations in Newport, R.I., and Keyport, Wash.
Work on the contracts will be performed at Raytheon's Torpedo and Readiness Center, co-located with the U.S. Navy at NUWC Division Keyport, Wash., and at the Seapower Capability Center, Portsmouth, R.I.
Integrated Defense Systems is Raytheon's leader in Global Capabilities Integration, providing affordable, integrated solutions to a broad international and domestic customer base, including the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the U.S. Armed Forces and the Department of Homeland Security.
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.
Contact:
Carolyn Beaudry
401.842.3550

U.S. Military Reorders ZAP Electric Truck

Eleven Electric Trucks and Five Charging Stations Going to International Base
SANTA ROSA, CA--(Marketwire - 09/09/09) - Electric vehicle pioneer ZAP (OTC.BB:ZAAP - News) has received a follow-on order from the U.S. military for additional Zaptruck XL electric vehicles and charging stations for shipment to a second international base.
The reorder was based on an initial trial order placed in June. The new order includes eleven Zaptruck XLs as well as five 220-volt fast charging stations.
The company also confirmed that ZAP CEO Steven Schneider and Board Chair Priscilla M. Lu have just returned from China where they negotiated expanded manufacturing supply line agreements prompted by increased demand for 100% electric vehicles from corporate and government fleet buyers in the U.S.
According to Amos Kazzaz, ZAP's COO in charge of production and sales, "We have been increasing our production and assembly schedules for the past several months and I expect to see even more ramp-up initiatives in the next quarter."
While the XL trucks are normally equipped with on-board 110-volt or 220-volt smart chargers, the charging stations are specially designed for rapid charging. Like a fuel pump, the electric trucks can pull up and plug in between trips, what is called an "opportunity charge" in the industry. These advanced chargers are designed to charge ZAP trucks almost completely in an hour, enabling the vehicles with much greater range on a daily basis.
ZAP noted a significant increase in interest from fleet buyers over the past several months. In August, the Federal Aviation Administration awarded ZAP a contract for seven ZAP trucks.
For more news and information on ZAP, please visit www.IRGnews.com/coi/ZAAP where you can find the CEO's video, a fact sheet on the company, investor presentations and more.
About ZAP
ZAP has been a leader in electric transportation since 1994, manufacturing a line of electric vehicles, including electric city-cars and trucks, motorcycles, scooters, and ATVs. ZAP sells some of the only electric city-speed cars and trucks in production today and is developing a freeway capable electric roadster called the ZAP Alias. For further information visit http://www.zapworld.com.
Forward-Looking Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, continued acceptance of the Company's products, increased levels of competition for the Company, new products and technological changes, the Company's dependence upon third-party suppliers, intellectual property rights, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact:
Investor Relations Group
212-825-3210
Investor Relations
Jason Strominger or Michael Crawford
Media Relations
Laura Colontrelle

U.K. Ministry of Defence Places Inaugural Order for BAE Systems Helmet-Mounted Display System

LONDON- September 9, 2009, -(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.K. Ministry of Defence has placed the first order for a new generation of helmet-mounted displays developed by BAE Systems. The Royal Navy will purchase 12 remote sighting systems incorporating BAE Systems’ Q-Sight™ display, for its Lynx Mk8 helicopters.
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“Q-Sight makes aviators more effective in many situations, including degraded visual environments such as brown-out conditions,” said Jim Garceau, vice president of defense avionics for BAE Systems. “Its lightweight design increases pilot comfort, and its wide field of view enables pilots to keep their heads up and eyes out of the cockpit while performing their missions. Q-Sight also provides important capabilities to other crew members, including door gunners and loadmasters.”
BAE Systems announced the inaugural order at a media briefing at DSEi 2009, the Defense Systems and Equipment International Exhibition in London.
The Q-Sight display is a key element of the Gunner’s Remote Sighting System (GRSS), a system that will allow the image from a machine gun-mounted thermal weapon sight to be displayed remotely on a see-through display mounted on the weapon operator’s helmet. The system is compatible with standard night-vision goggles and, unlike other technologies, enables users to seamlessly switch between goggles and the thermal sight to acquire, track, and engage targets. Combining Q-Sight and the thermal sight will significantly improve effectiveness and accuracy of shots on target.
The 12 Gunner Remote Sighting Systems will be delivered to the MoD by May 2010, with initial systems delivered at the end of 2009 for training use. Deployment of the equipment will be worldwide and provide a significant capability enhancement for maritime force protection, counter-piracy, and counter-narcotics operations.
Using patented technology to move light via holographic waveguides, the Q-Sight system displays a video image on a transparent screen approximately the thickness of a credit card. This technology eliminates the need for complex intermediate lenses that are heavy and create visual distortions. The system is lighter, simpler, performs better, and costs less than conventional helmet-mounted displays.
The lightweight Q-Sight can easily be fitted to any standard helmet, providing plug-and-play capability that is compatible with existing and future sensor video and symbology sources and other helmet display technologies.
BAE Systems introduced the Q-Sight in late 2007 after a decade of technology development that included partnerships with leading defense research laboratories.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defense, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.
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Contact:
BAE Systems

Rachel Decker
Tel: +1 703-907-8381
Mobile: +1 571-438-1284
rachel.decker@baesystems.com
or
Shannon Smith
Tel: +1 703-907-8257
Mobile: +1 703-967-3854
shannon.n.smith@baesystems.com
www.baesystems.com