Friday, December 18, 2009

$1.2 Million in Additional Funding Secured to Continue Development of Dual-Mode Micro-Seeker Technology for Near-Term Use in Defensive Military

$1.2 Million in Additional Funding Secured to Continue Development of Dual-Mode Micro-Seeker Technology for Near-Term Use in Defensive Military Applications Such as Counter-Rocket, Artillery and Mortar Systems
Monrovia Firm Awarded Basic Contract in 2006
MONROVIA, CA--(Marketwire - 12/18/09) - Dr. John Tanner, President and founder of Tanner Research, Inc. announced today that the Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) awarded a contract for $1.2 million in additional funding to continue development of a dual-mode micro-seeker technology needed to guide gun-launched counter-munitions to intercept incoming rocket, artillery and mortar (C-RAM) threats. Upon being notified of the contract award, Congressman David Dreier (CA, 26th) commented, "I am proud to support Tanner Research's efforts in developing this important defense system component to protect U.S. troops against incoming rocket, artillery and mortar threats. I applaud the hard-working researchers who have produced cutting-edge technologies for our armed forces."
Monrovia-based Tanner Research, Inc. is developing a dual-mode micro-seeker to cost-effectively combine a bistatic radar seeker for coarse-control with a short-range optical-based seeker for precision terminal accuracy in the endgame. Tanner's unique dual-mode seeker concept optimizes both modalities at very low-cost for use in high-density gun-and missile-launched counter-munitions applications such as the Army's Extended Area Protection System (EAPS).
"America's ability to continue to innovate but at a lower cost may be the challenge for the 21st Century, particularly in assuring our national defense and future success as a nation. We look forward to continue working with ARDEC in providing the Army and other services with the high-value technology needed in the most cost-effective manner possible," said Dr. John Tanner.
Tanner Research provides advanced technology research with focus areas in imagers, image processing, chemical detection and micro machine design; and electronic design automation (EDA) software tools, consulting engineering and manufacturing services for integrated circuits. Customers include the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of Energy, NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Microsoft, IBM, and Intel.
The company's address is 825 South Myrtle Avenue, Monrovia, Calif. 91016-3424 U.S.A. Phone: +1-626-471-9700, fax: +1-626-471-9800, www.tanner.com
Acronyms:
ARDEC: Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center
C-RAM: Counter Artillery, Rocket and Mortar (munitions)
EAPS: Extended Area Protection System
Contact:
Press Contact:
David Sanderson
Business Development

U.S. Army Awards General Dynamics $134 Million for Stryker Combat Vehicle Work

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich., Dec. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --The U.S. Army TACOM Lifecycle Management Command has awarded General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), $134 million for work in support of the Stryker family of combat vehicles.
This delivery order funds design and engineering work and enhancements on up to 550 Stryker vehicles that support Operation Enduring Freedom. Work will be performed in Anniston, Ala.; Sterling Heights, Mich.; Lima, Ohio; and London, Ontario, Canada, and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2010.
The Army has seven Stryker Brigade Combat Teams, three of which are deployed in combat zones: two in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. To date, General Dynamics has delivered nearly 3,000 vehicles and trained more than 19,000 soldiers in their use.
Stryker Brigade Combat Teams have operated with historically high mission availability rates in Iraq since October 2003, demonstrating the value of a force that can move rapidly as a cohesive and networked combined-arms combat team. Stryker is a family of eight-wheel drive combat vehicles that can travel at speeds in excess of 60 mph on highways, with a range of 312 miles. Stryker operates with the latest C4ISR equipment and an integrated armor package to protect soldiers against improvised explosive devices, rocket propelled grenades, and a variety of infantry weapons.
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 92,300 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about General Dynamics is available online at www.generaldynamics.com.

Fiat's Iveco wins $3.37 billion Brazil army deal

TURIN, Italy, Dec 18 (Reuters) - Fiat's (FIA.MI) commercial vehicles unit Iveco has won a $3.37 billion contract to supply 2,044 armoured personnel carriers to the Brazilian army, Iveco said in a statement on Friday.
"The contract has a value of 6 billion reals ($3.37 billion) in over 20 years," the statement said.
The vehicles will replace the previous Urutu model, Iveco added.
Production of the first tranche of the vehicles should start in 2012 and deliveries will be completed by 2030. The vehicles will be produced in Brazil. ($1=1.782 Brazilian real) (Reporting by Gianni Montani; Writing by Jo Winterbottom; Editing by Greg Mahlich)

Orbital Awarded Phase 2 Contract for "System F6" Satellite Program By DARPA

-- Company to Develop Fractionated Spacecraft Architecture that Could Transform Space Systems --
-- $75 Million Contract Award Continues Orbital’s Momentum in Innovative National Security Space Systems Market --
DULLES, Va.--December 18, 2009, (BUSINESS WIRE)--Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB - News), a world leader in smaller-sized civil government and national security satellites, announced today that it has been awarded a Phase 2 contract by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Arlington, VA, to develop the final design for “System F6” (Future Fast, Flexible, Fractionated, Free-Flying Spacecraft). The Phase 2 award to Orbital came as a result of a down-select by DARPA from among several companies that participated in the program’s Phase 1 study contracts in 2008 and 2009. The Phase 2 contract is valued at $74.6 million over a one-year period of performance.
The objective of the System F6 program is to develop and demonstrate the basic building blocks of a radically new space architecture in which traditional large, multi-functional “monolithic” spacecraft are replaced by clusters of wirelessly interconnected spacecraft modules. Each of these modules performs a subset of the tasks performed by a large classical spacecraft and works together in a cluster to provide the same overall effective mission capability. By allowing the various functions of a spacecraft to be developed and launched separately, this type of “fractionated” system provides benefits such as reduced overall risk, budgetary and planning flexibility, faster initial deployment, and ultimately greater survivability, including selective replacement of damaged or obsolete elements of a complex spacecraft.
“System F6 has the potential to be a game-changing innovation in the way space systems are designed, built and operated in much the same way as the DARPA-developed Internet has changed many aspects of our daily lives,” stated Mr. Gregg Burgess, Orbital’s Vice President for National Security Systems in the company’s Advanced Programs Group. “System F6 is not just an incremental improvement in technology, but rather a fundamental transformation of the entire space community. Fractionated and networked architectures could be the answer to recurring problems that debilitate the space sector, including significant cost increases, late deliveries, launch mishaps and on-orbit failures.”
In the next phase of the System F6 program, Orbital will be responsible for the detailed design and ground testing of the new technologies, architectures and programmatic concepts required to successfully fractionate a space system. These include wireless data communications, cluster flight operations, distributed spacecraft computing systems, rapidly relocatable ground systems, and value-centric design methodologies.
Orbital was selected by DARPA out of four Phase 1 contractors to continue work on Phase 2 of the program, leading to a planned flight demonstration in 2013. The company’s program partners include IBM and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Phase 2 will include development of the detailed design of the spacecraft modules, ground elements and launch options; a hardware-in-the-loop test-bed ground demonstration with new technology prototypes; and release of an F6 Developer’s Kit, which will allow third-parties to design compatible fractionated modules.
System F6 incorporates most key technology development in an “open source” format, a new and radical concept in spacecraft systems. All software source code, interfaces, standards and operating systems will be available to everyone, including the public. This will allow any interested third parties to develop modules compatible with the existing spacecraft network. These modules can launch and connect to the already deployed cluster, allowing them to leverage resources available in the network. The eventual goal is to provide an open source compatibility platform where any new satellite launched into space can access and reap the benefits of a worldwide interconnected system, similar to how the Internet functions on Earth.
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.
Note to Editors: A high-resolution concept image of DARPA’s System F6 in orbit is available on Orbital’s web site at: http://www.orbital.com/images/High/F6_constellation.jpg
Contact:
Orbital Sciences Corporation

Barron Beneski,
703-406-5528
Public and Investor Relations
beneski.barron@orbital.com

Cyberlux Produces and Ships First Ten Portable Shelter Lighting Systems for OEM Department of Defense Customer Order

Cyberlux Portable Shelter Lighting Product to Replace Fluorescent Lighting in Existing DoD Portable Command and Control, Personnel and General Purpose Tents and Shelters
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.--December 18, 2009, (BUSINESS WIRE)--Cyberlux Corporation (OTCBB: CYBL - News), a leading provider of LED lighting solutions, announced today that the Company has completed the production and shipment of ten Portable Shelter Lighting Systems for an exclusive Department of Defense (DoD) order for a multi-national OEM customer. Introduced earlier this year, the Cyberlux Portable Shelter Lighting System is designed to replace the existing fluorescent lighting used in all free-standing field shelters, ranging from personnel tents to command and control complexes.
The Cyberlux Portable Shelter Lighting (PSL) products deliver the most energy efficient white and red LED lighting available for portable shelter illumination. Designed to provide ideal light dispersion and illumination for the portable shelter environment, Cyberlux has engineered the PSL configuration to flexibly illuminate any shelter size and scale, all powered by either AC or DC power, including DC solar power if available. These PSL products expand the Cyberlux OEM product offerings to the DoD supplier marketplace and address the significant fluorescent lighting technology transition.
“By producing and shipping the first 10 PSL systems for this influential OEM customer, Cyberlux has taken another important step towards becoming the LED OEM lighting partner for third-party companies who supply the military, commercial and retail marketplace. Cyberlux has a history of supplying military-grade lighting technology to the DoD industry, with products designed around lighting efficiency, advanced thermal design and superior lighting performance, all delivered in an optimized product package. Now we are offering this same capability to those companies who hold existing contracts and have lighting needs that require our capabilities. As we anticipate the significant expenditures on LED lighting within the DoD, our technology, product know-how and OEM production capability have Cyberlux well positioned to be a leading product solution for these DoD opportunities,” said Mark Schmidt, president and chief executive officer of Cyberlux. “This OEM opportunity of the 10 PSL systems, as well the continual development of LED products requested by both new and existing clients demonstrates the way in which we have defined our new and expanding business model.”
About Cyberlux Corporation
Cyberlux Corporation (OTCBB: CYBL - News), a leader in solid-state lighting innovation, has developed breakthrough LED lighting technology that provides the most energy efficient and cost effective portable lighting solutions available today for military and commercial uses. The Military and Homeland Security products provide tactical covert and visible lighting capability and are designed as highly mobile, battery-powered lighting systems ideal for threat detection, force and asset protection and general expeditionary lighting needs. For more information, please visit www.cyberlux.com.
This news release contains forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially from those expected due to a variety of risk factors, including, but not limited to, the Company’s ability to expand its production capabilities concurrent with product orders. The Company’s business is subject to significant risks and uncertainties discussed more thoroughly in Cyberlux Corporation's SEC filings, including but not limited to, its report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2008 and its 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements, which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Contact:
Cyberlux Corporation
Investor Contact:
Richard Brown,
617-314-7379

Saab Receives Order for Spare Parts for Gripen

STOCKHOLM--December 18, 2009,(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News: Defence and security company Saab (STO:SAABB) has received an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) regarding spare parts for the current Gripen fleet. The order amounts to SEK 200 million.
The order concerns spare parts including so-called "line replacement units", easily interchangeable modules that make it possible to correct faults in a workshop instead of in the aircraft on the ground. The units are part of an agreement to supply spare material for Gripen and includes Thailand, Hungary and the Czech Republic.
The order concerns Saab's units in Linköping, Kista, Jönköping and Mölndal, but it does not mean any new employment.
Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents and constantly develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.
For streaming and broadcast-standard video, please visit www.thenewsmarket.com/saab . If you are a first-time user, please take a moment to register. In case you have any questions, please e-mail journalisthelp@thenewsmarket.com.
The information is that which Saab AB is required to declare by the Securities Business Act and/or the Financial instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication on December 18 at 11.00.
This information was brought to you by Cision http://www.cisionwire.com
Contact:
Saab Press Centre

+46 (0)734 180 018
www.saabgroup.com

South Korean Space Center Selects XCOR's Lynx for Suborbital Operations

MOJAVE, Calif. and YECHEON-GUN, ROK, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- The Yecheon Astro Space Center announced today that it has selected XCOR Aerospace as its preferred supplier of suborbital space launch services. Operating under a wet lease model, XCOR intends to supply services to the Center using the Lynx Mark II suborbital vehicle, pending United States government approvals to station the vehicle in the Republic of Korea.
XCOR is committed to working with the US Department of State, Department of Defense, Department of Commerce and other agencies of the US government to comply with relevant laws, regulations, policies and procedures. XCOR has engaged specialized export control consultants from the Commonwealth Consulting Group of Arlington, Virginia, and legal counsel from the Washington, D.C. office of the international firm Bingham McCutchen, to assist in this first of a kind effort.
"This is a ground breaking opportunity for our company, our industry and a very good opportunity for the US to set an example of responsible international commerce in space transportation," said XCOR CEO Jeff Greason. "To our knowledge, this is the first time that a US commercial suborbital launch vehicle will undergo the export licensing and approval process. We believe there is no better pathfinder than with our partners at the South Korean Yecheon Astro Space Center."
Yecheon Astro Space Center is a non-profit entity that operates multiple space related activities including: aerospace training center; astronomy research center; planetarium; a commercial space camp with centrifuge; and commercial helicopter tourism operation in the South Korean State of Gyeongsangbuk-do, approximately 240 kilometers (150 miles) southeast of Seoul.
Working closely with its partners, Yecheon Astro Space Center has formed a broad coalition of regional and national entities to fund the approximately $30 Million project to bring the Lynx to Yecheon for space tourism, educational, scientific and environmental monitoring missions, making it the early leader in commercial manned space flight in Asia. Under the envisioned arrangement, Yecheon will be the exclusive Lynx operational site in Korea.
"As part of our long term strategic plan, we have performed an extensive review of the suborbital vehicle suppliers over the past 18 months, and found XCOR's Lynx to be the best mix of safe design, reliable clean propulsion, skilled team members, full reusability, ease of operation, turn around time, upfront cost and long term cost to operate," said Mr. Jo Jae-Seong, Founder and Chief Executive Director of Yecheon Astro Space Center. "We look forward to a long term relationship with XCOR and Lynx!"
"This is an incredibly important development for the New Space industry charting a course for other innovative US companies to flourish here and abroad. It will produce high paying manufacturing jobs, and allow the innovative spirit of America to take root and grow a new industry before international participants can catch up," said XCOR Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Nelson, adding, "I think the wet lease model is an innovative means to safely operate, maintain and provide physical security for the Lynx while ensuring that US export control issues are addressed completely."
XCOR Aerospace is a California corporation located in Mojave, California. The company is in the business of developing and producing safe, reliable and reusable rocket powered vehicles, propulsion systems, advanced non-flammable composites and other enabling technologies for responsive private space flight, scientific missions, upper atmospheric research, and small satellite launch to low earth orbit. The Lynx is a piloted, two seat, fully reusable, liquid rocket powered vehicle that takes off and lands horizontally. The Lynx production models (designated Lynx Mark II) are designed to be robust, multi-commercial mission vehicles capable of flying to 100+ km in altitude up to four times per day. XCOR's web address is: www.xcor.com.
Yecheon Astro Space Center (formerly called the Yecheon Astronomy Foundation) is a non-profit educational and research entity established in the city of Yecheon-gun, state of Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea. The Center is home to: an astronomical research center that houses a collection of research telescopes and auxiliary telescopes, and other research apparatus; a space camp training center with centrifuge, aerial rooftop training device and reduced gravity simulators; a planetarium; a conference center and dormitories; and a helicopter tour operation. The Center's web site is: www.portsky.net

U.S. spends $23 billion on Afghan contracts so far

WASHINGTON, Dec 17 (Reuters) - The United States has spent over $23 billion on reconstruction and development contracts in Afghanistan since 2002, and auditors say about $1 billion of this is waste, a U.S. senator said on Thursday.
The contract spending is expected to rise with President Barack Obama's planned surge of 30,000 U.S. forces into Afghanistan in the coming months, Senator Claire McCaskill said at a subcommitee hearing.
"Currently there is a great deal we do not know about contracting in Afghanistan. We do know, however, that the president's new strategy in Afghanistan will bring a massive increase in the number and value of contracts and contractors in Afghanistan," the Democratic senator said.
The money has gone to projects ranging from road-building and power generation to agricultural and urban development and water sanitation, McCaskill's staff said in a memorandum prepared for the hearing of the Subcommittee on Contracting Oversight, which she chairs.
The panel is part of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
The $23 billion contract spending estimate was made by the Federal Procurement Data System, a central depository of information on U.S. government contracting, the subcommittee memorandum said.
McCaskill said the waste identifed by auditors amounted to nearly one in six dollars spent on Afghan contracts so far. She worried that the waste and fraud that had been seen in some contracting in Iraq would be repeated in Afghanistan.
Jeffrey Parsons, director of the Army Contracting Command, testified before the subcommittee that the Army is training contracting officers being sent to Afghanistan so they can better identify bad business practices.
Over 100,000 contractors are working for the U.S. government in Afghanistan, and that number could reach 160,000 next year, McCaskill said, citing estimates by the Congressional Research Service.
Some two-thirds of the current contractors are Afghans, she said.
The Congressional Research Service recently said the United States has spent nearly $230 billion on the war in Afghanistan. That amount will jump to $300 billion once Congress has approved a military spending bill for fiscal 2010. The House has approved it and the Senate is expected to act on the bill this week.