Boeing: EADS A400 problems bring opportunities for C-17

Defense News ~ WASHINGTON, Jan 11 (Reuters) - Problems with Europe's A400
military transport could result in some additional sales opportunities for Boeing's C-17 cargo plane, a senior Boeing (BA.N) executive said on Monday. Dennis Muilenburg, president and chief executive of Boeing's recently reorganized Defense, Space and Security unit, cited demand for the C-17 from India and the United Arab Emirates.
Muilenburg, who spoke at a meeting of the National Aeronautic Association, said he expected international demand to continue to grow.
Boeing was investing to ensure it can keep unit costs for the C-17 steady even if production rates decline, he said.
(Reporting by Andrea Shalal-Esa; Editing by Phil Berlowitz)

Northrop Grumman Makes Early Delivery of Mine Detection System

Defense News ~ BETHPAGE, N.Y., Jan. 11, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC - News) delivered the first Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Phase 2 Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) to the U.S. Navy more than six weeks ahead of schedule.
Mounted on a helicopter, ALMDS rapidly detects and locates surface and near-surface moored mines so they can be neutralized before they can damage U.S. and allied military and commercial ships.
Northrop Grumman is delivering three ALMDS systems under the LRIP Phase 2 contract awarded in March 2008. The first system, accepted by the Navy on Dec. 16, 2009, had been scheduled for delivery on Jan. 31, 2010. The Navy already has two ALMDS systems produced under LRIP Phase 1.
"Mines are an inexpensive threat, deployable by terrorists and rogue states, to international shipping and access assurance by our military vessels. Both our customer and industry team saw the need to counter that threat as rapidly as possible," said Bob Klein, vice president, Northrop Grumman Maritime and Tactical Systems. "Mines are also a threat to the sailors who must neutralize them. Northrop Grumman's ALMDS, particularly when coupled with our mine clearance system, will not only address the threat but keep the sailor out of the minefield."
ALMDS, mounted on the port side of an MH-60 helicopter, uses pulsed laser light and streak tube receivers housed in an external equipment pod to image the entire near-surface volume area of the sea in 3-D. The ALMDS is capable of day or night operations.
Eventually, ALMDS will be coupled with Northrop Grumman's Rapid Airborne Mine Clearance System (RAMICS), which is in development. RAMICS will take the mine location information from ALMDS, relocate and then neutralize the mine with its 30 mm gun. It also operates from a helicopter.
Northrop Grumman, which developed and produces the ALMDS at its Melbourne, Fla., facility, was able to make the early deliveries with the teamwork of the government PEO Littoral & Mine Warfare (PMS 495 Mine Warfare Program Office); the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City, Fla.; the Defense Contracting Management Activity, Melbourne, Fla.; and, its subcontractor teammates, including: Arete Associates, Tucson, Ariz. which manufactures the Receiver Sensor Assembly; Cutting Edge Optronics (CEO), a Northrop Grumman subsidiary in St. Charles, Mo., which manufactures the high-powered laser transmitter; CPI Aero, Edgewood, N.Y., manufacturer of the pod housing; Curtiss Wright/DY4, San Diego, manufacturer of the central electronics chassis; Meggitt Defense Systems, Irvine, Calif., which produces the environmental control system.
Northrop Grumman's Melbourne facility is the company's Center of Excellence for Airborne Mine Countermeasures and is currently under contract for the development or manufacture of the Department of Defense's four Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) sensor programs.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Contact:
John A. Vosilla
Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems
(516) 575-5119
John.Vosilla@ngc.com

Lockheed Martin to Integrate Legacy Waveforms Into the Airborne, Maritime/Fixed Station Joint Tactical Radio System

Five Existing Radio Waveforms to be Added to Tactical Communications Network

Defense News ~ SAN DIEGO, Jan. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- True tactical communications interoperability for joint forces is becoming a reality, as more radio waveforms are slated to be integrated into the revolutionary Airborne, Maritime/Fixed Station Joint Tactical Radio System (AMF JTRS). The Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) team recently received a modification to their existing contract for the porting, integration and test of five additional waveforms. This exercised contract option is valued at $29 million.

"Linking these legacy radio waveforms into AMF JTRS is significant for the future of interoperable communication and further demonstrates the flexibility of our system design," said John Mengucci, president of Lockheed Martin's Information Systems & Global Services-Defense. "Not only will we extend the reach of the network, but we will take a quantum leap toward getting tactical communications to those in harm's way."

Once completely fielded, AMF JTRS will link more than 100 platforms, providing connectivity to areas where no communications infrastructure previously existed. The assets of joint military forces will be able to seamlessly synchronize with the soldier in the foxhole, providing near instantaneous awareness of the combat environment. Interoperable communications are enabled without the need for multiple radios or hardware upgrades as new capabilities are fielded.

AMF JTRS is designed to interface with legacy radios, waveforms and systems, as its capability is digitally defined in software and all signal processing is handled by a programmable computer. Under the newly exercised contract option, Lockheed Martin's team will integrate five legacy VHF/UHF line-of-sight waveforms into the system - as well as the associated cryptographic algorithms. These waveforms are: Single Channel Ground-Air Radio System (SINCGARS), HAVEQUICK I/II, VHF FM, UHF line-of-sight AM, and UHF FM/PSK/CPM. These join the waveforms previously under contract to be incorporated into the network: Wideband

Networking Waveform (WNW), Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW), Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), UHF SATCOM and Link-16. All waveforms will operate on both the Small Airborne and the Maritime/Fixed Station Joint Tactical Radios.

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.

For additional information, visit our website: http://www.lockheedmartin.com

Alion Awarded $4.7M Task Order to Assess Operational Readiness of IT Products Throughout the Product Lifecycle

Technology Solutions Company to Support Department of Veteran Affairs Throughout Software Development Lifecycle Process

Defense News ~ MCLEAN, Va.--January 11, 2010, (BUSINESS WIRE)--Alion Science and Technology, an employee-owned technology solutions company, was awarded a $4.7 million task order from the Department of Veteran Affairs to support information technology (IT) product development and implementation.
Alion will assist the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Office of Health Administration by establishing collaborative checkpoints for early identification and validation of critical business requirements and traceability throughout the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC). Alion will also assess the ongoing effectiveness of IT products once they are deployed. The task order was awarded off of the General Services Administration MOBIS contract.

“Alion’s role is to provide independent insight into VHA’s IT projects,” said Damon Griggs, Alion Senior Vice President and Manager of the Business Solutions Group. “We will perform a functional review on products that will focus on issues and risks that may impede full product adoption and readiness. We will also define strategies to resolve or mitigate any issues before a system is deployed to end users.”

VHA is a division within the Department of Veteran Affairs responsible for implementing the VA medical assistance program through VA clinics, hospitals, medical centers and long-term healthcare facilities. VHA’s Product Effectiveness mission is to ensure end users and veterans receive IT products and services that fully meet their needs and are ready to deploy.

About Alion Science and Technology
Alion Science and Technology (pronounced: ah-LYE-un) is an employee-owned technology solutions company delivering technical expertise and operational support to the Department of Defense, civilian government agencies and commercial customers. Building on 70 years of R&D and engineering experience, Alion brings innovation and insight to multiple business areas: defense operations; modeling & simulation; wireless communication; industrial technology; chemical, biological, nuclear & environmental sciences; information technology; and naval architecture and marine engineering. Based in McLean, Va., Alion has employee-owners at major offices, customer sites and laboratories worldwide. For more information, call 877.771.6252 or visit Alion online at www.alionscience.com.

This press release contains information about management’s view of Alion’s future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of risk factors and uncertainties discussed in documents periodically filed by Alion with the SEC. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

Contact:
Alion Science and Technology

Peter J. Jacobs, 703-269-3473

pjacobs@alionscience.com

United States Coast Guard Deploys AtHoc IWSAlerts for Its Enterprise-Wide Emergency Mass Notification Solution

Defense News ~ AtHoc 3rd Generation Network-Centric Mass Notification System to Alert USCG Personnel, Maritime Industry Partners and Other Government Agencies During Emergency
Defense News ~ SAN MATEO, CA--(Marketwire - 01/11/10) - AtHoc, Inc., the pioneer and leader in network-centric mass notification systems, today announced the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has deployed AtHoc IWSAlerts(TM) for its nationwide emergency notification solution. More than 100 USCG facilities, ranging from headquarters, to districts, down to every sector and local station, will use the system which has the capability to reach 50,000 USCG personnel and maritime industry members.
The USCG's Alert and Warning System (AWS) was initially developed to transmit maritime security notifications and receive confirmations from maritime security partners and stakeholders as required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. AWS is undergoing significant changes to provide greater usability and functionality and to support additional USCG missions -- hurricane preparedness, natural disasters, personnel recalls, search and rescue operations, and waterway closure. The AtHoc solution will support the next generation of AWS for all Coast Guard missions and provide additional capabilities and services to the USCG and maritime partners to enhance maritime safety and security.
AtHoc's enterprise-wide architecture allows deployment in a centralized data center to support the 100 different USCG locations. Each location can have its own local account and maintain information securely on an internal network. The unified approach of the AtHoc system provides centralized alert activation, control and management from a Web-based console.
AtHoc IWSAlerts will deliver emergency alerts over multiple channels, such as voice (via public switched telephone network), landlines, cellular and satellite phone, e-mail, SMS and fax to recipients in dispersed geographical areas or individual units throughout the USCG. Personnel accountability will be accomplished by tracking and managing user responses to alert notifications in real time.
The AtHoc solution is integrated with "Homeport," the Coast Guard's Internet portal. Homeport supports the secure information-sharing requirements established by the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. Complete, seamless and continuous integration will occur between the AtHoc solution and the USCG's user directories through the application of open standards such as the Local Directory Access Protocol and Active Directory.
"The U.S. Coast Guard's deployment of AtHoc's network-centric mass notification solution as its enterprise standard reaffirms the power and flexibility of the AtHoc IWSAlerts platform, as was proven by AtHoc's extensive DoD deployment," said Guy Miasnik, president and CEO of AtHoc. "The Coast Guard sought a reliable, enterprise-wide solution that could disseminate sensitive but unclassified alerts to its personnel, maritime industry partners and other government agencies, rapidly and with high confidence. Given the USCG's leading role in national security and homeland defense, AtHoc is honored to be selected as the mass notification solution partner to provide these critical capabilities that are needed to carry out USCG's important mission."
About AtHoc
AtHoc is the pioneer and recognized leader in providing enterprise-class, network-centric emergency notification systems to military, government and commercial organizations. AtHoc's products are used for physical security, force protection, personnel accountability, recall and regulatory compliance. Millions of end users worldwide, in organizations such as the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, NASA, Microsoft, Boeing and PricewaterhouseCoopers rely on AtHoc's unified management systems for their emergency alerting and critical communication needs. AtHoc has partnered with market leaders including Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Harris, Siemens, MIR3, Avaya, Lockheed Martin and others to bring these notification solutions to the public and commercial markets.
For more information on AtHoc, please visit http://www.athoc.com.

Contact:
Contact:
Jane Bryant
Spire Communications
(703) 406-8626
Email Contact

U.S. Army Uses Messaging System by Qwest and TechRadium to Keep Soldiers and Families Connected

Defense News ~ ARLINGTON, Va.--January 11, 2010, (BUSINESS WIRE)--Qwest Government Services, a division of Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q - News), has completed the implementation of the eArmy Family Messaging System, a new program by the U.S. Army Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Command, which provides information to soldiers’ families during all stages of their deployment.
Qwest teamed with TechRadium of Sugar Land, Texas, developers of the Immediate Response Information System (IRIS), for the program. IRIS is a patented, high-speed electronic notification and response system for priority and routine messages. The Army is using IRIS to contact family members instantly through almost any communications device, including wireless phones, pagers, computers and faxes.
KEY FACTS
*The eArmy Family Messaging System is part of the virtual Family Readiness Group (vFRG) System, which provides Army commanders with a secure portal to send credible, timely and relevant information to soldiers and family members.
*The vFRG system is used for active duty, guard and reserve troops around the world.
*The eArmy Family Messaging System is supported by the Army OneSource initiative, which links community services and assistance to all soldiers and their families, no matter where they are located.
*Upon deployment, the messaging system provides information to soldiers’ families about important support services, such as training, education, health care, dependent care, identification cards and “welcome home” parties.
SUPPORTING QUOTES
Diana Gowen, senior vice president and general manager of Qwest Government Services:
“Communication is a vital ingredient for keeping any family close. Qwest is honored to serve our men and women in uniform by connecting their families to the support services they deserve through this advanced messaging system.”
Lt. Col. Terrence Murrill, commander of the Army recruiting battalion in Indianapolis, which covers several Midwestern states and is one of the largest in the nation:
“The messaging system tremendously increases my ability to easily and quickly inform soldiers and family members with significant information. This is a big deal for those of us who are not in close proximity to the soldiers’ companies and installations.”
Ryan Rodkey, chief executive officer of TechRadium:
"It's a tremendous honor to work with the men and women of the U.S. Army and their families because they deserve the very best. IRIS is a proven system for any communication or security need. It’s widely used by schools, utilities, banks and other businesses, and at every level of government."
SUPPORTING RESOURCES
*Web Page: Qwest Government Services
*Web Page: eArmy Family Messaging System
*Web Page: Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Command (FMWRC)
*Web Page: What is IRIS?
About Qwest Government Services
Qwest Government Services is headquartered in Arlington, Va., and offers a comprehensive suite of products and services for all federal government agencies. The Qwest network backbone covers the entire continental United States and has one of the largest fiber footprints in the U.S., capable of supporting 40 Gbps data transmission rates now and 100 Gbps soon. Qwest participates in Networx, the largest government communications services contract in the world, and is #51 on the “Top 100 Government IT Contractors” by Washington Technology. Go to http://www.qwest.com/business/federal-gov/ to see why the federal government relies on Qwest for first-class communications solutions and to learn more about Qwest’s commitment to perfecting the customer experience.
About TechRadium
TechRadium is a leading provider of high-speed communication services to educational institutions, corporations, non-profits and government entities worldwide. TechRadium gives organizations the ability to broadcast information via voice and text to thousands of people simultaneously with its easy-to-use mass notification service, IRIS – Immediate Response Information System. Headquartered in Sugar Land, Texas, TechRadium is the owner of seven United States patents and has multiple patents pending. For more information, go to Techradium.com.
The marks that comprise the Qwest logo are registered trademarks of Qwest Communications International Inc. in the U.S. and certain other countries.

Contact:
Qwest Media Contact
Tom McMahon, 202-429-3106
tom.mcmahon@qwest.com
or
TechRadium Media Contact
John Rodkey, 281-263-6301
jrodkey@techradium.com