China plans $5.9 bln industrial zone for aviation

Defense News ~ BEIJING, Jan 28 (Reuters) - An ambitious 40 billion yuan ($5.9 billion) industrial zone for aircraft parts is being planned in South China to produce up to a quarter of the supply for big Chinese planes, a provincial official said on Thursday.
Jiangxi province has begun seeking investors, including foreign firms, for the 25 square-kilometre zone with an eye toward breaking ground in two years, Yao Mugen, director of the provincial Development and Reform Commission, told Reuters.
The province will draw on talent from an aviation research institute and two universities plus interest among three local aircraft manufacturers, Yao said.
Output could equal 25 percent of all parts made in China for large Chinese aircraft, he said.
"Jiangxi is now designing a big national aircraft production base drawing on the province's infrastructure and advantages to develop the aviation parts industry," Yao said in an interview.
The 40 billion yuan would cover the zone's infrastructure and equipment for manufacturers, he said.
The province is talking to aircraft manufacturing giant Boeing about an investment in the zone, Yao said. Boeing (BA.N) already makes 747-8 commercial airliner parts in Jiangxi, the company's China spokesman Wang Yukui said.
China, like other countries, is keenly interested in aviation in part because of the large impact airplane exports can have on a nation's balance of trade. [ID:nHKG104281]
Beijing has declared its goal to manufacture large passenger jets with more than 150 seats and freighters capable of handling more than 100 tonnes of cargo, with the explicit aim of taking on Boeing and Airbus (EAD.PA).

(Reporting by Ralph Jennings; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)

Sectra: Defense Departments in Europe Choose Tiger

Defense News: STOCKHOLM--January 28, 2010, (BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News:
Sectra (STO:SECTB) has signed contracts with two European defense departments concerning Tiger XS for encrypted telephony. The total order value is SEK 10 million.
Tiger XS is a personal voice encryptor that protects telephone calls from eavesdropping over telephone lines, GSM, 3G, ISDN and IP networks as well as via satellite systems. Tiger is certified by the EU, NATO and several national security bodies, making it the most secure product in the market for encrypted telephony.
“European defense departments are demanding user-friendly crypto products that can be used for communicating securely and which thus protect nation’s security. Tiger XS satisfies these requirements and protects telephone calls over many different communication networks from eavesdropping, regardless of the Tiger user’s geographical location in the world,” says Michael Bertilsson, President of Sectra Communications.
Sectra Tiger is currently used by government authorities and defense departments in more than half of all EU member states in order to protect telephone calls from eavesdropping. At the request of the customers concerned and for security policy reasons, no detailed information about the customer or the contracts is being disclosed in this case.
About Sectra's secure communication systems

Sectra develops and sells products for secure voice and data communications. The customers are primarily government authorities and defense departments in Europe with strict demands on communications security. Sectra has strong core expertise in encryption and is one of the world's leading companies in the design and development of secure communications systems. Sectra Tiger is used by customers in more than half of all EU member states.
About the Sectra Group

Sectra successfully develops and sells cutting-edge products in the expansive niche segments of medical systems and secure communication systems. The company was founded in 1978 and has its roots in the Linköping University in Sweden. Today, Sectra has offices in twelve countries and operates through partners worldwide. Sales in the 2008/2009 fiscal year totaled SEK 863 million. The Sectra share is quoted on the NASDAQ OMX Stockholm AB exchange. For more information, visit http://www.sectra.com
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Contact:
Sectra Communications AB

Dr. Michael Bertilsson, President

Tel: +46 (0)708-23 52 25

or

Sectra AB

Dr. Jan-Olof Brüer, CEO and President

Tel: +46 (0)13-23 52 09

Boeing Delivers Record Number of Apache Longbow Crew Trainers in 2009

Defense News ~ ST. LOUIS, Jan. 28, 2010 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] delivered a record five Apache Longbow Crew Trainers (LCTs) in 2009 -- more than in any previous year -- and all five have been declared "ready for training."
The U.S. Army accepted two LCT deliveries at Fort Hood, Texas; one in Illesheim, Germany; and one at Fort Drum, N.Y. The Egyptian Air Force accepted the delivery of its first LCT in November, allowing aircrews to train from their home base.
Boeing has delivered a total of 29 LCTs to date.
"The Apache LCT we delivered to Fort Drum in December is the first device to include the new display-system upgrade," said Mark McGraw, Boeing vice president of Training Systems and Services. "It incorporates a new out-the-window display using projectors, screens and mirrors to dramatically improve the scene that is presented to the aircrew."
The Fort Drum LCT reflects the Apache Extended Block II configuration, ensuring concurrency with the AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter. This LCT simulates the aircraft's fully integrated avionics and weapons, as well as a state-of-the-art modem that transmits real-time, secure, digitized battlefield information to air and ground forces.
Boeing is on contract to deliver three additional LCTs to the Army throughout the next two years. One will include a new Department of Defense-directed threat server and another is part of a National Guard modernization program. The third may be used as a development platform for future LCTs.
The Apache LCT is a full-mission, high-fidelity flight simulator that provides training for individuals, crews and maintenance test pilots. Deployed worldwide and used for in-theater training in Iraq and Afghanistan, the LCT supports battalions by allowing pilots ample opportunity to meet their training needs and rehearse missions. The LCTs also may be networked with additional trainers for collective training capability. The AH-64D Apache Longbow combat helicopter is produced by Boeing in Mesa, Ariz.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

Contact:
Alison Sheridan
Boeing Training Systems & Services
Office: 314-232-8187
Mobile: 314-614-4823
alison.sheridan@boeing.com

Boeing B-52 With CONECT Upgrade Accomplishes 1st Test Flight

Defense News ~ EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., Jan. 28, 2010 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today that a B-52H upgraded with new communication technology successfully accomplished its first test flight at Edwards Air Force Base on Jan. 17. The Combat Network Communications Technology (CONECT) upgrade allows B-52H crews to receive and send real-time digital information during their missions.
The more than three-hour flight around the Edwards area included an initial system build-up test, interphone test and communication test. The test process included power-on of each system in flight to determine that there were no adverse effects on flight-essential systems.
"Completion of the first test flight brings us one step closer to giving command centers and troops on the ground the ability to communicate with the B-52 through the military's digital information network," said Jim Kroening, Boeing B-52 Development Programs manager. "Augmenting current voice-based communication gives B-52 crews greater situational awareness and significantly enhanced mission capabilities."
Prior to the first test flight, a robust testing approach was used, starting with unit and system testing in the laboratory, progressing to system ground test and then flight test.
Boeing and the U.S. Air Force have accomplished more than 220 ground test points out of about 500. Ground and flight test will continue through February. The aircraft will then rotate through its planned depot maintenance at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., and resume ground and flight test in January 2011 at Edwards.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

Contact:
Jennifer Hogan
Boeing Maintenance, Modifications and Upgrades
Mobile: 405-818-7859
jennifer.c.hogan@boeing.com

Virgin Blue eyes new planes; may buy Embraer jets

* Says may replacing older planes with newer aircraft
* Leases on 30-50 aircraft expiring in next few years
* Currently operates Embraer E-170 and E-190 aircraft
By Harry Suhartono

Defense News ~ SINGAPORE, Jan 28 (Reuters) - Australian budget carrier Virgin Blue (VBA.AX) said on Thursday it may replace some of its existing planes with new aircraft and was in talks with several suppliers including Brazil's Embraer (EMBR3.SA).
"We are in the market for planes," Virgin Blue's CEO Brett Godfrey told reporters on the sidelines of a conference in Singapore.
"We've got a whole bunch of airplanes coming out of lease over the next 2-3 years and we are looking to take some more, including from Embraer," he said.
Virgin Blue's present fleet of 68 aircraft is made up of Boeing 737s and Embraer E-190s and E-170s, according to the firm's website. Godfrey said the leases on 30-50 of these aircraft will end in the next few years.
Embraer, which makes private jets and smaller commercial aircraft, has been trying to win more business from Asia's budget and regional carriers, many of which use single-aisle jets from Boeing (BA.N) and Airbus, a unit of EADS (EAD.PA).
Virgin Blue, whose main shareholder is Britain's Virgin Group, also operates New Zealand-based Pacific Blue and Polynesian Blue, which it launched with the government of Samoa.
(Reporting by Harry Suhartono; Editing by Kevin Lim)

SpaceX and Spacecom Sign Contract for Falcon 9 Geosynchronous Transfer Mission

Defense News ~ HAWTHORNE, Calif.--January 27, 2010, (BUSINESS WIRE)--Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) and Space Communication Ltd. (Spacecom) of Ramat-Gan Israel, operator of the AMOS satellite fleet, have signed an agreement for launch of a communication satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 as early as December 2012. Falcon 9 will insert the satellite into a geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO), adding to Spacecom’s existing satellite fleet. Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) is also involved in the transaction.
Spacecom provides broadcasting and communications services to DBS and DTH operators, as well as a wide range of broadcasters, ISPs, telecommunications operators, government organizations and network integrators with Internet, voice, data and digital TV services. This latest deal supports company plans to launch at least four additional satellites in the coming years to multiple orbital positions.
“As a highly competitive solution for in-orbit delivery, Falcon 9 supports us as we transition into a leading global satellite services provider,” said David Pollack, president and CEO of Spacecom. “With a larger fleet providing more service options and capacity, we can continue to provide the highest quality satellite communications services and exceed customer expectations.”
“SpaceX is proud to be Spacecom’s launch services provider and we look forward to helping ensure the successful delivery of their satellite,” said Gwynne Shotwell, president of SpaceX. “In closing this deal, SpaceX now has twenty three Falcon 9 flights on contract representing a variety of commercial and government customers, for both LEO and GTO missions."
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 is a medium-to-heavy lift, two-stage launch vehicle capable of lifting approximately 11 tons to low Earth orbit (LEO) and in excess of 4.5 tons to GTO. Designed to the highest levels of reliability and performance, Falcon 9, along with SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, was selected by NASA to resupply the International Space Station starting in 2010.
About SpaceX
SpaceX is developing a family of launch vehicles and spacecraft intended to increase the reliability and reduce the cost of both manned and unmanned space transportation, ultimately by a factor of ten. With the Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 vehicles, SpaceX offers highly reliable/cost-efficient launch capabilities for spacecraft insertion into any orbital altitude and inclination. Starting in 2010, SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft will provide Earth-to-LEO transport of pressurized and unpressurized cargo, including resupply to the International Space Station.
Founded in 2002, SpaceX is a private company owned by management and employees, with minority investments from Founders Fund and Draper Fisher Jurvetson. The SpaceX team now numbers nearly 900, with corporate headquarters in Hawthorne, California. For more information, please visit the company's web site at www.spacex.com.
About Spacecom
Space-Communication Ltd. (Spacecom) is the operator of the AMOS satellites, which provide high-quality broadcast and communication services to Europe, the Middle East, and the Atlantic bridge to the United States. The AMOS satellite constellation, consisting of AMOS-2 and AMOS-3, co-located at the prime orbital position of 4°W, serves Direct-To-Home and other Television platforms in Europe and the Middle East, as well as provides a secure and stable transmission to government agencies. The extensive signal strength and prime location makes the AMOS platform particularly suitable for DBS and DTH operators, as well as a wide range of broadcasters, ISPs, telecommunications operators, and network integrators with Internet, voice, data and digital TV services.
The AMOS-5i satellite, the latest addition to the AMOS fleet, started service January 2010. With a position at 17°E, a new orbital position, Spacecom’s coverage is expanding to Africa. AMOS-5i provides powerful C-Band and Ku-Band coverage over Africa and is serving as an interim satellite until the AMOS-5 satellite’s scheduled launch in mid-2011. Once operational, the AMOS-5 satellite will replace the AMOS-5i in its orbital position, expanding both coverage areas and capacity, to deliver high-power C-Band and Ku-Band capacity to the entire African continent. AMOS-5 and AMOS-5i complement Spacecom’s existing satellite fleet consisting of AMOS-2 and AMOS-3, and together with AMOS-4, slated for launch in 2012 to serve Asia, establish Spacecom as a true global satellite operator.
Spacecom is traded on the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange (SCC). Its major shareholders are Eurocom, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), General Satellite Services Co. (GSSC) and Mer Services Group.
For more information please see http://www.amos-spacecom.com.
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Contact:
SpaceXEmily Shanklin
Director, Marketing and Communications
310-363-6733
media@SpaceX.com

Tetra Tech Awarded Design-Build Contract with the U.S. Navy

Defense News ~ PASADENA, Calif.--January 27, 2010, (BUSINESS WIRE)--Tetra Tech, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTEK - News) announced today that it is one of five firms awarded a $750 million contract to provide design-build services for large construction projects for the U.S. Navy. The majority of the work will be performed in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. The period of performance for this firm fixed-price contract is one base year with four one-year options, and the five awardees will share the total contract value.
“This is a new contract vehicle that will expand our range of services to the U.S. Navy, one of our largest clients,” said Dan Batrack, Tetra Tech’s Chairman and CEO.
The Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Washington anticipates that this contract will be used for construction projects ranging in size from approximately $10 million to $30 million per task order.
About Tetra Tech (www.tetratech.com)
Tetra Tech is a leading provider of consulting, engineering, program management, construction, and technical services addressing the resource management and infrastructure markets. The Company supports government and commercial clients by providing innovative solutions focused on water, the environment, and energy. With approximately 10,000 employees worldwide, Tetra Tech’s capabilities span the entire project life cycle.

Any statements made in this release that are not based on historical fact are forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements made in this release represent management’s best judgment as to what may occur in the future. However, Tetra Tech’s actual outcome and results are not guaranteed and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions ("Future Factors"), and may differ materially from what is expressed. For a description of Future Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements, see the discussion under the section "Risk Factors" included in the Company’s Form 10-K and 10-Q filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact:
Tetra Tech, Inc.

Jorge Casado, Investor Relations

Talia Starkey, Media & Public Relations

626-470-2844