Lockheed Martin-Built System Aims Laser in Successful Lethal Demonstration Against Ballistic Missile Target

Defense News ~ EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT - News) announced today that the Beam Control/Fire Control system for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's Airborne Laser Testbed (ALTB) successfully aimed the High Energy Laser beam in an experiment Feb. 11, in which a boosting ballistic missile target was destroyed. Â
In the lethal demonstration, the directed energy system aboard the modified Boeing 747-400F aircraft engaged and destroyed the threat-representative ballistic missile target shortly after it was launched from a sea-based platform in the Pacific Ocean. Â
The Lockheed Martin-developed Beam Control/Fire Control system focused and directed the beam generated by the Northrop Grumman-developed megawatt-class High Energy Laser, and the Battle Management System developed by Boeing, Airborne Laser Testbed prime contractor, managed the engagement. Â
"Shooting down a threat-representative ballistic missile target is the latest in a remarkable series of firsts that the government and industry team has achieved in demonstrating this leading-edge technology," said Doug Graham, advanced programs vice president, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company. Â "This successful experiment validates the effectiveness of this revolutionary technology and makes it the most mature directed energy system in the world, opening the door to further new possibilities for the application of this technology." Â
"The Beam Control/Fire Control System has performed with outstanding results in the most demanding mission to date," said Mark Johnson, Airborne Laser Testbed program director, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company. Â "The Beam Control/Fire Control System, which consists of a sophisticated suite of optics, low-energy lasers and software, has been rigorously tested in more than 140 flights since 2004, making technology history all along the way as a result the close partnership and dedication of the government and industry team." Â
The Beam Control/Fire Control System tracks the target, determines range to the target, compensates for atmospheric turbulence and focuses and directs the High Energy Laser beam.  Lower-energy lasers – the Track Illuminator Laser and the Beacon Illuminator Laser – determine where to point and focus the High Energy Laser.  The High Energy Laser beam passes through an optical path before exiting through the conformal window on the nose of the aircraft on its way to the target. Â
The Missile Defense Agency manages the Airborne Laser Testbed (formerly known as the Airborne Laser (ABL)), which is executed by the U.S. Air Force from Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, N.M. Â The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA - News) provides the modified aircraft and the Battle Management System and is the overall systems integrator. Â Boeing's Airborne Laser Testbed industry partners are Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC - News), which supplies the High Energy Laser and the Beacon Illuminator Laser, and Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., which provides the Beam Control/Fire Control System. Â
Lockheed Martin is a world leader in systems integration and the development of air and missile defense systems and technologies, including the first operational hit-to-kill missile. Â The company makes significant contributions to most major U.S. missile defense systems and participates in several global missile defense partnerships. Â
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. Â The Corporation reported 2009 sales of $45.2 billion. Â

Media Contact:
Lynn Fisher,
408-742-7606;
e-mail lynn.m.fisher@lmco.com


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Opsens announces closing of private placement

Defense News ~ QUEBEC CITY, Feb. 12 /CNW Telbec/ - Opsens Inc. (TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE: OPS - News; "Opsens" or the "Company") announces today, the closing of a private placement (the "Private Placement") of 4,287,500 units (the "Units"), at a price of CAD $0.85 per Unit, for an aggregate gross proceeds of CAD $3,644,375. Each Unit is comprised of one common share of Opsens and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. Each whole common share purchase warrant entitles its holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of CAD $1.15 per common share for a period of 24 months following the closing date of the Private Placement.
At the closing of the Private Placement, Opsens paid a cash commission of CAD $254,404 to M Partners Inc. (the "Agent") and to Industrial Alliance Securities Inc. (the "Sub-Agent"). Opsens also issued to the Agent and the Sub-Agent, 299,299 non transferable warrants (the "Broker Warrants"). Each Broker Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one common share of Opsens at $0.85 for a period of 24 months from the closing of the Private Placement. The securities issued pursuant to the Private Placement will be subject to a 4-month and a day restricted period expiring on June 13, 2010.
The net proceeds of the Private Placement totalling approximately CAD $3,3 million will be used for working capital purposes, potential acquisitions as well as marketing expenses, particularly for the commercialization on a larger scale of the Opsens' patented OPP-W fiber optic pressure/temperature sensor. The receipt of a commercial size order from an oil and gas producer in Alberta that had been testing Opsens' patented technology for 18 months, has generated interest from major oil and gas producers in Alberta looking for a mean to control pressure to optimize the quantity of steam to inject to reduce operation costs
About Opsens (www.opsens.com)

Opsens is a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of a wide rangeof fiber optic sensors and associated signal conditioners based on proprietarypatented and patent pending technologies. Opsens' sensors provide long-termaccuracy and reliability in the harshest environments. Opsens provides sensorsto measure pressure, temperature, strain and displacement to originalequipment manufacturers (OEM) and end-users in the oil and gas, medical,high-power transformers, and laboratory fields. Opsens provides completetechnical support, including installation, training, after-sales service, forits fiber optics systems that are regulated by the ISO 9001-2008 norm.
Opsens Inc was recognized as a TSX Venture 50(R) company in 2010. TSX Venture 50 is a trade-mark of TSX Inc. and is used under license.
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.
Forward-looking statements contained in this press release involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance and achievements of Opsens to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the said forward-looking statements.

For further information
Pierre Carrier,

President and Chief Executive Officer,

(418) 682-9996

Louis Laflamme,

CA, Chief Financial Officer,

(418) 682-9996

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Two Northrop Grumman Laser Systems Help Airborne Laser Testbed Turn Science Fiction Into Fact

Defense News ~ REDONDO BEACH, Calif., Feb. 12, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Airborne Laser Testbed (ALTB) transitioned from science fiction to directed energy fact Feb. 11 when it put a lethal amount of 'light on target' to destroy a boosting ballistic missile with help from a megawatt-class laser developed by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC - News).
While ballistic missiles like the one ALTB destroyed move at speeds of about 4,000 miles per hour, they are no match for a super-heated, high-energy laser beam racing towards it at 670 million mph. The basketball-sized beam was focused on the foreign military asset, as the missile is called officially, for only a few seconds before a stress fracture developed, causing the target to catastrophically split into multiple pieces.Â
"This experiment shows the incredible potential for directed energy as a premier element in early or ascent phase missile defense," said Steve Hixson, vice president of Space and Directed Energy Systems for Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector. "The demonstration leaves no doubt whatsoever about ALTB's unprecedented mobility, precision and lethality," he added. Hixson is a former ALTB program manager for the company.
Northrop Grumman executives said the high-energy Chemical Oxygen Iodine Laser the company provides – the most powerful laser ever developed for an airborne environment – performed reliably once again with other critical capabilities onboard the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's ALTB. This includes the low-power, solid-state Beacon Illuminator Laser for atmospheric compensation, a targeting laser Northrop Grumman also supplies for the ALTB system.
"The continued dependable and consistent performance of both laser systems is the result of our dedicated team and its unwavering commitment to develop game-changing technology for our military forces," said Guy Renard, Northrop Grumman's ALTB program manager. "The impressive progress made by the government and industry team during the last three-and-a-half years could not have culminated any more dramatically than this successful experiment."
The experiment, a proof-of-concept demonstration, was the first directed energy lethal intercept demonstration against a liquid-fuel boosting ballistic missile target from an airborne platform.
Northrop Grumman is under contract to The Boeing Company, ALTB's prime contractor, for the two laser systems. The ALTB is a modified Boeing 747-400F whose back half holds the high-energy laser. The front section of the aircraft contains the beam control/fire control system, developed by Lockheed Martin, and the battle management system, provided by Boeing.
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:
Bob Bishop
Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems
310.812.5227
Cell: 310.251.0261
bob.j.bishop@ngc.com


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ATK to Feature Major Programs at DEFEXPO 2010 in New Delhi

*ATK to Highlight its Affordable Innovation to an International Audience

Defense News ~ MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE:ATK - News) announced today that it will participate as an exhibitor at DEFEXPO 2010 in New Delhi, India. Â ATK will highlight a variety of capabilities and programs at the conference to be held at the Pragati Maidan Exhibition Centre from Feb. 15-18, 2010. Â The ATK exhibits will be located in Hall 18, Booth #18.3G.
ATK's booth will feature such innovative technologies as the Precision Guidance Kit (PGK) that turns artillery shells into precision weapons at minimal cost; the Palletized Autonomous Weapon System (PAWS) that merges ATK's 25mm and 30mm chain gun systems and advanced ammunition capabilities in an easily transportable, remote weapon station employed in either a mobile configuration, standalone mode or as part of a networked defense. ATK will also have on display its latest soldier in the loop and vehicle mounted barrier systems both of which are in production.
ATK will feature its newest addition to the U.S. missile inventory, the AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM). Â Developed cooperatively by ATK, the U.S. Navy and Italian Air Force, AARGM was recently approved for low rate initial production (LRIP) by the U.S. Department of Defense and is expected to reach initial operational capability next year as the U.S. Navy's newest and most advanced multi-role tactical missile.
Additionally, ATK will display its affordable 70mm precision system, Guided Advanced Tactical Rocket (GATR), which uses a semi-active laser guidance package to achieve extreme accuracy against both stationary and moving targets. GATR is a lock-on before or after launch guided rocket system designed for use on  ground vehicles, fixed/rotary wing aircraft and unmanned aircraft vehicles and is compatible with existing 70mm launcher hardware. GATR can be used for air-to-ground and ground-to-ground missions.
DEFEXPO provides potential customers the opportunity to learn how ATK's innovative business approach has helped the company grow to become the leading small and medium caliber ammunition producer in the Western Hemisphere. Â ATK will display its unique expertise in ammunition design, development, manufacturing, supply chain management, and quality assurance. Â ATK's booth will also highlight the company's portfolio of mission-critical tactical systems, including load-bearing vests, hydration packs, holsters, bags, and slings and related soldier equipment.
The show is also a chance for ATK to show off its capability in the development and construction of advanced aerostructures.  ATK's patented composites manufacturing process and capabilities have enabled ATK to be selected as a leading supplier of advanced composite structures and components for both commercial and military aircraft such as  the U.S. military's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter  and the Airbus A350 XWB.
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 http://www.atk.com/.

Media Contact:
Tom Van Leunen

Phone: 703-412-3218

E-mail: thomas.vanleunen@atk.com

Investor Contact:
Jeff Huebschen

Phone: 952-351-2929
E-mail: jeff.huebschen@atk.com

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General Dynamics Awarded $387 Million Training Support Contract by the U.S. Army

Defense News ~ FAIRFAX, Va., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- General Dynamics Information Technology, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD - News), has been awarded a contract for Constructive Training Systems support by the U.S. Army's Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI). The total potential value of this single-award, five-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract is $387 million if all options are exercised. The initial award value is $56 million for the base year.
Under the contract, General Dynamics will provide technical, management and professional engineering support services for the procurement and fielding of Constructive Training Systems (CTS). Services to be performed consist of engineering, integration, exercise and experimentation support, gaming, materiel purchases, maintenance, supply support and post-fielding support to PEO STRI and the Project Manager for Constructive Simulations (PM ConSim). The work will be managed in the Orlando, Fla., area.
"This award continues General Dynamics' long-standing relationship with PEO STRI, enabling the PM ConSim to execute its mission of acquiring, fielding and sustaining the constructive simulations used to support the Army's command and staff training requirements," said Zannie Smith, senior vice president of General Dynamics Information Technology's Army Solutions Division. "Our extensive knowledge of customer requirements and proven performance will allow the flexibility and quick response to dynamic program changes to achieve mission fulfillment."
The programs supported through the contract include the Joint Land Component Constructive Training Capability, Battle Command Training Center Equipment Support, Combined Arms Command and Control Upgrade System, Training and Doctrine Command, and Common Battle Command Simulation Equipment.
The U.S. Army PEO STRI provides life-cycle support for the Army's most advanced training systems around the world and places the power of simulation into the hands of warfighters. As a trusted systems integrator for more than 50 years, General Dynamics Information Technology provides information technology (IT), systems engineering, professional services and simulation and training to customers in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, health, federal civilian government and commercial sectors. With approximately 17,000 professionals worldwide, the company manages large-scale, mission-critical IT programs delivering IT services and enterprise solutions. More information about General Dynamics Information Technology is available at http://www.gdit.com/.
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 91,700 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 http://www.gd.com/


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ILS Proton Successfully Launches the Intelsat 16 Satellite for Intelsat; First ILS Proton Launch of 2010

Defense News ~ International Launch Services On Friday February 12, 2010, 5:50 am EST
BAIKONUR COSMODROME, Kazakhstan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--International Launch Services (ILS), a world leader in providing mission and launch services to the commercial space industry, successfully carried the Intelsat 16 satellite to orbit for Intelsat S.A., the world’s leading provider of fixed satellite services, on an ILS Proton. The ILS Proton vehicle lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 6:39 a.m. local time (7:39 p.m. EST, 00:39 GMT). This was the 19th consecutive successful Proton mission in 18 months.
After a 9 hour 34 minute mission, the Breeze M successfully released the Intelsat 16 satellite into a near geostationary orbit. The spacecraft then utilized its on board fuel to maneuver to its geostationary orbit location at 58 degrees West Longitude.
The launch of the Intelsat 16 satellite marks the 1st ILS Proton launch of the year and the 57th commercial launch overall for ILS. It is the second Proton launch in just over two weeks, with the launch of a Federal mission on January 28, 2010. The Proton Breeze M vehicle is built by Khrunichev Space Center of Moscow, one of the pillars of the Russian aerospace industry and majority owner of ILS. Proton has a heritage of over 350 missions since its maiden flight in 1965.
The Intelsat 16 satellite was built on the Star 2.4 platform by Orbital Sciences Corporation has a 16 year life expectancy. The satellite expands Intelsat’s Latin American direct-to-home platform.
Frank McKenna, president of ILS said, “Intelsat is a longtime leader and innovator in the satellite telecommunications industry, having established the first commercial satellite communications system worldwide. We are honored to be launching the first ILS Proton mission of 2010 with Intelsat, with the launch of Intelsat 16. This is the 6th ILS Proton launched for Intelsat and we look forward to delivering quality and unmatched schedule assurance on all of our future missions with Intelsat.”
“ILS and Khrunichev have proven to be valuable partners for Intelsat, supporting our business with on-time launches. The launch of Intelsat 16 has been no exception and we thank the entire team from ILS, Khrunichev, Intelsat and Orbital for their dedication to the mission. We look forward to our continued relationship with ILS and Khrunichev and the upcoming Intelsat launches on ILS Proton,” said Intelsat’s Senior Vice President & Chief Technical Officer, Thierry Guillemin.
About ILS and Khrunichev
ILS is a world leader in providing mission and launch services for global satellite operators and offers a complete array of services and support, from contract signing through mission management and on-orbit delivery. ILS has exclusive rights to market the Proton vehicle and is a U.S. company headquartered in Reston, Va., near Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.ilslaunch.com

Khrunichev, which holds the majority interest in ILS, is one of the cornerstones of the Russian space industry. Khrunichev manufactures the Proton system and is developing the Angara launch system. The Proton launches from facilities at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, and has a heritage of over 350 missions since 1965. Khrunichev includes among its branches, a number of key manufacturers of launch vehicle and spacecraft components in Moscow and in other cities of the Russian Federation. For more information, visit www.khrunichev.com

About Intelsat
Intelsat is the leading provider of fixed satellite services worldwide. For over 45 years, Intelsat has been delivering information and entertainment for many of the world’s leading media and network companies, multinational corporations, Internet Service Providers and governmental agencies. Intelsat’s satellite, teleport and fiber infrastructure is unmatched in the industry, setting the standard for transmissions of video, data and voice services. From the globalization of content and the proliferation of HD, to the expansion of cellular networks and broadband access, with Intelsat, advanced communications anywhere in the world are closer, by far.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6177375&lang=en
MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6177375

Contact:
Media inquiries:

International Launch Services, Reston

Karen Monaghan,

Director of Communications

+1-571-633-7549

mobile: +1-571-282-5195

k.monaghan@ilslaunch.com

Raytheon says bidding for India tank upgrade

* Partnering Larsen & Toubro for 1,000 tank contract
* Contract value seen at more than $100 mln

Defense News ~ NEW DELHI, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Raytheon Co (RTN.N), the world's biggest missile maker, said on Friday it and partner Larsen & Toubro (LART.BO) have bid for the contract to upgrade 1,000 T-72 battle tanks in India.
Defence ministry officials said India was looking to spend at least $100 million in upgrading the tanks, which India bought from Russia three decades ago.
"The upgrade will increase the lethality of the T-72 tanks," Fritz Treyz, vice president, Raytheon (India operations), told Reuters.
Ratheon has a tie-up with engineering and construction firm Larsen & Toubro in India.
The upgrades will include weapons and computer systems and enhance its operation by night.
India, one of the world's biggest arms importers, wants to spend $50 billion buying and upgrading weapons over the next five years.
Treyz said Raytheon will also launch the "fish hawk", an anti-submarine warfare weapon system next week in India.

(Reporting by Bappa Majumdar; Editing by Lincoln Feast)

New Sat Will Boost India's Surveillance, EW Plans

By vivek raghuvanshi

Defense News ~ NEW DELHI, 12 Feb 2010 - India is developing an advanced military surveillance satellite capable of picking up a conversation between two telephones as well as taking high-resolution pictures.
The Communication-Centric Intelligence Satellite (CCI-Sat) will be launched into orbit in 2014, said a senior scientist at the state-owned Defence Electronics and Research Laboratory, Hyderabad, which is developing the $25 million satellite.
The CCI-Sat is part of a high-priority plan to develop electronic warfare (EW) systems for India's Army, Navy and Air Force, the scientist said.
Meanwhile, India is ready to put into orbit another homemade satellite, Cartosat-2B, in the next two months. That satellite also will be used for military purposes, Defence Electronics and Research Laboratory sources said.
Last year, India launched its made-in-India RISAT-2 military satellite, which is keeping a high-resolution eye on the country's borders and coastline in case of terrorist infiltrations.
Cartosat-2, like the U.S. satellite Ikonos, delivers 1-meter-resolution imagery, second only to the Quickbird, which offers an incredibly close 60-centimeter resolution - all from a distance of 800 kilometers to 900 kilometers above the Earth, said a scientist from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The ISRO and Defence Research and Development Organisation are collaborating on a dedicated naval satellite that will have a 1,000-nautical-mile footprint over the Indian Ocean. India also plans to launch that satellite this year.

Turkey's Long-Delayed Israeli UAVs Pass Hurdle

Defense News ~ By BURAK EGE BEKDIL and UMIT ENGINSOY 12 Feb 2010: ANKARA - A batch of Heron UAVs produced for Turkey by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Elbit Systems have passed critical performance tests in Israel, and Ankara is ready to accept the delivery of the drones, Turkey's top procurement official said Feb. 12.
The 4.5-ton Heron TP flies automatically in high-altitude safety for 60 hours at a stretch. (Israel Aerospace Industries)
"Six of the aircraft have successfully passed the tests inspected by a delegation of Turkish officials," said Murad Bayar, head of the government's defense procurement agency, the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries. "We are expecting their deliveries in the weeks ahead. And this closes the deal from our point of view."
The remaining four UAVs in the program will undergo similar performance tests in the next few months.
Turkey and the Israeli team had been at odds over delays of more than two years in the delivery of the Herons. The dispute regarding the technical fulfillment of contract specifications was resolved after revisions in the original terms and conditions, Bayar said.
IAI and Elbit won the Turkish UAV contract in 2005 against U.S. rivals. But the program was dogged from the start by technical difficulties.
The contract was worth $183 million, of which about $50 million would go to Turkish subcontrators Turkish Aerospace Industries and Aselsan.
The Heron dispute in recent months contributed to a major deterioration in relations between Turkey and Israel. But a critical meeting between Turkish and Israeli defense ministers in late January paved the way for a degree of reconciliation.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government has been particularly critical of Israel's military offensive in Gaza in late 2008 and early 2009.

U.S. Army Upholds Oshkosh's FMTV Award

Defense News ~ By KATE BRANNEN 12 Feb 2010: The U.S. Army has decided that Oshkosh will keep its $3 billion contract for the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV), the company announced today.
The U.S. Army has upheld its award of FMTV (Family of Medium Tactical Trucks) to Oshkosh. (OSHKOSH DEFENSE)
BAE Systems and Navistar both filed protests after the contract was awarded last August. The selection of Oshkosh unseated BAE Systems as the provider of the armored trucks.
After the protests were filed, the bids of all three competitors for the FMTV program were reviewed by the by the Government Accountability Office, which recommended the Army re-evaluate the bids using new scoring.
The Army reviewed the bids and made the decision to uphold its contract with Oshkosh. It also canceled the Sept. 4 stop-work order it had issued, Oshkosh said.
"We are very pleased the Army affirmed its original decision that Oshkosh Corporation's FMTV bid clearly represents the best overall value for the Army, the taxpayers and the Warfighter," said Robert G. Bohn, Oshkosh chairman and chief executive officer, in a written statement.
The FMTV re-buy program is a five-year, firm fixed-price requirements contract for the production of up to 23,000 vehicles and trailers, as well as support services and engineering, the company said.