Friday, May 28, 2010

DTN News: Navistar Defense Receives $61 Million To Support Allied MRAP Needs Vehicles To Operate in Afghanistan

Defense News: DTN News: Navistar Defense Receives $61 Million To Support Allied MRAP Needs Vehicles To Operate in Afghanistan
Source: DTN News / Navistar Defense, dated May 26, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) WARRENVILLE, Ill. - May 28, 2010: Navistar Defense, LLC May 26, completed two foreign military sales worth a total of $61 million for 80 enhanced International® MaxxPro® Dash Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles with DXM™ independent suspension.
The awards from the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command include parts and service support. Vehicles will support coalition forces.
“U.S. and coalition forces share a common mission in Afghanistan and we are proud to provide vehicles to support that joint objective,” said Archie Massicotte, president, Navistar Defense. “We continue to focus on the quick delivery of MaxxPro vehicles to help our U.S. and allied forces complete their missions safely.”
The enhanced MaxxPro Dash with DXM suspension offers vehicle operators a turning radius of 54 inches, approximately 14.5 inches of wheel travel as well as a number of enhanced capabilities. Upgrades have been made to the windows and doors, which continue to utilize an air-hydraulic system to ensure doors function in the most extreme situations.
The company is currently delivering new Dash units with DXM suspension to U.S. Forces and will begin deliveries to several allies at the end of June. Navistar is the leading provider of Category I MRAPs with 7,589 MaxxPro units on contract.
Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV) is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates produce International® brand commercial and military trucks, MaxxForce® brand diesel engines, IC Bus™ brand school and commercial buses, Monaco® RV brands of recreational vehicles, and Workhorse® brand chassis for motor homes and step vans. It also is a private-label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. The company also provides truck and diesel engine service parts. Another affiliate offers financing services. Additional information is available at www.Navistar.com/newsroom.
Guidance
This opportunity was considered in the updated 2010 guidance given in the April 8, 2010 analyst presentation.
Media Contact: Elissa Koc, 630-753-2669
Investor contact: Heather Kos, 630-753-2406

DTN News: US House Votes Pro-Boeing In Tanker Contest

Defense News: DTN News: US House Votes Pro-Boeing In Tanker Contest
* Bill would force Pentagon to weigh illegal subsidies
* Marks Boeing victory in race with EADS for tanker deal
* Measure is adopted by lopsided 410 to 8 vote
Source: DTN News / Reuters By Jim Wolf
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON, - May 28, 2010: The U.S. House of Representatives approved a Boeing Co (BA.N)-backed bill that would force consideration of illegal subsidies in the multibillion-dollar race between Boeing and Europe's EADS (EAD.PA) to sell refueling aircraft to the U.S. Air Force.
The lopsided 410 to 8 vote marked a victory for Chicago-based Boeing in its drive for a deal to build an initial 179 tanker aircraft potentially worth up to $50 billion.
Companion legislation must be passed by the Senate before it can be signed into law or vetoed by President Barack Obama.
Boeing and EADS, the corporate parent of Boeing's commercial archrival, Airbus, are locked in an increasingly bitter race over the U.S. Air Force deal.
Boeing earlier this week accused EADS of courting Iran and other countries at odds with the United States and said this should be taken into account in the tanker competition, too.
The measure passed by the House would require the Defense Department to consider any "unfair competitive advantage that an offeror may possess" in evaluating bids on major weapons systems.
The term "unfair competitive advantage" means a situation in which the cost of development, production, or manufacturing is not fully borne by the offeror for the contract, the amendment to a defense spending bill said.
A World Trade Organization (WTO) panel, in a final ruling in March, faulted billions of dollars of European subsidies to Airbus, including, according to U.S. lawmakers briefed on the matter, almost $5 billion used to develop the A330, EADS' tanker frame. [ID:LDE62M2OE]
A WTO panel is expected to make an interim ruling by the end of next month on a European Union counter-complaint that Boeing has unfairly benefited from U.S. federal, state and local subsidies.
NINE-YEAR SAGA
It was not immediately clear how the legislation adopted late Thursday would apply to any WTO finding that Boeing also unfairly gained from subsidies. But any such final ruling may not come soon enough to figure in the tanker saga, which has dragged on for nearly nine years.
Bids are due July 9 and the Pentagon has told the bidders to be ready to start work by Nov. 12 if chosen for the deal.
This round of competition is the third time the Air Force has sought to start replacing its KC-135 tankers, which average about 50 years old.
The first, in 2004, would have been a lease-buy deal with Boeing, but it collapsed after two Boeing officials were convicted of conflict-of-interest violations, one of them the Air Force's former No. 2 arms buyer.
A team of EADS and Northrop Grumman Corp (NOC.N) won a 179-plane deal in 2008, but Boeing successfully protested the award, leading to the current round.
Rep. Jay Inslee of Washington, one of the measure's sponsors, said Republicans and Democrats could be united in a "simple proposition" as lawmakers considered the measure.
"We will never allow foreign competitors to steal American jobs by using illegal subsidies, then reward them by allowing the use of those illegal subsidies to win a contract worth tens of billions of dollars," said Inslee, whose state is home to the Boeing production line for the 767 wide body that would be converted into a tanker.
The Defense Department has maintained that it is barred from unilateral retaliatory action for violations of international trade rules.
"That is the purview of the WTO," Geoff Morrell, Defense Secretary Robert Gates chief spokesman, said May 13. "If we were to do so, we would then be in violation of WTO rules and subject to disciplinary action."
Boeing cheered the vote, saying it was entirely appropriate for lawmakers to take steps to prevent the U.S. defense industrial base "from suffering the same fate as the commercial aircraft industry, where illegal subsidies have contributed to the loss of tens of thousands of U.S. aerospace jobs."
"We fully support the efforts of all members of Congress who share our concern about the unfair competitive advantage that EADS/Airbus, a foreign company, gained from decades of illegal launch aid subsidies worth billions of dollars," a Boeing statement said.
EADS North American arm, which would be the prime contractor for its Airbus-based tanker, said it believed the Defense Department should be allowed to run "the fair and open competition to which it is committed."
"We leave it to the Department to comment on the extent to which this or any legislation impacts that objective," James Darcy, a company spokesman, said by email.
The Defense Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Defense Authorization bill, as approved by the House, also included a provision that would bar Pentagon fuel purchases from companies that have been sanctioned for doing business with Iran's energy industry.
(Reporting by Jim Wolf; Editing by Valerie Lee and Lincoln Feast)

DTN News: US House Defies Veto Threat, Funds 2nd F-35 Engine

Defense News: DTN News: US House Defies Veto Threat, Funds 2nd F-35 Engine
* US House votes to add $485 million next year
* Victory for General Electric, Rolls-Royce
* Senate panel adds no funds
* Presidential veto if necessary to prevent funding
Source: DTN News / Reuters By Jim Wolf
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON, - May 28, 2010: The U.S. House of Representatives, defying the Pentagon for a fourth straight year and a presidential veto threat, voted to preserve a second engine program for the multinational F-35 fighter jet.
The House vote on Thursday contrasted with the Senate Armed Services Committee, which added no funds for the alternate, interchangeable engine in line with Pentagon wishes.
The House would provide $485 million next year to continue work on the engine being built by a joint venture of General Electric Co (GE.N) and Rolls-Royce Group Plc (RR.L).
Without competition, United Technologies Corp (UTX.N) would have a decades-long monopoly on the projected $100 billion engine market for the more than 3,000 F-35s due to be bought by the United States and partner countries.
The issue was among the most contentious in the House's version of a defense spending bill authorizing $567 billion for core Defense Department and Energy Department national security programs in fiscal 2011, which starts Oct. 1.
Just hours earlier, the Senate Armed Services Committee went the other way, adding no funds for the second engine in its version of the 2011 Defense authorization bill.
Senator Joseph Lieberman, in a statement on the Senate committee's bill adopted on Thursday, said the decision not to fund the alternate engine was a victory for U.S. taxpayers. Sen. Carl Levin, the panel chairman and a second engine backer, is to hold a press conference on Friday to discuss the bill.
Levin is on record as saying that he would not fight to preserve the second engine in committee, but would support it when a House-Senate conference meets to merge the companion bills.
"I want to do whatever I can to advance it," Levin told Defense Daily, a trade publication, this week. "It may be better to leave it to conference if the House is going to (pass) it."
The Defense Department, in response to the House vote, said this was but a step in the process and Defense Secretary Robert Gates would recommend a presidential veto if necessary to prevent funding the second engine.
Earlier in the day, the White House budget office said President Barack Obama's senior advisors would recommend a presidential veto of any bill that funded what it called the "extra" engine.
General Electric, in a statement, said the vote was a win for competition and a win for U.S. taxpayers.
The competitive engine will save $20 billion over the 30-year span of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, it said, citing the non-partisan Government Accountability Office.
Pratt & Whitney, the United Technologies unit whose engine is powering the early F-35 production models, said it was pleased with the action in the Senate Armed Services Committee.
"We recognize that the legislative process has just begun, and that the issue will continue to be debated for many months," said Erin Dick, a company spokeswoman.
The House Armed Services Committee, in its recommendation to the full House, cited a "significant" national-security risk in case of a single engine for the F-35, which is to make up 95 percent of the U.S. tactical fighter fleet.
"The Committee believes it is unwarranted to risk grounding our entire fleet and incurring billions of dollars in unnecessary costs by cutting the second engine, particularly when there may be no additional cost over the life of the program," it said last week.
(Reporting by Jim Wolf; Editing by Michael Perry)

DTN News: U.S. Plans For Middle East Missile Shield Take Shape

Defense News: DTN News: U.S. Plans For Middle East Missile Shield Take Shape
* Middle East approach mirrors Obama's plan for Europe
* Two powerful radars in arc would coordinate defenses
Source: DTN News / Reuters By Adam Entous and Jim Wolf
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON, - May 28, 2010: The Obama administration is working toward a Middle East missile defense that envisions adding an advanced radar site in a Gulf state to one already in Israel to thwart anyIranian attack, U.S. officials said.
The Obama administration has been quietly helping Arab states boost their missile defenses with the goal of tying them into one system. The process could take two or three more years, officials said.
The emerging Middle East plan resembles the "phased adaptive approach" President Barack Obama rolled out with much fanfare last September to integrate sea- and land-based missile defenses in and around U.S. NATO allies in Europe.
The Middle East buildup has been played down because of Arab sensitivities about U.S. military involvement and skittishness about any military cooperation with Israel, where the United States based a high-powered X-Band radar in 2008 to bolster Israel's missile defenses.
U.S. military strategists believe a second high-powered AN/TPY-2 transportable radar in a Gulf state would boost the capabilities of the proposed regional missile umbrella. A candidate country to host it has not yet stepped forward.
U.S. officials want the new radar in the Gulf to be positioned in a location that would allow it to work with the AN/TPY-2 radar in southern Israel, which is operated by U.S. personnel. Built by Raytheon Co (RTN.N), the system locks on to targets in their boost, midcourse and terminal phases.
"The idea (of a regional security umbrella) has been out there for a while but the specific pieces are now starting to fall into place," a military official said.
A diplomat from the region called the approach "plug and play" -- first the building blocks of the system are put in place, then they are linked together and turned on.
The only other deployed AN/TPY-2 system was set up in 2006 in Shariki, Japan, as a hedge against missiles that could be fired by North Korea.
ACCELERATED BUILDUP
The missile defense buildup in Gulf states began under former President George W. Bush. It has accelerated under Obama, who is pushing for a new round of U.N. sanctions against Iran over its suspected nuclear weapons program. Iran says its program is to generate electricity.
Officials said linking two X-Band radar sites in the Middle East with Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, anti-missile systems was more a political hurdle than a technical one. At issue, among other things, is cooperation among Arab states that have a long history of mistrust.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton first proposed that Washington bring Middle Eastern nations under what she called a security "umbrella" to neutralize any Iranian missile launches. Some U.S. critics assailed her statement as an implicit admission that a nuclear-armed Iran was inevitable.
Kenneth Katzman, an expert on regional security issues, said Gulf states had boosted their ability to operate jointly with the Pentagon on increasingly advanced systems.
"This has improved the prospects for implementing a long-standing vision of a potential region-wide missile defense system," said Katzman of the Congressional Research Service.
The deployments include expanded land-based Patriot defensive missile installations in Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, but the numbers are expected to grow, officials said.
Officials said the AN/TPY-2 system worked best when the installations were arrayed along an arc around the perceived threat area. It is unclear which Gulf state might agree to host a second regional X-Band radar, although three or four are viewed as potential candidates.
The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress in September 2008 of a proposed sale of THAAD units worth up to $7 billion to the United Arab Emirates. The AN/TPY-2 may be configured as part of the THAAD system.
The House of Representatives' Armed Services Committee approved last week $65 million as a kind of down-payment on more AN/TPY-2 radars. The provision was added to its version of a 2011 defense bill being debated by the full House.
COOPERATION IMPROVES
Since the X-Band radar site at Israel's Nevatim air base in the Negev desert is said to be staffed by U.S. forces, rather than Israelis, U.S. officials say a link-up may be acceptable to Arabs who might otherwise balk at cooperating with the Jewish state against Iran's Islamic authorities.
The two main radar arrays would mesh other sensors and weapons systems like the Patriot PAC-3 anti-missile. That would let each country detectIranian missiles at the same time and then choose which systems to go after them, officials said.
The shared early warning system could be integrated with U.S. Navy cruisers and destroyers equipped with the Aegis ballistic missile defense system in offshore waters.
Iran's advances in missile technology and defiance of the United Nations have helped persuade Arab states to work more closely together on missile defenses, officials said.
U.S. officials also pointed to signs the perceived Iranian threat has at least in private helped open doors to Israeli-Arab cooperation unimaginable even a few years ago.
Israel is already on track to mesh more closely into the U.S. antimissile bulwark, military officials say.
Obama's approach is seen as good news for Raytheon, the world's biggest missile maker, and Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N), the Pentagon's No. 1 supplier. They build much of the hardware on which the new systems rely.
(Editing by Patricia Wilson and Peter Cooney)

DTN News: Germany Suspends Purchase Of EADS Military Helicopters Over Wiring Faults

Defense News: DTN News: Germany Suspends Purchase Of EADS Military Helicopters Over Wiring Faults
*Germany has suspended the purchase of €3bn (£2.6bn) worth of EADs military helicopters – which are already five years late – because of wiring faults.
Source: DTN News / Telegraph By Amy Wilson
(NSI News Source Info) LONDON, U.K. - May 28, 2010: The country ordered 80 Tiger attack helicopters from Eurocopter, a division of EADS, in 1998. Some 67 of those were due to be delivered last year, but so far only 11 have arrived, according to a report by the German ministry of defence. Those which have been delivered have extensive wiring problems and are kitted out to an earlier specification than that ordered by the German government.
France ordered 80 Tigers at the same time, in a different model, and has already deployed its version of the helicopter in Afghanistan.
The helicopter has "serious defects particularly with its wiring," the defence ministry said, and as a result the first aircraft will not be deployed with Germany's armed forces until November 2011. Eurocopter is the biggest manufacturer of helicopters in the world.
"Corrective measures related to wiring problems have been developed, agreed by the customer and are being implemented," a spokesman for Eurocopter said.
The company said it will hand over two helicopters which have been through this process to be tested by the German army in the next two months. Further helicopter deliveries are expected by the end of the year.
EADS, which is also the parent company of Airbus, has suffered long delays and cost over-runs on its A400M military transport plane because of problems with its engines. The NH-90 helicopter was also delayed.

DTN News: UN Rift Widens Over Brazil-Turkey Deal With Iran

Defense News: DTN News: UN Rift Widens Over Brazil-Turkey Deal With Iran
Source: DTN News / By Aldo Gamboa (AFP)
(NSI News Source Info) BRASILIA, Brazil - May 28, 2010: A bitter rift between the world's top powers led by the United States and emerging nations Brazil and Turkey widened Thursday as differences over how to tackle Iran's suspect nuclear program erupted into sharp exchanges.
Turkey accused critics of a deal brokered with Iran last week for a nuclear fuel swap of being "envious" of the "diplomatic success" it represented -- in an implicit swipe at the United States.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton acknowledged "very serious disagreements" with Brazil over its insistence that the deal it helped to draw up be considered before a US push for new UN sanctions against Iran is decided.
The row threatens to split the UN Security Council, on which the United States sits as a permanent, veto-wielding member alongside temporary members Brazil and Turkey.
It also highlighted the growing assertiveness of Brazil, Latin America's biggest economy, and NATO member Turkey in carving out their own diplomatic tracks independently of the United States.
The United States accuses Iran of trying to build nuclear weapons under the cover of its atomic energy program, something Tehran denies.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking in a joint media conference in Brasilia with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, slammed detractors of the May 17 deal they worked out with Tehran.
"The countries criticizing this accord are envious. Because Brazil and Turkey brokered and pulled off a diplomatic success that other countries had been negotiating without result for many years," he said.
He stated that Brazil and Turkey had "assumed the responsibility" that went with their seats on the UN Security Council.
Lula urged that the UN nuclear watchdog, which this week received details from Tehran of the Brazil-Turkey proposal, to show "sensitivity in understanding the political moment" represented by the deal and to analyze it accordingly.
"Turkey and Brazil are working for peace. Up to now, Iran has met the obligations of its accord with Turkey and Brazil," he stressed.
Their words showed a stubborn refusal to allow the United States to dismiss their deal in its rush to secure a fourth round of sanctions against Iran in the UN Security Council.
US officials say they already have the backing of the four other permanent members -- allies France and Britain, as well as Iran's investment partners China and Russia -- and were confident they would win the nine votes needed on the 15-seat Security Council to impose the sanctions.
Non-permanent members Brazil and Turkey are opposed, along with Lebanon, which has ties to Iran through its Hezbollah militia.
Brazil was being especially fierce in fighting to save the Tehran fuel swap deal, both in official declarations and in what appeared to be a leak of a letter from US President Barack Obama to Lula ahead of negotiations over the accord.
The daily Folha de Sao Paulo reported Thursday that Obama had sent a letter to Lula three weeks ago suggesting negotiation points with Tehran and stating that he "would keep a door open to a compromise with Iran."
The letter reportedly also said Obama warned he would simultaneously push forward with the UN resolution for sanctions against Tehran.
The Brazilian government has not officially confirmed the authenticity of the letter, but Lula has insisted that the Tehran deal largely addressed the demands made by the United States months ago.
Under the terms of the deal, Iran would deposit around half its stock of low-enriched uranium in Turkey in exchange, within a year later, for reactor fuel enriched to a level needed for research and medical use -- but well below the level required for military ends.
The United States and its European allies say the deal is insufficient, partly because the amount of uranium to be handed over is too little, but mainly because Iran insists on enriching part of its remaining stock to 20 percent anyway.
UN chief Ban Ki-moon, speaking at the opening Thursday of a UN "Alliance of Civilizations" conference in Rio aimed at better cross-cultural understanding, addressed the rift.
"This crisis, it seems to me that there is a serious lack of optimism and trust towards Iran in its core," he said.
He said Iran's plans to enrich its uranium "has caused serious concern" and stated: "It would be helpful if Iran agreed to stop trying to enrich uranium at 20 percent."
Without mentioning the US-led push for sanctions, Ban praised Lula and Erdogan's efforts "to resolve this issue with peaceful negotiation."
He acknowledged, though, that "there are different opinions about the approaches and possibilities concerning this issue."

DTN News: African Airlines Investments Acquires Five Bae 146s from BAE Systems For Pan-African Operations

Defense News: DTN News: African Airlines Investments Acquires Five Bae 146s from BAE Systems For Pan-African Operations
Source: DTN News / BAE Systems 26 May 2010 Ref. 104
(NSI News Source Info) Hatfield, Hertfordshire - May 28, 2010: African Airlines Investments of South Africa has acquired five BAe 146 regional jetliners from BAE Systems for use on its growing aircraft leasing operations across sub-Saharan Africa.
Two of the aircraft are BAe 146-200s with the remaining aircraft being the bigger Series 300. The aircraft are scheduled to be delivered by mid-July. These five aircraft are additional to two other BAe 146-200s that are currently operated by the company for customers in Gabon and other African countries. The company also presently operates smaller turboprop aircraft on behalf of additional customers in Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia.
African Airlines Investments (AAI) is an asset-based aviation group providing aviation support solutions to the African aviation industry. Its operational base is Johannesburg Lanseria Airport, whilst its finance and administration centre is located in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape. Aircraft are wet-leased to airline operators in a number of countries and all aircraft are maintained to South African Civil Aviation Authority standards for safety and airworthiness.
Mr Pieter Louw, Director of African Airlines Investments said: "Africa has huge potential for air traffic development and we believe we have a unique business model to help the industry expand. In addition to our home market, we are spreading our wings across sub-Saharan Africa and its islands and the market for both charter operations and turnkey operations is expanding. We believe that the BAe 146 is the ideal aircraft for our jet operations."
Mr Nigel Benson, Director Sales and Marketing - Sub Saharan Africa for BAE Systems Regional Aircraft Asset Management said: "African Airlines Investments is the fourth customer for the BAe 146/Avro RJ in South Africa. Across Africa as a whole the aircraft is proving increasingly popular and we will have by the middle of 2010 a total of 19 aircraft in operations with seven customers across six countries."
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is a global defence, security and aerospace company with approximately 107,000 employees worldwide. The Company delivers 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. In 2009 BAE Systems reported sales of £22.4 billion (US$ 36.2 billion).
For further information contact:
David Dorman, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1582 488336 Fax: +44 (0) 1582 488447
david@dorwaypr.co.uk
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384605 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
24hr media hotline: + 44 (0) 7801 717739

DTN News: Lockheed Martin Awarded Contract For Kuwait Air Force KC-130J Tankers

Defense News: DTN News: Lockheed Martin Awarded Contract For Kuwait Air Force KC-130J Tankers
Source: DTN News / Lockheed Martin
(NSI News Source Info) MARIETTA, Ga., - May 28, 2010: Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has received a $245 million contract from the U.S. Government for the Foreign Military Sale of three KC 130J tanker aircraft to Kuwait. The program will be managed by the U.S. Navy. The Kuwait Air Force’s new KC-130Js will provide aerial refueling for its F 18 fleet and augment its current airlift fleet of three Lockheed Martin L-100s. Kuwait’s KC-130Js also will perform air mobility, disaster relief and humanitarian missions throughout the world.
“We are proud to add yet another country to the growing worldwide C-130J community,” said Jim Grant, Lockheed Martin vice president for C-130 business development. “The combination of tanking and airlift missions yet again shows the tremendous versatility of this proven aircraft. KC-130Js have been used in high-tempo operations for the last five years and will provide Kuwait with an effective, efficient and reliable multi-mission capability.”
Kuwait’s first KC-130J delivery is scheduled for late 2013, with deliveries completed in early 2014. Using only wing and external tanks, the KC-130J has a 57,500 pound fuel offload capability. The KC 130J is configured to accept a fuselage tank, adding another 24,392 pounds of available fuel. The standard probe-and-drogue configuration of the KC 130J is suited for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. In addition to aerial and ground refueling, the KC-130J has the same airlift capability as non-tanker variants — including airdrop and paradrop.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 136,000 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 2009 sales of $45.2 billion.
Media Contact:
Peter Simmons
Office: 770-494-6208
Mobile: 678-662-4747

DTN News: Oshkosh Defense Ships First FMTV Trucks, Trailers To U.S. Army Ahead Of Schedule; Vehicle Design Supports Armor Strategy To Protect Warfight

Defense News: DTN News: Oshkosh Defense Ships First FMTV Trucks, Trailers To U.S. Army Ahead Of Schedule; Vehicle Design Supports Armor Strategy To Protect Warfighters
Source: DTN News / Oshkosh Corporation
(NSI News Source Info) OSHKOSH, Wis. - May 28, 2010: Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), has shipped its first Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) trucks and trailers to the U.S. Army. The vehicles left the company’s Oshkosh, Wis. campus yesterday – ahead of schedule.
“These Oshkosh vehicles represent a major milestone for the FMTV program, and exemplify our history of meeting commitments to the U.S. Army,” said Mike Ivy, vice president and general manager, Army Programs, Oshkosh Defense. “We’ve leveraged our proven manufacturing expertise and a substantial pre-award program investment to ensure that all of our customer’s requirements and original schedules are met. We look forward to delivering these mission-critical vehicles to our country’s Warfighters.”
Two FMTV variants and trailers for both vehicles are being delivered. The Oshkosh FMTVs feature the Long-Term Armor Strategy (LTAS)-compliant cab solution. “We are pleased to do all we can to advance the safety and protection of our Warfighters,” added Ivy.
According to the U.S. Army’s original FMTV program timeline, Oshkosh Defense will begin delivering production units in October 2010. Production deliveries under existing orders run through December 2011. To date, Oshkosh has received orders to deliver 5,209 FMTV trucks and trailers.
The five-year FMTV contract is for the production of an estimated 23,000 vehicles and trailers, as well as support services and training. The FMTV is a series of 17 models and 23 variants ranging from 2.5-ton to 10-ton payloads. Vehicles feature a parts commonality of more than 80 percent, resulting in streamlined maintenance, training, sustainment and overall cost efficiency for the U.S. Army.
About Oshkosh Defense
Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, is an industry-leading global designer and manufacturer of tactical military trucks and armored wheeled vehicles, delivering a full product line of conventional and hybrid vehicles, advanced armor options, proprietary suspensions and vehicles with payloads that can exceed 70 tons. Oshkosh Defense provides a global service and supply network including full life-cycle support and remanufacturing, and its vehicles are recognized the world over for superior performance, reliability and protection. For more information, visitwww.oshkoshdefense.com.
About Oshkosh Corporation
Oshkosh Corporation is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency and military vehicles and vehicle bodies. Oshkosh Corp. manufactures, distributes and services products under the brands of Oshkosh®, JLG®, Pierce®, McNeilus®, Medtec®, Jerr-Dan®, Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles, Frontline™, SMIT™, CON-E-CO®, London® and IMT®. Oshkosh products are valued worldwide in businesses where high quality, superior performance, rugged reliability and long-term value are paramount. For more information, log on to www.oshkoshcorporation.com.
®, ™ All brand names referred to in this news release are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies.

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated May 27, 2010

Defense News: DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated May 27, 2010
Source: U.S. DoD issued May 27, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - May 28, 2010: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued May 27, 2010 are undermentioned;<>
CONTRACTS
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

~Sterlingwear of Boston, Inc.*, Boston, Mass. is being awarded a maximum $36,700,000 firm-fixed-price, total set-aside, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for men’s and women’s overcoats. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. The original proposal was Web solicited with five responses. The date of performance completion is Nov. 27, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM1C1-10-D-1077).
~Aviall Services, Dallas, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $17,325,000 firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract for helicopter engine parts. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There was one proposal originally solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is May 30, 2013. The Defense Logistics Agency Philadelphia (DSCR-AHB), Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (SPRRA1-10-D-0015).
AIR FORCE
~Alion Science and Technology Corp., Chicago, Ill.,
was awarded a $24,761,763 contract which will provide for research development for Air Force Research Laboratory for critical live, virtual and constructive environments. At this time, $99,206 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (N61339-03-D-0300, Delivery Order 0246).
~Alion Science and Technology Corp., Chicago, Ill., was awarded a $24,251,273 contract which will provide research and engineering integration of Department of Defense manned and unmanned ground vehicle systems. At this time, $4,405,506 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (N61339-03-D-0300, Delivery Order 0248).
~Wyle Laboratories, Huntsville, Ala., was awarded a $23,809,521 contract which will conduct engineering, analysis and testing tasks to facilitate a reliability improvement, parts obsolescence problems, and identify corrective actions that can be taken to eliminate or control problems. At this time, $125,984 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (HC1047-05-D-4005).
~Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc., Herndon, Va., was awarded a $12,321,308 contract which will provide Joint Program Analysis and Integration Office survivability/vulnerability scientific and technical analysis. At this time, $3,214,286 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1380).
~Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc., Herndon, Va., was awarded an $11,904,222 contract which will provide survivability/vulnerability analysis and assessment. At this time, $347,222 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-98-D-4002, Delivery Order 0410).
~Raytheon Co., Intelligence and Information Systems, Reston, Va., was awarded an $11,350,052 contract which will provide Transportable Ground Receive Suite terminals. At this time, no funds have been obligated. 653 ELSG/KCK, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (FA8628-06-C-2066 P00072).
~L-3 Services, Inc., Herndon, Va., was awarded a $6,050,543 contract which will provide intelligence analysis; operations and planning; targeting; collection management; support analysis and production support; and information systems sustainment support in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 700 CONS/LGCD, Kapaun Air Station, Germany, is the contracting activity (FA5613-09-D-5000-0016).
NAVY
~TolTest, Inc., Maumee, Ohio, is being awarded $8,644,201 for firm-fixed-price task order #0005 under a multiple-award construction contract (N69450-08-D-1283) for design and construction to replace a JP-5 fuel storage tank at U.S. Naval Base Guantanamo Bay. The proposed work includes replacement of the fuel storage tank, backup diesel generator, tank stilling wells, and paved dike access road. Work will be performed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and is expected to be completed by November 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.
~L-3 Communications Corp., Arlington, Texas, is being awarded a $10,686,851 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-04-D-0110) for additional logistics support services for the Navy’s C-40A aircraft fleet. Services to be provided include site activation; site support at Naval Air Station (NAS) Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas, NAS Jacksonville, Fla., and NAS North Island, Calif.; inventory management and support, to include tracking and control of government- and contractor-owned inventory; depot-level support, scheduled and unscheduled; drop-in maintenance; component repair and overhaul of government- and contractor-owned inventory; replacement of government- and contractor-owned inventory; contractor field teams; and engine condition monitoring. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (22 percent); NAS Jacksonville, Fla. (22 percent); NAS North Island, Calif. (22 percent); Oklahoma City, Okla. (20 percent); Arlington, Texas (8 percent); and Tulsa, Okla. (6 percent). Work is expected to be completed in November 2010. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
~Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a $7,079,047 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-07-D-0004) to exercise an option for the VH-60N executive helicopter special progressive aircraft rework induction. Work will be performed in Stratford, Conn., and is expected to be completed in September 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $7,079,047 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
~The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $6,376,999 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-05-G-0026) for the procurement of 144 kits in support of engineering change proposal #6282, “Fatigue Test Article 50/Fatigue Test Article 77 Post-Cost Reduction Initiative Inner Wing Retrofit Out of Warranty Kits,” for the F/A-18E/F aircraft. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed in January 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.