DTN News: Ottawa To Spend $9-Billion In Sole-Source Deal For U.S. Fighter Jets

Defense News: DTN News: Ottawa To Spend $9-Billion In Sole-Source Deal For U.S. Fighter Jets

*Related article - **DTN News $9 Billion Pricetag Likely For Canada's Next-Generation Fighter Aircraft ~ By David Pugliese dated June 1, 2010

Source: DTN News / Daniel Leblanc Ottawa — From Tuesday's Globe and Mail

(NSI News Source Info) OTTAWA, Canada - June 9, 2010: Ottawa is moving on a sole-sourced purchase of high-tech U.S. fighter jets to replace its CF-18s despite furious last-minute lobbying by rival manufacturers.
Industry and government sources said the cabinet is expected in coming days to approve the launch of negotiations on price and delivery schedules with Lockheed-Martin, the U.S.-based manufacturer of the Joint Strike Fighter F-35.
The government is moving early on buying 65 new aircraft in a bid to “lock up the price” long before the jets start entering into service in 2017, sources said.
The contract worth up to $9-billion would be awarded without competition, with the Harper government set to argue the only other aircraft that could eventually meet the needs of the Canadian Forces would be built in China or Russia, and that such a purchase “wouldn’t fly” in Canada.
But that hasn’t stopped the manufacturers of jets such as Boeing’s Super Hornet from trying to whip up a storm in Parliament and the defence community.
Lobbyists have been contacting journalists and parliamentarians in an attempt to put out the story that Canada could get new aircraft at a cheaper price, and with more Canadian content, by opening up tenders.
“An open competition to select Canada's next-generation fighter would enable Canada's government and military to obtain access to detailed Super Hornet performance data, enabling a thorough and accurate evaluation of its advanced, proven capabilities,” said Boeing spokeswoman Mary Brett in a statement.
Officially, Defence Minister Peter MacKay responded to the speculation in the House on Monday by promising that his government is set to “invest in the next generation of fighters.”
“Stay tuned,” Mr. MacKay said in response to NDP attacks against a sole-sourced contract.
Privately, government officials are saying Ottawa already made a decision in the 2008 “Canada First” defence policy to buy a next-generation fighter plane, and that Boeing lost the competition in the United States to build that aircraft in 2001.
“Boeing has been driving the town crazy,” said a senior government official directly involved in the project. “This is a classic firestorm in Ottawa, with lobbyists stirring up the town trying to stall the acquisition of equipment for the Canadian Forces.”
The Joint Strike Fighter is being developed by Lockheed-Martin, which won a competition to produce the next generation of stealth single-seat aircraft. Canada has invested $160-million so far in the development project, which will cost hundreds of billions of dollars. The U.S. Forces will buy about 2,400 of the F-35s.
The 65 new fighters that the Canadian government plans to buy will replace its current fleet of 80 CF-18s starting in 2017.
Competing aircraft manufacturers say that despite the federal investment, the Joint Strike Fighter might not be the way to go. The overarching theme among manufacturers is that they want to be able to participate in a competition, and that the government will get a better deal – and more regional industrial benefits spread out across Canada – if it opens up a tendering process.
“Competition guarantees the best value for Canada,” Boeing stated in a presentation to Conservative ministers last fall.
Boeing is insisting in its material that it will continue to produce its Super Hornet into the next decade, and that the U.S. Forces will continue to have more than twice as many of these planes than the Lockheed F-35s.
But Mr. MacKay signaled in the House of Commons on May 27 that his mind is made up. He initially spoke of the Joint Strike Fighter as the designated replacement for the CF-18s, before stating that a decision has yet to be made.

DTN News: Pakistan TODAY June 9, 2010 ~ 15 Nato-Supply Containers Torched And 5 Killed Near Islamabad

Defense News: DTN News: Pakistan TODAY June 9, 2010 ~ 15 Nato-Supply Containers Torched And 5 Killed Near Islamabad

Source: DTN News By Roger Smith

(NSI News Source Info) ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - June 9, 2010: At least five persons were killed while another four sustained injuries when unknown gunmen attacked Nato-supply tankers near Islamabad; setting as many as 30 oil and gas containing tankers on fire, reported.

According to DTN News reports so far reached here, in another bid to blow a hard strike into global efforts to uproot militancy, nearly thirty Nato containers, meant for supplying fuel and other logistic support for Nato forces resisting against Taliban in Afghanistan, have been torched as unknown assailants opened fire and set them ablaze in suburbs of federal Capital Islamabad late on Tuesday night, killing five persons and wounding four others.

In another bid to blow a hard strike into international efforts to uproot militancy, nearly fifteen Nato containers, meant for supplying fuel and other logistic support for Nato forces resisting against Taliban in Afghanistan, have been torched as unknown assailants opened fire and set them ablaze in suburbs of federal Capital Islamabad late on Tuesday night, injuring four persons but no loss of life was reported, Geo news reported.

Bizarrely, all the drivers and containers’ cleaners had disappeared from the incident scene when the ambush was carried out near Sangjani place located in the outskirts of Islamabad, eyewitnesses told media persons.

Rescue efforts have been kicked off as law enforcement agencies have cordoned off the area while wounded men are being rushed to hospital for medical treatment.

Fire tenders have been dispatched to incident site, as all containers are on thick fire, meanwhile, police parties are in pursuit of attackers, sources said.

According to police sources, miscreants were carrying heavy armaments while riding two motorcycles and six cars when they lodged onslaught.

*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated June 8, 2010

Defense News: DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated June 8, 2010

Source: U.S. DoD issued June 8, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - June 9, 2010: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued June 8, 2010 are undermentioned;<>
CONTRACTS
ARMY
~Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on June 3 a $138,843,606 firm-fixed-price contract. This delivery order is being awarded commensurate to the award of a modification to the base contract to add additional vehicle variants and Federal Reserve excise tax to the contract. The variants being added to the contract and procured in the delivery order are as follows: 481 Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck M983A4 light equipment transporters; 481 Federal Reserve excise tax for Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck M983A4 light equipment transporters; one Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck M1120A4 load handling system; and one Federal Reserve excise tax for Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck M1120A4 load handling system. Work is to be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0024).
~NIITEK, Inc., Dulles, Va., was awarded on June 2 a $106,502,478 firm-fixed-price contract for 76 Husky Mounted Detection (HMD) systems installation; new equipment training; maintenance support; and logistics documentation, to be immediately deployed to Afghanistan, and critical spares to assure continued operation for a 12-month period of the 80 HMDs already procured. Work is to be performed in Dulles, Va., with an estimated completion date of May 30, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. CECOM Contracting Center Washington, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (W909MY-10-C-0016).
~Navistar Defense, LLC, Warrenville, Ill., was awarded on June 2 a $70,185,145 firm-fixed-price contract for 254 recovery/wrecker trucks. Work is to be performed in Ooltewah, Tenn., with an estimated completion date of April 30, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army TACOM LCMC, CCTA-ADBA, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-08-D-G097).
~Sunrise Beach Corp., Allen, Texas, was awarded on June 3 a $59,471,900 fixed-price-labor hours for aircraft paint and maintenance services for the 1108th Aviation Classification Repair Activity Depot for the Mississippi Army National Guard located at Gulfport, Miss. Work is to be performed in Gulfport, Miss. (57 percent); Birmingham, Ala. (7 percent); Salisbury, N.C. (6 percent); Eastover, S.C. (5 percent); Frankfort, Ky. (5 percent); Smyrna, Tenn. (5 percent); Brooksville, Fla. (4 percent); Jackson, Tenn. (4 percent); Saint Croix, Virgin Islands (4 percent); Dobbins, Ga. (2 percent); Fort Rucker, Ala. (1 percent); Hope Hull, Ala. (1 percent); and Mobile, Ala. (1 percent), with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2015. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with three bids received. National Guard Bureau, U.S. Property and Fiscal Office for Mississippi, Jackson, Miss., is the contracting activity (W9127Q-10-C-0003).
~Conti Federal Services, Inc., South Plainfield, N.J., was awarded on June 2 a $46,442,406 fixed-price contract for “Hurricane Protection Office, Hurricane Storm Damage Risk Reduction System, Lake Pontchartrain and Vicinity, Reach 149, Construction of Caernarvon Canal Floodwall, St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parishes, La.” Work is to be performed in the St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parishes in Louisiana, with an estimated completion date of April 6, 2011. Bids were solicited via the Federal Business Opportunities Web site with three bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hurricane Protection Office, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P9-10-C-0086).
~URS/Lear Siegler Services, Germantown, Md., was awarded on June 1 a $41,157,296 time-and-material task order for services in support of ongoing maintenance, overhaul, modification and upgrade of Bradley/multiple-launch rocket system vehicles; tactical wheeled vehicles; all-terrain material handling equipment; rubber products; and environment-type cleanup. Work is to be performed in Texarkana, Texas, with an estimated completion date of May 26, 2013. Fifteen bids were solicited with seven bids received. U.S. Army TACOM Contracting Center, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W911SE-07-D-0008).
~L-3 Communications, Systems Field Support, Rockwall, Texas, was awarded on June 1 a $33,550,000 firm-fixed-price contract to provide life cycle contractor support services for the Army fleet of C12/RC-12/UC-35 aircraft worldwide. Work is to be performed in Rockwall, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2015. B ids were solicited on the World Wide Web with five bids received. Aviation Missile Command, Redstone, Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-10-C-0107).
~Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Rolling Meadows, Ill., was awarded on June 1 a $32,074,665 firm-fixed-price contract to purchase the next generation automatic test system. This contract provides additional funding to increase the undefinitized contract action obligation amount up to 75 percent of the revised qualifying proposal received from Northrop Grumman. Work is to be performed in Rolling Meadows, Ill., with an estimated completion date of May 28, 2011. One sole-source bid was solicited with one bid received. Joint Munitions & Lethality Contracting Center, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-10-C-0040).
~American Ordnance, LLC, Middletown, Iowa, was awarded on June 1 a $21,819,932 firm-fixed-price contract to exercise Option #1 for 81mm propelling charges; 121,018 M218; 100,502 M219; 1,782,862 M220; and 574,720 M234. Work is to be performed in Middletown, Iowa (50 percent), and Milan, Tenn. (50 percent), with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2013. Bids were solicited via the national technology industrial base with four bids received. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Contracting Center, CCRC-AC, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-09-C-0029).
~GM GDLS Defense Group, LLC, JV, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on May 27 a $15,541,966 fixed-price level-of-effort contract for labor hours, program management review/synch meetings, and training sessions for the program management office, Stryker Brigade Combat Team support. Work is to be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2011. One bid solicited with one bid received. TACOM Contracting Center, CCTA-AI, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-D-M112).
~American Ordnance LLC., Middletown, Iowa, was awarded on May 24, 2010 a $15,283,985 firm-fixed-price contract. This procurement is for Option #1 for 60mm propelling charges: 1,366,664 of M204; and 823,601 of M235. Work is to be performed in Middletown, Iowa, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2013. Bids were solicited via the national technology industrial base with three bids received. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Contracting Center, CCRC-AR, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-09-C-0032).
~Creative Times Day School, Inc, Ogden, Utah, was awarded on May 24 a $12,565,935 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of a fire station, military police station, and information operation center at Fort Bliss, Texas. This project will include a fire department training facility, anti-terrorism measures, and building information systems. Support facilities includes utilities;, electric services; security lighting; standby generator fire protection and alarm systems; fencing; paving; walks; curbs and gutters; storm drainage; information systems; landscaping; and site improvements. Work is to be performed in El Paso, Texas, with an estimated completion date of July 30, 2011. One hundred and seventy-five bids were solicited with six bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-10-C-0057).
~Nivisys Industries, LLCC, Tempe, Ariz., was awarded on May 24 a $12,372,812 firm-fixed-price contract for various night vision equipment. Work is to be performed in Tempe, Ariz., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 29, 2012. One sole-source bid was solicited with one bid received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-10-C-D233).
~Duke University, Durham, N.C., was awarded on May 27 a $9,266,161 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. This contract is for Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) research. Current imaging systems are fundamentally limited in field of view and resolution. Wide field of view and high resolution cannot be achieved using conventional camera design. On the DARPA “Maximally scalable Optical Sensor Array Imaging with Computation” program, Duke University shall overcome the limits of conventional imaging system design and demonstrate the feasibility of near-linear growth of optical information throughout with increasing imaging system scale. The efficacy of the technology will be demonstrated by developing an unprecedented 10-to-50 gigapixel with 114-degree field of view. Work is to be performed in Durham, N.C. (28.41 percent); Thousand Oaks, Calif. (26.87 percent); Champaign, Ill. (10.62 percent); Tucson, Ariz. (10.34 percent); Rochester, N.Y. (8.05 percent); McKinney, Texas. (5.92 percent); La Jolla, Calif. (3.67 percent); San Diego, Calif. (3.58 percent); and Cambridge, Mass. (2.53 percent), with an estimated completion date of May 27, 2013. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with three bids received. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HR0011-10-C-0073).
~Shook-RJE, JV, Dayton, Ohio, was awarded on May 24 a $8,813,800 construction firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of a joint services lodging facility. Work is to be performed in Youngstown, Ohio, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2011. Bids were solicited via the Federal Business Opportunities Web site with six bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District Office, CELRLCT-M, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-10-C-0058).
~Nationview/Bhate, JV III, LLC, Birmingham, Ala., was awarded on May 27 a $8,648,624 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and build of a single-story child development center with drilled pier foundations; concrete slab; steel frame; masonry exterior walls; and standing seam metal roof. The work includes multi-purpose rooms; isolation rooms; kitchen area and equipment; walk-in freezer; administrative space; authorized equipment; fire protection; utilities; and all other support. Complies with Departmet of Defense force protection requirements per Unified Facilities Criteria. Unexercised options in the amount of $166,787 are available for future execution by the government. Work is to be performed at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2011. Bids were solicited via the Federal Business Opportunities Web site with 15 bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-10-C-0070).
~AM General, LLC, South Bend, Ind., was awarded on May 25 an $8,246,591 firm-fixed-price contract to add 50 Humvees to contract. Work is to be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Warren, CCTA-ATA-C, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001).
~AECOM Government Services, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded on May 26 an $8,085,851 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the Iraqi Asset Management Program, continued maintenance of all necessary personnel supplies and services to support the extensive fleet of vehicles and equipment for military operations by various segments of the Iraqi Army. Work is to be performed in Iraq with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Rock Island Contracting Center, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-10-C-0033).
~North Shore International, New Hyde Park, N.Y., was awarded on May 22 a $7,959,572 firm-fixed-price contract for emergency parts for the Mussaib Power Plant, Babil, Iraq. Work is to be performed in Iraq with an estimated completion date of Sept. 15, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with three bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region Division, Multi-National Force, Iraq, is the contracting activity (W917BG-10-P-0010).
~Lockheed Martin Electronics and Fire Control, Orlando, Fla., was awarded on May 26 a $7,888,280 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the reset support to include inspecting, refurbishment, and removal of sand, dust, and foreign material intrusion to the Apache modernized and legacy target acquisition designation sight assembly and pilot night vision sensor assembly system. Work is to be performed in Orlando, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, AMCOM Contracting Center, CCAM-AP-B, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-10-C-0023).
~KDH Defense Systems, Inc., Johnstown, Pa., was awarded on May 27 a $7,100,000 firm-fixed-price contract for in-scope modification to obtain 736,000 multi-cam improved outer tactical vests. Work is to be performed in Eden, N.C., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Research, Development and Engineering Command Contracting Center, Aberdeen Contracting Division, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-09-D-0049).
~IIF Data Solutions, Inc., Centreville, Va., was awarded on May 24 a $6,772,697 labor-hour and cost contract to provide medical support services for the Army National Guard. Work is to be performed in Arlington, Va., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2015. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with four bids received. National Guard Bureau, ZC-AQ, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (W9133L-10-F-0141).
~McConnell Dowell, Pago Pago, American Samoa, was awarded on May 20 a $6,646,892 firm-fixed-price contract for road pavement and shore protection construction contract entitled “PN ER-AQ-ER4-1 (016) Cyclone Heta Repair and ER-AQ-ER5-1(2) Cyclone Olaf Repair of Route 030, Tau Road Island of Tau, American Samoa.” Work is to be performed on the island of Tau in American Samoa, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 21, 2011. Bids were solicited via unrestricted procurement with two bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (W9128A-10-C-0006).
~Lupachino & Salvatore Inc., Bloomfield, Conn., was awarded on May 25 a $6,106,800 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for “Total Force Integration-Component-Numbered Air Force Beddown-Upgrade Facilities” at Bradley Air National Guard Base, East Granby, Conn. The base requires an adequately-sized and properly configured Component Numbered Air Force (cNAF) air operations command center with Air Mobility Division and support facilities to effectively train and conduct the assigned cNAF mission. The cNAF includes functional elements responsible for plans; operations; intelligence; logistic; combat services support; and communications-electronics. Work is to be performed in East Granby, Conn., with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with 14 bids received. National Guard Bureau, Hartford, Conn., is the contracting activity (W91ZRS-10-C-0007).
~Lockheed Martin, Simulation, Training and Support, Orlando, Fla., was awarded on May 26 a $5,868,182 firm-fixed-price contract for field and depot support for the AN/USM-401 (v) electronic quality assurance test equipment. Work is to be performed in Orlando, Fla., with an estimated completion date of May 24, 2015. One bid was solicited with one bid received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-10-C-D402).
~L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc., Space and Navigation Division, Budd Lake, N.J., was awarded on May 27 a $5,194,097 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This new requirement is a product improvement to the existing improved position and azimuth determining (IPAD) system and will test, build and deliver up to 400 IPADs with GPS capability. Work is to be performed in Budd Lake, N.J., with an estimated completion date of May 27, 2014. One sole-source bid was solicited with one bid received. Army Contracting Commands, Joint Munitions & Lethality Contracting Center, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-10-D-0021).
U.S. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND
~CSI Armoring, Inc., Miami, Fla. (H92222-10-D-0020; $42,986,295), and
~The Armored Group, LLC, Phoenix, Ariz. (H92222-10-D-0021; $44,439,516), have each been awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for an initial delivery order of four armored Hilux vehicles and accessories at a value of $525,340. The potential dollar amount of this award is $44,439,516. The contract minimum in accordance with the request for proposal is four vehicles. All future vehicle delivery orders will be competed between these two companies. A total of 77 vehicles may be purchased under two multi-award contracts. The period of performance of this contract is May 28, 2010 to May 27, 2011. U.S. Special Operations Command is the contracting activity.
AIR FORCE
~Wyle Laboratories, Inc., Huntsville, Ala., was awarded a $24,702,369 contract for the Reliability Information Analysis Center to research, test, develop and deliver system requirements analysis documentation; concept recommendations; tradeoff analysis data/documentation field investigation; and integration analysis reports. At this time, $9,420,635 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (HC1047-05-D-4005).
~Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., was awarded a $17,619,018 contract which will provide for the electronic protection improvement program. At this time, $2,114,605 has been obligated. 696 ARSS/PK, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8675-10-C-0084).
~Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., Herndon, Va., was awarded an $8,928,463 contract which will provide for mission assurance technical analysis to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas’ Security Affairs. At this time, $1,096,974 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1380).
NAVY
~Lockheed Martin, Mission Systems and Sensors, Owego, N.Y., is being awarded a $9,002,740 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-09-G-0005) for services in support of the MH-60R Common Data Link (CDL) Hawklink upgrade. Services to be provided include production support; first article inspection test; generation of engineering change proposals to incorporate CDL Hawklink into the MH-60R; product test verification supporting an MH-60R fleet release; and production validation testing on the aircraft. Work will be performed in Owego, N.Y., and is expected to be completed in December 2011. 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.

DTN News: Lockheed Martin Inducts Third C-5 To Become Super Galaxy

Defense News: DTN News: Lockheed Martin Inducts Third C-5 To Become Super Galaxy

Source: DTN News / Lockheed Martin

(NSI News Source Info) MARIETTA, Ga., - June 9, 2010: Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] inducted its third C-5 Galaxy strategic airlifter into the Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program (RERP) production line at its facility here June 8th.
The aircraft will become the sixth C-5M flying operational missions in support of America’s strategic airlift requirements in mid-2011. The largest and most capable airlift aircraft in the U.S. Air Force fleet, the C-5M is rapidly becoming the cornerstone of Global Reach in support of operations around the world.
The RERP modifications will make the aircraft a C-5M Super Galaxy and consist of more than 70 improvements and upgrades to the C-5 airframe and aircraft systems, and include the installation of new higher-thrust, more reliable turbofan engines.
"We are excited every time we induct an aircraft to become a Super Galaxy, because it is the sunrise of a new generation of strategic airlifters. The strategic value of the C-5M, as well as the value to the taxpayer, is unmatched,” said Lorraine Martin, Lockheed Martin C-5 vice president. “The C-5M is less than half the cost of other U.S. strategic airlifters and it provides twice the capability."
The third aircraft to enter the RERP/Modernization production line is a C-5B based at Dover Air Force Base, Del. This aircraft, USAF serial number 85-0005, was delivered to Dover on Jan. 28, 1987 and has served U.S. military operations across the globe in such areas as Afghanistan, Iraq, Morocco, Qatar, Senegal and Thailand.The first production C-5M is scheduled for delivery to Dover AFB later this year.
Current Air Force plans call for Lockheed Martin to deliver 52 C-5Ms (modification of 49 C-5Bs, two C-5Cs, and one C-5A) by 2016. Three C-5Ms, the former Super Galaxy test fleet, were given the highest rating possible during Air Force testing and have set 42 world records in airlift while flying operational missions worldwide.
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 Contacts:
Chad E. Gibson

Office: 770-494-3847M

obile: 678-761-6687

Email: chad.gibson@lmco.com
Sam Grizzle

Office: 703-413-5775

Mobile: 678-662-9162

Email: sam.c.grizzle@lmco.com

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated June 7, 2010

Defense News: DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated June 7, 2010

Source: U.S. DoD issued June 7, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - June 8, 2010: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued June 7, 2010 are undermentioned;<>
CONTRACTS
AIR FORCE
~Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Herndon, Va. (FA8720-10-D-0001);
~Boeing Co., Saint Louis, Mo. (8720-10-d-0002);
~DCS Corp., Alexandria, Va. (FA8720-10-D-0003);
~BAE Systems National Security Solutions Inc., San Diego, Calif. (FA8720-10-D-0004); and
~Lockheed Martin Corp., Owego, N.Y. (FA8720-10-D-0005), were awarded a $919,640,000 contract which will provide for the software development of mission planning systems to provide the warfighter with the tools to plan missions and transfer required data to the aircraft avionics. At this time, no money has been obligated. 951 ELSG/PK, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity.
~Lockheed Martin Corp., Sunnyvale, Calif., was awarded an $183,030,499 contract which will provide for the definization of the Space Based Infrared Systems Geosynchronous Earth Orbit Satellite and highly elliptical earth orbit payload production and ground systems modification. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. SMC/ISSW, Los Angeles Air Force Base, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8810-08-C-0002).
~Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corp., Sunnyvale, Calif., was awarded an $18,868,387 contract which will provide for non-personal services under the military satellite communications orbital operations and logistics support contract to support the operations and sustainment of Milstar and the Defense Satellite Communications System. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. HQ MCSW/PK, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8808-10-C-0002).
~Lockheed Martin Corp., Marietta, Ga., was awarded a $5,711,354 contract which will provide for the C-5M reliability enhancement and re-engineering program low rate initial production, contact change proposal support equipment, forward operating bases. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 716 AESG, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8625-07-C-6471).
ARMY
~Textron Systems Corp., Slidell, La., was awarded on May 28 an $84,705,030 firm-fixed-price contract for eight command-and-control armored security vehicles; 72 extended personnel carriers; three years of spares support for all 80 vehicles; 80 English/Arabic operator manuals; five English/Arabic maintenance and parts manuals; one English/Arabic CD of manuals; and two field service representatives to provide logistics, maintenance and training support for 24 months. Work is to be performed in Slidell, La., with an estimated completion date of May 28, 2013. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Contracting Center, Warren, CCTA-ATB-D, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-10-C-0044).
~AM General, LLC, South Bend, Ind., was awarded on May 28 an $18,049,690 firm-fixed-price contract to add 100 Humvees to contract. Work is to be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Warren, CCTA-ATA-C, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001).
~Carson & Associates, Inc., Little Rock, Ark., was awarded on May 26 a $17,630,560 firm-fixed-price contract for an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act steam line replacement for the sustainment, renovation and modernization of several warehouses and storage buildings located at Pine Bluff Arsenal, Pine Bluff, Ark. Work is to be performed in Pine Bluff, Ark., with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with three bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Little Rock, Ark., is the contracting activity (W9127S-10-D-6005).
~Arrowpoint Corp., Alexandria, Va., was awarded on May 27 a $15,957,254 labor contract to provide program management and support services for the Army National Guard. Work is to be performed in Arlington, Va., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2015. Bids were solicited via the General Services Administration with 10 bids received. National Guard Bureau, ZC-AQ, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (W9133L-10-F-0145).
~GM GDLS Defense Group, LLC, JV, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on May 28 a $14,366,117 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the engineering support for the Stryker Family of Vehicles. Work is to be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Contracting Center CCTA-AI, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-D-M112).
~BAE Systems, York, Pa., was awarded on May 28 a $10,728,276 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of material and installation of M113 Crew II A-kits for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Work is to be performed in York, Pa., with an estimated completion date of September 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army, TACOM LCMC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-G-0005).
~AM General, LLC, South Bend, Ind., was awarded on May 28 an $8,546,999 firm-fixed-price contract to add 53 Humvees to contract. Work is to be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Warren, CCTA-ATA-C, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001).
~Promotions Plus, Inc., North Royalton, Ohio, was awarded on May 28 an $8,158,624 firm-fixed-price contract for 203,000 pairs of Marine Corps flame resistant organizational gear gloves. Work is to be performed in Fort Dodge, Iowa, with an estimated completion date of May 18, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with four bids received. U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Natick Contracting Center, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W911QY-10-F-0109).
~Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc., Virginia Beach, Va., was awarded on May 28 an $8,158,607 firm-fixed-price contract for 128,482 pairs of Marine Corps flame resistant organizational gear gloves. Work is to be performed in Virginia Beach, Va., with an estimated completion date of May 28, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with four bids received. U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Natick Contracting Center, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W911QY-10-F-0108).
~Rolls-Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., was awarded on May 28 a $7,583,807 firm-fixed-price contract to provide engineering services for the design, development, qualification testing, and analyses required for the Rolls-Royce 250-C30R/3 engine “Single Channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control System Model #EMC-35A Electronic Control Unit Upgrade.” This contract will have a 12-month period of performance. Work is to be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., with an estimated completion date of May 28, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, AMCOM Contracting Center, CCAM-AR-B, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-D-0072).
~Avox Systems, Inc., Lancaster, N.Y., was awarded on May 28 a $7,012,454 firm-fixed-price contract to produce and deliver 2,411 mask protective unit masks. Work is to be performed in Lancaster, N.Y. (90 percent), and Frederick, Md. (10 percent), with an estimated completion date of Oct. 20, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Acquisition Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground Contracting Division, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (F41624-03-C-1007).
~Harris Corp., Melbourne, Fla., was awarded on May 28 a $6,219,750 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of controlled image base one-meter and five-meter products produced from WorldView imagery. Work is to be performed in Melbourne, Fla., with an estimated completion date of May 27, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, ACSM, Saint Louis, Mo., is the contracting activity (MNA302-03-D-0006).
U.S. TRANSPORTATION COMMAND
~Presidential Airways, Inc., an Aviation Worldwide Services Co., Camden, N.C., is being awarded a $24,289,339 task order for fixed-wing aircraft, personnel, equipment, tools, material, maintenance and supervision necessary to perform passenger and cargo air transportation services. Work will be performed in Afghanistan. The task order will start June 4, 2010, to be completed by May 31, 2011. This contract was a competitive acquisition. U.S Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (HTC711-10-D-R016).
~Evergreen Helicopters of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded a $14,490,000 task order for fixed-wing aircraft, personnel, equipment, tools, material, maintenance and supervision necessary to perform passenger and cargo air transportation services. Work will be performed in Afghanistan. The task order will start June 4, 2010, to be completed by May 31, 2011. This contract was a competitive acquisition. U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (HTC711-10-D-R017).
NAVY
~FN Manufacturing, LLC, Columbia, S.C., is being awarded an $11,498,167 firm-fixed-price contract for the MK 48 Mod-1 light weight machine gun (LMG) in support of the Navy Small Arms program. The MK 48 Mod-1 LMG is a compact, man-portable, belt-fed, air-cooled weapon system that is capable of engaging targets out to 1,000 meters. This weapon system is extremely rugged, highly reliable, corrosion resistant, and capable of being maintained and operated by one man in combat. Work will be performed in Columbia, S.C., and is expected to be completed by January 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $11,498,167 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-10-C-JN06).

DTN News: Indian SU-30 MKIs To Participate In Exercise Garuda In France

Defense News: DTN News: Indian SU-30 MKIs To Participate In Exercise Garuda In France

Source: DTN News Roger Smith

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 8, 2010: An Indian Air Force contingent of 230 Air Warriors was flagged off from Air Force Station Bareilly by Air Marshal S Varthaman, Senior Air Staff Officer, Central Air Command at a formal ceremony today. The IAF contingent would be taking part in Exercise Garuda scheduled from 14 Jun to 25 Jun 2010, at Istres Air Base, France.
The IAF assets taking part in exercise include 6 Sukhoi – 30 MKIs Air Dominance fighter aircraft , 3 Ilushin – 78 Flight Refueller Aircraft & 1 Ilushin – 76 Heavy Lift Transport Aircraft. The SU-30 MKIs would be taking part in an exercise in France for the first time. Earlier SU-30 KAs had participated. Also a team of Garud Special Forces would be taking part in Exercise Garuda for the first time.
Addressing the contingent members at the flagging off ceremony Air Mshl Varthaman said “Indeed it is a proud & privileged honour for him to bid the team good flying & happy landings. We have prepared well for last 6 to 8 months and I am sure you will excel with your professionalism. So fly safe, fly well, make friends, win hearts & touch the sky with glory.”
At the Exercise Garuda the French Air Force would be participating with their Mirage 2000s & Rafael Aircraft. It should also be noted that the Republic of Singapore Air Force would also be participating in Ex-Garuda with their F-16 Block 52 Aircraft.
Gp Capt J Mishra is the Team Leader under whose supervision the IAF contingent would perform in France. Gp Capt NN Sinha of IAF would be the Exercise Director, who would be planning, coordinating & executing different aspects of the flying & ground maneuvers at Ex Garuda.
According to DTN News, a joint exercise of this nature enhances mutual operational understanding. It also refines the procedural aspects and provides for tremendous learning experience, for all the participating Air Forces. It also enables the operators to understand each other’s capability. Exercise Garuda continues to enhance & cement the close military ties between the Indian and the French Air Forces.

*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com

DTN News: U.S. Marines Arrive In Estonia To Take Part In Baltops 2010 Drills

Defense News: DTN News: U.S. Marines Arrive In Estonia To Take Part In Baltops 2010 Drills

Source: DTN News / RIA Novosti Dt. June 6, 2010

(NSI News Source Info) TALLINN, Estonia - June 8, 2010: Over 300 U.S. marines arrived in Estonia to take part in the Baltops-2010 naval exercises in the Baltic Sea on June 7-18, the press service of Estonia's General Staff said.
They will join 200 U.S. marines who already arrived in the Baltic state.The Baltops exercise has been held annually since 1994 within the framework of the NATO Partnership for Peace Program. It is aimed to promote a mutual understanding of maritime interoperability between U.S. Navy, NATO, and non-NATO participants.
This year, the exercise will be held in Latvia and Estonia and will involve about 3,000 servicemen from the U.S., Belgium, Estonia, Denmark, France, Russia, Latvia, the U.K., Lithuania, Germany and Sweden.
A total of 36 vessels, two submarines and other military vehicles will take part in the drills, including Russia's amphibious assault landing ship, the Kaliningrad.
Kaliningrad class ships are capable of carrying up to 500 tons of cargo, 13 tanks and more than 200 naval infantry. The warship represented Russia at the BALTOPS drills five times since 2003.

DTN News: U.S., European Military To Discuss Air Defense Cooperation

Defense News: DTN News: U.S., European Military To Discuss Air Defense Cooperation

Source: DTN News / RIA Novosti Dt. June 7, 2010

(NSI News Source Info) TALLINN, Estonia - June 8, 2010: U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE)top brass will attend a Building Partnership Seminar under the Unified Engagement series in Estonian capital, Tallinn, on June 7-11.
A U.S. delegation led by USAFE Commander, General Roger A. Brady, will join military officials from seven European countries to discuss interoperability and future cooperation.
The event, co-hosted by USAFE and the Estonian Defense Ministry, is the third such seminar held in Europe. Other participants this year include Denmark, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden.
Estonia has been a full member of the NATO since 2004.
The Unified Engagement series is a wargame designed to explore future joint warfare concepts and capabilities.

DTN News: IAI/ELTA Systems Awarded $33 Million (USD) In Contracts For Airborne Maritime Surveillance Radars (MSR)

Defense News: DTN News: IAI/ELTA Systems Awarded $33 Million (USD) In Contracts For Airborne Maritime Surveillance Radars (MSR)

Source: DTN News / Israel Aerospace Industries' (IAI) June 7, 2010

(NSI News Source Info) TEL AVIV, Israel - June 8, 2010: Israel Aerospace Industries' (IAI) ELTA Systems Ltd. (IAI/ELTA), an IAI Group and Subsidiary, has been awarded several contracts worth $33 million from foreign customers for the development and production of the EL/M-2022A Maritime Surveillance Radar (MSR) for Maritime Patrol Aircraft.IAI/ELTA's MSRs are recognized worldwide for their contribution to operational missions, including maritime warfare operations, surveillance and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) patrol, anti-drug enforcement operations, coast guard and fishery supervision, and search and rescue operations.ELTA's airborne radar systems are a well-known, widely used product in operational service with customers worldwide. Recently, a number of news items have been published regarding maritime patrol aircraft employing ELTA's radars to monitor the volcanic ash cloud in Iceland and the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
ELTA Systems Ltd., a Group and wholly-owned subsidiary of IAI, is one of Israel's leading defense electronics companies and a leader in Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), Early-Warning Command & Control, Home-Land Security, Self-Protection and Self-Defense, and Fire-Control applications on board both manned and unmanned aircraft.
In the picture:

Maritime Surveillance Radar

Maritime Patrol Aircraft
For further information, please contact:

Doron Suslik

Deputy Corporate VP for Communications

Tel: +972-3-935-8509

Fax: +972-3-935-8512

Email: hpaz@iai.co.il

DTN News: Joint Military Excercise Of U.S. Marines With Indonesian Armed Forces In Indonesia

Defense News: DTN News: Joint Military Excercise Of U.S. Marines With Indonesian Armed Forces In Indonesia

Source: DTN News By Roger Smith
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 8, 2010: U.S. Marines of 2nd battalion, 24th Marines, takes his position with his Indonesian counterparts during a joint-excercise in Situbondo, East Java, Indonesia, Saturday, May 29, 2010.
The strong tradition of U.S.-Indonesian security cooperation that was bolstered by joint humanitarian assistance following natural disasters in 2004 and 2009 took another step forward with Indonesia’s recent decision to pursue ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.
The United States is grateful to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and the Indonesian government for “responsible leadership in the global effort to reinforce the nuclear nonproliferation regime,” President Obama said in a May 4 statement praising Indonesia’s announcement. Indonesia’s action is the most recent demonstration of the two nations’ shared vision for a peaceful, prosperous, democratic world.
After a 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, U.S. Navy vessels arrived within days to assist in rescue and recovery efforts. In the weeks and months that followed, U.S.-Indonesian military cooperation was vital for transporting relief supplies and aid workers to remote parts of the enormous area affected by the tsunami.
More recently, U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Richard Landolt arrived in Padang, Indonesia, shortly after the September 30, 2009, earthquake. Working closely with Indonesian armed forces, Landolt led U.S. military relief efforts. The U.S. humanitarian assistance and survey team coordinated medical support, civil engineering and supply needs with the Indonesian government, nongovernmental organizations and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Those humanitarian partnerships gave rise to several important security relationships.
In March, members of the U.S. Air Force’s technical coordination groups inspected and repaired portions of Indonesia’s fleet of U.S.-made fighter and cargo aircraft. Indonesian-operated C-130 transport planes, capable of carrying 19,000 kilograms (42,000 pounds), were vital for ferrying disaster relief supplies to isolated parts of the country.
In May, the Indonesian government and the U.S. Army co-hosted in Jakarta, Indonesia, the 20th Asia Pacific Military Medicine Conference. The annual gathering featured discussions on humanitarian relief deployments, medical administration, triage and casualty evacuation, and methods to combat infectious diseases.
The United States and Indonesia also share a strong interest in improving maritime security and fighting trafficking in persons.
Under the Global Train and Equip Program, the United States from 2006 to 2009 provided Indonesia with more than $47 million to fight smuggling, piracy and trafficking. This Department of Defense program sponsored the installation of several radar systems to improve maritime security throughout the archipelago, particularly in the Malacca and Makassar straits. According to the International Maritime Bureau, incidents of maritime crime in Indonesian waters decreased 77 percent from 2003 to 2008.
Working with Indonesians to fight human trafficking, the U.S. departments of State and Labor in 2008 and 2009 funded more than $6 million in projects to prevent trafficking, protect victims and prosecute traffickers in Indonesia.
As security partners, the United States and Indonesia joined Thailand, Japan, South Korea and Singapore for the Cobra Gold military exercise in February. Cobra Gold is the largest multinational military exercise in the world. Its joint training programs include command post exercises, civil engineering projects and field exercises.
The June 2009 Garuda Shield joint exercise allowed U.S. and Indonesian forces to discuss bomb-detecting methods and equipment.
In 2009, the U.S. and Indonesian militaries co-hosted the Garuda Shield multilateral military exercise in Bandung, Indonesia. This training program focused on peace support operations and included more than 1,000 soldiers and marines from nine countries. The co-director of the exercise, U.S. Major General Vernon Miyagi, praised Indonesia for taking “a lead role in supporting peacekeeping worldwide.”
Joint military exercises such as these are part of the close training and counterterrorism relationship that the United States and Indonesia share. U.S.-Indonesian counterterrorism cooperation has been especially strong since the Bali bombings of October 2002, and the United States has “very good cooperation with the Indonesian government on counterterrorism issues,” said Jeff Bader March 15. Bader is the senior director for Asian affairs at the National Security Council.
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com

DTN News: Boeing To Offer F-35-Like Cockpit Display For Super Hornet

Defense News: DTN News: Boeing To Offer F-35-Like Cockpit Display For Super Hornet

Source: DTN News / Flight International By Stephen Trimble

(NSI News Source Info) LONDON, U.K. - June 8, 2010: Boeing plans to offer an F/A-18E/F Super Hornet with large-area cockpit displays similar to theLockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter as the company pursues new foreign sales from Canada to Japan.
The cockpit upgrade for the Super Hornet is intended to equalise one of the perceived advantages offered by the F-35's multifunction, touchscreen display, which measures 8 x 20in (20 x 51cm).
Boeing has evaluated a display with the same dimensions as the F-35, but found that pilots have preferred a larger 11 x 19in screen, says F/A-18E/F programme manager Mike Gibbons.
The single display can be configured to digitally mimic the Super Hornet's existing cockpit layout, or allow pilots to overlay data from several sources on to a single screen, Gibbons says. The displays can be integrated into both seats for the F/A-18F.
The technology remains in developmental form, but can be integrated in time to meet the timelines for any future sales in foreign markets, he says. Boeing is evaluating bids from undisclosed suppliers to manufacture the displays.
The US Navy, however, has already rejected Boeing's overtures to retrofit the display on its fleet. Although Boeing believes the upgrade would reduce lifecycle maintenance costs, the service does not want to operate two different display technologies at the same time, Gibbons says.
The new cockpit display made its public debut at the Navy League exhibit hall in early May. Boeing also showed off the new technology in Ottawa in early June at the CANSEC conference and exhibition.
Boeing plans to offer the F/A-18E/F for Canada's requirement to replace its ageing CF-18 fleet later this decade. Canada has invested $150 million to participate in the F-35 development programme, but plans to stage a competition for the procurement contract.
Meanwhile, Boeing is also offering the Super Hornet to buyers in Brazil, Denmark, India, Japan and Kuwait.
The F/A-18E/F's first international buyer, Australia, has no plans to order the upgraded cockpit, having already received the first five of its 24 two-seat aircraft.

DTN News: Airbus Military Plane A400M Ready To Make Debut Public Flight

Defense News: DTN News: Airbus Military Plane A400M Ready To Make Debut Public Flight

Source: DTN News / Int'l Media By Rob Buckland on Jun 7th, 2010

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 8, 2010: Airbus’s first military transport aircraft, the A400M, is expected to make its debut public flight tomorrow, two years and up to £10billion behind schedule.
The giant aircraft is scheduled to take to the skies at the Berlin Air Show, which opens tomorrow, watched by anxious Airbus Military executives keen to put a turbulent 24 months behind them and look ahead to the A400M entering service with European airforces as well as achieving significant export orders.
The success – or otherwise – of the A400M will have a significant impact on Bristol’s aerospace industry.
Airbus’s giant Filton plant is building the wings for the plane while at Rolls-Royce’s neighbouring Patchway plant, engineers are working on the all-new TP400 engine.
Airbus launched the A400M project in 2003 with an order for 180 planes from seven European countries including the UK. However, these countries – which need the aircraft to replace ageing transporters such as the RAF’s Hercules fleet – will not receive their aircraft before the end of 2012 due to a raft of technical hitches.
Pressure on military budgets across Europe could also mean some countries trimming their orders – the UK has already confirmed it will reduce its 25-strong commitment by up to three.
On the brighter side, Airbus says it has identified up to 500 export orders for the A400M from international military customers with one senior executive claiming top brass from two air forces have visited the A400M HQ in Spain over the past few weeks.
However, so far only Malaysia has committed to buy the aircraft and will receive four. South Africa cancelled its eight-strong order last December, just weeks before prototype aircraft MSN001 made its first private flight.
While government deficits worldwide are likely to hold back spending on new military aircraft, the commercial aerospace sector appears to be bouncing back from a long period in the doldrums due to a combination of global recession, terror alerts and, most recently, the Icelandic volcanic cloud.
Airline boses gathering in Berlin are upbeat – a confidence that aerospace firms hope will result in them committing to buy new aircraft.
Airbus’s A380 superjumbo – another aircraft whose success is vital to Bristol – will also be in the shop window with demonstration flights at Berlin. Airbus expects to announce some orders from airlines at the air show this week.

*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com

DTN News: G-NIUS Avantguard Unmanned Ground Combat Vehicle Delivered To IDF

Defense News: DTN News: G-NIUS Avantguard Unmanned Ground Combat Vehicle Delivered To IDF

Source: DTN News / Army Guide

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 8, 2010: G-NIUS Unmanned Ground Systems Ltd., a jointly-owned company of Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ and TASE : ESLT) and Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., now unveils that its AvantGuard® UGCV was delivered to the IDF.Based on the technological strength and capabilities of G-NIUS’ Guardium™ UGV system, as well as building on the Tactical Amphibious Ground Support (TAGS) vehicle excellent maneuverability in harsh terrain environments, the AvantGuard® UGCV significantly expands the applications envelope to encompass Counter IED (CIED) and ground maneuvering combat missions.
Employing a set of modular payloads such as: Ground Penetrating Radar, Counter IED Jammer, Mini-Pop cooled thermal surveillance camera, Counter Human & Vehicle Detection Radar and more, and based on its inherent endurance, AvantGuard® can be effectively deployed in a variety of combat missions including: Counter IED, Advance Guard, Armed Sentry, Combat Logistic Support, CASEVAC and more. It is controlled by a mobile or portable Operational Control Unit (OCU), and can also operate in a Follow-me mode, where it is autonomously trailing a guide-foot soldier.
The rapid and effective integration of the Guardium™'s autonomous kit to the TAGS platform underscores the robustness and adaptability of G-NIUS' strapped-on autonomy approach.
About G-NIUS Unmanned Ground Vehicles:
G-NIUS Unmanned Ground Systems (UGS) Ltd., a leading Israeli unmanned ground systems company, is an equally shared company of Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. and Elbit Systems Ltd. G-NIUS develops and supplies a variety of autonomous unmanned ground system solutions, which are based on a common, versatile and layered avionics suite and apply emerging technological breakthroughs in navigation, control theorem, artificial intelligence and 3D artificial imaging. G-NIUS' customer base includes military, homeland security and law enforcement organizations.

*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com