Saturday, June 12, 2010

DTN News: Indian Air Force To Begin Test Trials C-17 Globemaster III Heavy-Lift Transport Aircraft This Month June, 2010

Defense News: DTN News: Indian Air Force To Begin Test Trials C-17 Globemaster III Heavy-Lift Transport Aircraft This Month June, 2010
Source: DTN News By Roger Smith
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 13, 2010: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is likely to begin trials of the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III heavy-lift transport aircraft, of which it intends to purchase 10, by the end of the month, an official said.
"It should happen in the next two weeks," the official told media on condition of anonymity.
"The trials should last about 10 days," he added of the evaluation process of the aircraft, which has a carrying capacity of 75 tonnes.The trials are likely to be conducted in the same manner as the IAF is evaluating the six combat jets in contention for an order for 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft.
This means the C-17, which can take off from unprepared airstrips as short as 3,000 metres, will be put through its paces in the icy heights of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir, the deserts of Rajasthan and the humid conditions of south India.
Price negotiations will begin after the trials and the first aircraft should arrive within two years of Boeing receiving a letter of acceptance, the official said.
Asked how long it would take for IAF pilots to convert to the C-17, the official said: "Pilots who have done a reasonable number of hours on the Il-76 (the IAF's current heavy lift aircraft) can convert to command status in a few months."
The US Congress has cleared the sale of the C-17 to India. The Obama administration had notified Congress April 23 of the potential sale of 10 aircraft and sought objections or approval.
The aircraft are being sold to India under the US government's Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, with the maximum package value of $5.8 billion. This includes the 3.8 percent administrative fee the government charges to ensure timely delivery and guarantee the supplies.
According to DTN News, the actual cost of the C-17 aircraft would be less as India would not be buying all the options that are offered with it and the 3.8 percent fee would be payable only on the actual amount of the deal. In some countries, the administrative fee ranges up to 18 percent.
The IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik, had said last year that it was looking for ten C-17s, described in its parlance as VHTAC, or Very Heavy Transport Aircraft, as a replacement for its ageing fleet of Soviet vintage IL-76 transports. He also spoke of a repeat order for 10 more aircraft.
The US Air Force has ordered 223 C-17s, of which 198 have been delivered. The aircraft, which first flew in 1991, was inducted in 1995.
Boeing plans to continue production for about five years to ensure deliveries to the US Air Force (24), the United Arab Emirates (six), Britain (seven) and India (10).
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com

DTN News: Afghanistan TODAY June 12, 2010 ~ 2 US troops, 11 Afghan Civilians Killed In South

Defense News: DTN News: Afghanistan TODAY June 12, 2010 ~ 2 US troops, 11 Afghan Civilians Killed In South
Source: DTN News / By AMIR SHAH and ROHAN SULLIVAN (AP)
(NSI News Source Info) KABUL, Afghanistan - June 12, 2010: Three international service members and at least 11 civilians died in violence across southern Afghanistan on Friday, including one attack in which a suicide bomber wearing a burqa blew himself up in a bazaar.
Violence has spiked recently in Afghanistan's volatile south as Taliban insurgents step up attacks ahead of a planned major operation by NATO forces to secure the main city of Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taliban.Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan, said in Brussels on Friday that insurgents have killed 59 Afghans during the past seven days, 54 of them in Kandahar. He told NATO ministers that insurgents also wounded 116, including 94 in Kandahar.
Separately, NATO announced Friday that it has opened an alternate supply route to Afghanistan via Russia and central Asia — a critical development that gives the alliance the ability to bypass the previous ambush-prone main routes through Pakistan. Although Russia offered to open its territory to NATO as a whole, negotiations over transit rights between the alliance and central Asian states took several months to complete.
The development is important because it signals Russian willingness to indirectly support the NATO-led mission. Moscow has been warmer to the mission's success in recent years, fearing that a NATO defeat in Afghanistan would cause further problems for Russia.
In Kandahar province on Friday, nine civilians, including four women and three children, were killed and eight other people were wounded when their vehicle hit a roadside bomb in Maiwand district, said Zalmai Ayoubi, a spokesman for the provincial governor. The driver hit the mine when he veered off the road to go around a section that was damaged.
In neighboring Zabul province, a suicide bomber dressed in a burqa detonated his cache of explosives in a shopping area in Shahjoy district, killing two civilians and wounding at least 16 others, said Mohammad Jan Rasoolyar, a spokesman for the provincial governor.
The U.S. command said the two American service members died in an explosion in southern Afghanistan on Friday but did not disclose details or the location because relatives had not yet been notified. NATO said a third service member was also killed but the nationality was not released.
At least 35 troops serving with the international coalition have been killed so far this month, at least 23 of them American.
Also on Friday, the Taliban claimed responsibility for a rocket attack on Bagram Air Field north of Kabul. NATO confirmed that a rocket landed in a field inside the base but did not cause any injuries or damage. NATO said a second rocket landed outside the base.
On Thursday in Ghazni province, also in the south, three Afghan policemen were killed when their vehicle hit a mine in the Qarabagh district, the Ministry of Interior said Friday. Also on Thursday, a private security company employee was killed in a mine explosion in the Ali Shir district of Khost province in eastern Afghanistan, the ministry said.
British Prime Minister David Cameron's planned visit to a front-line base in Helmand province next to Kandahar was canceled on Thursday after cell phone calls referring to a possible rocket attack on a helicopter were intercepted, the British domestic news agency Press Association reported. Cameron, on his first visit to Afghanistan since coming to power last month, spoke with British troops at his country's main base in Helmand on Friday.
Associated Press Writers Anne Gearan and Slobodan Lekic in Brussels contributed to this report.

DTN News: US Concerned About Renewed Violence In Kyrgyzstan

Defense News: DTN News: US Concerned About Renewed Violence In Kyrgyzstan
Source: DTN News / AFP
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - June 12, 2010: The United States expressed concern Friday over renewed ethnic violence that left at least 37 people dead in southern Kyrgyzstan.
"We are concerned about reports of loss of life and injuries" in the clashes in the southern city of Osh, State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters.
"We have been in touch with the Kyrgyz government about the violence," he said, adding that no Americans were believed to be among the injured or dead.
"We are, obviously, staying on top of that situation," Crowley said.
Kyrgyzstan's interim government has declared a state of emergency and slapped a curfew on southern parts of the country in the wake of the violence that also left more than 500 people wounded.
Interim President Roza Otunbayeva, whose government has struggled to assert its rule over the ex-Soviet Central Asian state since taking power amid unrest in April, backed off earlier statements that authorities had regained control.
Otunbayeva warned the situation was likely to deteriorate further throughout the night as government forces attempted to regain control over Osh.

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated June 11, 2010

Defense News: DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated June 11, 2010
Source: U.S. DoD issued June 11, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - June 12, 2010: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued June 11, 2010 are undermentioned;
CONTRACTS
AIR FORCE

~McDonnell Douglas Corp., St. Louis, Mo., was awarded a $98,000,000 contract which will provide a five-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity basic contract for the production of the Small Diameter Bomb I weapon system for various Foreign Military Sales customers aircraft platforms throughout the life of the contract. At this time, no money has been obligated. 680 ARSSG/PK, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8681-10-D-0071).
~Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc., Herndon, Va., was awarded a $24,534,711 contract action for naval operations and warfighting capability development for the commander, Navy Warfare Development Command. At this time, $1,500,000 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (HC1047-05-D-4005).
~Wyle Laboratories, Inc., Huntsville, Ala., received a $24,359,812 contract modification for the Reliability Information Analysis Center which will apply reliability, maintainability, quality, supportability and interoperability engineering principles and analysis to enhance interoperability of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; technology enhancements; and new capabilities and legacy systems. At this time, $605,000 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1380).
~Borrego Solar Systems, Inc., El Cajon, Calif., received an $8,642,841 contract which will provide 3.5 megawatts of renewable solar electricity to be generated at four different locations. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 95 CONS/PKB, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA9301-10-C-0003).
U.S. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND
~Insight Technologies, Londonderry, N.H.,
is being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a $75 million total contract ceiling for the purchase of handheld laser markers (HLM) in support of U.S. Special Operations Command. The work will be performed in Londonderry, N.H., and is expected to be completed by June 15, 2013. This contract was awarded through full and open competition. Delivery order #0001 for 218 HLM systems valued at $8,555,573 will be awarded in conjunction with the base contract award to satisfy the contract’s guaranteed minimum. U.S. Special Operations Command is the contracting activity (H92222-10-D-0022).
NAVY
~The Boeing Co., Saint Louis, Mo.,
is being awarded a $59,500,000 ceiling-priced modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-09-C-0050) to provide 3,300 flight hours of persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance unmanned aircraft vehicle services in support of U.S. Marine Corps combat missions. Work will be performed in Bingen, Wash. (97 percent), and St. Louis, Mo. (3 percent); and is expected to be completed in December 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $29,750,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
~Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors, Owego, N.Y., is being awarded a $12,679,497 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-06-C-0098) for common cockpit provisioned items in support of the MH-60R and MH-60S helicopter programs. Work will be performed in Owego, N.Y., and is expected to be completed in July 2012. 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.
~Force Protection Industries, Inc., Ladson, S.C., is being awarded a $10,813,611 firm- fixed-priced modification under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5031) delivery order #0018, to purchase 2,654 570 amp alternator modernization kits. These kits will be installed on the Cougar Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle fleet supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Work will be performed in Ladson, S.C., and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $1,937,510 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
ARMY
~Oshkosh Corp, Oshkosh, Wis.,
was awarded on June 9 a $34,843,909 requirements delivery order contract. This contract is for the delivery of 90 RECAP M11220 A4, and 50 RECAP M977A4 vehicles with associated boxed engines and provision to order missing parts as required. Work is to be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Contracting Center, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZ-09-D-0024).
~Mabey Bridge & Shore, Inc., Elkridge, Md., was awarded on June 8 a $23,406,063 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract establishes a program of record for the Army to procure line of communication bridge systems; provisioning; test support; training; and field services support. Delivery order #0001 includes first article test items and 38 dry gap fixed bridge systems for fielding and prepositioned stock. Work is to be performed in the United Kingdom (94 percent), and Houston, Texas (6 percent), with an estimated completion date of June 6, 2015. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with two bids received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, TACOM Contracting Center, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-10-D-0058).
~ESI Contracting Corp., Kansas City, Mo., was awarded on June 8 a $13,636,934 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the construction of a civil works flood damage reduction project along Turkey Creek, Kansas City, Kan. This project will consist of 800 feet of channel deepening and widening which will result in a concrete walled channel with a natural stream bottom. Work is to be performed in Kansas City, Kan., with an estimated completion date of June 22, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with seven bids received. U.S. Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-10-C-1030).
~General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on June 8 a $10,924,618 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the procurement of 256 of Abrams reactive armor tile; 743 of Abrams reactive armor tile weldments; 300 Abrams reactive armor tile brush guards; and 300 Abrams reactive armor tile brackets. Work is to be performed in Lima, Ohio, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM-Warren, CCTA-AHL-C, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-G-0006).
~Smith’s Detection, Edgewood, Md., was awarded on June 8 an $8,132,955 firm-fixed-price contract to purchase 1,777 joint chemical agent detector devices with warranties. Work is to be performed in Edgewood, Md., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Research Development & Engineering Command Acquisition Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground Contracting Division, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W911SR-07-C-0054).
~Tremco, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio, was awarded on June 9 a $5,770,000 firm-fixed-price contract for a construction project for roof replacement, Building 299, Rock Island Arsenal, Ill. Work is to be performed in Rock Island Arsenal, Ill., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2010. Five bids were solicited with three bids received. Rock Island Contracting Center, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-10-F-5008).
~ESI, Kansas City, Mo., was awarded on June 8 a $5,528,549 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the civil works, planning and design for the “Kansas City District Contraction Blue River Channel Improvements 53-63rd Street, Kansas City, Mo, Jackson County.” Work is to be performed in Kansas City, Mo., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 30, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with six bids received. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-10-C-1032).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
~Signature Flight Support Corp., Las Vegas, Nev.,
is being awarded a maximum $11,994,811 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other location of performance is McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas, Nev. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. There were two proposals originally solicited with two responses. The date of performance completion is March 31, 2014. The Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (SP0600-10-D-0008).
~Boeing Co., Saint Louis, Mo., is being awarded a maximum $9,435,528 firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract for acquisition of control indicator in support of F-15 program. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is April 30, 2013. The Defense Logistics Agency Warner Robins (DSCR-Z), Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (SPO400-01-D-9406-XE01).
~General Electric Co., Cincinnati, Ohio, is being awarded a maximum $8,730,800 firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract for combustion chamber frames. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is June 29, 2012. The Defense Logistics Agency Richmond (DSCR-ZBAB), Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (SPRTA1-09-G-0009-0023).

DTN News: Force Protection Receives $46.1 Million Award For Additional Modernization Of Cougar Fleet

Defense News: DTN News: Force Protection Receives $46.1 Million Award For Additional Modernization Of Cougar Fleet
**U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated June 11, 2010 ~ Force Protection Industries, Inc., Ladson, S.C., is being awarded a $10,813,611 firm- fixed-priced modification under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5031) delivery order #0018, to purchase 2,654 570 amp alternator modernization kits. These kits will be installed on the Cougar Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle fleet supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Work will be performed in Ladson, S.C., and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $1,937,510 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Source: DTN News / Force Protection, Inc & U.S. DoD issued June 11, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) Ladson, SC - June 12, 2010: Force Protection, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRPT), a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of survivability solutions and provider of total life cycle support for those products,June 7., announced it has received a modification to contract M67854-07-D-5031 from the United States Marine Corps Systems Command for additional modernization of the U.S. military’s Cougar fleet. The approximate $46.1 million firm, fixed price contract modification provides for the purchase of 2,451 enhanced Automated Fire Extinguishing Systems (“AFES”), with deliveries scheduled to begin in July 2010 and be completed by February 2011.
Randy Hutcherson, Chief Operating Officer for Force Protection, commented, “We are extremely proud of the proven performance and continued durability of the Cougar fleet, and believe this award for additional modernization is another indicator that our Cougar family of vehicles remains a critical asset for the U.S. and other militaries worldwide. The AFES modernization program complements our ongoing successful efforts for the purchase and installation of Independent Suspension System (“ISS”) kits on a significant number of Cougars. We will continue to aggressively pursue additional modernization opportunities, and anticipate this segment of the business will remain an important component of our revenue mix in the years to come.”
About Force Protection, Inc.
Force Protection, Inc. is a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of survivability solutions, including blast- and ballistic-protected wheeled vehicles currently deployed by the U.S. military and its allies to support armed forces and security personnel in conflict zones. The Company’s specialty vehicles, including the Buffalo, Cougar and related variants, are designed specifically for reconnaissance and urban operations and to protect their occupants from landmines, hostile fire, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs, commonly referred to as roadside bombs). The Company also develops, manufactures, tests, delivers and supports products and services aimed at further enhancing the survivability of users against additional threats. In addition, the Company provides long-term life cycle support services of its vehicles that involve development of technical data packages, supply of spares, field and depot maintenance activities, assignment of highly-skilled field service representatives, and advanced on and off-road driver and maintenance training programs. For more information on Force Protection and its products and services, visit www.forceprotection.net.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward looking statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations. These statements are based on beliefs and assumptions of Force Protection’s management, and on information currently available to management. These forward looking statements include, among other things: the growth, demand and interest and demand for Force Protection’s vehicles, including the Cougar; expectations for future modernization and related contracts for the Cougar; the benefits and suitability of the Cougar; the ability to meet current and future requirements the Company’s execution of its business strategy and strategic transformation, including its opportunities to grow the business; and the Company’s expected financial and operating results, including its revenues, cash flow and gross margins, for future periods. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Examples of these factors include, but are not limited to, ability to effectively manage the risks in the Company’s business; the ability to develop new technologies and products and the acceptance of these technologies and products; the other risk factors and cautionary statements listed in the Company’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risks set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and as updated in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010.

DTN News: Ornge Takes Delivery Of The First FIPS-Equipped AW139 EMS

Defense News: DTN News: Ornge Takes Delivery Of The First FIPS-Equipped AW139 EMS
Source: DTN News / AgustaWestland
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 12, 2010: AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Ornge of Ontario, Canada, has taken delivery of the first of ten AW139 medium twin helicopters. The helicopters are being produced at AgustaWestland’s Philadelphia, Pennsylvania production facility. The contract includes an option for two additional aircraft. The helicopter is equipped with an advanced full aero-medical interior and is the first EMS-configured AW139 in North America featuring the Full Ice Protection System (FIPS) for flights in known icing conditions with real all weather capability. The delivery of this aircraft follows the recently achieved TCAA Certifications for the FIPS system with EASA and FAA Certification already achieved. The AW139 is the first helicopter in its weight category to receive FIPS Certification.Lou Bartolotta, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales, North America said “We are proud to deliver the best medium twin helicopter for emergency medical service duties to such a leading aero-medical operator and to the benefit of the large community they serve. The AW139 will enable Ornge to significantly enhance its operational capabilities thanks to outstanding performance, dedicated mission tools and a state-of-the-art de-icing system which is a first on the world helicopter market. This ensures Ornge will successfully accomplish the mission of saving lives even in the most demanding weather conditions when other types would be confined to the hangar.” “As innovators in transport medicine, Ornge is always in pursuit of cutting-edge advances in aviation that will positively impact our efforts to deliver excellence in patient care,” said Dr. Christopher Mazza, President and CEO of Ornge. “We believe that the FIPS-equipped AW139 represents a major step in that advancement, and we are proud to be the first system of our kind in North America to take receipt of one. With greater ability to respond to our environment through FIPS, as well as the many other capabilities and features of the AW139, this helicopter will provide our pilots, paramedics and patients with unparalleled safety and operational flexibility in the sky.”
Designed with inherent multi-role capability and flexibility of operation, the AW139 is capable of carrying up to four litters and four medical attendants, in the most spacious cabin and with the best power reserve of any other helicopter in the medium twin-engine class. The internal dimensions of the large and unobstructed AW139 cabin make it an ideal choice for EMS and SAR applications. The flat floor and ceiling provide maximum cabin space and easy reconfiguration. An eight cubic meter cabin that is 1.42 meters high allows medical attendants easy access to casualties. Litter layout ranges from two to four in medevac configuration. If cabin access to the large baggage compartment is utilized, litter capacity can be increased to six. The AW139 is the fastest helicopter in its class with a maximum cruise speed of 167 knots and has outstanding performance, even in hot and high conditions, thanks to the two powerful P&W PT6C-67C engines. More than 460 AW139 helicopters have been ordered so far by over 120 customers in almost 50 countries to perform various roles including EMS, search and rescue, offshore transport, VIP/Corporate transport, law enforcement, fire fighting, utility and government duties. Ornge is a not-for-profit charitable organization that coordinates all aspects of Ontario's aero-medical transport system. Ornge operates one of the largest aero medical and critical care land transport medicine programs in North America and currently has more than 400 employees in eight areas of operation. This includes over 200 paramedics, paediatric transport paramedics and transport medicine physicians. Ornge's expertise in transport medicine lies in its ability to serve more than 12 million Ontarians throughout a geographic area of 1 million square kilometres, delivering its scope of services through comprehensive door-to-door acute care aero medical transport.
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com