DTN News: Boeing Team Helps Royal Netherlands Air Force Achieve Aviation Milestone

Defense News: DTN News: Boeing Team Helps Royal Netherlands Air Force Achieve Aviation Milestone

*Boeing Apache helicopter becomes the 1st rotorcraft to fly on sustainable bio-kerosene

Source: DTN News / Boeing Dt. June 16, 2010

(NSI News Source Info) GILZE-RIJEN AIRBASE, Netherlands, - June 17, 2010: Boeing [NYSE: BA] and The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) June 16, made aviation history when a Boeing AH-64D Apache became the first rotorcraft in the world to fly using a blend of sustainable bio-kerosene and standard aviation jet fuel.
The 20-minute flight, conducted at Gilze-Rijen Airbase, home of the RNLAF's combat rotorcraft squadrons, was witnessed by dozens of industry observers and defense journalists.
The sustainable biofuel used in the flight was produced using algae-based biomass and used cooking oil, and processed by UOP, LLC, a Honeywell company, into a Bio-Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene (Bio-SPK), which has been used in previous commercial biofuel flights. In a series of preflight tests, the 50/50 bio-kerosene and traditional jet fuel blend met or exceeded the JP-8 fuel specifications for the Apache. No engine or airframe modifications were made prior to flight.
"This is a tremendous achievement for the Royal Netherlands Air Force, Boeing, Honeywell, and the engine manufacturer GE Aviation in our efforts to develop sustainable aviation fuel solutions," said Al Winn, vice president of Apache Programs for Boeing, who attended the demonstration. "Both Boeing's commercial and military customers are pursuing alternatives to fossil fuels, sharing a vision that was demonstrated flawlessly by our Apache customer today."
"Today is an important milestone for the more intensive usage of sustainable bio-kerosene in aviation," said Eimert van Middelkoop, Minister of Defense of the Netherlands.
The RNLAF biofuel flight test program encompasses seven flights that will highlight the technical feasibility of flying rotorcraft using renewable fuels that do not reduce the availability of food crops or water. The Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands, which authorized the flight test program, has publicly stated its commitment to minimizing its environmental footprint of military aircraft.
"This program also will help stimulate market development for aviation biofuel within the Netherlands that can help improve the environmental performance of commercial and military aviation," said Jan Närlinge, president of Boeing Northern Europe.
Boeing is engaged in sustainable biofuel research around the world and supported the Apache flight and the RNLAF through preflight planning, testing and technical consultation based on a strong body of biofuel experience. The company supplied technical support to a KLM Royal Dutch Airlines biofuel flight aboard a Boeing 747 in November 2009, and also to the U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet biofuel flight on Earth Day this year. Boeing also supported four previous biofuel flights using varying fixed-wing commercial aircraft and engine types.
Extensive laboratory testing by fuel processors, feedstock providers and engine manufacturers has further shown that aviation biofuels meet or exceed the high performance and quality standards specified for military and commercial jet fuels.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.
Contact:
Hal Klopper

International Rotorcraft Communications

Office: 480-891-5519

Mobile: 602-391-7489

hal.g.klopper@boeing.com
Carole Thompson

Boeing Rotorcraft Communications

Office: 480-891-2119

Mobile: 602-741-4802

carole.j.thompson@boeing.com

Boeing Related News

*June 16, 2010 Boeing Names New F/A-18 and EA-18 Programs Vice President
*June 16, 2010 Boeing Announces New Vice President for Boeing Military Aircraft India and Growth Adjacencies

DTN News: Indo-French Joint Air Exercise ‘GARUDA’ Started In France

Defense News: DTN News: Indo-French Joint Air Exercise ‘GARUDA’ Started In France

Source: DTN News By Roger Smith

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 17, 2010: The Indo-French Air Exercise began few days back on June 14., at Istres Air Base in Southern France. The fourth round of Air Exercise ‘GARUDA’ which began June 14 would conclude on 25 of Jun 2010.
During the Ex Garuda, the Indian Air Force and French Air Force would be engaged in various missions ranging from close combat, engagement of large forces, slow mover protection, and protecting and engagement of High Value Aerial Assets. According to the contingent commander of IAF, Gp Capt J Mishra, “The focus of the Air Exercise is learning from each other’s best practices. The Air Defence Operations would be central to our various maneuvers. These would take place in AWACS and non-AWACS environment. The intensity of the exercise would be gradually increased throughout its duration so that we learn and absorb maximum from the exercise”.
During the exercise the IAF’s Special Forces ‘Garuds’ would also be proactively participating and shall be carrying out jumps along with the French Special Forces. The IL-76 aircraft which is an integral part of the exercise flying missions, would practise static line drops with the French Special Forces. It may be recalled that the IAF is participating with Six SU-30 MKIs, Three IL-78s and one IL-76 Aircraft.
The entire IAF contingent arrived at the Istres Air Force Base on 12 Jun 2010 by 1215 hrs local time. The Istres Air Base is a large base located near Istres, North of Marseille in the Bouches-du-Rhone department, France. The base houses some of the world’s finest fighters and helicopters and serves multiple functions, including a repair facility and training grounds. The landing strip of this airbase is said to be the longest in Europe.

The Istres Air Base was built before the world War II and has been of immense historical and operational importance.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force is also participating in the Ex-Garuda for the first time with the F-16 Aircraft. The French Air Force assets such as the mid air refueller, Mirage 2000s and Rafael Aircraft have commenced their participation in the exercise.

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

DTN News: Turkey To Buy 9 A129 Mangusta Attack Helicopters

Defense News: DTN News: Turkey To Buy 9 A129 Mangusta Attack Helicopters

Source: DTN News

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 17, 2010: Turkey will launch urgent talks to buy nine A129 Mangusta attack helicopters from the Italian-British manufacturer AgustaWestland to fight separatist Kurds operating in an area near the country's borders with Iraq and Iran, a key Turkish official announced late Tuesday."In an effort to meet the urgent needs of the Turkish Land Forces Command and as part of the ongoing attack helicopter program, negotiations for the procurement of an additional nine attack helicopters will be launched with TUSAS." The T129s are expected to become operational by 2014. The latest announcement for additional gunships represents a stopgap solution until the first deliveries.

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

DTN News: Pakistan TODAY June 17, 2010 - Haqqani Links Quicker Military Action With US Equipment

Defense News: DTN News: Pakistan TODAY June 17, 2010 - Haqqani Links Quicker Military Action With US Equipment

Source: DTN News / The News

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - June 17, 2010: Pakistan is seeking attack helicopters and heavy weaponry worth $2.5 billion from the US to take the war against Al Qaeda into the mountains bordering Afghanistan, a report said on Wednesday.

"I have been ambassador here for two years, and all I have to show for it is eight second hand Mi-17 transport helicopters for a war that requires helicopters to root out Al Qaeda and the Taliban," Pakistan's ambassador to Washington Husain Haqqani told The Washington Times.

"Military operations would have been quicker and much easier to plan and execute if we had the equipment. We have had tremendous attrition and a lot of loss of lives because of not having the right equipment."

Pakistan has a $2.5 billion wish list which includes new helicopter gunships, AH-1W and the Apache-64-D, armed helicopters such as the AH-6 and MD-530 Little Bird, and utility and cargo helicopters such as the UH-60 Black Hawk, the CH-47 D Chinook and the UH-1Y Huey.

Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell said the US government was aware of its ally's wish list.

"The Pakistani military's interest in additional lift is well-known, and we have tried to help meet their needs by providing several Mi-17s. We will continue to try to help them acquire the helicopters and other equipment they require to defeat the insurgents and terrorists in their midst," Morrell said.

Pakistan's military last year reversed its policy of signing ceasefire pacts with local tribal governors as it did in 2007 and 2008 in the areas thought to be hiding places for Al Qaeda and Taliban leaders.

The new "silent surge", however, also has cost the lives of thousands of Pakistani soldiers, including generals.

The ambassador said Pakistan had lost more than 600 officers affiliated with the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), its powerful and influential military intelligence arm.

US relying more on Special Operations for war on Al Qaeda

Pakistani officials have said their forces have a total of just 26 combat and transport helicopters for a counter-insurgency war in a mountainous region where helicopters provide critical advantage.

But the Pakistani wish list also includes equipment not traditionally associated with counter-insurgency or mountain warfare. The Pakistanis are also requesting M1A1 tanks and M113A3 armoured personnel carriers as well as air-defence missiles such as the Stinger, the Javelin and the Hawk.

They also want unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), among the newest and deadliest high-tech arms.

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated June 16, 2010

Defense News: DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated June 16, 2010

Source: U.S. DoD issued June 16, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - June 17, 2010: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued June 16, 2010 are undermentioned;
CONTRACTS
NAVY
~The Northrop Grumman Corp., is being awarded Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) contract (N00030-10-C-002), in the amount of $148,620,000 to provide to the United States and United Kingdom advanced launcher development program requirements for the fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2011. Specific efforts include technical engineering services to support the common missile compartment concept development and prototyping effort. The place of performance for this effort will be Sunnyvale, Calif. This is a cost-plus-fixed-fee award based on a sole-source acquisition. The period of performance for this effort is June 16, 2010 through June 15, 2011 (base period) and June 16, 2011 through June 15, 2012 (option).
~The Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) in Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity(N00030-10-C-0024).
~Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $546,001,600 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the manufacture and delivery of lot seven UH-1Y and AH-1Z helicopters for the Marine Corps, to include 18 UH-1Y build new aircraft; nine AH-1Z remanufactured aircraft; and two AH-1Z build new aircraft. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (60 percent), and Amarillo, Texas (40 percent), and is expected to be completed in July 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-10-C-0035).
~Argon ST, Inc., Ventura, Calif., is being awarded a $44,382,322 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the procurement of 7,050 antennas and antenna assemblies, including associated engineering, technical and repair support services in support of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division’s Airborne Threat Simulation Organization. These antennas are integrated with other countermeasures or emitter modules to complete required system configurations used to evaluate U.S. weapons systems and train fleet operations. The antennas can also be installed as a part of systems mounted in and on unmanned aerial targets or ground based systems for live fire developmental testing and operational testing of weapon systems. Work will be performed in Ventura, Calif., and is expected to be completed in June 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposals; one offer was received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity (N68936-10-D-0042).
~Vista Research, Inc.*, Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded a $24,914,029 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for research and development of advanced land radar processor sensor payloads that support persistent ground surveillance with mobile systems, aerostats, and remote deployed expendable systems for the Army. Work will be performed in Wheeling, W.Va. (60 percent); Arlington, Va. (20 percent); and Chatsworth, Calif. (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in July 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Broad Agency Announcement, and 41 offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-10-C-0246).
~BAE Systems, Land & Armaments L.P., U.S. Combat Systems, Minneapolis, Minn., is being awarded a $16,120,500 not-to-exceed firm-fixed-price contract for the fiscal 2010 production requirements for MK-14 MOD 2 canisters to support integration of the TOMAHAWK cruise missile into the MK 41 vertical launching system. Work will be performed in Aberdeen, S.D. (79 percent), Odessa, Mo. (11 percent), and Minneapolis, Minn. (10 percent), and is expected to be completed by March 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-10-C-5349).
~FED-CON A JV*,Marysville, Calif., is being awarded a $14,655,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction to replace 30 family housing units at North Tipalao, Phase III, U.S. Naval Base Guam. Work will be performed in Santa Rita, Guam, and is expected to be completed by October 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the NAVFAC E-Solicitation Web site with six proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Marianas, Guam, is the contracting activity (N40192-10-C-1303).
~Chesapeake Sciences Corp., Millersville, Md., is being awarded a $9,456,813.00 firm-fixed-price modification to contract (N00024-07-C-6223) to exercise an option to procure 10 additional TB-34 towed bodies, associated interface hardware, and to incorporate the TB-34 low frequency phase engineering change proposal. Work will be performed in Millersville, Md., (65 percent) and Syracuse, N.Y., (35 percent). Work is expected to be complete by January 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-6223).
~Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded an $8,423,277 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-07-D-0004) to exercise an option for the fiscal 2010 VH-3D executive helicopter special progressive aircraft rework induction. Work will be performed in Stratford, Conn., and is expected to be completed in August 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $8,423,277 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-07-D-0004).
ARMY
~BAE Systems, Ordance Systems Inc., Kingsport, Tenn., was awarded on June 14 a $29,599,735 firm-fixed-price contract for the production and supply of 2,924,875 pounds of Composition B, Grade A explosives to support the mortar program. Work is to be performed in Kingsport, Tenn., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Contracting Center Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W5291J-09-D-0003).
~Phylway Construction LLC., Thibodaux, La., was awarded on June 14 a $26,541,332 firm-fixed-price contract. The work consists of clearing and grubbing, degrading existing levee; placement of compacted fill; installation of geotextile; fertilizing; seeding and mulching; maintenance of access roads; windowing for erosion control; construction of reinforced concrete floodwalls; levee tie-in construction; painting; concrete scour protection; driving steel sheet piling; steel h-piles; structural excavation and backfill; temporary flood protection; and other incidental work thereto. Work will be performed at the Westwego to Harvey Canal, Hurricane & Storm Damage Risk Reduction System, New Westwego Pump Station to Orleans Village Phase 2, First Lift Levee and Floodwalls at Westminster Pumping Station, Jefferson Parish, La. Work is to be performed in Jefferson Parish, La., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 27, 2011. Eleven bids were solicited with five bids received. US Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-09-D-0046).
~Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on June 15 a $24,348,241 requirement/firm-fixed-price contract for the purchase of 439 palletized load systems trailers. Work is to be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0024).
~Federal Program Integrator FPI, Indian Island, Maine, was awarded on June 15 an $18,806,074 firm-fixed-price contract. This work is for the renovation and repair on three permanent party dormitories at Lackland Air Force Base. The work will take place on building 1400, 1405 and 1410 fixing mold remediation and plumbing with including a kitchenette for the building and increasing habitability. Work is to be performed in Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Mar. 20, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. US Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-10-C-0038).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
~Virtual Imaging Inc., Deerfield, Fla., is being awarded a maximum $15,000,000 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for radiology systems, subsystems and components. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was Web solicited with 43 responses. The date of performance completion is June 18, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM2D1-09-D-8343/V797P-6027b).
*Small business

DTN News: Eurocopter’s Multi-Role EC645 Military Helicopter To Make Its Debut At The 2010 Eurosatory Exhibition

Defense News: DTN News: Eurocopter’s Multi-Role EC645 Military Helicopter To Make Its Debut At The 2010 Eurosatory Exhibition

Source: DTN News / Eurocopter By Pacale Fleury

(NSI News Source Info) PARIS, France - June 16, 2010: The newest member of Eurocopter’s military helicopter family will be shown for the first time at next week’s Eurosatory defense exhibition with the EC645’s unveiling as a highly capable, medium-sized multirole platform for armed reconnaissance, fire support, observation, airlift missions and search & rescue.

The EC645 is the militarized version of Eurocopter’s EC145 helicopter, which is in widespread use worldwide for homeland security, para-military, law enforcement, search & rescue and medical evacuation missions, along with other applications. The U.S. Army currently is acquiring 345 EC145s in the UH-72A configuration as its new Light Utility Helicopter, while a U.S.-specific armed version called the AAS-72X is to be proposed for the U.S. military’s Armed Aerial Scout requirement.

The EC645 responds to demands for a 3.5-metric ton weight category that can be rapidly reconfigured for a full range of mission requirements to meet complex combat scenarios such as asymmetric warfare.

Equipped with the Stand Alone Weapon System (SAWS) developed by Eurocopter and ATE, the EC645 incorporates a mission computer, an electro-optical system with TV and infrared cameras and laser telemeter (with laser designator as needed), a targeting system with a helmet mounted sight and display, two multi-purpose weapon pylons with slaving units, and a choice of weapons loads (guns, missiles and unguided or guided rockets).
This integrated weapons system – combined with the aircraft’s glass cockpit – provides full situational awareness for the crew, while self-protection is provided by the helicopter’s armor, self-sealing fuel tanks, threat detectors and chaff/flare dispensers.

The EC645’s unobstructed large main cabin is easily re-configurable to maximize its mission flexibility and the helicopter's sliding side and rear clamshell doors optimize access. The high-set main and tail rotors provide unparalleled safety, access and space utilization, and allow loading/unloading of cargo, passengers and patients while the rotors are turning.

Eurocopter is also exhibiting a 1 scale model of the NH-90 in both configurations, tactical transport and Naval, reflecting the scope of this helicopter program in Europe, which, to date, has received more than 529 orders from 14 nations.

Also to be displayed are Eurocopter’s Tiger attack helicopter and Eurocopter’s EC725 (RESCO) combat search & rescue helicopter, both of which are operational with French military forces in Afghanistan. 206 Tiger helicopters have been ordered by France, Germany, Australia and Spain, with this platform specially designed to integrate a wide variety of weapon systems that meet the specific military requirements of each customer. The deployment of three Tiger helicopters in the HAP version by French military forces to Afghanistan has confirmed the aircraft’s exceptional capabilities in support of ground operations.

The EC725 also has been successfully deployed by France in Afghanistan, demonstrating its role as an invaluable asset in supporting coalition forces. Eurocopter’s growing list of government customers for this 11-ton-class helicopter also includes Brazil, Malaysia and Mexico.

Completing Eurocopter’s exhibit at Eurosatory are its AS550 Fennec, AS565 Panther, and EC635, which round out the presence of the company’s full military helicopter product line.

About Eurocopter

Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defense and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 15,600 people. In 2009, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer in the civil and para-public market, with a turnover of 4.6 billion Euros, orders for 344 new helicopters, and a 52 percent market share in the civil and para-public sectors. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30 percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 18 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centers. More than 10,500 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in more than 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.

For more information, please contact:
Pascale FLEURY:
Tel: + 33 (0)4 42 85 62 38
Mob:+ 33 (0)6 32 54 05 02
pascale.fleury@eurocopter.com
Christina GOTZHEIN:
Tel: +49 (0) 89 60 00 64 88
Mob: + 49 (0) 151 14 22 92 43
christina.gotzhein@eurocopter.com
Melanie WOLF:
Tel: 49 (0) 906 71 57 39
Mob: + 49 (0) 151 17 12 63 18
melanie.wolf@eurocopter.com

DTN News: Bell 407 Production Reaches Historic Mark; Shin-Nihon Helicopter Corporation Takes 1,000th Aircraft

Defense News: DTN News: Bell 407 Production Reaches Historic Mark; Shin-Nihon Helicopter Corporation Takes 1,000th Aircraft

Source: DTN News / Bell Helicopter Textron Canada

(NSI News Source Info) MIRABEL, QC, - June 16, 2010: Bell Helicopter's 407 reached a historic milestone today when Bell delivered the 1,000th production aircraft to longtime customer Shin-Nihon Helicopter Corporation Ltd. at its manufacturing facility here.
"Bell customers count on our helicopters to go to work for them every day and we work hard to meet their high expectations," said John Garrison, president and CEO of Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT - News) company. "We are honored that Shin-Nihon Helicopter has chosen to extend our long business relationship by adding this historic aircraft to their busy fleet."
This year is the 50th anniversary of the foundation of Shin-Nihon Helicopter. Shortly after its foundation, the company began operating the Bell Model 47G2. Today, its helicopter fleet includes seven 206L-3s, one Fuji-Bell 204B-2, three 427s and two 407s. The 1,000th 407, Serial No. 54000, will supplement that 407 fleet. As part of its purchase of the 1,000th 407, it has a fourth 407 on order in a transaction arranged by Mitsui Bussan Aerospace, Bell's independent representative in Japan for more than 50 years.
"Our company well recognizes that helicopters manufactured by Bell have outstanding performance and exactly meet the requirements to fulfill the tasks assigned to us," Shin-Nihon Helicopter Executive Director Kouji Izumi said. "As a matter of fact, of the 13 helicopters Shin-Nihon owns, 12 are Bell helicopters. Thus, we are truly part of the extended Bell family.
"Considering such circumstances," he said, "I hope that relationship between Bell and Shin-Nihon Helicopter will grow tighter and tighter and would like to ask Bell to continue to provide its high level of customer support."
Shin-Nihon Helicopter will use the 1,000th Bell 407 to perform power-line patrols and contribute to its other missions, which include transportation of materials and equipment for construction, comprehensive aerial survey and photographing services, and transportation and filming and image analysis. The company also develops video equipment and analysis equipment, provides contracted operation and maintenance of helicopters and trains pilots and mechanics.
About Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited
A Bell Helicopter affiliate, Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited manufactures Bell's commercial helicopters at its 656,600-square-foot (61,000-square-meter) Mirabel facility and employs 1,600 people there and at its facility in Calgary, Alberta.
About Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical-lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.
About Textron
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands, such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems.
www.bellhelicopter.com Bell Helicopter, 12,800 rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec, Canada J7J 1R4
For further information
Jim McKenna, (817) 280-7963 (office), (817) 964-0334 (cell), jmckenna@bellhelicopter.textron.com

Cynthia Garneau, (450) 971-6500, ext. 3114 (office),

CGarneau@bellhelicopter.textron.com

Bell Helicopter's 407 - Product Specifications

http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/aircraft/commercial/pdf/407_Product_Specs.pdf

DTN News: General Dynamics Awarded Contract for Laser Energetics' Dazer Laser

Defense News: DTN News: General Dynamics Awarded Contract for Laser Energetics' Dazer Laser

Source: DTN News / General Dynamics

(NSI News Source Info) CHARLOTTE, N.C., - June 16, 2010: General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products has been awarded a $2.6 million contract by Laser Energetics, Inc. (Pink Sheets:LNGT.pk - News), to produce the new non-lethal Dazer Laser™ - Light Fighting Technologies. General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD - News).
The Dazer Laser product line currently consists of the GUARDIAN and DEFENDER models and is designed for use by the military and law enforcement entities when non-lethal force is an option. The Dazer Laser's continuous wave and modulating green laser beam temporarily impair a threat's vision and awareness in an instant. The products operate on standard batteries, are lightweight and ergonomically comfortable. The Dazer's patented variable-range laser differentiates the product, allowing for effective use at distances from 1 to 2,400 meters (model dependent).
According to Bill Gural, vice president and general manager of Detection Systems for General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, "These safe, non-lethal hand held systems can effectively stop hostile operations in a variety of environments and can be used in both counterterrorism and security applications."
Work will be performed at General Dynamic's production facility in Charlotte, N.C., and is expected to begin this month. "This award is a great foundation for building on our relationship with Laser Energetics," said Gural.
Laser Energetics was founded by Robert D. Battis and is headquartered in Mercerville, N.J. Laser Energetics has and continues to develop a comprehensive and strategic laser product line that addresses laser applications in industry, science, medicine, homeland security and the military. More information about Laser Energetics can be found online at http://www.laserenergetics.com/.
General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, located in Charlotte, N.C., provides a broad range of system solutions for military and commercial applications. The company designs, develops and produces high-performance weapon and armament systems, defensive armor and countermeasure systems, and is a leading U.S. producer of biological and chemical detection systems and high performance aerospace composites. More information about General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products can be found on the Internet athttp://www.gdatp.com/.
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 91,200 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about General Dynamics is available online at http://www.gd.com/.

DTN News: Northrop Grumman Awarded Contract To Continue Development Of New Micro-Gyro For DARPA Program

Defense News: DTN News: Northrop Grumman Awarded Contract To Continue Development Of New Micro-Gyro For DARPA Program

Source: DTN News / Northrop Grumman

(NSI News Source Info) WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., - June 16, 2010: Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC - News) has been selected to continue development of a miniature navigation grade gyro for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) that will provide precision navigation for size and power constrained applications.
The company will develop the final configuration for a stand-alone micro-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Gyro (micro-NMRG) for DARPA's Micro-Technology for Positioning, Navigation and Timing (Micro-PNT) program.
Northrop Grumman began the first phase of this effort in October 2005 and was awarded the latest development contract based on past performance, including the successful completion of design, fabrication, and testing of the device, which has met or exceeded the performance goals of each phase.
Northrop Grumman's micro-NMRG technology uses the spins of atomic nuclei to detect the rotation of the gyro and will provide comparable performance to a navigation grade fiber-optic gyro in a small size, low power package. The technology could be used in any application requiring small size and low power precision navigation, including personal and unmanned vehicle navigation in GPS-denied or GPS-challenged locations.
"A miniature gyro that provides precision navigation is an important development for protecting our warfighters by ensuring that they have the accurate positioning information they need at all times, even if GPS is unavailable," said Charles Volk, vice president and chief technology officer of Northrop Grumman's Navigation Systems Division. "This phase of the program will allow us to demonstrate that this new micro gyro technology can provide navigation grade performance in a small package and move it one step closer to the field."
Northrop Grumman offers its customers more than 50 years of navigation experience and produces navigation products utilizing a range of technologies including fiber-optic gyro-based systems, Northrop Grumman's exclusive hemispherical resonator gyro, unique ZLG(TM) gyros, spinning mass gyros, ring laser gyros, and micro-electro-mechanical-system gyros.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/ for more information.

DTN News: Technology News June 16, 2010 - LiveViewGPS Announces New iPhone GPS Tracking Application

Defense News: DTN News: Technology News June 16, 2010 - LiveViewGPS Announces New iPhone GPS Tracking Application

Source: DTN News / LiveViewGPS

(NSI News Source Info) VALENCIA, CA- June 16, 2010: LiveViewGPS, a successful GPS tracking company, is pleased to announce a brand new iPhone Application that will allow LiveViewGPS users who own the LiveTrac series GPS trackers the ability to track their devices in real time from any iPhone.
Using the GPS tracking system, users will be able to track their most precious assets from their children to expensive items such as watches, cars or lap tops from the comfort of their iPhone screens.
The new application will include programs such as LiveTrac PT-10 GPS Tracker, LiveTrac PT-10, Professional GPS Tracker, LiveTrac RTV5 Vehicle Tracker and LiveTrac RTV10 Nav Tracker.
The new iPhone application along with the standard features of the web-based software now allows for real time fleet tracking of any GPS tracking device from the convenience of a Smartphone. Fleet tracking is very beneficial to employers who manage company vehicles. Bosses can keep tabs on where vehicles' locations are at any given time. This technology has the ability to track when employees arrive at a jobsite or delivery location, what time employees start and end their driving shifts, how long they took for lunch, or how long they were stopped at a particular location. Fleet Managers can also keep track of the speed and route of each vehicle.
With personal vehicles, users will be able to view their equipment's exact location via vehicle tracking to see their vehicle's speed and direction of travel from the convenience of their iPhone. The user can also keep track of exactly where devices are 24/7.
Furthermore, users who have the RTV5 installed with optional relays will be able to disable their vehicles starter, lock and unlock their vehicles doors, and remotely start their vehicles via their mobile device.
For additional information, visit http://www.liveviewgps.com/ or download the App from http://iphone.liveviewgps.com/.
To read more on this topic, visit: http://www.liveviewgps.com/iPhone+GPS+Tracking+Application.html.
About LiveViewGPS:
LiveViewGPS, Inc. is located in Southern California and is a Location Based Service Company (LBS). They provide wireless location products and services for small and large businesses, law enforcement, and family safety. Their clients include numerous Federal, State and local government agencies, Fortune 100 and 500 corporations, as well as numerous privately held companies throughout the United States and abroad.