Tuesday, November 16, 2010

DTN News: Boeing SkyTerra 1 Satellite Sends 1st Signals From Space

Defense News: DTN News: Boeing SkyTerra 1 Satellite Sends 1st Signals From Space
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) EL SEGUNDO, Calif., - November 16, 2010: Boeing [NYSE: BA] has received the first on-orbit signals from LightSquared's SkyTerra 1 following the satellite's launch at 12:29 p.m. Eastern time on Nov. 14 on an International Launch Services Proton vehicle from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Controllers at the ground station in Hartebeesthoek, South Africa, confirmed initial contact with the spacecraft at 9:50 p.m. Eastern time.

Signal acquisition indicates that the satellite is healthy and ready to begin operational testing and on-orbit maneuvers.

SkyTerra 1 is a Boeing 702HP satellite designed for geomobile services that will provide satellite coverage as part of LightSquared's new broadband mobile wireless network in the United States.

"There is a large and rapidly growing demand for data services to U.S. businesses, individuals and other end users, and Boeing has accomplished the first step in delivering this capability to LightSquared with the successful launch of SkyTerra 1," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager, Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems. "Boeing has been designing advanced geomobile satellite systems for the past 13 years, and our experience enables us to provide LightSquared with a high-value solution."

When operational, SkyTerra 1 will combine with ground-based beam-forming (GBBF) equipment and ground stations to form LightSquared’s first Space-Based Network (SBN), which will enable faster service and broader access to smaller mobile devices for millions of users in the United States. The Boeing-built SBN will benefit from the satellite's 22-meter L-band reflector, which reduces the need for larger antennas and battery-draining receivers inside mobile handsets.

LightSquared's SBN will combine with a ground network of more than 40,000 base stations built to offer ground coverage, satellite coverage or a combination of the two. LightSquared plans to begin rolling out its nationwide wholesale 4G LTE wireless network in the first four markets in the second half of 2011.

Boeing and LightSquared will soon begin on-orbit maneuvers to move SkyTerra 1 into its test orbit location, where the spacecraft will begin deployments and signal testing. After validating the satellite’s subsystems and the SBN with ground stations, LightSquared will accept the SBN from Boeing in early 2011.

Boeing, the prime contractor for LightSquared's satellites, built SkyTerra 1 at its integration and test complex in El Segundo. Harris Corp. of Melbourne, Fla., developed the satellite’s L-band reflector. ViaSat's Comsat Laboratories in Germantown, Md., is providing the GBBF equipment, the uplink beacon stations and the ground stations' control and monitoring system. SED Systems of Saskatoon, Canada, is providing the antennas, RF elements and integration services at the gateway stations.

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. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

Contact:

Angie Yoshimura
Space & Intelligence Systems
Office: 310-364-6708
Mobile: 310-227-6568
angie.e.yoshimura@boeing.com

Diana Ball
Space & Intelligence Systems
Office: 562-797-4303
Mobile: 714-319-1014
diana.ball@boeing.com

*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com
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DTN News: Boeing Delivers UK Royal Air Force's 7th C-17 Globemaster III

Defense News: DTN News: Boeing Delivers UK Royal Air Force's 7th C-17 Globemaster III
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) LONG BEACH, Calif., - November 16, 2010: The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] delivered the United Kingdom’s seventh C-17 Globemaster III to the Royal Air Force (RAF) today during a ceremony at Boeing’s final assembly facility in Long Beach.

"The addition of a seventh C-17 to our fleet is a significant milestone that strengthens our support of operations worldwide, especially in Afghanistan," said Peter Luff, UK Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology. "And next year, in May, we’ll mark the 10th anniversary of the delivery of the RAF's first C-17, which continues to perform superbly -- anytime and anywhere."

The United Kingdom's fleet of C-17s has logged more than 60,000 flight hours, and this year supported humanitarian and disaster-relief missions to Pakistan, Haiti and Chile. Assigned to 99 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton near Oxford, C-17s provide critical airlift capability for the nation’s Joint Rapid Reaction Force. Brize Norton is the RAF's main operating base for strategic air transport and air-to-air refueling.

RAF Air Marshal Kevin Leeson, UK Chief of Materiel (Air) in Defence Equipment and Support, thanked C-17 employees and suppliers for delivering an airlifter that provides "exceptional performance, versatility and reliability."

The C-17 is the world's only tactical airlift aircraft with strategic capabilities that allow it to fly between continents and land on short, austere runways.

"The C-17 provides rapid-response capability for relief missions where no other strategic airlifter can land," said Rick Heerdt, Boeing vice president and C-17 program manager. "We are proud to be your partner on every one of those missions."

Boeing supports the RAF's C-17s through the C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership, a Performance-Based Logistics program. The arrangement provides the RAF with the benefits of complete "virtual fleet" access and an extensive support network. The virtual fleet concept enables C-17 customers, especially those with smaller numbers of aircraft, to benefit from worldwide parts availability and economies of scale when purchasing materials.

Boeing has delivered 224 C-17s worldwide, including 20 with international customers. The U.S. Air Force -- including active National Guard and Reserve units -- has taken delivery of 204. Other customers include the Canadian Forces, the Royal Australian Air Force, the United Arab Emirates Air Force and Air Defence, the Qatar Emiri Air Force, and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations. U.S. President Barack Obama announced this month that India and the United States have reached a preliminary agreement for the Indian Air Force to acquire 10 C-17s.

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. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

Contact:

Jerry Drelling
Boeing Mobility Communications
+1 562-593-5233
jerry.a.drelling@boeing.com

Madonna Walsh
Boeing Defence UK Ltd.
+44 (0) 20 7340 1900
madonna.a.walsh@boeing.com

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

Defense News: DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated November 16, 2010
Source: U.S. DoD issued No. 1053-10 November 16, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - November 16, 2010: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued November 16,
2010 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS

NAVY

Raytheon Co., Space and Airborne Systems, El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a $52,250,000 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-09-C-0003) for the procurement of 19 AN/APG-79 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars to be retrofitted into F/A-18E/F aircraft Lots 26-29. The AN/APG-79 AESA radar, which will replace the APG-73 radar, will provide increased air-to-air detection and track range, increased air-to-ground targeting capabilities, longer launch range for standoff weapons, enhanced capability against advanced threats, and optimized utilization of the aircraft's weapon systems contributing to the F/A-18E/F's survivability. Work will be performed in Forest, Miss. (43 percent); Dallas, Texas (29 percent); El Segundo, Calif. (27 percent); and Andover, Mass. (1 percent). Work is expected to be completed in December 2013. 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.

Lockheed Martin Corp., Mission Systems and Sensors, Manassas, Va., is being awarded an $8,330,000 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for lightweight wide-aperture array inboard equipment and associated engineering and technical support for two Virginia-class submarines. Work will be performed in Manassas, Va., and is expected to be completed by October 2014. 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, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-10-C-6266).

University Multispectral Laboratory, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Okla., is being awarded a $6,800,020 modification under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee performance-based contract (N65236-07-D-7878) to provide support services which include identification, analysis, selection, testing and evaluation of solutions to warfighter requirements for command, control, communications, computer, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance/chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive sensors and sensor-related technology. The cumulative value of this contract, including this modification, is $39,422,254. Work will be performed in Ponca City, Okla., and is expected to be completed by July 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity.

*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com
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DTN News: U.S. Air Force Selects Preferred Alternative Base For C-17 Aircraft

Defense News: DTN News: U.S. Air Force Selects Preferred Alternative Base For C-17 Aircraft
Source: U.S. DoD issued No. 1054-10 November 16, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON DC - November 16, 2010: U.S. Air Force Selects Preferred Alternative Base For C-17 Aircraft.

U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release

On the Web:
http://www.defense.gov/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=14065
Media contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132
Public contact:
http://www.defense.gov/landing/comment.aspx
or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1

IMMEDIATE RELEASENo. 1054-10
November 16, 2010


Air Force Selects Preferred Alternative Base for C-17 Aircraft

The Air Force announced today its preferred basing decision for eight C-17 aircraft at an Air National Guard location.

The preferred base approved by the secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force is: Stewart Air National Guard Base, N.Y. Along with

the C-17 basing action, 12 C-5A aircraft assigned to Stewart will be retired.

“The Air Force has completed its initial analysis of a full range of alternatives and determined that basing the C-17 at Stewart is the preferred alternative,” said Kathleen Ferguson, Air Force deputy assistant secretary for installations. “This is not a final basing decision; it is the alternative we believe will fulfill our mission responsibilities while considering economic, environmental, and technical factors.”

Once the environmental impact analysis process is complete then a final decision will be made.

For more information about this basing action, media may contact the Air Force public affairs office at 703-695-0640.


*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com
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DTN News: Lockheed Martin F-35 Begins Flying Block 1 Software

Defense News: DTN News: Lockheed Martin F-35 Begins Flying Block 1 Software
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Lockheed Martin
(NSI News Source Info) NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md., - November 16, 2010: The fundamental building block for all future avionics software on the Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter has entered flight testing on an F-35 test jet.

“Block 1,” the first of three principal software-development blocks for the F-35’s mission systems, made its inaugural flight on Nov. 5 in the F-35B short takeoff/ vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft known as BF-4. The functional check flight from Naval Air Station Patuxent River lasted 1.5 hours, and all planned test points were accomplished.

“Getting this software up and flying in an F-35 is a big step in the process of validating our avionics system and ensuring that it operates in a way that gives our warfighters a clear advantage over any adversary,” said Larry Lawson, Lockheed Martin F-35 program general manager. “The flight went as planned, and we look forward to expanded mission systems testing in the coming months.”

The Block 1 software will enable most of the primary sensors on the F-35, which possesses the most powerful and comprehensive mission systems package of any fighter ever to fly. Block 1 forms the foundation of all subsequent software blocks. It enables information fusion from the F-35’s radar, electronic warfare system, distributed aperture system, electro-optical targeting system and other sensors, and provides initial weapons-release capability.

Block 1 has been undergoing airborne testing since May on the Cooperative Avionics Test Bed, a highly modified 737 airliner that incorporates the entire integrated F-35 mission systems suite, including an F-35 cockpit. The test bed provides initial in-flight validation for F-35 software blocks before they are introduced into actual F-35 aircraft.

The F-35 Lightning II is a 5th generation fighter, combining advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment.

Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 with its principal industrial partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. Two interchangeable F-35 engines are under development: the Pratt & Whitney F135 and the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team F136.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 133,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s 2009 sales from continuing operations were $44.0 billion.

Media Contact:

John R. Kent
Office: 817-763-3980
Mobile: 817-308-5567
Email: john.r.kent@lmco.com

For additional information, visit:
www.codeonemagazine.com/f35news


*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com
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DTN News: Sukhoi Conducts Flight Tests Of Su-34 Fighter Bombers

Defense News: DTN News: Sukhoi Conducts Flight Tests Of Su-34 Fighter Bombers
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Sukhoi - Russia
(NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW, Russia - November 16, 2010: Sukhoi Company conducts flight tests of serial Su-34 fighter bombers at the Chkalov Aviation Production Association (NAPO) flight testing station in Novosibirsk. Serial production of the Su-34 has been set up at the NAPO plant, which is a part of the Sukhoi holding company. The Russian Air Force already has in service several Su-34s. Another consignment of such planes is due by the end of the year.

In 2008 a state contract was signed with the government to supply the Russian Defense Ministry with Su-34 serial-production aircraft.

The Su-34 can effectively attack land-based, sea- and airborne targets by day and night in all weathers using the entire suite of its airborne munitions, including high-precision types. In terms of operational capabilities this is a 4+ aircraft. Its active safety system, along with the newest computers, provides extra capabilities for the pilot and navigator to perform aimed bombing and to maneuver under enemy fire. The excellent aerodynamics, large capacity internal fuel tanks, fuel-efficient bypass engines with a digital control system, in-flight refueling device and add-on fuel tanks enable the aircraft to fly long distances close to those of medium strategic bombers.

The aircraft features an outstanding flight performance, maintainability and maneuverability. It has long-range aiming systems and modern onboard devices for communications and information exchange with on-land control posts, ground troops, surface ships and in-flight aircraft. It is fitted with a smart anti-radar defense system. The Su-34 has a sophisticated survival system, including an armored cockpit. The aircraft can perform missions at a low altitude in by-pass and fly-by modes.

Last July Su-34s proved their high combat capabilities and flight performance at the Vostok-2010 military exercises. The aircraft successfully hit mock targets in the Russian Far East after flying non-stop all the way from a base in the European part of Russia. The mission involved a mid-air refueling operation.

Su-34's combat potential will be enhanced soon by new airborne munitions.

*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com
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DTN News: Chinese Military Will Be Able To Familiarize With Su-35 Fighter And Radar Irbis-E

Defense News: DTN News: Chinese Military Will Be Able To Familiarize With Su-35 Fighter And Radar Irbis-E
* Китайские военные смогут ознакомиться с возможностями истребителя Су-35 и локатора "Ирбис-Э"
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Sukhoi
(NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW, Russia - November 16, 2010: Chinese military experts will be able to get acquainted with the technical characteristics and combat capabilities multipurpose fighter Su-35 on the opening tomorrow in Zhuhai (China) International Exhibition Airshow China-2010.

Sukhoi demonstrates here in the Russian exposition Rostechnologii and corporate stand of the United Aircraft Corporation its two priority projects: the Su-35 and mid-range passenger jet Sukhoi Superjet 100. Here is a model established on the fighter radar control system (RCS) Irbis-E, which allows detection of targets in the "air-to-air missiles at a distance of over 400 kilometers, and in the" air-to-surface missiles - up to 10 m. This greatly exceeds that faced by armed aircraft.

RCS phased array with long-range detection of air targets with an increased number of simultaneously tracked and engaged targets developed for the Su-35 NIIP them. VV Tikhomirov.

Sukhoi is actively promoting its military and civil products to markets in the Asia-Pacific region. 10-13 November, the company took part in an international exhibition of defense technology "Indo Defence 2010" in Jakarta (Indonesia), where he demonstrated Su-35 and Su-30MK2. Was presented and the Sukhoi Superjet 100. Fighters brand Su are in service with the Air Force of the country. Indonesian regional carrier Kartika Airlines signed last summer, a contract to supply 30 passenger planes Sukhoi.


*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com
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DTN News: Russia Ready To Sell Su-35 Fighter Jets To China

Defense News: DTN News: Russia Ready To Sell Su-35 Fighter Jets To China
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Ria Novosti
(NSI News Source Info) ZHUHAI, China, - November 16, 2010: Russia's state-run arms exporter Rosoboronexport said on Tuesday it was ready to hold talks with China on the delivery of advanced Su-35 fighter aircraft to the Chinese air force.

"We are ready to work with our Chinese partners to this end [Su-35 deliveries]," Deputy General Director of Rosoboronexport Alexander Mikheyev said at the Airshow China 2010, which is being held on November 16-21 in Zhuhai.

The Su-35 Flanker-E, powered by two 117S engines with thrust vectoring, combines high maneuverability and the capability to effectively engage several air targets simultaneously using both guided and unguided missiles and weapon systems.

Russia's Sukhoi aircraft maker earlier said it planned to start deliveries of the new aircraft, billed as "4++ generation using fifth-generation technology," to foreign clients in 2011 and produce Su-35s over a period of 10 years up to 2020.

China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China) is the only international aerospace trade show in China that is endorsed by the Chinese central government. The biannual arms exhibition has been held in Zhuhai since 1996.

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DTN News: Pakistan TODAY November 16, 2010 - U.S. Missile Strike Kills 20 Militants In Pakistan

Defense News: DTN News: Pakistan TODAY November 16, 2010 - U.S. Missile Strike Kills 20 Militants In Pakistan
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Reuters
(NSI News Source Info) PESHAWAR, Pakistan - November 16, 2010: Unmanned U.S. drone aircraft on Tuesday fired four missiles into North Waziristan, a major sanctuary for al Qaeda and Taliban militants in Pakistan, killing at least 20 insurgents, local officials said.

The missiles struck a fortress-like compound and a vehicle in Ghulam Khan village on the Afghan border early in the morning.

"Some of the militants were on foot. They had just returned from Afghanistan when they were hit," an intelligence official in the region said.

"So far, the death toll is 20."

There was no independent confirmation of the incident as the war zone is located in a remote part of Pakistan. Militant groups often dispute officials' account of such attacks and casualties.

North Waziristan is the main base of Afghan militants fighting Western forces across the border. The United States has stepped up missile strikes there in recent months as it struggles to stabilise war-ravaged Afghanistan.

The United States has long demanded Pakistan launch a military offensive in North Waziristan, but Islamabad is reluctant to do so, and says it needs to consolidate gains made in earlier offensives before opening a new front.

But critics says Pakistan's reluctance stems from its desire to use the Afghan Taliban as bargaining chips in a final settlement with Kabul once foreign forces leave.

(Writing by Zeeshan Haider; Editing by Chris Allbritton and Sanjeev Miglani)

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DTN News: Lebanon Leader Says His Country To Get Russian Military Aid

Defense News: DTN News: Lebanon Leader Says His Country To Get Russian Military Aid
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources AFP
(NSI News Source Info) BEIRUT, Lebanon - November 16, 2010: Russia will offer Lebanon six combat helicopters, 31 tanks and 36 artillery pieces complete with ammunition and shells, Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced late Monday from Moscow.

"After the end of discussions between the Lebanese and Russiansides, Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced that Russia had decided to offer free aid to the Lebanese army," said a statement from Hariri's office.

The offer included "six Mi-24 helicopters, 31 T-72 assault tanks," as well as 36 mortars for 130-mm shells and around half million rounds of medium-calibre ammunition, the statement added.

In February, Lebanese President Michel Sleiman announced during a visit to Moscow that Russia had agreed to a request for Mi-24 helicopter gunships instead of the MIG-29 fighter jets originally promised in 2008.

On Sunday, on the eve of his two-day visit, Hariri had said he hoped to finalise that deal and said Lebanese helicopter pilots were already training for the new aircraft.

Following the 2006 war between Israel and Lebanon's Shiite movement Hezbollah the poorly equipped Lebanese army deployed in the south of the country for the first in three decades.

Earlier Monday, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin called on Lebanon to support Russian companies seeking to invest there, during his talks with Hariri.

"We have good possibilities to increase our economic collaboration thanks to major joint projects in the fields of energy, transport, communication and military technology co-operation," Putin said, Russian news agencies reported.

"In certain cases our big companies announced they would participate in invitations to tender and we ask you to support these bids," he added.

Hariri said his government welcomed Russian investment in transport and energy and in the construction of railways and dams.

Some analysts see the continuing rapprochement between the two countries as an attempt by Russia to reassert its influence in theMiddle East, which has waned since the Soviet era.

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