Wednesday, February 2, 2011

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Northrop Grumman Signs Long-Term Agreement For F-35 Components With Australian Supplier Quickstep

Defense News: DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Northrop Grumman Signs Long-Term Agreement For F-35 Components With Australian Supplier Quickstep
* First Delivery of Production Composite Parts Expected in 2012
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Northrop Grumman
(NSI News Source Info) EL SEGUNDO, Calif., - February 2, 2011: Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has delivered the next installment of its commitment to expand international participation in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program by signing a long-term JSF parts agreement with advanced materials company Quickstep Technologies, North Coogee, Australia.

Northrop Grumman is a principal subcontractor on the Lockheed Martin-led (NYSE:LMT) F-35 industry team. Australia is one of nine countries, including the United States, contributing to the funding and production of the fifth generation, multirole F-35 aircraft.

Under terms of the second sourcing agreement, signed Feb. 2 in Sydney, Quickstep will produce an initial group of composite subassemblies that includes F-35 lower side skins, maintenance access panels and fuel tank covers.

"We have been working closely with Quickstep since 2010 to help them develop and mature their manufacturing capabilities to reach the high-precision standards required for the F-35," said Ram Ramkumar, director of F-35 international programs for Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector. "We look forward to their continued progress as a supplier of increasingly complex parts for all three variants of the aircraft."

The delivery of a key test article is planned for November 2011. First deliveries of production parts, which will support Northrop Grumman's production of low-rate initial production lot 5 center fuselages in Palmdale, Calif., are expected in May 2012.

According to Ramkumar, "Quickstep is expected to eventually produce three major groups of parts for Northrop Grumman – up to 16 different parts in all – ranging from the small, average complexity parts covered under the current agreement, to medium and large parts of increasing complexity, both in terms of their shape and the manufacturing processes required to produce them. Northrop Grumman will continue to provide technical assistance to Quickstep as it expands and improves its manufacturing capabilities to meet the F-35 requirements."

Northrop Grumman is responsible for designing and producing the center fuselage for all three variants of the F-35. The company also designed and produces the aircraft's radar and other key avionics including electro-optical and communications subsystems; develops mission systems and mission-planning software; leads the team's development of pilot and maintenance training system courseware; and manages the team's use, support and maintenance of low-observable technologies.

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 www.northropgrumman.com for more information.


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  • Defense News: Praxair Agrees to Sale of U.S. Homecare Business

    Defense News: Praxair Agrees to Sale of U.S. Homecare Business

    DANBURY, Conn.- February 2, 2011,-(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Praxair, Inc. (NYSE:PX -News) and Apria Healthcare, Inc., have entered into a definitive agreement by which Praxair will sell its U.S. homecare business to Apria. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close during the first quarter 2011, subject to satisfaction of customary terms and conditions.

    A part of the company’s broader North American healthcare business, Praxair’s U.S. homecare business operates from 85 branch locations, providing home respiratory services and durable medical equipment to clients in their homes across 27 states and employs approximately 1,100 people.

    “Given Apria’s broader and deeper capabilities in the U.S. homecare market, we believe Praxair’s U.S. customers will be well served by this acquisition,” said Scott Telesz, senior vice president of Praxair.

    “We are looking forward to welcoming Praxair’s patients, employees and customers to Apria’s home respiratory services division and expanding our branch footprint to serve customers nationwide,” said Norman C. Payson, MD, Apria’s chairman and chief executive officer.

    Praxair will continue to supply the homecare market in other countries, and also will continue to expand its very successful institutional healthcare business worldwide.

    Apria provides home respiratory therapy, home infusion therapy and home medical equipment services through approximately 500 locations in the United States. With over $2 billion in annual revenues, it is one of the nation’s leading home healthcare companies. For more information visit www.apria.com or www.coramhc.com.

    Praxair, Inc. is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 2010 sales of $10 billion. The company produces, sells and distributes atmospheric, process and specialty gases and high-performance surface coatings. Praxair products, services and technology bring productivity and environmental benefits to a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, chemicals, electronics, energy, food and beverage, healthcare, manufacturing, metals and others. More information on Praxair is available on the Internet at www.praxair.com.

    Contact:

    Praxair, Inc. Media: Susan Szita Gore, 203-837-2311 or Investor Relations: Kelcey Hoyt, 203-837-2118

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    Defense News: Sikorsky Aircraft Completes Minority Investment in Eclipse Aerospace

    Defense News: Sikorsky Aircraft Completes Minority Investment in Eclipse Aerospace

    ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Feb. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. and Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. announced today the completion of a minority equity investment by Sikorsky in Eclipse Aerospace. The companies also entered into a Service Level Agreement pursuant to which Sikorsky will provide global supply chain support and certain production restart services, which will aid Eclipse Aerospace in its efforts to reintroduce production of the Eclipse 500® very light twin engine jet. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Eclipse Aerospace provides engineering, service, and support for the fleet of roughly 260 Eclipse 500 twin-engine jets. Sikorsky Aircraft, manufacturer of the BLACK HAWK helicopter and other iconic aircraft, is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX - News).


    "The management team at Eclipse Aerospace shares with Sikorsky a passion for quality products and a customer-first commitment. We are pleased to make this equity investment and look forward to providing global support to Eclipse as it works to restart production of its twin engine very light jet," said Mark Cherry, Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Synergy for Sikorsky.

    Eclipse Aerospace currently offers "Total Eclipse" aircraft direct from its factory. These factory refurbished aircraft are configured with the AvioNG integrated flight management system, ability to fly into known ice (FIKI), and coupled auto pilot approach capability for horizontal and vertical approach guidance. These "like new" Total Eclipse Aircraft also come complete with full factory warranty, new paint, and all new interior.

    "We are thrilled to announce the closing of this significant investment in Eclipse. Beyond the equity investment, however, we at Eclipse hope to draw from Sikorsky's significant global supply chain resources and manufacturing experience," stated Mason Holland, Chairman and CEO of Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. "I have said it before and it is worth repeating: With this agreement we now have it all -- a phenomenal fuel efficient twin-engine jet, an enthusiastic customer base and a fantastic engineering, support and service staff, all coupled with the depth and strength of a sound and experienced Sikorsky Aircraft."

    About Eclipse Aerospace, Inc.

    Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. provides engineering, maintenance, service, and support for the fleet of 260 Eclipse 500® very light twin-engine jet aircraft. Adhering to the motto "Customer First," Eclipse Aerospace is focused on providing a superior customer experience for existing and future owners, operators and pilots of the revolutionary Eclipse 500 jet aircraft. Eclipse Aerospace corporate offices are based in Charleston, SC. Principal operations are located in Albuquerque, N.M. and Chicago, Ill. Eclipse Aerospace is located on the Web at www.eclipseaerospace.net.

    About Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.

    Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in aircraft design, manufacture and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.

    This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning investment in an aerospace company and the potential production and sale of aircraft. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to Eclipse Aerospace's ability to develop a successful production restart plan and effectively execute such plan, market acceptance of the aircraft, customer demand and other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in United Technologies Corporation's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. www.sikorsky.com

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    Defense News: Tactical Air Defense Services Extends Merger Closing with Tactical Air Support, Inc.

    Defense News: Tactical Air Defense Services Extends Merger Closing with Tactical Air Support, Inc.

    CARSON CITY, Nev., Feb. 2, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tactical Air Defense Services, Inc. (OTCBB:TADF), an aerospace/defense services contractor that offers air-combat training, aerial refueling, aircraft maintenance training, and other aerospace/defense services to the United States and foreign militaries, and Tactical Air Support, Inc. ("Tac-Air") have mutually agreed to extend for 90 days the closing (the "Merger Closing") of the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") with Tac-Air.

    As described in the Merger Agreement, previously filed on December 10, 2010 in a Form 8-K, all Closing Conditions are to be met prior to Merger Closing. Because all Closing Conditions remain open, the parties have agreed to extend the Merger Closing date by 90 days, and the parties remain committed to executing the Merger Closing and are taking the steps necessary to resolve any outstanding issues.

    Tac-Air, www.tacticalairsupport.com, is a highly regarded aerospace/defense services contractor founded by a group of former U.S. Navy, Marine, and Air Force Weapon's School Instructors. Tac-Air has been awarded and is currently servicing multiple aerospace/defense contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense.

    Alexis C. Korybut, CEO of TADF, states: "We are pleased that both parties to the Merger remain committed to closing the transaction, and we are taking the appropriate actions to ensure that any Merger transaction is properly structured to maximize the skills, experience, and resources that each side brings to a combined entity."

    Make sure you are first to receive timely information on Tactical Air Defense Services when it hits the newswire. Sign up for TADF's email news alert system today at: http://ir.stockpr.com/tads-usa/email-alerts

    Further information about TADF is available on our web site: www.tads-usa.com.

    Further information about Tac-Air is available at: www.tacticalairsupport.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934 that are based upon current expectations or beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions about future events. Although we believe that the expectations and assumptions upon which they are based are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such expectations and assumptions will prove to have been correct. Some of these uncertainties include, without limitation, the company's ability to perform under existing contracts or to procure future contracts. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as these statements are subject to numerous factors and uncertainties, including without limitation, successful implementation of our business strategy and competition, any of which may cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the statements. We undertake no obligation and do not intend to update, revise or otherwise publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of any unanticipated events. Although we believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our expectations will materialize. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements.

    Contact: