Friday, April 9, 2010

HOMELAND SECURITY CAPITAL CORPORATION's Subsidiary Awarded DOE Hot Cells Stimulus Project at ORNL

Homeland Security Capital Corporation


SEC’s Contract Accelerates Cleanup

Defense News:
ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Homeland SecurityCapital Corporation (OTCBB: HOMS - News), an international provider of specialized technology-based radiological, nuclear, environmental, disaster relief and security solutions to government and commercial customers, announced today that its environmental remediation subsidiary, Safety and Ecology Corporation (SEC) was awarded the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Oak Ridge Office (ORO) Task Order OR22 for complex environmental cleanup operations at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) as a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, with a contract ceiling price of $50.2M, including options.

Under this initial task order valued at $16.6M, the SEC team will characterize and remove contaminants and equipment, preparing Building 3038 for deactivation and decommissioning (D&D). SEC will also demolish the hot cells, or shielded nuclear radiation containment chambers, located at ORNL’s Building 3026. Awarded on March 30, 2010, the 18-month project is scheduled to be completed by the end of August, 2011. The contract also includes options to remove and disposition legacy contaminants from ORNL Building 3517 and the D&D of ORNL Buildings 3038 and 2026. Should the contract option be exercised, the total value of the contract increases to $50.2M.

“We are proud that SEC has been awarded another stimulus contract. Adding this $16.6M, we have aggregated $54M in ARRA funded projects for our company,” said C. Thomas McMillen, Chairman and CEO of HOMS. “We are pleased to support accelerated cleanup for DOE which is vital to our national security.”

Headquartered in Knoxville, TN, SEC brings more than 18 years of successful, hands-on experience and lessons learned from similar work at ORNL, Y-12, ETTP and various sites across the DOE Complex. SEC’s team, organization and technical approach was developed to reduce safety and performance risk, associated with this complex project. SEC strategically compiled an experienced and technically qualified team, capable of providing the best value to the government.

“SEC has been building our company for this type of cleanup for the Oak Ridge community and beyond,” said Christopher Leichtweis, SEC’s CEO and President of HOMS. “This project is a cornerstone to the critical infrastructure reduction mission at ORNL of eliminating high hazard facilities. SEC is proud to support DOE directly.”

As stated in a DOE issued press release dated April 8, 2010:

This $50 million task order is part of $755 million received by ORO’s Environmental Management program for projects in Oak Ridge. In total, 49 unused buildings across the Oak Ridge Reservation are being safely demolished using Recovery Act funds. Gerald Boyd, Manager of the Oak Ridge Office said, “This contract allows us to continue our considerable progress towards a safer, cleaner ORNL campus, while creating jobs in the community.”

The task order is awarded through DOE Environmental Management’s (EM) Nationwide Multiple Award Indefinite/Delivery Indefinite/Quantity (IDIQ) contracting tool out of DOE's Consolidated Business Center in Cincinnati. This is SEC’s third awarded task order under this IDIQ contract.

The DOE Press release can be found: www.oakridge.doe.gov

About Safety and Ecology Corporation

Safety and Ecology Corporation (SEC) is a rapidly growing environmental services company in the U.S., providing services nationally, in Europe and the Caribbean. The Company specializes in the removal and remediation of hazardous nuclear materials for the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Defense, and other federal agencies. SEC also provides advanced environmental services for private industry across the country and internationally. Since its founding in 1991, SEC has grown approximately 30 percent per year, and has emerged as a technology innovator with approximately 450 personnel worldwide and with annual revenues of more than U.S. $70 million. For more information on SEC, visit www.sec-tn.com.

About Homeland Security Capital Corporation (HOMS)

Homeland Security Capital Corporation is a company engaged in the strategic acquisition, development, and consolidation of homeland security-related businesses, within the fragmented homeland security industry. The company is focused on creating long-term value by taking controlling interest and developing its subsidiary companies through superior operations and management. The company is headed by former Congressman C. Thomas McMillen, who served three consecutive terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from the 4thCongressional District of Maryland. HOMS operates businesses that provide homeland security products and services solutions, growing organically and by acquisitions. The company is targeting emerging companies that are generating revenues but face challenges in scaling their businesses to capitalize on homeland security opportunities.

HOMS’s portfolio of companies, in addition to SEC, includes:

Nexus Technologies Group, a mid-Atlantic security integrator for the corporate and governmental security markets that specializes in non-proprietary integrated security solutions including access control, alarm, video, communication, perimeter protection and bomb and metal detection security systems. Utilizing cutting-edge technologies, Nexus provides innovative, engineered and scalable solutions to effectively protect people, property and assets. For more information about Nexus, visit www.nexusna.com.

Polimatrix, Inc., a system integrator and total solutions provider delivering advanced radiation and nuclear protection and detection services. The company has been operating since September 2006 as a joint venture between Homeland Security Capital Corporation and Polimaster, Inc. For more information about Polimatrix, visit www.polimatrix.com.

For more information about Homeland Security Capital Corporation, visit www.hscapcorp.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address future activities, performance, events or developments, are forward-looking statements. Although HOMS believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.

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

Defense News: DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated April 8, 2010
Source: U.S. DoD issued April 8, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - April 9, 2010: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued April 8, 2010 are undermentioned;<>
CONTRACTS
ARMY

~SRCTec, Inc., Syracuse, N.Y., was awarded on April 1 a $94,386,209 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 3,239 urgently required Duke V2 systems. Work is to be performed in Syracuse, N.Y., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. One sole source bid was solicited with one bid received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-05-D-S205).
~BAE Systems, Ordnance Systems Inc., Kingsport, Tenn., was awarded on March 31 a $44,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract provides funding for the Area A to Area B acid facility relocation at Holston Army Ammunition Plant. Work is to be performed in Kingsport, Tenn., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Contracting Command, Rock Island, Arsenal, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAA09-98-E-0006).
~Joseph J. Henderson and Son, Inc., Gurnee, Ill., was awarded on March 31 a $24,306,000 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is to construct an advanced waste water treatment plant at Fort Riley, Kan. Work is to be performed in Fort Riley, Kan., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 22, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with eight bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Kansas City District, CECT-NWK-M, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-10-C-4014).
~L-3 Fuzing and Ordnance Systems, Cincinnati, Ohio, was awarded on March 31 a $24,069,912 firm-fixed-price contract for M762A1. Work is to be performed in Cincinnati, Ohio, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2013. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with one bid received. Army Contracting Command, Joint Munitions & Lethality Contracting Center, CCJM-CA, Picattinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-09-C-0050).
~General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems-Scranton Operations, Scranton, Pa., was awarded on March 31 a $23,888,512 firm-fixed-price contract. The contract shall provide the facilities, personnel, and equipment for the manufacture of the 15mm M795 metal parts with flexible rotation band covers. Work is to be performed in Scranton, Pa., with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Army Contracting Command, Joint Munitions & Lethality Contracting Center, CCJM-CA, Picattinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-08-C-0244).
~BAE Systems National Security Solutions, Inc., San Diego, Calif., was awarded on March 31 a $23,405,241 cost-plus-award-fee contract. This contract is for the baseline scope of efforts including application of capabilities-based acquisition and disciplined program management, systems engineering, software engineering, hardware engineering, systems integration and testing, and other processes, practices, and resources. Work is to be performed in Newington, Va., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with three bids received. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Reston, Va., is the contracting activity (HM1572-07-C-0002).
~Trumbull Corp., Pittsburgh, Pa., was awarded on April 1 a $17,659,363 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is part of the major rehabilitation project for the stabilization of Emsworth Dams. This project involves stabilization of the back channel dam left abutment and installation of permanent scour protection consisting of grout filled bags downstream of the existing dam apron at Emsworth Locks and Dam, Ohio River, Pennsylvania. The work to be performed under this contract consists of furnishing all plant, materials, equipment, supplies, and labor for the installation of micropiles and rock anchors for stabilizing the existing abutment wall; a pipe pole and sheet pile combination wall installed riverward of the existing abutment to facilitate grade separation for the scour protection; dredging the river; and installation of new grout bag scour protection across and downstream of the existing channel dam. Work is to be performed in the Ohio River at the Emsworth Locks and Dam, back channel dam on Neville Island, Pittsburgh, Pa., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 23, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with five bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Pittsburgh, Pa., is the contracting activity (W911WN-10-C-0012).
~Lockheed Martin Corp., Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded in April 1 a $16,660,000 firm-fixed-price contract for recertification of 48 PAC-3 missiles, teardown of 12 PAC-3 missiles, and repair of missiles as necessary. Work is to be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas (66 percent), and Huntsville, Ala. (34 percent), with an estimated completion date of January 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal., Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-007-C-0135).
~Northrop Grumman Information Technology, McLean, Va., was awarded on March 31 a $15,998,775 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Army-Defense integrated human resource system, personnel and pay system, and IT services. Work is to be performed in Alexandria, Va., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. National Capitol Region Contracting Center, Alexandria, Va., is the contracting activity (NOOO39-02-C-3238).
~SGS, LLC, Oklahoma City, Okla., was awarded on March 31 a $15,282,126 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the construction of a 60,395 square foot simulation center, access control facility, tactical operations pad, and antenna tower at Fort Bliss, Texas. Supporting facilities include utilities, electric service, parking, paving, walks, curbs, gutters, storage space, storm drainage, information systems, landscaping, site improvements, and fire protection and alarm systems. Anti-terrorism measures include laminated glass, exterior lighting, and stand-off distances. Accessibility for individuals with disabilities will be provided. Air conditioning is estimated at 210 tons. Sustainable design, development, and the Energy Policy Act of 2005 will be provided. The simulation center is required to support increases in virtual and live training. Work is to be performed in El Paso, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2011. One hundred and fifty-six bids were solicited with eight bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-10-C-0034).
~Rockwell Collins, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was awarded on March 31 a $14,890,341 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. This contract is under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Phase II of the Emissive Micro-Display (EMD) program. Rockwell Collins will continue to optimize the EMD system to meet final program metrics based on the quantum photonic imager devices. Work is to be performed in multiple cities across the United States, with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2012. Bids were solicited via Broad Agency Announcement with four bids received. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HR0011-10-C-0098)
~Techni Graphic Systems, Inc., Fort Collins, Colo., was awarded on March 31 a $13,192,724 contract for a production program consolidated task order to include negotiated firm-fixed-pricing which will be utilized to acquire global geospatial data products during the Award Term Five ordering period. Work is to be performed in Wooster, Ohio, with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2011. Nine bids were solicited with six bids received. National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, ACMS, St. Louis, Mo., is the contracting activity (NMA302-03-D-0003).
~General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on March 31 a $9,750,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for modification P00143, exercising an option for system technical support for the Abrams tank program. Work is to be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 19, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM-Warren, AMSCC-AHLC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-08-C-0028).
~Harris Corp., Melbourne, Fla., was awarded on March 31 a $9,280,000 contract for a production program consolidated task order to include negotiated firm-fixed-pricing which will be utilized to acquire global geospatial data products during the award term 5 ordering period. Work is to be performed in Melbourne, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 31, 2011. Nine bids were solicited with six bids received. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, ACMS, St. Louis, Mo., is the contracting activity (NMA302-03-D-0006).
~Raytheon Systems Co., McKinney, Texas, was awarded on March 31 a $6,076,246 firm-fixed-price contract for 11 improved target acquisition sub-systems. Work is to be performed in McKinney, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, AMCOM Contracting Center, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contacting activity (W31P4Q-06-C-0290).
~Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Orlando, Fla., was awarded on March 31 a $5,669,300 firm-fixed-price contract. This procurement is for issuance of an undefinitized contract action for the purchase of performance-based logistics in support of Foreign Military Sales customer United Arab Emirates for the AH-64 Apache modernized target acquisition designation sight/pilot night vision sensor. Work is to be performed in Orlando, Fla., with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Army Contracting Command, Aviation & Missile Command Contracting Center, CCAM-AP-B, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-10-C-0028).
~TKC Integration, Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on March 31 a $5,631,715 firm-fixed-price contract for Segovia dedicated radio frequency bandwidth 8.7 aggregate outroute; Optical Carrier Level 3 direct access terrestrial network link, inside the contiguous United States; and Segovia premium light shared. Work is to be performed in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with one bid recived. Mission and Installation Contract Center, U.S. Army Reserve, Fort Dix, N.J., is the contracting activity (W911S1-10-F-0048).
NAVY
~Northrop Grumman Technical Services, Inc., Herndon, Va., is being awarded a $49,999,051 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract providing operation and maintenance services for the combined tactical training ranges. Combined tactical training ranges provide live and virtual environment to support a broad range of mission essential tactical training requirements throughout the Navy aviation training continuum. Services will be required at shore sites, land-based test facilities, and aboard ships in ports and at sea. Work will be performed in Fallon, Nev. (40 percent); Yuma, Ariz. (25 percent); Cherry Point, N.C. (17 percent); Oceana, Va. (10 percent); Key West, Fla. (4 percent); and Beaufort, S.C. (4 percent). Work is expected to be completed by April 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $3,600,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Port Hueneme Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme, Calif., is the contracting activity (N63394-10-C-5006).
~Logistics Services International, Inc., Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded a $48,000,000 ceiling priced indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to conduct site surveys; training plan and curriculum development; aircrew and maintenance training; publications review/update; logistics technical assistance; program management; and other support services for the P-3 aircraft for the government of Taiwan under the Foreign Military Sales program. Designed after Navy training standards, inside and outside the continental United States, training/support will provide Taiwan’s Navy aircrew and maintenance personnel with technical proficiency in their respective positions. Work will be performed in Taiwan (95 percent) and Jacksonville, Fla. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in April 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity (N61339-10-D-0001).
~Synexxus Inc.*, Arlington, Va., is being awarded a $7,292,774 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-incentive-fee, performance-based contract to provide research, development, engineering, test, operations, maintenance, and sustainment of the Oberon data distribution system architecture; total system engineering; and quantitative analytics. The contract includes (1) one-year option period which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to an estimated $11,497,036. Work will be performed in Afghanistan (70 percent) and Iraq (30 percent), and is expected to be completed by April 2011. If all options are exercised, work could continue until April 2012. Funds will not be obligated at this time. The contract is being awarded on a sole source basis. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-10-D-6070).
~The Boeing Co., Lanham, Md., is being awarded a $7,148,440 firm-fixed-price order via the General Services Administration schedule for the procurement of 929 Combat Survivor Evader Locator radios (P/N 4866112101), including supporting equipment for the Navy. Work will be performed in Palmdale, Calif., and is expected to be completed in March 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to DFAR 206.302-1(a))(1)(i). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-10-F-0006).
~Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems., El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a $5,792,324 cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order against a previously issued Basic Order Agreement (N00019-05-G-0008) for the procurement of two AN/APG-79 active, electronically scanned array test radars to support the F/A-18 and EA-18G programs. Work will be performed in Forest, Miss. (45 percent); El Segundo, Calif. (35 percent); Andover, Mass. (15 percent); and Dallas, Texas (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY
~The Boeing Co., Seattle, Wash., is being awarded a sole-source cost-plus-award-fee modification for $32,713,529. Under this contract, Boeing will continue post flight experiment Laser - 01 work with additional missile engagement scenarios and flight testing to include all required support. The work will be performed in Seattle, Wash., and at three California locations: Edwards Air Force Base, Sunnyvale, and Redondo Beach. The performance period is through May 2010. Fiscal 2010 research, development, test, and evaluation funds will be used for this effort. The Missile Defense Agency is the contracting activity (F29601-97-C-0001).
AIR FORCE
~Wyle Laboratories, Inc., Huntsville, Ala., was awarded a $6,808,382 contract which provides for the research, test, development, and delivery of communication and technical recommendations, technical studies, network operations reports, version updates, engineering studies, and requirements traceability matrices. At this time, $371,461 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (HC1047-05-D-4005).
~Ellwood National Forge Co., Irvine, Pa., was awarded a contract which will exercise an option to procure 108 BLU-121 bombs to be used on precision guided air-to-surface weapons and Joint Direct Attack Munitions for the F-15E, F-16, and B-2 platforms. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 685 ARSS/PK, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8677-10-C-0063, P00002).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
~Pierce Manufacturing, Inc., Appleton, Wis., is being awarded a maximum $5,240,275 firm-fixed-price, long-term contract for fire-fighting vehicle, structural pumper. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Navy. There were originally three proposals solicited with three responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Dec. 28, 2010. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM500-01-D-0062-0072).
*Small business

DTN News: Lockheed Martin Announces New Green Initiatives For 140,000 Employees, Their Families And Communities

Defense News: DTN News: Lockheed Martin Announces New Green Initiatives
For 140,000 Employees, Their Families And Communities
Source: DTN News / Lockheed Martin
(NSI News Source Info) Bethesda, MD - April 9, 2010: Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) April 8., yesterday announced new green initiatives to reach its 140,000 employees, their families and communities. The orchestrated effort is rolling out in conjunction with National Environmental Education Week (EE Week), the largest organized environmental education event in the United States.

Held each year during the week before Earth Day, EE Week coordinates environmental education outreach nationwide to increase Earth Day’s impact. Lockheed Martin will celebrate EE Week and Earth Day by introducing several new company-wide employee initiatives to encourage environmentally-friendly behavior at work, at home and in local communities.

“At Lockheed Martin, it is our goal to raise awareness of natural resource conservation and to help our employees take an active role in their communities,” said Dr. David J.C. Constable, vice president, Lockheed Martin Energy, Environment, Safety & Health. “With the reach of our organization’s network, we have the opportunity to inspire hundreds of thousands of individuals - starting with our employees, their families and communities - so that as a corporation, we can make a big impact one small action at a time.”

A program of the National Environmental Education Foundation, EE Week reaches millions of students with environmentally-themed lessons and activities. In further support of EE Week, Lockheed Martin donated $5,000 to create the EE Week Nature Center Map, which includes contact information for more than 2,000 nature and environmental education centers nationwide, and is a perfect way for educators to find local natural areas for field trips and outdoor study.

“We’re grateful to Lockheed Martin for making National Environmental Education Week’s nature center map possible,” said Diane Wood, president, National Environmental Education Foundation. “Giving children unstructured time to explore nature benefits both their physical and mental health. This nature center finder enables families to find nearby outdoor space easily so they can explore nature and have fun learning about local plants and animals.”

Lockheed Martin’s employee-based initiative surrounding EE Week is just a portion of the corporation’s overall Go Green business strategy. Lockheed Martin is committed to reducing its overall energy usage by building and operating greener, more-efficient buildings, embarking on Green IT activities, constructing on-site renewable energy projects and purchasing renewable energy credits. The Corporation also ranks among the top 50 organizations in the country in green power purchases based on kilowatt hours of power used, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency Green Power Partnership. The Corporation’s long-term absolute goals through 2012 are to reduce carbon emissions, waste to landfill and water usage - each by 25 percent.

In addition to reducing its own environmental impact, Lockheed Martin is working with its customers in the areas of energy efficiency, management, next-generation alternative energy generation, and climate monitoring, Lockheed Martin provides a full range of energy solutions to the government and regulated industry, including the Department of Energy, state and regional energy organizations, utilities and businesses.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2009 sales of $45.2 billion.

Media Contact:
Matthew Swibel, 301-214-3178, matthew.swibel@lmco.com
.

DTN News: First Live Warhead Flight For Lockheed Martin’s Multi-Purpose Hellfire II Missile

Defense News: DTN News: First Live Warhead Flight For Lockheed Martin’s
Multi-Purpose Hellfire II Missile
Source: DTN News / Lockheed Martin
(NSI News Source Info) ORLANDO, FL, - April 9, 2010: Lockheed Martin’s [NYSE: LMT] multi-purpose AGM 114RHELLFIRE II missile scored another success in its second proof-of-principle (POP) flight test, the first armed with a live warhead. The R model, or “Romeo” missile, features a multi-purpose warhead that enables a single HELLFIRE missile to cover all of the target sets of the currently fielded laser-guided variants.

Hellfire II Photo 1

HELLFIRE II has seen extensive action in the global War on Terrorism, with more than 3,000 rounds fired successfully from Apache and Cobra attack helicopters, Predator unmanned aerial vehicles, and other platforms.

The POP 2 flight test, conducted at Eglin Air Force Base, FL, featured a lock-on-after-launch engagement of a stationary target board at 1.6 miles (2.5 km). The team used a ground-based laser designator to illuminate the target. The multi-purpose warhead was set with a delayed fuze that allows the missile to penetrate the target before detonating.

The missile was launched with a low trajectory suitable for a military operation in urban terrain scenario and struck the target board precisely designated by the laser aimpoint. The precursor warhead detonated on impact, while the primary warhead successfully detonated a short distance beyond the target.

“This test successfully demonstrates the Romeo’s multi-purpose warhead and electronic safe, arm and fire, or ESAF, module, which provides the pilot-programmable delayed fuzing function,” said Ken Musculus, director of Air-to-Ground Missile System programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “It’s an important milestone for the HELLFIRE program, bringing us one step closer to providing the Warfighter with one missile that can defeat hard, soft and enclosed targets. In this case, we tested the Romeo’s ability to penetrate and then detonate within a target vehicle or structure, a critical capability against today’s threats.”

“Both the multi-purpose warhead and ESAF module are new to the HELLFIRE,” Musculus said. “Video imagery of the test clearly shows these systems functioned exactly as designed.”

The multi-purpose HELLFIRE II missile can be carried on both rotary-wing and UAV platforms, can be launched from higher altitudes—increasing the impact angle and enhancing stealth and lethality—and provides a wide engagement zone to properly equipped platforms, enabling them to target and fire upon targets to the side and behind them.

With more than 26,000 rounds produced for the U.S. and 15 international customers, HELLFIRE II has been successfully integrated with attack helicopters in the U.S. and many Allied fleets. It is also capable of surface launch from ground vehicles, tripods and small vessels. More than 10,000 HELLFIRE missiles have been successfully fired in combat.

Lockheed Martin performs all work on behalf of the HELLFIRE Systems, Limited Liability Company and will produce the missiles at its manufacturing facilities in Troy, AL, and Ocala, FL.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2009 sales of $45.2 billion.

Heather Kelly, (407) 356-5351
e-mail
heather.kelly@lmco.com

For additional information, visit our web site:
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/mfc

DTN News: Oshkosh Defense Receives Four Awards Valued At $19 Million To Refurbish Vehicles In-Theater

Defense News: DTN News: Oshkosh Defense Receives Four Awards Valued At $19 Million To Refurbish Vehicles In-Theater
Source: DTN News / Oshkosh Corporation
(NSI News Source Info) OSHKOSH, Wis. - April 9, 2010: Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), announced today it has received four awards valued at more than $19 million from the TACOM Life Cycle Management Command (LCMC) for additional work to be included under its Theater-Provided Equipment Refurbishment (TPER) program with the U.S. military. This work includes the delivery of nearly 200 refurbished heavy and line-haul vehicles, and will extend the Oshkosh Defense TPER work at its Kuwait facility to January 2011.
Oshkosh will deliver more than 140 refurbished Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles (FHTV), including the Oshkosh® Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT), Palletized Load System (PLS) and Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET), as well as the HET M1000 trailer. The company also will deliver more than 50 refurbished line-haul vehicles. Oshkosh has the in-theater capabilities, including a multifaceted supply-chain management approach, to repair and refurbish non-Oshkosh products such as the trailers and line-haul vehicles.
“Oshkosh Defense and our partners in the military undertook a groundbreaking operation with the TPER program, and it has significantly benefitted fleet sustainment,” said Andy Hove, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Defense. “Whether it’s routine service or vehicle upgrades, our extensive repair and recapitalization capabilities ensure mission-ready vehicles are affordably and efficiently delivered to meet the Warfighters’ needs.”
The TPER program is the result of an urgent requirement to repair and refurbish tactical wheeled vehicles operating in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The program brings vehicles that have become worn from extreme in-theater conditions back to full mission operability. Performing the work in-theater minimizes refurbishment costs, reduces maintenance cycle time and quickly returns vehicles to service. Upon completion of these efforts, more than 1,850 vehicles and trailers will have been repaired and returned to U.S. forces through the TPER program.
About Oshkosh Defense
Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, is an industry-leading global designer and manufacturer of tactical military trucks and armored wheeled vehicles, delivering a full product line of conventional and hybrid vehicles, advanced armor options, proprietary suspensions and vehicles with payloads that can exceed 70 tons. Oshkosh Defense provides a global service and supply network including full life-cycle support and remanufacturing, and its vehicles are recognized the world over for superior performance, reliability and protection. For more information, visitwww.oshkoshdefense.com.
About Oshkosh Corporation
Oshkosh Corporation is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency and military vehicles and vehicle bodies. Oshkosh Corp. manufactures, distributes and services products under the brands of Oshkosh®, JLG®, Pierce®, McNeilus®, Medtec®, Jerr-Dan®, Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles, Frontline™, SMIT™, CON-E-CO®, London® and IMT®. Oshkosh products are valued worldwide in businesses where high quality, superior performance, rugged reliability and long-term value are paramount. For more information, log on to www.oshkoshcorporation.com.
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NRL Scientists Use Atomic Physics Codes to Study Coronal Mass Ejections


Defense News: WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Giant eruptions of ionized gas, or plasma, from the Sun called coronal mass ejections [CMEs] produce solar energetic particles that cause spacecraft anomalies and communication interruptions, and can have significant adverse effects on Global Positioning Systems. Scientists at the Naval Research Laboratory’s Space Science Division are studying CMEs in an effort to better understand and predict their impact on instrumentation.

The composition of CMEs can tell us much about how they erupt and propagate through interplanetary space. The NRL research team is now coupling computer codes that compute the evolution of CME ion charge states (elements such as Carbon or Iron with different numbers of electrons removed) to the output of numerical magnetohydrodynamic simulations of CME dynamics.

The ionization evolution code used in the simulations, developed by Martin Laming and Cara Rakowski of the Space Science Division, incorporates the latest and most accurate theoretical data for ionization and recombination (removal and attaching electrons to an element) of all ions up to Nickel in the periodic table.

Of the abundant elements in the solar atmosphere, Iron [Fe] is highly useful to study, because it has many charge states to evolve through. As a simulated CME eruption proceeds, plasma heating beginning at a heliocentric distance of about four solar radii increases the charge states of the ions in the plasma.

The final simulated Fe charge state distribution exhibits a characteristic “two-peaked” structure that is commonly detected in CME observational data for Fe, with charge states around Fe16+ and Fe11+ dominant, which indicates that basic features of the new coupled numerical model are correct.

Laming explains that a research goal of this work is to produce quantitative inferences about the energy released, and estimate for example the energy going into solar energetic particles that constitute a major radiation hazard for space borne instrumentation. Such inferences are only feasible because the energy required to produce specific ions is understood from atomic physics.

Contact:

Naval Research Laboratory
Donna McKinney, 202-767-2541
donna.mckinney@nrl.navy.mil

Aerojet Engine Test Demonstrates Engine Design for NASA's Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle

Defense News: SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Aerojet, a GenCorp (NYSE:GY - News) company, successfully completed 100 hot-fire test sequences of its R-1E 25-pound, thrust-bipropellant engine. The test included more than 27,389 starts with 6,298 seconds of total burn time under a broad variety of conditions expected for NASA's Orion service module.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100408/SF83701)

                                Aerojet Engine Test Demonstrates Engine Design                             Click Here to Download Image

Aerojet Engine Test Demonstrates Engine DesignClick Here to Download Image

Aerojet is providing propulsion to Lockheed Martin for NASA's Orion crew exploration vehicle as well as all engines aboard the Orion service module. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor to NASA developing the Orion crew exploration vehicle – the nation's next generation spacecraft for future exploration throughout our solar system.

This early demonstration of the engine's performance at expected Orion operating conditions was conducted to retire risk to the Orion vehicle. "Through collaboration with Lockheed Martin and NASA, Aerojet engineers have conducted a valuable R-1E engine test program that will lead to a low-risk propulsion approach for NASA's Orion service module," said Julie Van Kleeck, Aerojet's vice president for Space Programs.

The R-1E currently provides in-space propulsion for the Space Shuttle and has a long history of successfully enabling Space Shuttle maneuvers. The R-1E also provides precise in-space propulsion for the Japanese H-II transfer vehicle (HTV), which rendezvoused and docked with the International Space Station last year. This engine complement includes sixteen 25-pound thrust engines, eight 100-pound thrust bipropellant engines and a 7,500-pound thrust Orion Main Engine. Additionally, Aerojet will supply twelve 160-pound thrust monopropellant engines for the Orion Crew Module.

Aerojet is part of the nationwide Orion industry team led by Lockheed Martin, which also includes five major subcontractors and an expansive network of minor subcontractors and small businesses working at 88 facilities in 28 states across the country.

Aerojet is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader principally serving the missile and space propulsion, defense and armaments markets. GenCorp is a leading technology-based manufacturer of aerospace and defense products and systems with a real estate segment that includes activities related to the entitlement, sale, and leasing of the company's excess real estate assets. Additional information about Aerojet and GenCorp can be obtained by visiting the companies' Web sites at http://www.Aerojet.com andhttp://www.GenCorp.com.

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UAL pilots attack U.S. Airways merger prospect

Defense News: CHICAGO/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - United Airlines' pilots union lashed out against efforts to merge the airline with US Airways Group (NYSE:LCC - News), underscoring the challenges facing decade-old attempts to unite the carriers.

Tough antitrust enforcement could also pose another stumbling block to a merger, which would form the world's second-largest airline after Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL - News), industry experts said.

Passengers wait to check-in at the U.S. Airways ticket counter at Phoenix International Airport in Phoenix, April 8, 2010. REUTERS/Joshua Lott

Passengers wait to check-in at the U.S. Airways ticket counter at Phoenix International Airport in Phoenix, April 8, 2010. REUTERS/Joshua Lott

But the possibility of consolidation in the industry spurred airline shares higher on Thursday, although US Airways and United parent UAL Corp (NasdaqGS:UAUA - News) would not confirm the discussions that sources said were advancing.

Chicago-based United, the No. 3 U.S. airline, has a $3.39 billion market value, based on Thursday's close. Tempe, Arizona-based US Airways, the No. 6 U.S. airline, ended the day with a $1.22 billion market capitalization.

Sources with knowledge of the situation told Reuters the negotiations began more than a month ago, although much of the groundwork was laid in 2008 when the two held similar talks.

The sources said the parties are currently focused on general themes, and issues like deal structure and management will be discussed in coming weeks.

The parties were said to be mindful of hurdles to a successful merger, including competition concerns and serious labor questions at both carriers involving pilots.

"Everybody is aware of the problems," said one source.

United's pilots said Thursday they were vehemently opposed to a merger, while US Airways' pilots said they were open to a merger and wanted to be part of the discussions.

United's flight attendants said they would not support a deal that would "distract from contract negotiations."

Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS - News) and JPMorgan Chase & Co (NYSE:JPM - News) are advising United, several people familiar with the matter said. Citigroup Inc (NYSE:C - News) is advising US Airways, the sources said.

All three banks declined to comment.

UAL shares closed up 6.8 percent at $20.23 on Nasdaq. US Airways shares gained 10.7 percent to finish at $7.55 on the New York Stock Exchange.

CHANGING LANDSCAPE

US Airways and UAL have courted for a decade -- interrupted only by their turns in bankruptcy between 2002 and 2005.

An offer in 2000 by United to buy US Airways crumbled in 2001 over fears the U.S. government would block the deal.

Talks revived in 2008 but fizzled amid the recession.

Aviation experts generally agree that consolidation would help the airline industry, and a merger with US Airways would help United. But some said a deal with Continental Airlines (NYSE:CAL - News) would be best for United.

United and Continental held merger talks in 2008 and later opted for an alliance, which has been successful.

Airlines are recovering from a painful downturn that forced massive downsizing in the last two years. A merger could accelerate fleet reductions, helping improve balance sheets.

Philip Baggaley of rating agency Standard & Poor's said a merger with US Airways would improve United's route network but could lead to higher labor costs. The combined company would probably emerge with heavy debt, he said.

"Clearly these potential talks are a massive positive for US Airways and United, but I think it speaks volumes to the changing landscape in the airline industry," said Morningstar Equity analyst Basili Alukos.

He said a potential major airline merger, combined with the capacity cuts of 2008 and 2009 hint that the industry "could be en route to earning its cost of capital."

"History is not on the side of the airlines, but maybe the horrible losses encountered recently have scared newcomers enough to reconsider starting an airline," Alukos said.

The chief executives at both companies, Doug Parker at US Airways and Glenn Tilton at United, were, and continue to be, vocal proponents of further consolidation in an industry that has long suffered from competitive pressures and overcapacity.

The last merger of two major U.S. airlines was between Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL - News) and Northwest Airlines, which concluded in 2008 and analysts consider successful.

LABOR ISSUES

Alukos and other experts said the biggest challenge would be integrating unionized employees.

US Airways, formed in 2005 from a merger with America West Airlines, still has two pilot unions.

Airline labor groups - especially pilots - are notoriously hard to merge because pay and work rules are closely tied to seniority. A pilot could easily lose seniority in a merger and end up flying less desirable routes and planes.

James Ray, spokesman for the US Airline Pilots Association (USAPA), which represents pilots at US Airways said the union is open to a merger, but wants to be part of the discussions.

"Our union president has talked to Doug Parker and said we are open-minded and look forward to being an active partner with U.S. airways should they pursue a merger with anyone," Ray said.

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which represents pilots at United, said it was vehemently opposed to a merger with US Airways, that would benefit neither the airline nor its pilots.

"United CEO Glenn Tilton is well aware of our position regarding mergers and US Airways," said a statement by union official Capt. Wendy Morse.

Bill Swelbar, an airline researcher at MIT, said union troubles could be a fatal impediment.

"It is my opinion that the labor issues will significantly undermine the synergies. I'm just not convinced there is an attraction. There is nothing about this that has me going 'this just seems like a great deal'," Swelbar said.

Delta and Northwest worked out their labor issues before announcing their deal.

ANTITRUST

Prospects of a US Airways-United marriage have for years raised questions about market concentration in the eastern portion of the United States, particularly at airports in the Washington D.C. area.

Any proposal would have to satisfy Justice Department antitrust officials under the Obama administration.

The Delta-Northwest merger was approved by the Bush administration, which was considered more business friendly.

"Now you've got a more aggressive enforcement regime. It seems to me the antitrust hurdles are no lower than they were in 2001 and maybe higher," said John Briggs, an antitrust expert with Axinn Veltrop Harkrider LLP.

US Airways is trying to beef up its already strong presence at Washington's Reagan National airport and held 11 percent of the regional Washington market overall in 2009. United is big at Dulles airport in Virginia and commanded 22 percent of Washington air travel last year, according to government data.

US Airways biggest hub is Charlotte, North Carolina, followed by Phoenix and Philadelphia. United spreads the rest of its operations at Chicago, Denver, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

"There are still some significant overlaps between United and US Airways, and I think the government would take a close look at that. I'm not necessarily saying to block it, but to decide what may need to be taken away in certain markets," said Edward Faberman, an aviation attorney with Wiley Rein LLP.

(Reporting by Kyle Peterson and John Crawley; Additional reporting by Karen Jacobs in Atlanta, Deepa Seetharaman and Jui Chakravorty in New York, and Diane Bartz in Washington; Editing by Derek Caney and Tim Dobbyn)

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