DTN News: Lockheed Martin F-35A Becomes Second Variant To Fly With Mission Systems

Defense News: DTN News: Lockheed Martin F-35A Becomes Second Variant To Fly With Mission Systems

Source: DTN News / Lockheed Martin Dt. July 7th, 2010

(NSI News Source Info) FORT WORTH, Texas, - July 10, 2010: The ninth Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter entered flight testing on Tuesday, becoming the second test jet to fly with the next-generation avionics package that will populate all operational F-35s. The F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant, known as AF-3, flew for 42 minutes during its first flight.
F-35 Test Pilot Bill Gigliotti took off at 6:20 p.m. and initiated a series of flying-qualities tests in a flight focused on propulsion and vehicle systems operation. Some mission systems data were collected before the flight was curtailed by storms in the area.
“AF-3 is very much like the first production F-35s we will deliver to the U.S. Air Force later this year,” said Doug Pearson, Lockheed Martin vice president of F-35 Test and Verification. “AF-3 will be the workhorse for demonstrating the lethal 5th generation combat mission systems capability that will reside in all F-35s.”
The F-35’s avionics, or mission systems, are the most comprehensive and powerful ever to fly in a fighter. The Lightning II gathers, processes and applies data from a wide array of on-board and off-board sensors, enabling the jet to perform command-and-control functions while providing unprecedented situational awareness to the pilot, other air assets and surface forces.
The jet will begin testing with its AESA radar; electronic warfare system; integrated communication, navigation and identification system; inertial navigation system; global positioning system; integrated core processor; and helmet-mounted display system, then integrate other sensors as flight testing progresses. An F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) variant became the first test jet to begin flying the mission systems package on April 7. Three F-35 variants are under development – the F-35A CTOL variant to replace U.S. Air Force F-16s and A-10s, as well as aircraft employed by seven allied nations; the F-35B STOVL variant to replace U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harriers and F/A-18s, U.K. Royal Air Force and Royal Navy Harrier GR.7s, GR.9s and Sea Harriers, and Italian Harriers; and the F-35C carrier variant to replace U.S. Navy F/A-18s.
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, advanced sustainment, and lower operational and support costs. Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 with its principal industrial partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems.
The F-35 program has about 900 suppliers in 45 states, and directly and indirectly employs more than 127,000 people. Thousands more are employed in the F-35 partner countries, which have invested more than $4 billion in the project. Those countries are the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Australia, Denmark and Norway.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 136,000 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 Contacts:
John R. Kent

Office: 817-763-3980

Email: john.r.kent@lmco.com

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated July 9, 2010

Defense News: DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated July 9, 2010

Source: U.S. DoD issued July 9, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - July 10, 2010: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued July 9, 2010 are undermentioned;<>
CONTRACTS
ARMY
~L-3 Communications Westwood Corp., Tulsa, Okla., was awarded on July 7 a $175,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract. This three-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract is for the ordering of 30 and 60 kilowatt tactical quiet generator (TQG) sets to ensure the government obtains a seamless supply of TQG sets to provide the necessary and critical power for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment and combat support systems. This modification is issued to increase the contract ceiling amount by $175,000,000 from $201,000,000 to $376,000,000. Work is to be performed in Tulsa, Okla., with an estimated completion date of March 1, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. CECOM Contracting Center-Washington, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-08-D-A002).
~General Dynamics OTS Garland, LP, Garland, Texas, was awarded on July 2 a $58,346,730 firm-fixed-price contract for MK80 series bomb bodies. Work is to be performed in Garland, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. HQ, Army Contracting Command, CCRC-AR, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-05-D-0006).
~Inglett & Stubbs International, Ltd., Smyrna, Ga., was awarded on July 7 a $53,942,310 firm-fixed-price contract. The contractor will provide electrical crews and material required for limited electrical inspection and repair of U.S. occupied camps, not supported by the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program, in diverse areas in Afghanistan. Contractor personnel will be expected to respond to emerging conditions throughout Afghanistan and correct immediate life, health and safety issues. Contractor will field 60 licensed electricians to perform tasks identified in the statement of work. Work is to be performed in Afghanistan with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia District, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (W912BU-10-C-0027).
~Textron, Inc., New Orleans, La., was awarded on July 2 a $49,808,772 firm-fixed-price contract. This award exercises options for 52 armored security vehicles; 21 M1200 armored Knights; and 12 special tool sets with Textron Marine & Land Systems. Work is to be performed in New Orleans, La., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army TACOM, Warren, CCTA-ATB-D, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-C-0532).
~Propper International, Inc., Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, was awarded on July 6 a $48,999,993 firm-fixed-price contract for Marine Corps three-season sleep system. Work is to be performed in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, with an estimated completion date of April 1, 2015. Bids were solicited via the Federal Business Opportunities Web site with four bids received. U.S. Army Research Development & Engineering Command, Natick Contracting Center, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W911QY-10-D-0014).
~James Construction Group, LLC, Baton Rouge, La., was awarded on July 6 a $38,478,691 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the construction of “Westbank and Vicinity, New Orleans, Louisiana Hurricane Storm Damage Risk Reduction System WBV-73 Western Tie-In Highway Crossing, St. Charles Parish, Louisiana.” This work consists of, but is not limited to, the construction of: T-walls; a four-lane highway bridge; temporary detour road, excavation and backfill, drainage culverts, catch basins, and headwalls; temporary retaining structures, utility relocations, clearing and grubbing, seeding and mulching; fertilizing, and other incidental work. Work is to be performed in Saint Charles Parish, La., with an estimated completion date of July 10, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with nine bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, Hurricane Protection Office, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P9-10-C-0069).
~GM GDLS Defense Group, LLC, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on July 7 a $30,050,498 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract action directs production cut-in of the revised Stryker performance specifications, which incorporates a modified hull design into 281 vehicles. The double-V hull is an integrated solution that provides improved protection levels to support operations in the Operation Enduring Freedom area of responsibility. Work is to be performed in London, Canada (70 percent), and Sterling Heights, Mich. (30 percent), with an estimated completion date of Feb. 23, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM, CCRA-AIP, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-D-M112).
~Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on July 2 a $23,634,480 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the procurement of 792 months equal to 66 field service representatives for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All Terrain Vehicle in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Work is to be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2012. Five bids were solicited with five bids received. TACOM, CCTA-ADC-A, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0111).
~Marinex Construction, Inc., Charleston, S.C., was awarded on July 6 a $10,546,000 firm-fixed-price contract for “Maintenance Dredging, Morehead City Harbor, Ocean Bar, Carteret County, NC.” Work is to be performed in Carteret County, N.C., with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2011. Twenty-five bids were solicited with five bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, Wilmington, N.C., is the contracting activity (W912HN-10-C-0037).
~Alliant Ammunition and Powder Company, LLC, Radford, Va., was awarded on July 2 a $9,393,428 firm-fixed-price contract for ammunition: 194,155 M1/MP, National Stock Number (NSN) 000090042; and 1,376 M1/SP, NSN 000090041. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with three bids received. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Contracting Center, CCRC-AR, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-09-G-0002).
~MPRI, a division of L-3 Services, Inc., Alexandria, Va., was awarded on July 6 a $7,300,000 time-and-material contract. This contract is an extension of support services for professional mentoring and training support services with reforming the Afghanistan Ministry of Defense and their subordinate organization, policies and procedures. Work is to be performed in Alexandria, Va. (99.9 percent), and Afghanistan (0.1 percent), with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Research, Development & Engineering Command Contracting Center, Aberdeen Contracting Division, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-05-D-0014).
~Rolls Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., was awarded on July 7 a $7,195,380 firm-fixed-price contract. This requirement is for 15 gas turbine engines, Model 250/C30R/3, to support the OH-58D Kiowa safety enhancement program. Work is to be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone, Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-09-D-0190).
~Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded on July 6 a $6,666,930 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is definitization of not-to-exceed price for the conversion of 9 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters into unique aircraft configuration for the Bahrain Defense Force, Foreign Military Sales Case BA-B-UIR. Contractor will also provide technical publication; integrated logistics support; field service representative; warranty; and ferry flight technical shipping support. Work is to be performed in Stratford, Conn., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Aviation & Missile Command, AMSAM-AC-BH-A, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-C-0003).
~Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc., Virginia Beach, Va., was awarded on July 2 a $5,800,997 firm-fixed-price contract for 4,700 Special Forces load carriage systems in both areas of responsibility (AOR): AOR 1, desert/arid terrain regions; and AOR 2, temperature/tropical forested terrain regions. This delivery order is also for 900 special warfare combat craft load carriage systems in AORs 1 and 2. Work is to be performed in Virginia Beach, Va., with an estimated completion date of May 9, 2013. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Research, Development & Engineering Command Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division, CCRD-NA-SY, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W911QY-10-D-0011).
AIR FORCE
~Gulf Coast Architectural Group, Inc., Pensacola, Fla., was awarded a $47,500,000 contract which will provide architectural and engineering services in support of the Air Force Reserve Command mission. A t this time, $50,000 has been obligated. AFRC/A7KA, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA6643-10-D-0003).
~GE Aviation Systems, Vandalia, Ohio, was awarded a $7,238,924 contract which will design the development, fabrication and testing of a solid state electrical distribution link. At this time, $575,000 has been obligated. AFRL/PKPA, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-10-2-2011).
NAVY
~Reyes Construction, Inc., Pomona, Calif., is being awarded a $13,968,450 firm-fixed price task order #0004 under a previously awarded multiple-award construction contract (N62473-09-D-1606) for the repair of main runway 8/26 at Naval Air Facility El Centro. The work to be performed provides for procurement design and construction for airfield pavement repairs. Work includes demolition, removal and disposal of concrete and asphalt pavements; preparation of existing base material and placement treated base material; placement of concrete and asphalt pavements; preparation and repair of concrete panels, spalls, joints, and sealant; and all incidental related work. Work will be performed in El Centro, Calif., and is expected to be completed by September 2011. Funds for this project are provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
~Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co., Ltd., Gyeongnam, Korea, is being awarded a $9,577,300 modification under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N62470-10-C-8009) to exercise Option 1 which provides for the procurement of second ship-to-shore container cranes for Military Ocean Terminal, Sunny Point wharf. The work to be performed provides for fabrication of ship-to-shore container cranes used in container handling operations to load and off load ships and other vessels. The cranes are manufactured in different sizes and varying capabilities. The total contract amount after exercising this option will be $27,500,000. Crane manufacturing work will be performed in Changwon, Korea, and crane installation and utilization will be performed in Southport, N.C. Work is expected to be completed by May 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Navy Crane Center, Portsmouth, Va., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
~Ross Fresno, LLC, dba Corporate Aircraft, Inc., Fresno, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $9,010,080 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other location of performance is Fresno Yosemite International Airport, Fresno, Calif. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There were originally three proposals solicited with three responses. The date of performance completion is March 31, 2014. The Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (SP0600-10-D-0047).
~GKN Aerospace New England, Inc., Manchester, Conn. is being awarded a maximum $7,916,832 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract blade turbine rotor for the F101 turbofan engine. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. The proposal was originally solicited via the Defense Logistics Agency Internet Bid Board System Web site with two responses. The contract consists of a one-year base with four one-year option periods. The date of performance completion is July 8, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va., is the contracting activity (SPM4A7-10-D-0270).
~BAE Systems, Information & Electronics Systems Integration, Nashua, N.H. is being awarded a maximum $7,049,968 firm-fixed-price, sole-source, undefinitized contract for electronic frequency convertor units. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Navy. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is Sept. 1, 2011. The Defense Logistics Agency Philadelphia (DSCR-ZC), Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N00383-05-G-009G-THAM).

DTN News: Boeing F-15 Silent Eagle Demonstrator Makes 1st Flight

Defense News: DTN News: Boeing F-15 Silent Eagle Demonstrator Makes 1st Flight

Source: DTN News / Boeing

(NSI News Source Info) ST. LOUIS, - July 10, 2010: The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] Silent Eagle flight demonstrator aircraft F-15E1 completed asuccessful first flight on July 8 from Lambert St. Louis International Airport. During the 80-minute flight, F-15E1 opened and closed its left-side Conformal Weapons Bay, which contained an AIM-120 Instrumented Test Vehicle (ITV) missile. The ITV was not launched.
"The Silent Eagle demonstration flight validated our initial engineering design approach," said Boeing F-15 Development Programs Director Brad Jones.

"Our intent was to verify all systems are operational in a flight environment. This flawless flight allows us to move into the next phase. In the next couple of weeks, we will ferry F-15E1 to the test range and launch an AIM-120."
"Everything about the flight went according to plan," said Boeing F-15 Chief Test Pilot Dan Draeger. "We saw nothing unusual during the flight, and we cleared the desired flight envelope needed to fire the missile at the test range; that is pretty much unheard of on a first flight."
The Silent Eagle is an innovative design solution developed in response to international customer requirements for a cost-effective, high-performance fighter aircraft to defend against future threats. The F-15SE offers unique aerodynamic, avionic and Radar Cross Section reduction features that provide the user with maximum flexibility to dominate the ever-changing advanced threat environment. The aircraft's Conformal Weapons Bays can carry a variety of air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground weapons.

Contact:
Patricia Frost

F-15 Communications

Office: 314-234-6996

Mobile: 314-705-0895

patricia.a.frost@boeing.com

Germany backs MEADS defence system over Patriot

Defense News: July 9 (Reuters) - A German government internal report obtained by Reuters on Friday states a preference for the U.S.-European MEADS missile development programme over the Patriot system.

MEADS is being developed by Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) of the United States, Europe's EADS(EAD.PA), Britain's BAE Systems (BAES.L) and Italy's Finmeccanica (SIFI.MI). Patriot is run by Raytheon Co (RTN.N) of the United States.

The report prepared by German's defence ministry said the Patriot system was "not a worthwhile alternative in economic nor operation terms". (Reporting by Sabine Siebold; writing by Stephen Brown)

Boeing submits bid for U.S. Air Force tankers

Defense News: WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Boeing Co submitted its formal proposal to begin building a new U.S. Air Force aerial tanker fleet in a contest worth up to $50 billion that pits it once more against archrival Airbus.

Boeing said on Friday it offered an American-made, 767-based multi-mission tanker that will satisfy all 372 mandatory Air Force requirements at the lowest cost to the taxpayer.

Its 8,000-page proposal was hand-delivered to the tanker program office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.

Airbus's corporate parent, EADS, put in its bid on Thursday, a day before the latest deadline in a nearly decade-long Air Force effort to replace 179 Boeing tankers that average about 50 years old.

Chicago-based Boeing's modified 767 is competing against an Airbus tanker built around its A330-200 commercial airliner. The Air Force is due to award a contract no later than November 12, the first stage of a new fleet that could ultimately be worth more than $100 billion.

Boeing said its plane would be more cost-effective to own and operate than the A330 tanker, which is larger. It would save U.S. taxpayers more than $10 billion in fuel costs alone over its 40-year service life because it burns 24 percent less fuel. Boeing said.

Ralph Crosby, chairman of EADS North American arm, told reporters on Thursday that the Boeing plane was "inferior" which was why, he said, Boeing's political backers in the U.S. Congress were seeking to inject a long-running U.S.-European subsidies dispute into the process.

Boeing supporters have urged the Pentagon to add to the Airbus price the estimated value of subsidies that a World Trade Organization panel said helped develop the A330.

This round of bidding marks the third time the Air Force has tried to get new tankers, which are used to refuel other planes in mid-air.

The first would have been a $22.5 billion lease-purchase deal with Boeing for 100 modified 767s as tankers. It collapsed amid a corruption scandal that sent Boeing's chief financial officer and the Air Force's former No. 2 arms buyer to prison for breach of conflict-of-interest laws.

An EADS partnership with Northrop Grumman Corp won a 179-plane deal in February 2008, only to have it overturned on appeal from Boeing. The U.S. Government Accountability Office found that the Air Force had made enough errors in judging the contest to have changed its outcome.

EADS, headquartered in Paris and Munich, suffered a setback within minutes of its bid Thursday when the WTO announced a delay to a trade ruling on alleged improper U.S. federal, state and local subsidies to Boeing

The Geneva-based body said it was postponing a panel decision on a European Union countersuit to a U.S. complaint over subsidies to Airbus.

EADS had hoped the coming report, though meant to be confidential for now, would take the sting out of Boeing supporters' charges that the price of the A330 should be weighted to reflect what they say were illegal subsidies totaling about $5 billion.

(Reporting by Jim Wolf; Editing by Tim Dobbyn)

DTN News: Al-Qaeda - Poor Yemeni Town Cursed By Its Name

Defense News: DTN News: Al-Qaeda - Poor Yemeni Town Cursed By Its Name

Source: DTN News / AFP Jamal al-Jaberi

(NSI News Source Info) AL-QAEDA, Yemen - July 9, 2010: Surrounded by mountains and weighed down by poverty, a Yemeni town bears the dubious honour of carrying the same name as Al-Qaeda.

The residents of Al-Qaeda, 220 kilometres (135 miles) northwest of the capital Sanaa, say the name has brought shame on the town.
Al-Qaeda (Arabic for 'the base') was once a commercial hub where custom duties on trade between north and south Yemen were collected decades ago, according to older residents.
"The name of the town of Al-Qaeda has nothing to do with the organisation headed by (Osama) bin Laden," Colonel Abdullah al-Shaddadi, the local security chief, told AFP.
But the inhabitants have been faced with "suspicion" because of the name ever since the rise of the jihadist group led by bin Laden, whose ancestral homeland is Yemen, Shaddadi said.
"There are many of them who are lucky enough to receive scholarships to study abroad, but they face trouble because Al-Qaeda is their hometown," the security chief said.
"One of Al-Qeada's inhabitants travelled to an Arab country for medical treatment, but airport authorities detained and interrogated him, and then sent him back after finding the name of Al-Qaeda in his passport," he said.
But the link has also brought a measure of fame to the town as "foreign journalists come to visit only for its name," he said.
In an attempt to clear the record, Shaddadi said the town "has many people who drink alcohol and consume drugs," both of which are strictly forbidden in Islam. "How could those be followers of bin Laden?"
He insisted Al-Qaeda was "absolutely free of jihadists and extremists."
The Arabian peninsula country as a whole has been the target of a string of attacks claimed by Al-Qaeda militants on foreign missions, tourist sites and oil installations.
The militants, believed to be regrouping in lawless parts of the country, especially eastern Yemen, have suffered setbacks amid US pressure on the government to crack down.
While extremism is not an issue in this town of 70,000 people, of whom 90 percent live below the poverty line, Al-Qaeda has become a safe haven for drug traffickers and alcohol dealers.
Those are taking advantage of the deteriorating economy and "recruit its people to merchandise drugs," another security official said.
"A number of drug, hashish and alcohol dealers have been detained throughout various Yemeni provinces, but most of them come from Al-Qaeda city," the official said on condition of anonymity.
Amid charges of complicity with criminal gangs, Shaddadi complained of how one of his men was slapped by a local official and forced to release a murder suspect.
Even though poverty stares them in the face, hospitality towards strangers is a must for the people of Al-Qaeda.
"Al-Qaeda is a beautiful place but there are those trying to tamper with its beauty and turn it into a base for criminal gangs," said resident Ahmed al-Sabri, 45.
"Twenty years ago, Al-Qaeda residents knew nothing about bandits and criminals who kill innocent people. But today, armed groups have been formed to rob and kill with impunity," he said.
Across Al-Qaeda, which has no paved roads and where cheap motorbikes are the most common means of transportation, all the talk is of chaos and government negligence.
"The state cannot do anything about the sewage that passes next to my home which has left me and my family with all sorts of illnesses. No a month passes without a family member being hospitalised," lamented an elderly man.

Related content
*Norway arrests al Qaeda-linked suspects over plot
*Mauritania adopts new anti-terrorism law
*Three held in Norway over suspected terror attacks
*Related Hot Topic: Al Qaeda

DTN News: Pakistan TODAY July 9, 2010 - Suicide Attack Kills 47 In Pakistan Tribal Belt

Defense News: DTN News: Pakistan TODAY July 9, 2010 - Suicide Attack Kills 47 In Pakistan Tribal Belt

Source: DTN News / AFP - S.H. Khan

(NSI News Source Info) PESHAWAR, Pakistan - July 9, 2010: A suicide bomber drove a motorbike into a crowd of Pakistanis in a busy market outside a local goverment office in the lawless northwest Friday, killing 47 people and flattening rows of shops.

The attacker struck in Yakaghund town in the district of Mohmand, one of seven that make up Pakistan's tribal belt that Washington has branded a global headquarters of Al-Qaeda and the most dangerous place on Earth.
It was the deadliest attack in nuclear-armed Pakistan since gunmen wearing suicide vests stormed prayer halls belonging to the minority Ahmadi community in the city of Lahore in May, killing at least 82 people.
A Taliban and Al-Qaeda-linked bombing spree across Pakistan has killed around 3,500 people in three years since government troops besieged a radical mosque in the capital Islamabad in July 2007.
Witnesses said a huge explosion damaged an administration office, shops, a jail and other buildings in the small town not far from the border with Afghanistan, where 140,000 US-led foreign troops are fighting the Taliban.
Raj Wali, 23, a labourer who was working on a nearby road at the time of the blast, said he suddenly felt a massive blow to his back.
"I turned round and saw the area engulfed in smoke. People were crying. I also saw body parts scattered near the blast site," he said.
Rescue workers were shifting through the debris of partially collapsed buildings and there are fears that the death toll could rise if more bodies are pulled out of the wreckage.
"Forty-seven people have died. There were about 80 shops. Most of them have been damaged," local administration official Rasool Khan told reporters.
Tribal police were among the dead and at least 28 prisoners held for petty crime escaped after the explosives brought down an outer wall of a local jail, he said.
The precise target of the attack was not immediately clear given the remote location, although Khan said it was his office that had been targetted.
"They wanted to kill me, but luckly I was not in the office at the time."
Administration official Maqsood Ahmed said the attacker had struck while a free wheelchairs and food items were being handed out in conjunction with an international aid group.
"A function was held at the office to distribute wheelchairs. A lot of people had gathered outside the office," he said.
Although there was no immediate claim of responsibility, immediate suspicion fell on Islamist militant groups which have carved out havens in the remote and craggy mountains of Pakistan's tribal belt outside direct government control.
The nuclear-armed Islamic republic is on the frontline of the US war against Al-Qaeda and the Pakistani military are bogged down fighting homegrown Taliban in the northwestern border areas.
Hugging the border with Afghanistan, where US and NATO allies are trying to end a nearly nine-year war, northwest Pakistan has suffered a wave of bombings causing mass casualties and insurgency, fanning fears about regional stability.
Pakistani leaders this week called for a landmark national conference to develop a strategy to counter the Islamist militant threat after a twin suicide attack killed 43 people at a shrine in Lahore on July 2.
In a rarity for the fractious world of Pakistani politics, the government said all major parties would be invited to the conference to find ways to eradicate terror and curb the problems of militancy.
The details and date of the possible conference have not been made clear.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said sectarian militant groups based in the central Punjab province, Lashkar-i-Jhangvi and Sipah-e-Sahaba, are colluding with Taliban and Al-Qaeda to recruit footsoldiers.
Young men were sent to training camps in the tribal belt and dispatched as bombers and militant cells back to Punjab and other cities, officials say.
Pakistani security forces have fought in the tribal belt and parts of the northwest for years, but deadly clashes are still largely a daily occurrence.

Related content
*Suicide attack kills 55 in Pakistan tribal belt
*Video: Pakistan border area eyes security
*Suicide bomb kills 45 in Northwest Pakistan
*Related Hot Topic: Pakistan

DTN News: EADS North America To Submit KC-X Tanker Proposal One Day Early

Defense News: DTN News: EADS North America To Submit KC-X Tanker Proposal One Day Early

*48,000 American Workers Ready to Build KC-45

Source: DTN News / EADS

(NSI News Source Info) ARLINGTON, VA - July 9, 2010: EADS North America today will submit its proposal in the United States Air Force KC-X aerial refueling tankercompetition, a day ahead of the July 9 deadline. The 8,800+ page proposal details the unequalled capabilities of the EADS North America KC-45, which is fully responsive to the U.S. Air Force Request for Proposal (RFP), and will be built in the U.S. by 48,000 Americans.
"We're proud of our offering, which is the only one in this competition that is flying and refuelling today, including a full array of receiver aircraft," said EADS North America Chairman Ralph Crosby. "The Air Force will select the tanker that best meets the American warfighters' requirements. We are anxious to conclude the acquisition process and are confident in the superior capabilities of the KC-45."
The KC-45, based on the commercially successful A330, will be assembled in a new manufacturing facility to be built in Mobile, Alabama, which will also produce Airbus commercial freighter aircraft -- more than doubling the aircraft production that the tanker alone would bring. "We're also pleased that our significant industrial investment will provide an economic boost to the struggling Gulf Coast region," said Crosby.
The KC-45 will also create and support jobs across a supplier base of more than 200 American companies. Along with prime contractor EADS North America, the KC-45 industry supplier team includes many trusted providers of equipment and services for America's warfighters, including:
*EATON (actuators, pumps, valves, nozzles, and other aerial refueling equipment)
*GE Aviation (engines and systems)
*Goodrich Corporation (various aircraft systems)
*Hamilton Sundstrand (generators, turbines and related systems)
*Honeywell (communications and navigation systems and other aircraft components)
*Moog Inc. (flight control systems)
*Parker Aerospace (aerial refueling receptacles, hydraulic system equipment, fluid conveyance products and fuel components)
*Rockwell Collins (electronics)
*Triumph Aerostructures - Vought Aircraft Division (wing structures)
The reliability and performance of the KC-45 and its refueling systems has been validated by over 1,000 boom/hose-and-drogue contacts and refuelings involving a wide range of aircraft, including F-16 and F/A-18 fighters, E-3 AWACS and other A330 tankers. The KC-45 is the U.S. Air Force configuration of the Airbus Military A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport, which has been selected by four allied nations, winning every head-to-head competition against Boeing tankers. The KC-45 carries more fuel, cargo and passengers over greater ranges than the NewGen aircraft concept that Boeing has described as its offering to the Air Force.
To learn more about the KC-45 and see video of airborne refueling operations, visit

www.kc-45now.com.

About EADS North America

EADS North America is the North American operation of EADS, a global leader in aerospace, defense and related services. As a leader in all sectors of defense and homeland security, EADS North America and its parent company, EADS, contribute over $11 billion to the U.S. economy annually and support more than 200,000 American jobs through its network of suppliers and services. Operating in 17 states, EADS North America offers a broad array of advanced solutions to its customers in the commercial, homeland security, aerospace and defense markets.

DTN News: Northrop Grumman To Provide Infrared Missile Warning Systems And Processors To The U.S. Navy For Heavy Lift Helicopter Fleets

Defense News: DTN News: Northrop Grumman To Provide Infrared Missile Warning Systems And Processors To The U.S. Navy For Heavy Lift Helicopter Fleets

Source: DTN News / Northrop Grumman

(NSI News Source Info) ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill.,- July 9, 2010: Northrop Grumman Corporation has been selected to provide infrared missile warning systems (IRMWS) and processors to the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in support of medium and heavy lift helicopter fleets. This equipment enables theater operations in areas previously denied due to threat conditions.Under the terms of the $80 million contract, Northrop Grumman will deliver more than 450 IRMWS and 90 processors to NAVAIR beginning in May 2011 and concluding in the second quarter of 2013. This hardware, in conjunction with Northrop Grumman's Guardian laser transmitter assemblies and control indicator units delivered under the same U.S. Air Force indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract, will complete the initial Department of Navy Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (DoN LAIRCM) installation requirements on 156 aircraft to provide infrared threat protection for U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E, CH-46E and CH-53D platforms.
"Your great team at Northrop Grumman is what gave us the trust and confidence from the very first briefing," said Maj. Gen. (select) Robert Walsh, former Commanding General, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward). "Our Marines in combat are seeing the benefits every day as I saw firsthand. It's a game changer from a commander's perspective."
"DoN LAIRCM is a tremendous example of the Navy's ability to quickly respond to evolving threat conditions in support of deployed forces," said Capt. Paul Overstreet, U.S. Navy DoN LAIRCM program manager.
"Protecting vulnerable, rotor-wing aircraft during this era of irregular warfare is paramount," said Carl Smith, vice president of infrared countermeasures for Northrop Grumman's Land and Self Protection Systems Division. "Our system allows more versatility on the battlefield while helping to protect our men and women in uniform."
The only such laser-based aircraft protection system currently in production, Northrop Grumman's LAIRCM system is now installed or scheduled for installation on over 500 military aircraft including approximately 49 different fixed-wing transports and rotary-wing platforms. The system functions by automatically detecting a missile launch, determining if it is a threat, and activating a high-intensity laser-based countermeasure system to track and defeat the missile.
The Northrop Grumman LAIRCM system also forms the baseline for the company's Common Infrared Countermeasures offering for the upcoming U.S. Army competition to supply the Army with an advanced infrared countermeasures systems.
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.

Related Headlines
*Northrop Grumman gets $80M US military contract - AP
*EADS offers solo US tanker bid - at Financial Times
*EADS submits bid for Air Force tanker - AP
*EADS to resubmit offer to replace U.S. air tankers - at MarketWatch

DTN News: Boeing Plans To Debut 787 Dreamliner And New Unmanned Systems At Farnborough

Defense News: DTN News: Boeing Plans To Debut 787 Dreamliner And New Unmanned Systems At Farnborough

Source: DTN News / Boeing

(NSI News Source Info) CHICAGO, - July 9, 2010: The Boeing 787 Dreamliner will make its international debut this month when the doors open on the Farnborough International Airshow outside London. Boeing also will feature an extensive display of new, advanced unmanned systems and technologies.
"We've chosen Farnborough as a venue for spotlighting the breakthrough capabilities and innovations of both our commercial airplanes and our defense, space and security businesses," said Tom Downey, senior vice president, Boeing Communications. "We look forward to an optimistic mood this year as industry leaders meet amid signs of economic recovery."
The 787 flight-test airplane, ZA003, will touch down at Farnborough the morning of Sunday, July 18 and will remain on static display through mid-day July 20. The airplane will be open for tours on a scheduled basis July 19 and 20. Boeing is using ZA003 to test and certify seats, galleys and associated cabin safety and comfort systems, among other test points.
Boeing's exhibit at the show will focus on unmanned systems, including the international debut of the recently unveiled Phantom Ray demonstrator, the A160 Hummingbird and the Unmanned Little Bird. The Boeing Unmanned Systems Display will showcase more than a dozen products, including the new Integrator and the ScanEagle Compressed Carriage.
During the show's daily flying demonstration, Boeing will demonstrate the capabilities of its advanced, combat-proven, multi-role F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter. The company and its customers will display several other systems, including the air show debut of the 737-based Peace Eagle airborne early warning and control platform for the Turkish Air Force. Visitors also will see the C-17 Globemaster III military transport; the F-15E Eagle fighter jet; and the AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter. In addition, Qatar Airways will display its newest Boeing 777-300ER July 19-22.
Boeing will hold a series of media briefings during the show, as listed below. Media at the show should check the briefing schedule daily at the Media Centre and the Boeing media chalet, situated in chalet row B 1-6, for updates.
The company will keep the news media and the public updated about activities at the show at http://www.boeing.com/farnborough2010 starting July 15 and through Twitter feeds: @BoeingAirplanes, @BoeingDefense and @BoeingCorporate.

Note: All times listed below are local to Farnborough

Sunday, July 18 – Tuesday, July 20
	Approximately 9am Sunday – 787 Arrives Farnborough Airport*
		The 787 will be available for media viewing during the following times:
		Sunday:	11.30 to 13.00
		Monday:	12.00 to 13.00
		Tuesday:	09.00 to 10.00
		*See separate 787 media advisory for further details

Monday, July 19
	09.45	Boeing Commercial Airplanes Update – Radlett Suite (Media Centre)
		Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh will assess current industry and market conditions and provide an update on Boeing commercial airplane products and services, development programs and product investments.
	11.00	Boeing Defense, Space and Security Overview - Hatfield Room (Media Centre)
		Boeing Defense, Space & Security President and CEO Dennis Muilenburg will present an overview of how BDS is repositioning for even greater global competitiveness and future growth, detailing accelerated change and highlighting opportunities in international sales and adjacent markets.
	13.00	A New Generation of Air Refueling – Boeing Media Chalet Theatre
		Charles Johnson, vice president, Air Force Mobility, C3/Networks and Support Systems, will discuss the importance of air refueling as a key enabler of airpower, and how Boeing's NewGen combat-ready, multi-role tanker is best suited to meet the Air Force's future refueling requirements at the lowest cost to the warfighter.
	14.00	NAVAIR/Bell Boeing V-22 Update – Boeing Media Chalet Theatre
		NAVAIR V-22 Program Manager Col. Greg Masiello will provide an update on the V-22 Osprey program.
	15.00	Boeing/Bigelow Aerospace – Boeing Media Chalet Theatre
		Roger Krone, president of Network & Space Systems and Robert T. Bigelow, founder of Bigelow Aerospace, will discuss the Boeing/Bigelow Aerospace collaboration. Bigelow will provide an update on his plans to build an Orbital Space Complex. Boeing will provide an update on the development of critical technologies and capabilities for NASA's Commercial Crew Development (CCDev) initiative and plans to support NASA and Bigelow with a commercial crew transportation system.
Tuesday, July 20
	09.30	Integrated Unmanned Solutions – Boeing Unmanned Systems Display
		Darryl Davis, president of Phantom Works, and Chris Chadwick, president of Boeing Military Aircraft, will deliver a briefing on the company's broad range of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle capabilities, followed by a media walk-around of individual systems. This will be the international debut of the A160, Phantom Eye and Phantom Ray.
	10.00	787 Dreamliner: From Concept to Reality – Radlett Suite (Media Centre)
		Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 Dreamliner Program; Capt. Mike Carriker, chief pilot for the 787 Program, Mike Sinnett, vice president and chief engineer for 787 Systems; and Marlin Dailey, vice president, Sales & Marketing; and John Roundhill, Commercial Airplanes Senior Advisory Group member, will provide an update on 787 development and flight test progress.
	11.00	U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F and EA-18G Programs – Boeing Media Chalet Theatre
		Capt. Mark Darrah, F/A-18 and EA-18G program manager, PMA-265, provides a detailed overview of the Navy's combat-deployed, frontline Super Hornet strike fighter, and its new electronic attack aircraft, the EA-18G Growler, as it readies for first deployment.
	12.00	The Strike Fighter Evolution – Boeing Media Chalet Theatre
		Shelley Lavender, vice president and general manager of Global Strike Systems, will discuss "the evolving strike fighter" and the new capabilities and technologies that will shape the advanced strike platforms of tomorrow.
	13.00	Factory-to-Flight-Line Support – Boeing Media Chalet Theatre
		A panel featuring Jim O'Neill, vice president and general manager, Integrated Logistics; Mike Kurth, managing director of Boeing Defence UK; and Phil Dunford, vice president/general manager, Rotorcraft Systems, will highlight the UK Chinook Through-Life Customer Support, Apache Support and C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership as model support programs. Customers will also be represented by Rear Adm. Tony Johnstone Burt, head of the Joint Helicopter Command, and Air Cmdr. Baz North, Deputy Chief of Air Staff.
	15.00	Boeing / U.S. Navy P-8 Programs – Boeing Media Chalet Theatre
		Bob Feldmann, vice president and general manager, Airborne Battle Management, and Martin Ahmad, principal deputy program manager, Naval Air Systems Command, will discuss P-8 program activities including flight testing, assembly and recent/upcoming milestones.
Wednesday, July 21
	10.00	Air Battle Management – Boeing Media Chalet Theatre
		Bob Feldmann, vice president and general manager, Airborne Battle Management, and Jeff Trauberman, vice president, Business Development, Boeing Network and Space Systems, will highlight the integrated approach to Battle Management/C4ISR with AEW&C, AWACS and NC3S/Vigilaire. They will also provide an update on the Wedgetail AEW&C program for Australia.
	12.00	Environmental Technology Update – Boeing Media Chalet Theatre
		Billy Glover, Boeing Commercial Airplanes managing director of Environmental Strategy, and Tom Bell, vice president, Boeing Military Aircraft Business Development, will brief the media on recent companywide achievements and progress in reaching environmental goals
	13.00	International Rotorcraft – Boeing Media Chalet Theatre
		Phil Dunford, vice president/general manager, Rotorcraft Systems, will cover an update on the Chinook, AH-6i and Apache rotorcraft programs, highlighting growing international demand and opportunities around the world.
	14.00	VIP/Executive Fleets – Boeing Media Chalet Theatre
		Stephen Taylor, president of Boeing Business Jets, and Tony Parasida, president, Global Services & Support, Boeing Defense, Space & Security, will detail Boeing platforms for Presidential / VIP fleet recapitalization and other special-mission derivative aircraft.
	15.00	C-17 SAC – Boeing Media Chalet Theatre
		Tommy Dunehew, vice president of Business Development, C-17 program, Boeing Defense, Space & Security, and Gunnar Borch, general manager of the NATO Airlift Management Agency (NAMA), will provide an update on the NATO-led Strategic Airlift Capability initiative, which this month marks its first year of operations.

Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. A top U.S. exporter, the company supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in more than 90 countries. Boeing products and tailored services include commercial and military aircraft, satellites, weapons, electronic and defense systems, launch systems, advanced information and communication systems, and performance-based logistics and training. With corporate offices in Chicago, Boeing employs more than 159,000 people across the United States and in 70 countries. The company's leadership is strengthened further by hundreds of thousands of people who work for Boeing suppliers worldwide.

Contacts:

Chantal Dorange, Boeing Corporate Communications, +34 91 4264342, Chantal.dorange@boeing.com

Mike Tull, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Communications, +1 206 7662919,Michael.j.tull@boeing.com

Paul Lewis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security Communications, +1 562 7972186,paul.j.lewis2@boeing.com

SOURCE Boeing