FACTBOX-Corporate America books healthcare reform charges

Defense News: April 15 (Reuters) - U.S. companies have begun to tally the financial hit they say they will take as a result of the U.S. healthcare overhaul signed into law last month by President Barack Obama.

The government continues to pay subsidies to large companies, including AT&T Inc (T.N), Caterpillar Inc (CAT.N) and Boeing Co (BA.N), to help fund prescription drug benefits for their large ranks of retirees. [ID:nHEALTH]

However, the revamped law no longer allows companies to deduct the amount of the subsidies from their taxable income. Corporate America complains that the change amounts to a tax increase, while the White House says it essentially closes a tax loophole.

The charges are noncash accounting items.

Not all big companies are warning of trouble. General Electric Co (GE.N), for example, said it did not expect a "significant material impact" on its first-quarter results.

Coating and chemical maker PPG Industries Inc (PPG.N) joined the ranks of companies taking such a charge on Thursday.

Below are 10 of the largest charges forecast:

* AT&T, the largest U.S. telephone company, said it would record a $1 billion noncash charge for the first quarter and evaluate prospective changes to the healthcare benefits it offers to both active and retired workers. [ID:nN26192636]

* Verizon Communications Inc (VZ.N), the No. 2 U.S. phone company, anticipates a $970 million noncash charge for the change. [ID:nN01142694]

* Deere & Co (DE.N), which makes farm equipment, said it expected to record a $150 million charge, mostly in its current fiscal second quarter. [ID:nN25216862]

* No. 2 plane maker Boeing said it would take an income tax charge of $150 million, or 20 cents per share, against first-quarter results. [ID:nN31202447]

* Caterpillar said accounting standards required the world's largest maker of earth-moving equipment to book a $100 million after-tax charge for the first quarter to reflect the change. [ID:nN24185079]

* No. 2 life insurer Prudential Financial Inc (PRU.N) said it expected a $100 million charge for the first quarter. [ID:nWNAB4727]

* Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N), the world's biggest defense contractor, said it expected to record a $96 million after-tax charge for the first quarter, which would translate to around 25 cents per share. [ID:nN31242589]

* 3M Co (MMM.N), which makes products ranging from Post-It notes to optical films for flat-panel televisions, will record a one-time, noncash charge of up to $90 million, or 12 cents per share. [ID:nN26208452]

* PPG took an $85 million charge related to the change. [ID:nN15213654]

* Aluminum producer Alcoa Inc (AA.N) expects to record a charge of about $80 million. [ID:nN05147044]

Sanswire Delivers Update on Corporate Outlook for 2010

Defense News: AVENTURA, FL--(Marketwire - 04/15/10) - Sanswire Corporation (OTC.BB:SNSR - News), a developer and producer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and related technologies, today announced an update of the company's strategic goals. The update follows a series of meetings with current and potential strategic partners and the Sanswire-TAO joint venture partners. John Robusto, a decorated defense and reconnaissance expert with more than 30 years of experience, was recently retained by Sanswire as an executive advisor to help craft the company's strategic direction and aid in its execution.

In 2010, the company intends to take advantage of the many technologies developed throughout our development cycle. Key initiatives and procedures recently implemented include:

• Immediately begin shipment of certain UAV components to the United States for testing and evaluation by our partners
• Expansion of our product portfolio by offering technologies developed during our spiral development process to enhance the function of existing UAV platforms
• Focus on providing both segmented and traditional airship designs to meet the needs identified by potential customers
• Expansion of research and development in the United States
• Working closely with our partners to identify new government and commercial opportunities using our expanded product offerings

Sanswire's Chairman of the Board, Major General Wayne P. Jackson, US Army, Retired, stated: "By achieving the goals we have outlined, we strongly believe that Sanswire will accelerate the development and commercialization of its technologies and set the stage for significant long-term growth. In addition, we will diligently undertake the process of building our executive management team and independent board of directors. We will continue to provide timely updates on our company, as we work toward building a sustainable business."

About Sanswire Corp.
Sanswire Corp. (OTC.BB:SNSR - News) is a developer of integrated aerospace communications products and services. The company specializes in the design and construction of autonomous, lighter-than-air UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) capable of carrying payloads that provide persistent security solutions at low, mid, and high altitudes. Sanswire's airships and auxiliary products are designed for use by commercial and government-related entities that require real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support for homeland defense, maritime, and border missions. The company's long-term objective is to develop and deliver state-of-the-art airship technology that provides surveillance sensor suites and other advanced wireless broadband capabilities to the broader commercial markets.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release constitute forward-looking statements or statements which may be deemed or construed to be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "forecast," "project," "intend," "expect," "should," "would," and similar expressions and all statements, which are not historical facts, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, any of which could cause the Company's previously reported actual results, performance (finance or operating) to change or differ from future results, performance (financing and operating) or achievements, including those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no, and hereby disclaims any, obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

Contact:

 
Contact:
The Investor Relations Group
212-825-3210
Jason Strominger (Investor Relations)
Mike Graff (Media Relations) 

Related Headlines
Sanswire Delivers Update on Corporate Outlook for 2010 - Marketwire
SANSWIRE CORP. Financials - EDGAR Online Financials
Sanswire Announces Full-Year 2009 Results - Marketwire
SANSWIRE CORP. Files SEC form 10-K, Annual Report - EDGAR Online
SANSWIRE CORP. Files SEC form 8-K, Change in Directors or Principal Officers, Financial Statements and Exhibits - EDGAR Online

Laser Energetics Attends Counter Terror Expo and the SpecOps Warfighter Expo East

Dazer Laser(TM) - Light Fighting Technologies Met With Excitement From Military and Law Enforcement Officials

Defense News: MERCERVILLE, N.J., April 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Laser Energetics, Inc. (Pink Sheets:LNGT.pk - News) is proud to announce that it is currently in attendance at two prominent tradeshows designed for companies whose products are utilized by Military Special Ops Forces, Security, Law Enforcement and Corrections officials engaged in the war against terrorism.

The Counter Terror Expo, currently going on in London, is a secure exhibition showcasing the latest in specialist security technologies and products as well as solutions which form a crucial part of counter terrorism capabilities internationally. The Counter Terror Expo offers a forum for senior buyers and specifiers to see the latest solutions which assist in the prevention and protection from terrorists globally. Last year's 2009 event broke expected attendance figures by a factor of 50 percent, where more than 4,000 qualified personnel from government, military, law enforcement, intelligence and private sector organizations from the UK, US and other nations, attended the event. This year's event looks even better.

The SpecOps Warfighter Expo, currently going on in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is designed for military personnel who require and demand the best tools of the trade as they serve as fighters of terrorism. The Special Operations Group, as well as the entire force, is facing an unprecedented operational tempo with tireless determination and self-sacrifice. The right equipment and training is imperative as a credible force multiplier. The Expo enhances opportunities for military personnel to view first hand the latest products, innovations and technology available to protect and enhance their capabilities. The event is an excellent opportunity for the introduction and promotion of new technologies and solutions to the elite forces. In addition, it is a venue for interaction between users of the technologies and the manufacturers with the goal of increasing the mission effectiveness of our nation's forces.

"We are very excited to be attending these prestigious shows," said Robert D. Battis, CEO and Founder of Laser Energetics, Inc. "Our team has been presenting and demonstrating our 'Non-Lethal - Less Violent' technology to all branches of military and law enforcement, and the reception has been spectacular at both shows. Our Dazer Laser – Light Fighting Technologies 'optical distracters' which are designed to operate 'eye-safe' at all ranges, has been a real hit at the shows. The marketplace is recognizing the need for this tactic changing technology. Pictures of our booths at the shows are now posted on our website atwww.laserenergetics.com. More pictures will follow over the next few days. We expect to make several important announcements as a result of activity taking place at these shows.

About Laser Energetics, Inc.:

The Company has had a primary focus on its Alexandrite laser technology, its Dazer Laser – Light Fighting Technologies and its Total Reflectance Transmitter (TRT) technology. Laser Energetics has and continues to develop a comprehensive and strategic laser product line that addresses laser applications in Industry, Science, Medicine, Homeland Security and the Military.

Safe Harbor: Statements regarding financial matters in this press release other than historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The company intends that such statements about the Company's future expectations, including future revenues and earnings, technology efficacy and all other forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created thereby. The Company is a development stage company who continues to be dependent upon outside capital to sustain its existence. Since these statements (future operational results and sales) involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time, the Company's actual results may differ materially from expected results.

Related Headlines

• Laser Energetics Attends Counter Terror Expo and the SpecOps Warfighter Expo East - PR Newswire
• Laser Energetics Receives Order for Dazer Laser(TM) Light Fighting Technologies - PR Newswire
• SCIA "Beat the June Gloom Conference" - Marketwire

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated April 14, 2010

Defense News: DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated April 14, 2010

Source: U.S. DoD issued April 14, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - April 14, 2010: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued April 14, 2010are undermentioned;<>
CONTRACTS
AIR FORCE
~Rockwell Collins, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was awarded a $208,905,836 contract which will provide for the Senior Leadership Command, Control, and Communications System - Airborne Communications program. The contractor will provide secure voice, data, and video systems for the very important person special air mission fleet, up to 40 aircraft, to include: communication system operator work stations; passenger stations voice over internet protocol phones; video teleconferencing systems; classified and unclassified local area networks; and training, maintenance, and logistic support. At this time, $8,560,163 has been obligated. 653d ELSG/PK, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (FA8726-10-D-0003).
ARMY
~Lockheed Martin Corp., Syracuse, N.Y., was awarded on April 12 a $108,490,207 firm-fixed-price contract. The government intends to procure 17 enhanced AN/TPQ-36 (EQ-36) radar systems with the associated sustained operational group and mission essential group (MEG) non-recurring engineering and MEG installation under an undefinitized contractual action with an obligation of 49 percent of the estimated value. Work is to be performed in Syracuse, N.Y., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 8, 2010. Sole-source bids were solicited with one bid received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-06-C-T004).
~Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on April 12 a $68,737,950 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 1,770 rocket-propelled grenade protection kits. 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-ADCA, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0111).
~Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Orlando, Fla., was awarded on April 9 a $46,242,947 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the issuance of an undefinitized contract action for the purchase of AH-64 Apache modernized target acquisition designation sight/pilot night vision sensors systems; associated integration and installation; associated spares; TADS electronic display and control glass; unique meeting support; and troubleshooting and repair for Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the Netherlands. The April 9 obligation of $46,242,947 is 49 percent of the UCA not-to-exceed amount of $94,373,362. Work is to be performed in Orlando, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2013. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Army Contracting Commands, AMCOM Contracting Center, CCAM-AP-B, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-C-0169).
~Honeywell International, Inc., Phoenix, Ariz., was awarded on April 9 a $12,150,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. This contract is for developing technologies to improve and enable silicon carbide power devices and component technologies. These technologies will enable military and commercial systems to be more efficient while operating at higher temperatures and small footprints. These technologies are critical to meet performance requirements for advanced military and U.S. energy platforms. Work is to be performed in Phoenix, Ariz. (0.98 percent); Durham, N.C. (48.65 percent); Niskayuna, N.Y. (9.87 percent); Fayetteville, Ark. (9.57 percent); East Butler, Pa. (15.16 percent); Longwood, Fla. (6.69 percent); and Midland, Mich.; (8.09 percent), with an estimated completion date of May 29, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Army Research Development & Engineering Command Contracting Center, Research Triangle Park, Durham, N.C., is the contracting activity (DAAD19-01-C-0067).
~ACC Construction Company, Inc., Augusta, Ga., was awarded on April 9 a $20,800,464 firm-fixed-price contract for the design/build of special operations facility battalion and operations complex, Phase 4, Fort Campbell, Ky. Work is to be performed in Fort Campbell, Ky., with an estimated completion date of June 8, 2012. Bids were solicited via the Federal Business Opportunities Web site with nine bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-10-C-0043).
~Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Phoenix, Ariz., was awarded on April 9 a $32,766,000 firm-fixed-price contract. This construction project, entitled “Design/build Special Operations Forces Fuel Cell and Corrosion Control Hangars, Cannon Air Force Base, Curry County, New Mexico,” consists of the design and construction of a 32,087 square foot fuel cell hangar and a 57,674 square foot corrosion control hangar with all associated site work, site utilities, Anti Terrorism Force Protection requirements, parking lots, airfield ramps, underground electrical duct bank to substation, and new electrical switch gear and vault at the substation. Work is to be performed in Curry County, N.M., with an estimated completion date of May 2, 2010. Twenty bids were solicited with 13 bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque District, CESPA-CT, Albuquerque, N.M., is the contracting activity (W912PP-10-C-0015).
~Osborne Co., Inc., Eden, N.C., was awarded on April 8 a $8,321,151 firm-fixed-price contract to construct 6.03 miles of roads from the Harmony Church cantonment area to the new Good Hope maneuver/training area. This new roadway will require the construction of a bridge over US Highway 27/280 and a replacement bridge on Jamestown Road across the Weems Pond spillway. Construction of the Weems Pond Bridge will require a temporary bridge on Jamestown Road. Supporting facilities will include: clearing and grubbing; fine and rough grading; erosion control systems; grassing; storm drainage; guard rails; force protection fencing and gates; and utility protection. Work is to be performed in Fort Benning, Ga., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 10, 2011. Six bids were solicited with three bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-09-D-0015).
~Design Build S.E., Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, was awarded on April 8 a $5,990,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the recovery design/build roof and exterior repairs, Ramey Army Reserve Center, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Work is to be performed in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, with an estimated completion date of May 14, 2011. Bids were posted on the World Wide Web with five bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-10-C-0047).
~RCG Enterprises, Inc., Pensacola, Fla., was awarded on April 9 a $12,489,158 firm-fixed-price contract for Lake Pontchartrain and vicinity, Lakefront Airport T-walls, LPV 105.01. Work is to be performed in Orleans Parish, La., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 11, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with 11 bids received. West New Orleans East, Hurricane Protection Office, Orleans Parish, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-10-C-0054).
~CACI, Inc., Federal, Chantilly, Va., was awarded on April 9 an $8,788,911 firm-fixed-price contract. The contractor will provide simulation-supported battle command staff training exercise for pre- and post-mobilizing active and reserve component combat, combat support, and combat service support brigade and battalion equivalents headquarters. Work is to be performed in Fort Dix, N.J. (20 percent); Dublin, Calif. (20 percent); Birmingham, Ala. (20 percent); Arlington Heights, Ill. (20 percent); and Houston, Texas (20 percent), with an estimated completion date of Jan. 1, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Mission & Installation Contracting Command, MICC Center, Fort Bragg, N.C., is the contracting activity (W91247-10-C-0032).
NAVY
~CACI Technologies, Inc., Chantilly, Va., is being awarded a $37,744,674 modification to previously awarded contract (N63394-04-D-1262) for systems engineering services in support of integrated ship self defense. This procurement is to provide professional engineering, technical, training, software, project service, and logistics services and products necessary to support the Ship Self Defense System of the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division, Port Hueneme, Calif. Services will be required at shore sites, land-based test facilities, shipyards, and aboard ships in ports and at sea. Work will be performed in Port Hueneme, Calif. (35 percent); Wallops Island, Va. (20 percent); Crystal City, Va. (20 percent); San Diego, Calif. (10 percent); Little Creek, Va. (10 percent); and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (5 percent). Work is expected to be completed by December 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $781,438 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Port Hueneme Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme, Calif., is the contracting activity.
~The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $10,994,224 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-09-C-0050) to provide 6,600 flight hours of persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance unmanned aircraft vehicle services in support of naval maritime missions. Work will be performed in Bingen, Wash. (97 percent), and St. Louis, Mo. (3 percent), and is expected to be completed in June 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $10,994,224 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
~Raytheon Network Centric Systems, St. Petersburg, Fla., is being awarded an $8,090,839 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-08-C-5203) for Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) system production. CEC is a sensor netting system that significantly improves battle-force anti-air warfare capability by extracting and distributing sensor-derived information and making the data available to all participating CEC units. This modification combines purchases for the U.S. Navy (97.3 percent) and the government of the United Kingdom (2.7 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will be performed in Largo, Fla. (47 percent); St. Petersburg, Fla. (20 percent); Dallas, Texas (18 percent); and McKinney, Texas (15 percent), and is expected to be completed by January 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
~Shaw Environmental, Inc., Concord, Calif., is being awarded $7,463,914 for task order #0010 under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N68711-01-D-6011) for non-time critical removal action for three solid waste disposal areas (SWDA) at Installation Restoration Site 12 at Naval Station Treasure Island. The work to be performed provides for additional soil characterization and excavation within the three SWDA. Work will be performed in San Francisco, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
~General Dynamics Information Technology, Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $6,221,873 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide support to the U.S. Joint Forces Command for studies and analyses, logistics support, and specialized program support. Work will be performed in Suffolk, Va., and is expected to be completed Jan. 31, 2011. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. The contract is a sole-source pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) (1); only one responsible source and no other supplies and services will satisfy agency requirements. Fleet and Industrial Supply Center, Norfolk, Contracting Department, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N00189-10-D-Z040).
~Ball Aerospace and Technology Corp., Boulder, Colo., is being awarded an estimated $5,545,404 cost-plus-incentive-fee, fixed-price-incentive-fee, firm-fixed-priced, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to conduct a software requirements review and system design review, and will provide the Navy the means to establish initial conditions for naval operational oceanographic models, allowing them to represent both the current and predicted ocean thermal structure. The objective of this acquisition is to provide an on-orbit asset that will deliver altimetry data to the Navy’s central data processing ground site. It will have a capability to measure mesoscale ocean topography with at least a three centimeters precision for a mean mission duration of at least six years. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $499,625,341. Work will be performed in Boulder, Colo. (46 percent); France (43 percent); Clifton, N.J. (8 percent); and Golden, Colo. (3 percent). Work is expected be completed by November 2010; with options exercised, the work will continue until 2019. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems e-Commerce Central Web sites, with an unlimited number of proposals solicited and one offer received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00039-10-D-0068).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
~Belmont Instrument Corp.*, Billerica, Mass., is being awarded a maximum $31,611,102 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for blood fluid warming system with accessories and repair parts. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 99 proposals originally solicited with 68 responses. The date of performance completion is April 13, 2015. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM2D1-10-D-8208).
~McClellan Jet Services*, McClellan, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $25,126,757 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel. Other location of performance is California. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one proposal originally solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is March 31, 2014. The Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (SP0600-10-D-0015).
MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY
~New Mexico State University Physical Science Laboratory (NMSU PSL), Las Cruces, N.M., is being awarded a sole-source cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (HQ0147-10-D-0051) for $6,775,921. Under this contract, NMSU PSL will provide sustainment efforts to maintain, test, and certify Lance missile equipment for use during launch operations; maintain, test, and certify as operational the mobile telemetry van to support launch operations; provide launch services for all Lance target missile system launch operations; and build, test, install, integrate, and monitor telemetry packages required during specified target missile launch operations. The work will be performed in Las Cruces, N.M. The performance period is through March 2015. Fiscal year 2010 research, development, test, and evaluation funds will be used for the initial task order for equipment storage, maintenance, and management effort. The Missile Defense Agency is the contracting activity.
*Small business

DTN News: First U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon Delivered To Patuxent River

Defense News: DTN News: First U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon Delivered To Patuxent River
Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, MD - April 14, 2010: The first P-8A Poseidon test aircraft arrived at Pax River, April 10. The aircraft, recently assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX-20), arrived after a six hour, 55 min flight from Boeing’s Seattle facilities. VX-20’s Government Flight Test Director, Cmdr. Jim Reining, along with VX-1’s Operational Test Director, Cmdr. John Verniest, and Boeing’s P-8A chief pilot, Chris Dobb, delivered the aircraft referred to as T1.
T1 began formal Navy flight testing at the Boeing facility in October 2009. The Integrated Test Team (ITT) spent the past six months executing ground and flight tests while maximizing the expertise of Boeing P-8A engineers and technicians.
“It was an exciting moment to watch the first P-8A Poseidon touch down at Pax River today,” said Capt. Mike Moran, Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft program manager (PMA-290).
“The maritime patrol and reconnaissance platform is in great demand throughout the world and this flight put us one step closer to delivering Poseidon to the Fleet. I cannot be more proud of our team as they work to ensure this aircraft will meet our warfighters’ requirements.” Moran said that the program continues to meet all performance criteria and is on track for initial operational capability in 2013.
“The ITT, along with all Boeing’s Seattle production and maintenance team has worked very hard to get the aircraft to Pax River to complete the planned test program,” said Reining. “The ITT is grateful for the strong support from PMA-290 and Boeing management and is excited to get to work testing at Pax River.”
The Poseidon ITT, comprised of Navy test squadrons (VX-20 and VX-1), and Boeing, will utilize T1 to evaluate the P-8A’s airworthiness and expand its flight envelope.
The program’s other two flight test aircraft, T2 and T3, will transfer to Pax River later this year. These aircraft will focus on extensive mission systems and weapons system testing, ensuring the P-8A’s ability to carry out the anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
The Poseidon will replace the P-3C Orion as the Navy’s premier maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft. Its advanced mission systems, software and communications technology will allow the Fleet to carry out the same missions as the Orion, but with greater situational awareness that will enhance mission success.
The USN expects the P-8A to achieve initial operational capability during 2013, with the type to replace its Lockheed Martin P-3C Orions. The service will eventually field 117 Poseidons, while Boeing has already secured its first export deal for the type, with eight P-8Is under contract for the Indian navy.

Lockheed Martin Announces Partnership To Outfit Fort Meade Transition Unit

Soldier and Family Assistance Center Will Provide Resources for Transitioning Warfighters

Defense News: FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md., April 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT - News) today announced a partnership with the Fort Meade Alliance and the USO of Metropolitan Washington to outfit the Fort Meade Soldier and Family Assistance Center, which breaks ground April 19.

The Assistance Center will be a resource for transitioning wounded warriors and their families and will offer guidance, resources and support services. The Lockheed Martin donation will help provide essential furnishings and equipment for the 4,500-square-foot center, which will include meeting and computer rooms, training space, media and recreation rooms, kitchen, children's activity center and playground.

"We are honored to be a part of this worthy venture to improve the quality of life for troops and their families in the Fort Meade community," said Deon Viergutz, Lockheed Martin's Director of Cyber Solutions, and a member of the Board of Directors for the Fort Meade Alliance. "These soldiers and their families deserve a place where they can effectively transition from their deployment and receive valuable resources to prepare for their next role, military or civilian."

Currently, the temporary Assistance Center serves more than 150 families. This number is expected to grow to approximately 300 families in the next few years. Lockheed Martin's local employee volunteers also plan to offer training and support to families through the Center.

"We are proud to support our warfighters through donations and service that will make a difference in their lives," Viergutz said.

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.

For additional information, visit our website: http://www.lockheedmartin.com

Related Headlines

• Lockheed Martin 1st Quarter 2010 Earnings Results Conference Call Webcast - PR Newswire
• Lockheed Martin Announces Partnership To Outfit Fort Meade Transition Unit - PR Newswire
• NASA signs ATK, Boeing, others for aerospace work - AP
• Lockheed Martin Completes Work on First U.S. Air Force Advanced EHF Satellite - PR Newswire
• Lockheed Martin Completes Design Review for Tactical Reconnaissance and Counter-Concealment Enabled Radar - PR Newswire

Harris Corporation Announces Significant New Features that Integrate with its Full-Motion Video Asset Management Engine (FAME(TM))

Enables Advanced Video Exploitation for Geospatial Intelligence Analysis

Defense News: LAS VEGAS, April 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- (NAB Show, Booth N2502) -- Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS - News), an international communications and information technology company, has announced new capabilities that integrate with its commercial Full-Motion Video Asset Management Engine (FAME). These additional features are designed to improve situational awareness by helping manage the massive quantity of video and other data that military and government agencies receive every day.

FAME is a collaborative platform that provides video, audio and metadata coding, video analytics and archive capabilities within a unified digital asset management solution. Using the FAME architecture, Harris has developed additional features to provide intelligence analysts and warfighters with better access to higher-resolution full-motion video, motion imagery and visual imagery.

Integrating crossover technologies from Harris commercial and government businesses, Harris has been able to dramatically reduce the time required to get multimedia, situational awareness information into the hands of military commanders and other decision-makers. At the 2010 NAB Show, Harris is unveiling new features that utilize the FAME platform, including a number of new software applications for use as intelligence tools.

Improved Situational Awareness Enables Actionable Intelligence

Harris is introducing a powerful add-on capability to its FAME asset management architecture to support "event-based correlation" of media and other sources of intelligence within the architecture. This new add-on will significantly enhance military users' ability to associate media and intelligence information to solve complex problems across a wide variety of data sources.

"The Harris 'event-based correlation' feature provides a powerful set of tools to allow analysts to correlate and visualize a range of data sources," said Brian Cabeceiras, vice president of strategic marketing and technology, Harris Broadcast Communications. "The data sources can be tied to events, which can be correlated with other sources of intelligence within the same user environment."

The new add-on capability will help military analysts tag specific data in video; combine and verify the resulting information with slices of video, audio, sensor and other data; and send the information in real time to decision-makers in the field.

Advanced Graphics Technology Improves Usefulness of Geospatial Data

Also new is the Harris Media Collaborator, which provides both traditional broadcast and military customers with advanced telestration and tracking capability, as well as access to additional information-bearing graphics to the entire motion imagery process. In addition, Harris has integrated a Flash reporting tool into the FAME architecture, which automates the fusion of video, rich graphics and metadata into a Flash video for dissemination to end users.

Other enhancements include an enterprise-enabled FAME solution, which has been implemented using virtualization technologies. This greatly reduces the hardware footprint, simplifies deployment and reduces support and maintenance overhead — resulting in significantly lower, overall life cycle costs.

Harris also has developed a geospatial-enabled multiviewer to work with the FAME platform. This multiviewer enables military command centers to link content with geospatial data to make it more useful and contextual, as well as view multiple displays of inputs in a common viewing environment. In addition, a highly scalable, IP-enabled graphics stream processing solution allows the creation of evolved video feeds in the compressed domain. These capabilities extend the reach of the FAME architecture from the sensor to the warfighter with a lower profile and footprint, making it much more user friendly in mobile/forward-deployed locations.

Harris Broadcast Communications offers products, systems and services that provide interoperable workflow solutions for broadcast, cable, satellite and out-of-home networks. The Harris ONE™ solution brings together highly integrated and cost-effective products that enable advanced media workflows for emerging content delivery business models.

About Harris Corporation

Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has approximately $5 billion of annual revenue and more than 15,000 employees — including nearly 7,000 engineers and scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications® products, systems, and services. Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at www.harris.com.

Related Headlines

• Harris Corporation Announces Significant New Features that Integrate with its Full-Motion Video Asset Management Engine (FAME(TM)) - PR Newswire
• Harris Corporation Equips Busy NATO Air Base with New Air Traffic Control Communications System - PR Newswire
• Harris Corporation Provides Remote, Two-Way Communications for Canadian Department of National Defence - PR Newswire
• Harris Corporation and LG Electronics Demonstrate Scalable Full-Channel Mobile DTV Technology - PR Newswire
• Global space business grew 7 percent to $262 billion in 2009 - Reuters