Boeing Provides New Antenna, Batteries for Shuttle Mission to Space Station

Defense News: KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., May 14, 2010 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] has provided critical parts that Space Shuttle Atlantis will carry to the International Space Station (ISS) when the orbiter launches today on the 32nd and final flight of its quarter-century career. The parts include six replacement batteries and a space-to-ground antenna (SGANT) with accompanying boom assembly.

The six batteries will be installed on the ISS' port truss to replace old batteries thatAtlantis will bring back to Earth. The batteries provide power while the ISS is in the Earth's shadow for approximately 30 minutes of each 90-minute orbit. The SGANT will increase the ISS's ability to conduct two-way data, voice, and video communications.

"The added SGANT will eventually more than double the station's existing ability to support and monitor activities such as experiments, robotic operations and spacewalks," said Stephen Long, Boeing ISS Communication and Tracking engineer. "This new antenna will allow for the creation of two audio-only channels and an increase in video channels from four to six, and also include a new interface to the station's Large Area Network."

These additional capabilities are important to the station's future operations as crews move from assembling the ISS to fully making use of it for earth sciences and space-based science experiments.

Boeing's Checkout, Assembly and Payload Processing Services (CAPPS) team also prepared Atlantis' entire mission payload for launch, including the Russian Mini-Research Module 1 and spare parts for the ISS' Canadian Dextre robotic arm.

The services and support Boeing provides under its CAPPS contract include planning for and receiving payloads, maintaining associated ground support systems, integrating payloads with the space shuttle, launch support, and space shuttle post-landing payload activities.

Boeing is the prime contractor to NASA for the ISS. In addition to designing and building all the major U.S. elements, Boeing also is responsible for ensuring the successful integration of new hardware and software -- including components from international partners -- as well as for providing sustaining engineering work.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

Contact:

Adam Morgan
Space Exploration
Office: 281-226-4030
Mobile: 281-386-4396
adam.k.morgan@boeing.com

Ed Memi
Space Exploration
Office: 281-226-4029
Mobile: 713-204-5464
edmund.g.memi@boeing.com

L-3 Communications Announces Conversion Rate Adjustment for Its 3% Convertible Contingent Debt Securities ("CODES") Due 2035

Defense News: NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) (NYSE: LLL - News) announced today that it has adjusted the conversion rate for its 3% Convertible Contingent Debt Securities (CODES) due 2035 (CUSIP Numbers: 502413AW7 and 502424AE4; ISIN Numbers: US502413AW73 and US502424AE49) (the “Securities”) in connection with the regular quarterly dividends of $0.35 per share of the Company’s Common Stock paid on each of September 15, 2009 and December 15, 2009 and the regular quarterly dividends of $0.40 per share of the Company’s Common Stock paid on March 15, 2010 and expected to be paid on June 15, 2010.

The new conversion rate is 10.1074 shares of Common Stock of the Company per $1,000 principal amount of the Securities, effective for conversions on or after May 17, 2010.

Notices of the conversion rate adjustment have been delivered to holders of the Securities in accordance with the terms of the Indenture governing the Securities.

Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications employs approximately 67,000 people worldwide and is a prime contractor in C³ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems, aircraft modernization and maintenance and government services. L-3 is also a leading provider of a broad range of electronic systems used on military and commercial platforms. The Company reported 2009 sales of $15.6 billion.

To learn more about L-3, please visit the company's Web site at www.L-3com.com. L-3 uses its Web site as a channel of distribution of material company information. Financial and other material information regarding L-3 is routinely posted on the company's Web site and is readily accessible.

Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this news release are forward-looking statements. Statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to events or conditions or that include words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "will," "could" and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements set forth above involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any such statement, including the risks and uncertainties discussed in the company's Safe Harbor Compliance Statement for Forward-Looking Statements included in the company's recent filings, including Forms 10-K and 10-Q, with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and the company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Contact:

L-3 Communications
Corporate Communications
212-697-1111

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PenFed Foundation Welcomes 'Hurt Locker' Writer and Producer Mark Boal to Benefit Dinner for Veterans Lodging

Nonprofit Honors Special Guest at LA Dinner Event for New Defenders Lodge for Vets Seeking Care

Defense News: LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - 05/15/10) - The Pentagon Federal Credit Union Foundation (PenFed Foundation), a nationally-recognized nonprofit organization working to meet the unmet needs of military personnel and their families, welcomes "The Hurt Locker" writer and producer Mark Boal to its May 17 event in Los Angeles.

"I'm deeply honored to support PenFed's efforts on behalf of veterans," said Boal, who will be honored as the special guest at a benefit dinner at The Palm Restaurant. The event will raise money for the new Defenders Lodge, a state-of-the-art hotel for veterans seeking medical care and undergoing treatment. The facility, which will replace the existing Hometel in Palo Alto, Calif., will serve over 10,000 needy patients annually.

"Mark Boal's films show a deep understanding of the daily lives of the troops," said Kate Kohler, chief operating officer for the PenFed Foundation. "He understands the importance the new Defenders Lodge will have for returning veterans who need medical care and we're delighted to have him as our special guest for the dinner."

A freelance journalist who was embedded in Iraq in 2004 with troops and bomb squads, Boal won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for "The Hurt Locker" in 2009 and his screenplay won six other major awards as well. He also co-wrote the 2007 film "In the Valley of Elah."

Thousands of veterans travel from all over the West Coast and Pacific Rim to the VA Palo Alto Hospital for treatment and the new Defenders Lodge will provide a free and comfortable place for them to stay. Last year nearly 11,000 patients had to find temporary housing and many had to drive 50 miles to find an affordable hotel while they waited for treatment. Some veterans were sleeping in their cars because they could not find affordable lodging -- the new Defenders Lodge will solve this problem.

"Our veterans deserve the best care that we can provide them," said Kohler. "This benefit dinner is just one step towards raising the money we need to build the Defenders Lodge and we are thankful to have Mark Boal be such a special part of this effort."

The benefit dinner will be held from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on May 17 at the Palm Restaurant at 9001 Santa Monica Boulevard. Space is limited, so those interested in attending and/or sponsoring the event are asked to contact Pauline Poh at 703-838-1085 or Jenna Rathe at 703-838-1240, as soon as possible.

About the Pentagon Federal Credit Union Foundation (PenFed Foundation)
The PenFed Foundation is a nationally-recognized nonprofit organization working to meet the unmet needs of military personnel and their families through supporting wounded soldiers, providing financial management assistance and home ownership aid. The foundation is also the primary sponsor of the new $12.5 million Defenders Lodge supported by donated land from the government and financed entirely through private donations. The Pentagon Federal Credit Union covers all labor expenses for the foundation so every dollar donated goes directly to supporting its programs.

To make a donation or learn more about the foundation, visit: www.PentagonFoundation.org

Contact:

 
Contact: 
Alison Beckwith
301-699-0148
Email Contact 

DTN News: Kyrgyzstan TODAY May 15, 2010 ~ New Deadly Clashes In Kyrgyzstan

Defense News: DTN News: Kyrgyzstan TODAY May 15, 2010 ~ New Deadly Clashes In Kyrgyzstan

Source: DTN News / By Tolkun Namatbayeva, Agence France-Presse
(NSI News Source Info) BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan - May 15, 2010: Rival groups clashed in southern Kyrgyzstan Friday as the interim government retook official buildings from backers of ousted leader Kurmanbek Bakiyev, leaving at least one dead and scores injured.
Shots rang out during street battles in the cities of Osh and Jalalabad, where hundreds of Bakiyev supporters battled factions loyal to the government with sticks and stones, officials and reports said.
The health ministry said one person was killed in Jalalabad and 59 were wounded, 26 of them with gunshot wounds, lowering the number of injured from 63.
Unconfirmed reports put the death toll higher.
A doctor at Jalalabad regional hospital told AFP that three people died in the clashes, while a spokeswoman for Bakiyev's support committee, Dzhanara Moldokulova, told AFP that eight protesters were killed.
Government supporters regained control of regional administration headquarters in Jalalabad and Osh after they were seized by supporters of former president Bakiyev on Thursday, government officials said.
In Bishkek, government head Roza Otunbayeva said authorities were "taking all measures to peacefully resolve the situation." The capital is calm, she added and the government is "taking measures to restore order in Jalalabad."
Several Bakiyev allies, including the former head of his office, Usen Sydykov, were detained during the clashes, Otunbayeva said.
Protesters burnt down three houses belonging to Bakiyev and his brothers in a village outside Jalalabad, a spokesman for the interim government, Farid Niyazov
told journalists.
"The arson attacks were carried out by relatives of people who suffered in the people's uprising in Bishkek on April," Niyanzov said, adding that no one was injured.
The U.S. embassy in Bishkek, in a statement, expressed concern about the violence, urging "the peaceful resolution to the problems that have caused this situation."
Russian president Dmitry Medvedev on Friday sent his special representative, Vladimir Rushailo, to Bishkek, where he held talks with Otunbayeva.
"Russia has come to help us," Otunbayeva told journalists after the talks. "President Dmitry Medvedev said clearly: they will support Kyrgyzstan politically and materially at this hour."
"Our aim is to help Kyrgyzstan in all aspects of its activities," Rushailo told journalists.
The interim government, which took power after Bakiyev was ousted in an uprising last month, has so far avoided using security forces against protesters in a bid not to inflame tensions.
Media reports said the government had sent special forces to Osh to stabilize the situation and the troops were on their way to impose order in Jalalabad.
Otunbayeva said that the gunfire had come from Bakiyev supporters who had "again spilled the blood of citizens of Kyrgyzstan".
Around 1,500 Bakiyev supporters took part in protests in Jalalabal, at one point occupying the regional administration, their spokeswoman Moldokulova told AFP.
"We do not intend to retreat until the legitimate president Bakiyev returns to Kyrgyzstan," she said.
The protests that ousted Bakiyev in April left at least 86 people dead and the interim government has since struggled to impose its authority.
Bakiyev, who drew the bulk of his support from southern Kyrgyzstan, has since taken refuge in Belarus, which has so far not responded to calls for his extradition.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned last month Kyrgyzstan risked civil war but the situation calmed with the departure of Bakiyev.
Bakiyev came to power in the so-called Tulip Revolution uprising of 2005 which ousted the previous president Askar Akayev — but became increasingly unpopular amid allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
The mountainous ex-Soviet state is in a key strategic location and houses a U.S. airbase used for the transit of supplies for the conflict in Afghanistan as well as a Russian military base.

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

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

Source: U.S. DoD issued May 14, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - May 15, 2010: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued May 14, 2010 are undermentioned;
CONTRACTS
DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
~BAE Systems Information Technology, Inc., McLean, Va. (HHM402-10-D-0013);

~General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc., Chantilly, Va. (HHM402-10-D-0014);

~Lockheed Martin Corp., Gaithersburg, Md. (HHM402-10-D-0015);

~Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Fairfax, Va. (HHM402-10-D-0016);

~Science Applications International Corp., San Diego, Calif.(HHM402-10-D-0017);

~Systems Research and Applications Corp., Fairfax, Va. (HHM402-10-D-0018);

~BC Fed Group, LLC, Reston, Va. (HHM402-10-D-0019);

~CenTauri Solutions, LLC, Alexandria, Va. (HHM402-10-D-0020);

~Enterprise Information Services, Inc. Vienna, Va. (HHM402-10-D-0021);

~Red Arch Solutions, Inc., Columbia, Md. (HHM402-10-D-0022); and

~Worldwide Information Network Systems, Inc., Seabrook, Md. (HHM402-10-D-0023) have each been awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract supporting information technology (IT) requirements across the Defense Intelligence Enterprise and the greater intelligence community. The Solutions for the Information Technology Enterprise (SITE) contract is designed to enable streamlined execution; simplify purchase requests; standardize acquisition documentation; improve enterprise program management for customers; provide better reporting capability; improve contracting performance and data integrity; and make the agency’s overall IT acquisition processes more efficient. The SITE contract will have a ceiling of $6.6 billion over five years. Competition among the listed firms for task orders under the SITE contract vehicle will begin this summer. The SITE contract vehicle will replace the multiple awards for the Defense Intelligence Agency’s Department of Defense Intelligence Information System Integration and Engineering Support Contracts and replace the Air Force’s longstanding Intelligence Information, Command and Control, Equipment and Enhancements single-award contract vehicle. The Defense Intelligence Agency is the contracting activity.
NAVY
~Navmar Applied Sciences Corp., Warminster, Pa., is being awarded a $49,730,224 cost-plus-fixed-fee Phase III Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project under Topics N92-170, entitled “Laser Detection and Ranging Identification Demonstration,” and N94-178, entitled “Air Deployable Expendable Multi-parameter Environmental Probe.” This Phase III award provides for the research, development and production of surveillance, reconnaissance, detection, classification and targeting systems for the Department of Defense, Navy, and Air Force. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md. (30 percent), Yuma, Ariz. (30 percent), Afghanistan (30 percent), and Warminster, Pa. (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in May 2015. This Phase III SBIR contract was competitively procured using SBIR Program Solicitation under Topics N92-170 and N94-178. Contract funds in the amount of $1,400,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-10-C-0045).
~Pacific Ship Repair & Fabrication, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $15,848,931 firm-fixed-price contract under a multi-ship solicitation for a 75-calendar-day post-shakedown availability of Military Sealift Fleet Support Command dry cargo/ammunition ships USNS Matthew Perry (T-AKE 9) and USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10). The ships’ primary mission is to deliver ammunition, provisions, stores, spare parts, potable water, and petroleum products to the Navy’s carrier strike groups and other naval forces at sea. This shakedown availability is primarily for ship alterations, including: lube-oil-tank, second-deck-cargo and galley modifications; cargo hold overhead insulation; and deck air compressor and radar installation. Naval Sea Systems Command (PMS 325) provided funding to accomplish approved alterations during the post-shakedown availability. The contracts include options which, if exercised, would bring the total contract value to $18,874,191. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed within 75 calendar days once work begins for each ship. Contract funds in the amount of $8,083,580 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured on a set-aside for small business basis, with four offers received. The solicitation was posted to the Military Sealift Command, Navy Electronic Commerce Online and Federal Business Opportunities Web sites. The U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Fleet Support Command, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting authority (N40442-10-C-3020 for the USNS Matthew Perry; N40442-11-C-3000 for the USNS Charles Drew).
~Rite-Solutions, Inc., Pawcatuck, Conn., is being awarded a $15,406,804 cost-plus-fixed fee contract for a Phase III Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) - Combat System of the Future to perform research, development and engineering services. Rite-Solutions, Inc., shall continue the formulation of system-level design; software and hardware development; systems engineering; commercial off-the-shelf product procurement; hardware/software integration; test and evaluation; installation; and life cycle support to integrate manpower reduction, command and control automation, and cost reduction technology into submarine platforms during new construction, overhaul, and modernization periods. Rite Solutions will apply unique humans systems integration processes leading to command decision modules and supporting infrastructures, command and control center configurations, and other technical support work for Navy submarines, surface, and air platforms. Work will be performed in Middletown, R.I., and is expected to be completed by May 2015. This Phase III SBIR contract was competitively procured using SBIR Program Solicitation under Topic Number N05-149. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-10-C-6258).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
~Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a maximum $8,699,778 firm-fixed-price, sole-source corporate contract for control indicators. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is Aug. 15, 2011. The Defense Logistics Agency (DSCR-ZEB), Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (SP0400-01-D-9406-XE01).

AAVG Announces Aggressive Marketing Stance for 2010

AvStar Aviation Group, Inc. (AVSTAR)

Defense News: HOUSTON, TX--(Marketwire - 05/14/10) - AvStar Aviation Group (Pinksheets:AAVG - News) is a full service aircraft maintenance- repair- overhaul (MRO) company focused on small, second-tier airports; and committed to developing their brand with future acquisitions of charter operations, MROs and fixed base operations (FBOs) nationwide. There are over 3,100 FBOs operating in the U.S (a $4-$5 Billion industry); and the second-tier aviation sector has experienced growth of 32.2%. Currently, AAVG revenues are at $1.3 Million; the company is very close to achieving full reporting status and has 67,049,542 shares outstanding as of March 19, 2010. AAVG can also boast an elite FBO with over 54 years as a luxury destination provider to one of the wealthiest areas in the nation, southwest Florida. Historically, the 7 plane fleet has serviced corporate clients taking vacations, Bahamians doing business in the United States, and shipping cargo to the Bahamas from the U.S.

When asked about the company's mission CEO Russell Ivy stated, "AvStar Aviation was formed to fill a void between major full service airports with maintenance centers, and smaller independent airports. By focusing on smaller tier facilities, AAVG will offer services that, until now, only the majors have enjoyed."

The projected revenues from AAVG's planned acquisitions are $10 million for 2010 and directly linked to the new marketing plan complete with: new services, maintenance staffing services, and cost-reducing technology. For investors, the new business plans promise more company transparency, revenue-generating endeavors, and structured funding in order to funnel profits into promotions. The company's revitalized list of short-term goals proves that AAVG is set to take flight in 2010.

About AvStar Aviation: AvStar Aviation Group, Inc. ("AvStar") has a main focus on acquiring, consolidating, and growing businesses in the aviation industry. Also, the company is focusing on acquiring and/or developing companies that provide products and services for the general aviation industry. Please visit,www.avstargroup.com

Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements contained in this release issued by AvStar Aviation Group, Inc. (the "Company") that are not historical facts are "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and because such statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements regarding the intent, belief, or current expectations, estimates, or projections of the Company, its directors, or its officers about the Company and the industry in which it operates and are based on assumptions made by management. Although the Company believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that the anticipated results will occur. When issued in this report, the words "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements.

Contact:

 
Contact:
Russell Ivy
CEO
Avstar Aviation Group
3600 South Gessner Road, Suite 220
Houston, Texas 77063
Phone: 713-710-7103
http://www.avstargroup.com
rivy@avstarinc.com 

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AVSTAR AVIATION GROUP, INC. Files SEC form 10-K, Annual Report - EDGAR Online
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Raytheon Celebrates 50 Years of Laser Technology Innovation

Defense News: WALTHAM, Mass., May 14, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE:RTN - News) is proud to recognize the 50th anniversary of the laser and to celebrate the many innovations that emerged since Theodore Maiman of Hughes Research Labs developed the first working laser May 16, 1960.

As part of the celebration, Raytheon hosted a dinner in El Segundo, Calif., Thursday to recognize employees and retirees from Raytheon and Hughes Aircraft Company who have been central to the company's laser innovation.

Through its work with laser technology, Raytheon has improved the speed and precision of solutions that support a range of mission areas. Over the years, Raytheon has fielded thousands of laser designators and delivered tens of thousands laser systems, all while continuing to discover new opportunities to innovate with laser technology. Examples of laser innovation across Raytheon include:

• Adaptive Photonic Phase-Locked Elements – a DARPA development program at Raytheon: APPLE's goal is to develop a directed energy weapon that achieves high powers through beam combining. This high-power laser may be realized by combining multiple low-power beams into one single high-power beam. Raytheon's APPLE program focuses on enabling laser-based weapons applications to be integrated into unmanned aerial vehicles.
• Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared: Laser technology enables Raytheon's ATFLIR to locate and designate targets at all times of day and at ranges exceeding 40 nautical miles.
• Beam Steering Technology Demonstration: The goal of the BSTD project is to develop optical communications for satellites that enable high-bandwidth communication to support warfighters, such as real-time sensor video. A specific objective is to provide gigabit communication to remote units, as opposed to the megabit communication that is currently possible.
• Directed Infrared Countermeasures: Raytheon uses laser technology to protect warfighters as part of a comprehensive aircraft protection system.
• Experimental Free Electron Laser: In June 2009, the Office of Naval Research awarded Raytheon a 12-month contract to develop the preliminary design of a 100 kilowatt experimental Free Electron Laser for the U.S. Navy that will also demonstrate parameters necessary to scale to a MW-class laser system.
• Laser Area Defense System: Part of a directed energy program, Raytheon LADS utilizes lasers to improve the precision and accuracy of the Phalanx system.
• Quantum Sensors: Raytheon BBN is participating in the DARPA-STO Quantum Sensors Program, which is exploring concepts for using quantum states in remote sensing applications. Successful development of such concepts would allow radar, laser radar and other remote sensing systems to exceed the performance limits of today's technology.

"Raytheon's long history of technology innovation is evident in our many laser technology developments, which continue to this day. Over five decades, Raytheon delivered numerous laser technology firsts, and we're proud of our accomplishments in both developing lasers and in creating innovative solutions that apply laser technology," said Mark E. Russell, vice president of Engineering, Technology and Mission Assurance at Raytheon. "Across the organization, Raytheon engineers will continue to seek new opportunities to leverage the power of lasers in order to help protect warfighters and support customer missions."

More information on Raytheon's laser innovation, including photographs and a Dual Band podcast interview, may be found on Raytheon's laser anniversary Web page.

Raytheon Company, with 2009 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 88 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 75,000 people worldwide.

Contact:
Dave Howell
781.522.6369
david.howell@raytheon.com Related Headlines Raytheon Celebrates 50 Years of Laser Technology Innovation - PR Newswire Raytheon spent $1.6 million on 1Q lobbying efforts- AP Raytheon High-Speed Guard 3.0 Added to UCDMO Baseline List of Trusted Cross-Domain Solutions - PR Newswire Raytheon Links Combat Systems for Networked Lethality at Army Exercise - PR Newswire Raytheon Pledges $1.5 Million to Advance Army Museum's Education Programs - PR Newswire

Lockheed Martin F-35 Program Receives Major Award For 'Cutting-Edge Design'

Defense News: FORT WORTH, Texas, May 13th, 2010 -- The Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] F-35 Lightning II program has been recognized for its “cutting-edge design and technology” with an award from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).

The AIAA Foundation Board of Trustees presented the AIAA Foundation Award for Excellence to the F-35 program during the 2010 AIAA Aerospace Spotlight Awards Gala on May 12 in Washington, D.C. AIAA is the world’s largest technical society dedicated to the global aerospace profession.

“This award reflects the dedication and innovation of those who have made the F-35 Lightning II fighter a reality and signifies a bright future as the program ramps up flight test and commences operational training in the months ahead,” said U.S. Air Force Major General C.D. Moore, the acting program executive officer for the F-35 Lightning II Program Office.

According to the award citation, the Foundation Award for Excellence recognizes the “cutting-edge design and technology of – and global collaboration involved in – the Joint Strike Fighter, enabling a unique battlespace capability for the future.” The AIAA Foundation Board of Trustees annually recognizes unique contributions and extraordinary accomplishments by organizations or individuals in aeronautics and astronautics.

“This award acknowledges the commitment of the F-35 team, and the revolutionary technology that make the F-35 the fighter of the future,” said Tom Burbage, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and general manager of F-35 Program Integration.

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. Two separate, interchangeable F-35 engines are under development: the Pratt & Whitney F135 and the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team F136.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 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

Chris Geisel
Office: 817-763-2643
Email: christian.g.geisel@lmco.com

Lockheed Martin Team Begins Development On Second Phase Of FBI’s Next Generation Identification Program

Efforts Underway to Build New, Web-Based Infrastructure for Wanted Persons Database

Defense News: ROCKVILLE, Md., May 13th, 2010 -- The Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT]-led Next Generation Identification (NGI) team is beginning to fully develop and deploy a new NGI system capability that transforms how law enforcement officials search an FBI wanted persons database. Development efforts began after a successful Critical Design Review (CDR) for the system’s second phase, also known as Increment 2: Repository for Individuals of Special Concern (RISC).

NEXT GENERATION IDENTIFICATION (NGI)

The teacher who helps a first-grader learn simple addition. The elder care worker who assists an aging parent. The government employee with access to highly sensitive information.

What do all of these people have in common? Each needed a background check to obtain employment – and that background check involved the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and verifying a person’s identity using biometrics. To ensure that those who care for our most vulnerable, those charged with protecting our nation and its citizens, can be trusted.

And it goes beyond proving someone is who they say they are. It’s also for catching the guilty, identifying criminals through what they’ve left behind: fingerprints at a crime scene, a palm print on a door, a face caught on security videotape.

It’s Next Generation Identification (NGI). A state-of-the-art biometric identification system that the FBI will use and populate with biometric information to keep Americans and their families safe.

The System
Biometrics are already in use today with the FBI’s Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS); the result of a successful collaboration between the FBI and Lockheed Martin, IAFIS is the world’s largest database of its type with more than 55 million sets of fingerprints.

But, just as our world has changed, so has the scope of technology. Capability has increased exponentially. New methods are gaining traction. With NGI, the Bureau and Lockheed Martin face a new challenge: to significantly expand fingerprint capacity, add in palm prints, and include facial and iris recognition.

What’s Happening

• NGI Team Delivers First Advanced Technology Workstations: Delivery Marks First Operational Milestone for NGI Program (Jan. 6, 2010)
• NGI Team Completes Increment 1 Critical Design Review: Begins Work to Incorporate Advanced Fingerprint Identification Solutions into NGI System (Aug. 31, 2009)
• NGI Team Completes Increment 2 Critical Design Review: Efforts Underway to Build New, Web-Based Infrastructure for Wanted Persons Database (May 13, 2010)

Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Services
700 N. Frederick Ave.
Gaithersburg, MD 20879

The RISC fingerprint database, which is managed by the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division, includes Wanted Persons, Known or Appropriately Suspected Terrorists, Sex Offenders Registry subjects, and other persons of special interest.

“This capability gives law enforcement users more speed and flexibility in how they search the RISC fingerprint database,” explained Lockheed Martin NGI Program Director Mike Moore. “For the first time, the law enforcement community can use web-based transactions, in addition to the existing data input mechanisms, to determine whether a suspect is a wanted person within RISC.”

In addition to the full RISC development activity, the team is now beginning design work for the next phase of NGI, which will enhance today’s latent fingerprint matching accuracy and introduces palm prints to the system. NGI is being designed with a significant degree of flexibility to accommodate these and other biometric modalities that may mature and become important to law enforcement efforts in the future.

Earlier this year, the NGI team completed final delivery of its more than 800 Advanced Technology Workstations a full month ahead of schedule. The new machines replace aging Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) Service Provider Workstations used by the FBI’s service providers and analysts.

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.

Lockheed Martin Media Contact: Kimberly Jaindl, 301-519-6400, kimberly.jaindl@lmco.com