TEXT-Magal awarded $8.5 million in contracts

YAHUD, Israel, June 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Magal Security Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ GMS: MAGS, TASE: MAGS) announced today that during May 2009, it was awarded a total of approximately $8.5 million in purchase orders to protect two airports and several nuclear power stations in South East Asia, to reconstruct a border in Israel and to extend an existing airport project in Eastern Europe.
Most of the orders are expected to be completed during 2009. The first turnkey project is the extension of an airport Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS) in Eastern Europe for $1.6 million and it includes infrastructure, a Taut Wire barrier as well as Command and Control System. The second project is the reconstruction of a border protection solution in Israel for $4.6 million.
The third order is for various nuclear power station sites in South East Asia, and will incorporate a Volumetric Intrusion Detection System for $1.3 million. The fourth order is for the protection of two airports in South East Asia, which will incorporate a variety of intrusion detection solutions including Taut Wire and Vibration Sensors for $1.0 million.
Yoav Stern, Acting President & CEO, commented: "Magal is in the midst of a transition. While we still believe there are some challenging times ahead, these latest additions to our backlog of signed orders and contracts, is actually making it one of the largest in our company's history. This represents a ray of optimism and confidence that an improvement is to be expected in the not too distant future."

CACI Awarded $30 Million Contract to Support U.S. Army Ammunition Management System

Award Continues Company's Modernization of Munitions Management
ARLINGTON, Va., June 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI - News) announced today that it has been awarded a five-year prime contract, valued at $30 million if all options are exercised, to support the Total Ammunition Management Information System (TAMIS) for Headquarters, Department of the Army. Awarded through the Information Technology Enterprise Solutions-2 Services (ITES-2S) contract vehicle, the contract includes one base year and four option years. CACI will provide program management and technical services in support of munitions management modernization efforts for both the Army and U.S. Marine Corps. The award continues CACI's work with this Army client and supports the company's core systems integration business.
By delivering enhanced ammunition management capabilities and the integration of applications into a central system built on a Services-Oriented Architecture, the web-based TAMIS will deliver new efficiencies in developing training and operational requirements and managing weapons training programs. The enhanced system will include capabilities for managing more than $16 billion in both training and war-time munitions.
CACI's team will provide program management and a full range of systems integration services to TAMIS and its 7000+ users. The work includes engineering and consolidating existing capabilities, extending TAMIS with new capabilities and reporting mechanisms, delivering user training and help desk support for the system, and providing ongoing software maintenance and development. CACI will also expand enterprise-wide business intelligence components, interfacing with other current and future Defense Department systems.
CACI has a strong legacy of support for stand-alone Army ammunition systems and the Department of the Army, offering the benefits of in-depth experience and proven technical solutions in the TAMIS environment. The company also provides high-quality software development services certified at Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Maturity Level 3 of the Software Engineering Institute. This functional and technical expertise assures the Army of effective systems and software support, delivered on time, and within budget.
According to Bill Fairl, CACI's President of U.S. Operations, "We are pleased that this work for the Total Ammunition Management Information System enables us to continue our support for this important Army client. It reinforces our work with the Armed Forces munitions community across the Department of Defense."
CACI President and CEO Paul Cofoni said, "This new contract for our ongoing work with the Army is a highly valued addition to the broad array of support CACI provides across the service's entire global enterprise. The critical effort involved is a key component in supplying warfighters with the tools they need to counter the threat of terrorism."
CACI International Inc provides the professional services and IT solutions needed to prevail in today's defense, intelligence, homeland security, and federal civilian government arenas. We deliver enterprise IT and network services; data, information, and knowledge management services; business system solutions; logistics and material readiness; C4ISR integration services; cyber security, information assurance, and information operations; integrated security and intelligence solutions; and program management and SETA support services. CACI services and solutions help our federal clients provide for national security, improve communications and collaboration, secure the integrity of information systems and networks, enhance data collection and analysis, and increase efficiency and mission effectiveness. We add value to our clients' operations, increase their skills and capabilities, and enhance their missions. CACI is a member of the Fortune 1000 Largest Companies and the Russell 2000 index. CACI provides dynamic careers for approximately 12,400 employees working in over 120 offices in the U.S. and Europe. CACI is the IT provider for a networked world. Visit CACI on the web at www.caci.com and www.asymmetricthreat.net.
There are statements made herein which do not address historical facts, and therefore could be interpreted to be forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated include, but are not limited to, the following: regional and national economic conditions in the United States and the United Kingdom, including conditions that result from a prolonged recession; terrorist activities or war; changes in interest rates; currency fluctuations; significant fluctuations in the equity markets; failure to achieve contract awards in connection with recompetes for present business and/or competition for new business; the risks and uncertainties associated with client interest in and purchases of new products and/or services; continued funding of U.S. government or other public sector projects, based on a change in spending patterns, or in the event of a priority need for funds, such as homeland security, the war on terrorism; or rebuilding Iraq; or an economic stimulus package; government contract procurement (such as bid protest, small business set asides, loss of work due to organizational conflicts of interest, etc.) and termination risks; the results of government investigations into allegations of improper actions related to the provision of services in support of U.S. military operations in Iraq; the results of government audit and reviews conducted by the Defense Contract Audit Agency or other governmental entities with cognizant oversight; individual business decisions of our clients; paradigm shifts in technology; competitive factors such as pricing pressures and/or competition to hire and retain employees (particularly those with security clearances); market speculation regarding out continued independence; material changes in laws or regulations applicable to our businesses, particularly in connection with (i) government contracts for services, (ii) outsourcing of activities that have been performed by the government, (iii) competition for task orders under Government Wide Acquisition Contracts ("GWACs") and/or schedule contracts with the General Services Administration; and (iv) accounting for convertible debt instruments; our own ability to achieve the objectives of near term or long range business plans; and other risks described in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
Corporate Communications and Media:
Jody Brown, Executive Vice President, Public Relations
(703) 841-7801, jbrown@caci.com
Investor Relations:
David Dragics, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
(866) 606-3471, mddragics@caci.com

Arotech Receives $10 Million David Order

Arotech Backlog Now at $42 Million
Arotech Corporation (NASDAQ:ARTX - News) announced today June 29, that its Armor Division has received a new order valued at $10 million for its David Light Armored Vehicle. This order includes an option on the part of the purchaser for a similar number of additional vehicles, and was received three weeks after the Company announced a separate $2 million order for Davids. With these orders, Arotech's backlog stands at $42 million.
The David is a lightweight armored vehicle based on a Land Rover heavy duty Defender platform. The David has been selected by the Israel Defense Forces as its standard armored reconnaissance and patrol vehicle, and is operating hundreds of them already.
The David has been involved in numerous terror attacks, withstanding assault weapons and various explosive devices, saving the lives of its occupants.
"This is another major order for MDT," said Robert Ehrlich, Arotech's Chairman and CEO. "The David has proven itself both in battlefield operations and as a strong product line for the Armor Group."
About Arotech's Armor Division
Arotech's Armor Division is an innovative leader in lightweight armoring for vehicles, aircraft and their operators. The Armor Division has years of battlefield and commercial protection experience and has provided life saving protection under the most extreme conditions.
Arotech's Armor Division consists of MDT Armor Corporation (www.mdt-armor.com), M.D.T. Protective Industries, Ltd. (www.mdtisrael.com), and Armour of America (www.armourofamerica.com).
About Arotech Corporation
Arotech Corporation is a leading provider of quality defense and security products for the military, law enforcement and homeland security markets. Arotech provides multimedia interactive simulators/trainers, lightweight armoring and advanced zinc-air and lithium batteries and chargers. Arotech operates through three major business divisions: Armor, Training and Simulation, and Batteries and Power Systems.
Arotech is incorporated in Delaware, with corporate offices in Ann Arbor, Michigan and research, development and production subsidiaries in Alabama, Michigan and Israel.
Except for the historical information herein, the matters discussed in this news release include forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including the effect of any share repurchases by Arotech. Forward-looking statements reflect management's current knowledge, assumptions, judgment and expectations regarding future performance or events. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such statements are reasonable, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as they are subject to various risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to vary materially. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks relating to: product and technology development; the uncertainty of the market for Arotech's products; changing economic conditions; delay, cancellation or non-renewal, in whole or in part, of contracts or of purchase orders; dilution resulting from issuances of Arotech's common stock upon conversion or payment of its outstanding convertible debt, which would be increasingly dilutive if and to the extent that the market price of Arotech's stock decreases; and other risk factors detailed in Arotech's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Arotech assumes no obligation to update the information in this release. Reference to the Company's website above does not constitute incorporation of any of the information thereon into this press release.
Contact:
CONTACT:
Victor Allgeier
TTC Group
(646) 290-6400
Email Contact

Navistar Offers an Innovative Approach with Their First Ever Virtual Parts Conference and Expo

WARRENVILLE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--More than 1,600 International® and ICTM Bus dealer parts employees kept their luggage stowed and their workplace staffed while attending the new online “Power Up” Navistar Parts Virtual Conference and Sales Expo, held this June.
“Virtual is the way of the future and Navistar is well positioned to take advantage of this new technology for the benefit of our dealers, our customers and our company,” said Rommel Miranda, vice president of sales and marketing for Navistar Parts.
“In the current environment, incurring costs that would have been typical for previous year’s annual sales conferences, didn’t fit the lean, responsible model for business that we were striving toward,” said Kathy Seegebrecht, vice president, marketing and brand for Navistar Parts. “Bringing people together in an online environment — a virtual trade show and education session — made sense for both Navistar and our dealers. It was clearly a win-win situation as demonstrated by the fact that our online participation was three times greater than last year’s in-person attendance, at one- fifth of the cost. ”
Suppliers, dealers and Navistar achieved time and cost savings, and in addition Navistar Parts sales at their conference this year exceeded last year’s sales by almost 30 percent. Power Up, Expo 2009, allowed more dealers to participate in online education sessions and interact with suppliers in the virtual trade show environment, where participants could finalize their deals via chat rooms, fill virtual bags with product literature and network with colleagues in real time.
“Normally, I would send maybe three or four staff people to the annual conference,” said Malcolm Pierson, director of parts operations for Westrux, an International truck dealer in California. “This year, we had 21 people from our operation take advantage of online education through Power Up. In a year where everyone’s been hit hard, this made a lot of sense.”
Available 24/7, Power Up allowed dealers to focus on their customers during the day and participate in training on their own schedule. More than 237,000 product information documents were downloaded in a single week, and 36,000 educational and speaker videos were viewed. Based on positive feedback and dealer requests, the online platform availability has been extended through August, allowing participants the ability to continue to review materials or train new employees.
“Navistar Parts has worked to become a leader in best use of technologies and already has an online presence on Twitter and YouTube,” said Seegebrecht. “We’ve seen suppliers and dealers embrace this new technology as a way to connect more efficiently to do business.”
Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV - News) is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates produce International® brand commercial and military trucks, MaxxForce® brand diesel engines, IC BusTM brand school and commercial buses, the Monaco®, Holiday Rambler®, Safari®, Beaver®, McKenzieTM and R-Vision® brand RVs, and Workhorse® brand chassis for motor homes and step vans. It also is a private-label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. The company also provides truck and diesel engine service parts. Another affiliate offers financing services. Additional information is available at www.Navistar.com/newsroom.
Contact:
Navistar International Corporation
Media Contact:
Laura McGowan, 630-863-8709
Kim Speciale, 630-753-6082
or
Investor Contact:
Heather Kos, 630-753-2406
Web site: www.Navistar.com/newsroom

ComCam Announces New Addition to Management

WEST CHESTER, Pa., June 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ComCam International, Inc. (Pink Sheets: CMCJ - News) is pleased to announce that Pete Ianace has been appointed to the new position of President of ComCam effective June 1, 2009.
Pete Ianace, a recognized video technology innovator and seasoned corporate executive, brings more than 35 years of experience building successful technology business units, sales channels and companies. His experience spans companies in aerospace, defense contracting, telecommunications, and Web 2.0, both private and public, for whom he has negotiated large contracts with US, European and Asian clients. In the last 15 years, Mr. Ianace has successfully built several VOIP and IP video technology companies, including the fiber-optic networking division of Intelect Communications. Earlier in his career, he served in a variety of senior management positions at IBM, AT&T, and Northern Telecom, including President of PacTel Meridian Systems, a joint venture between Nortel and PacTel. Mr. Ianace is the author of several articles in trade publications on Internet telephony and the role of video in emergency response.
ComCam chairman, founder and CEO Don Gilbreath welcomed Mr. Ianace to the company: "Pete is known in the industry for his success in driving technology-based companies to the next level. I believe that his involvement in management will leverage the market's gratifying acceptance of our solutions with a business model based on consistent growth and market penetration. ComCam is fortunate to have attracted Pete as we move forward with our unique wireless command and control solutions to take advantage of immediate opportunities in the homeland security market."
Mr. Ianace commented that "ComCam has developed a compelling set of solutions that are ideally suited to play a pivotal role in keeping America safe. The combination of excellent references in the homeland security market and strong marketing partnerships with the likes of Motorola and DRS Technologies positions ComCam to build a strong revenue stream over the next 12 months. I am excited to be joining Don as we team up to make ComCam a recognized, profitable player in this industry."
ComCam develops network video command-and-control products, and provides solutions and technical services to U.S. government agencies, Fortune 500 companies, research facilities, original equipment manufacturers, systems integrators and dealers worldwide. http://www.comcam.net
Video of Pete Ianace speaking about ComCam: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwzfR5ArwRM
A number of statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. A safe-harbor provision may not be applicable to the forward-looking statements made in this press release. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including timely development, market acceptance of products and technologies, competitive market conditions, successful integration of acquisitions and the ability to secure additional sources of financing. The actual results that ComCam may achieve could differ materially from any forward-looking statements due to such risks and uncertainties. ComCam encourages the public to read the information provided here in conjunction with its most recent filings on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. ComCam's public filings may be viewed at http://www.sec.gov.
Contact:
Susan Schoch
Small Cap Network - New York, NY
susan@smallcapnetwork.us
(212) 717-8720

Magal Recently Awarded US$ 8.5 Million in Orders

YAHUD, Israel, June 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Magal Security Systems, Ltd. (NASDAQ GMS: MAGS, TASE: MAGS) announced today that during May 2009, it was awarded a total of approximately US$ 8.5 million in purchase orders to protect two airports and several nuclear power stations in South East Asia, to reconstruct a border in Israel and to extend an existing airport project in Eastern Europe. Most of the orders are expected to be completed during 2009.
The first turnkey project is the extension of an airport Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS) in Eastern Europe for US$ 1.6 million and it includes infrastructure, a Taut Wire barrier as well as Command and Control System. The second project is the reconstruction of a border protection solution in Israel for US$ 4.6 million. The third order is for various nuclear power station sites in South East Asia, and will incorporate a Volumetric Intrusion Detection System for US$ 1.3 million. The fourth order is for the protection of two airports in South East Asia, which will incorporate a variety of intrusion detection solutions including Taut Wire and Vibration Sensors for US$ 1.0 million.
Yoav Stern, Acting President & CEO, commented: "Magal is in the midst of a transition. While we still believe there are some challenging times ahead, these latest additions to our backlog of signed orders and contracts, is actually making it one of the largest in our company's history. This represents a ray of optimism and confidence that an improvement is to be expected in the not too distant future."
About Magal Security Systems Ltd.:
Magal S3i is a leading international solution provider, in the business of Security, Safety, Site Management and Intelligence analysis.
Based on 35 years of experience and interaction with customers, the company has developed a unique set of solutions and products optimized for perimeter, outdoor and general security applications. Magal S3i's turnkey solutions are typically integrated and managed by a single sophisticated modular command and control software, supported by expert systems for real-time decision support.
Magal S3i's broad portfolio of critical infrastructure and site protection management technologies includes a variety of smart barriers and fences, fence mounted detectors, virtual gates, buried and concealed detection systems as well as a sophisticated protection package for sub-surface intrusion.
A world innovator in the development of CCTV, IVA and motion detection technology for outdoor operation, Magal S3i has successfully installed customized solutions and products in more than 75 countries worldwide.
This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Such statements are based on assumptions and expectations which may not be realized and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which cannot be predicted with accuracy and some of which might not even be anticipated. Future events and actual results, financial and otherwise, may differ from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. A number of these risks and other factors that might cause differences, some of which could be material, along with additional discussion of forward-looking statements, are set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
For more information:
Magal Security Systems Ltd.
Yoav Stern, Acting President & CEO
Tel: +972-3-539-1421
Cell: +972-54-311-3110
Assistant: Ms. Elisheva Almog
E-mail: elisheva@magal-ssl.com
Web: http://www.magal-ssl.com
GK Investor Relations
Ehud Helft/Kenny Green
Tel: (US) +1-646-201-9246
Int'l dial: +972-3-607-4717
E-mail: info@gkir.com

UPDATE 1-Turkey's Tusas says to modernise Pakistan's F-16s

*Says deal worth around $75 million
* Project to start in Oct 2010, take 46 months
ANKARA, June 29 (Reuters) - Turkish defence company Tusas said on Monday it would modernise 42 of Pakistan's F-16 jet fleet in a deal it said would be worth around $75 million.
The project will begin in Oct 2010 in Tusas facilities and will take 46 months, the company said in a written statement sent to Reuters.
Tusas has modernised Jordan's F-16 fighters in a deal signed in 2006.
NATO member Turkey and Pakistan have close military and strategic ties.
Tusas signed a $500 million agreement with Airbus (EAD.PA) to produce parts for A350 planes. (Reporting by Zerin Elci; Editing by Hans Peters)

UPDATE 1-Cobham and Northrop win $2.4 bln U.S. Army deal

* Deal worth up to a maximum of $2.4 billion
* To deliver up to 2,000 systems per month
* Technology allows battlefield communications
LONDON, June 29 (Reuters) - British defence electronics company Cobham (COB.L) said on Monday that its joint venture with Northrop Grumman (NOC.N) had been awarded a contract to provide battlefield communications equipment to the U.S. Army. The ten-year deal to supply its VIS-X system allowing communication between vehicles on the battlefield is worth up to $2.4 billion of which Cobham's share will be 50 percent, the British company said in a statement.
The companies can only give a maximum value for the deal because the so-called "indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity" contract requires Cobham and Northrop only to have enough capacity to deliver a certain number of devices but does not guarantee the size of future orders.
The deal, which starts in 2010 and runs for 10 years, requires the firms to be able to deliver up to 500 systems a month in the first year and 2,000 systems per month in subsequent years.
"Securing the VIS-X contract is fantastic news. It has been a major focus for us and our partners this year," Cobham Chief Executive Allan Cook said in a statement.
"VIS-X will allow soldiers and other vehicle mounted troops to communicate faster, safer and more securely with greater understanding of the operational situation during the most demanding missions."
The equipment will be used by soldiers in vehicles such as the Humvee and Abrams and Bradley tanks. Cobham and Northrop, which have been working together for 15 years, already supply the U.S. military's existing VIC-3 communication system.
(Reporting by Paul Hoskins, editing by Matt Scuffham)

EADS has no plan to sell Dassault stake - report

PARIS, June 29 (Reuters) - European aerospace group EADS EADS.PA has no plan to sell either all or part of its stake in French planemaker Dassault Aviation (AVMD.PA), a senior EADS executive was quoted as saying in a report published on Sunday.
Marwan Lahoud, director of strategy and marketing at the Airbus parent company, said Dassault's arrival as a key shareholder in electronics maker Thales (TCFP.PA), an EADS competitor, did not affect the EADS stake in Dassault.
"There is no plan to sell our 46 percent stake in Dassault, either totally or partially," Lahoud was quoted as saying by business newspaper La Tribune in an interview sent to media on Sunday and due to be published in the paper on Monday.
EADS inherited its stake in Dassault from the state company that helped found EADS in 2000.
An approach by EADS to try to make an offer for Thales was rebuffed by the French government last year and EADS CEO Louis Gallois has resigned from the Dassault board.

UPDATE 1-Senior sees H1 profitibality in line with its view

* Says continues to trade satisfactorily
* Net debt down significantly more than expected
* Sees to benefit from new aircraft programmes
June 29 (Reuters) - British engineer Senior Plc (SNR.L) said on Monday it continued to trade satisfactorily with profitability in line with its expectations for the first half of 2009.
Strong cash generation and currency benefits have helped the company to reduce its net debt significantly more than anticipated in the six months to June 30, Senior, which makes aerospace and automotive components, said.
The company said its customers Boeing (BA.N) and Airbus (EAD.PA) had seven-year order books but for the first five months of the year they reported a combined net order in-take of only 21 aircraft, as there were 76 cancellations.
However, Senior said it was strongly cash generative and financed for the longer-term.
"Whilst the group's end markets are expected to remain challenging for the foreseeable future, Senior is gaining market share... and can look forward to significant future organic growth from new aircraft programmes such as Boeing 787 and Joint Strike Fighter," it said in a statement.
The company saw a modest improvement in production of land vehicles outside of North America and a further weakening of the business jet market in the second quarter
The bankruptcy of General Motors (GMGMQ.PK) and Chrysler in the period had little effect on the group, Senior said.
Senior, which had cut 19 percent jobs since September-end in light of weak land vehicle and business jets markets, said it did not expect to cut any further jobs this year.
Shares of Senior closed at 34 pence on Friday on the London Stock Exchange. (Reporting by Shivani Singh in Bangalore; Editing by Gopakumar Warrier)

Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Helps Boost Satellite Monitoring Severe Weather Into Space

CANOGA PARK, Calif., June 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Two Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engines helped boost the second in a series of NASA/NOAA Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites, designated GOES-O, into orbit from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., yesterday, to help scientists monitor severe weather that leads to tornadoes, flashfloods and hurricanes. Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX - News) company, powered a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket with a RS-68 engine and an upper stage RL10B-2 engine. This was the 722nd launch of a Delta vehicle using Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne's engine power.
GOES-O was developed by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and is equipped with an advanced attitude control system that provides enhanced image resolution and navigation to better locate severe storms and other weather conditions. GOES-O is the second spacecraft to be launched in the GOES-N-P series of geostationary environmental weather satellites, which orbit at the same speed as the Earth's rotation. Being geostationary allows the GOES to stay above a fixed point 22,300 miles above the Earth's surface and provides constant monitoring of atmospheric conditions that can trigger tornadoes, flash floods and hurricanes.
"An early warning system is absolutely critical when dealing with unpredictable weather patterns that can impact so many people," said Craig Stoker, RS-68 program manager, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. "Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne is assisting in the process of providing improved tracking and predictive capabilities associated with atmospheric conditions that can trigger severe weather conditions."
The upper-stage RL10B-2 helped place the satellite into orbit. "When you are dealing with severe weather such as tornadoes, flashfloods and hurricanes, you need a reliable system that can identify the weather systems early," said Christine Cooley, RL10 program manager, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. "We are proud to provide the upper stage propulsion enabling the placement of this satellite into orbit."
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc., a part of Pratt & Whitney, is a preferred provider of high-value propulsion, power, energy and innovative system solutions used in a wide variety of government and commercial applications, including the main engines for the space shuttle, Atlas and Delta launch vehicles, missile defense systems and advanced hypersonic engines.
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and commercial building industries.

United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches NASA/NOAA Weather Satellite

CAPE CANAVERAL AFS, Fla., June 28 /PRNewswire/ -- United Launch Alliance, on behalf of Boeing Launch Services, successfully launched the second of three next-generation Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) for NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The satellite, designated GOES-O, was launched aboard a Delta IV expendable launch vehicle from Space Launch Complex-37, Saturday, at 6:51 p.m., EDT. The first GOES satellite in the series, designated GOES-N, was launched here on May 24, 2006. This was the 8th ULA launch of 2009.
Following a nominal four hour, 21-minute flight, the Delta IV deployed the spacecraft. The multi-mission GOES series of satellites will provide NOAA and NASA scientists with data to support weather, solar and space operations, and will enable future science improvements in weather prediction and remote sensing. Additionally, GOES-O will provide data on global climate changes and capability for search and rescue.
"ULA congratulates Boeing and its NASA and NOAA customers for the successful launch of GOES-O, which will improve weather forecasting across the globe," said Jim Sponnick, ULA vice president, Delta Product Line. "Millions of people a year are adversely affected by weather ranging from localized thunderstorms to tornados and hurricanes. GOES-O will significantly improve the data collection scientists need to learn more about our planet's weather and will better prepare people all over the world for significant weather events."
The Delta IV Medium+ (4,2) configuration launch vehicle used a single common booster core with a Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RS-68 main engine, two Alliant Techsystems GEM 60 solid rocket motors, a PWR RL10B-2 upper stage engine and a four-meter diameter upper stage and composite payload fairing. The GOES-O launch marked the fourth flight of the Delta IV medium+ (4,2) configuration and the 10th flight of the Delta IV family of launch vehicles.
ULA's next launch, currently scheduled for no earlier than Aug. 12, is the PAN mission for the Department of Defense aboard an Atlas V from Space Launch Complex-41 at CCAFS.
ULA program management, engineering, test and mission support functions are headquartered in Denver, Colo. Manufacturing, assembly and integration operations are located at Denver, Colo.; Decatur, Ala.; Harlingen, Texas; and San Diego, Calif. Launch operations are located at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., and Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
For more information on the ULA joint venture, visit the ULA Website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321).

Amnesty: Iran journalists should be freed

TEHRAN, June 27 (UPI) -- Dozens of journalists
imprisoned in Iran since June 12 are at risk of being tortured in in jail, Amnesty International says.
The group said in a release Friday that it has designated the jailed journalists as prisoners of conscience.
"It is shocking that journalists -- whose job it is to provide information to others -- are being detained, on top of all the other draconian measures the authorities have taken to restrict the free flow of information about what is really happening in Iran," Amnesty's statement said. "Rather than trying to investigate alleged abuses, the only message the authorities are sending is that they are seeking to hide the truth, both from their own citizens and the rest of the world."
Amnesty says dozens of journalists, some who also campaigned for opposition presidential candidates Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, have been detained for two weeks with their whereabouts mostly unknown.
In one example, Amnesty said around 20 of 25 employees
of the newspaper Kalameh Sabz arrested at their office June 22 and are still being held at an unknown location. Kalameh Sabz is a newspaper established by Mousavi this year. It has not been published since June 14.

Air France body search called off

RIO DE JANEIRO, June 27 (UPI) -- It is unlikely more bodies will be found from the crash of Air France Flight 447, so further searching has been called off, Brazilian officials said.
The country's military announced late Friday it has suspended searches in the Atlantic Ocean where wreckage of from Flight 447 was spotted last week, CNN reported.
Military investigators say they have found 51 of the doomed flight's 228 passengers and have recovered more than 600 parts and components of the aircraft. CNN reported the bodies were given to Brazilian authorities to be identified, while debris from the airplane has been handed over to French aviation officials.
The U.S. broadcaster quoted Brazilian military officials saying ships will stay in the area in a bid to discover the plane's missing flight data recorders.

Anti-immigrant militia faces slay charges

ARIVACA, Ariz., June 27 (UPI) -- Three people described as U.S. border vigilante militia members have been charged with killing a man and his 10-year-old daughter in Arizona, officials say.
Jailed in Pima County, Ariz., on first-degree murder charges are Minutemen American Defense leader Shawna Forde, 41, and two other militia members, Jason E. Bush, 34, and Albert R. Gaxiola, 42. Prosecutors allege they entered the home of a suspected drug dealer, killing him and his daughter while looking for drug money to finance their vigilante operations, The New York Times reported Saturday.
Former militia member Merrill Metzger, Forde's half-brother, told the Times she had developed a plan to rob drug dealers to finance an underground militia set up to use violence against illegal immigrants entering the country from Mexico.
"I had to take an oath, and part of the oath was that I couldn't eat Mexican food," Metzger said. "That's when red flags went up all over for me. That seemed like prejudice."
Another former Minuteman told the newspaper he and Forde went on immigrant "hunting" excursions wearing camouflage and carrying handguns and rifles.
The newspaper said attorneys for the militia members did not respond to calls for comment.

Ulster loyalists destroy arsenals

BELFAST, Northern Ireland, June 27 (UPI) -- Three Ulster loyalist paramilitaries say they are decommissioning their weapons at the behest of an independent Northern Ireland commission.
Two of them, Ulster Volunteer Force and the Red Hand Commando, thought to be responsible for the deaths of almost 1,000 Catholics during "the Troubles," confirmed Friday they had destroyed their arsenals in moves overseen by the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning, led by General John de Chastelain, The Daily Telegraph reported.
De Chastelain also oversaw the decommissioning of the Irish Republican Army's arsenal of guns, ammunition and explosives four years ago, the newspaper said.
A statement issued by the UDA's leaders said: "The dark days are now behind us and it is time to move on. There is no place for guns and violence in the new society we are building. It is time to work for a better future."
A third loyalist paramilitary, the Ulster
Defense Association, said it has also started to destroy its arsenal, the Telegraph said.

Ahmadinejad faces post-protest troubles

TEHRAN, June 27 (UPI) -- The troubles for Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad may not be over even though street protests have been effectively silenced, analysts say.
With opposition leaders saying they will no longer stage rallies without the permission of the government, the direct threat to Ahmadinejad from bloody civil disturbances appears to have passed. But the president's foes have been emboldened by the Tehran protests and his road to second term may be rough one, The New York Times reported Saturday.
"There has been too much violence to forget about it," said an expatriate Iranian analyst whom the Times did not identify because he has relatives in Iran and is afraid of reprisals against them.
"There are quite a few people sitting on the fence watching to see which way the wind will blow," added Ali Ansari, a professor of Iranian history at St. Andrews University in Scotland.
The newspaper said Ahmadinejad's legitimacy may rest with a third Iranian interest group situated halfway between his camp and that of opposition leader Mir Hussein Mousavi: Pragmatic military and security figures who have competed with Ahmadinejad but are believed to remain close to his chief backer, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Britain celebrates Armed Forces Day

LONDON , June 27 (UPI) -- Britain celebrated Armed Forces Day Saturday, with thousands of people attending events honoring troops across the country, observers say.
Troops serving in Afghanistan raised flags in a series of events, while around 30,000 residents, veterans and current members of the armed services gathered at an Armed Forces Day event at the historic dockyard in Chatham, Kent, The Daily Telegraph reported.
The newspaper said a parade of 450 veterans and 200 current military personnel, led by the Royal Marines band, was set for Chatham, where the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were said to be in attendance.
Queen Elizabeth, meanwhile, was expected to attend Armed Forces Day events in Edinburgh where she was scheduled to give campaign medals to the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards as the regiment's Colonel-in-Chief, the Telegraph said.
Armed Forces Day is a chance for civilians "to register the deep and enduring gratitude that we as a nation have for all those who have served their country," the Queen said.

N. Korea: Will shoot down Japan spy planes

PYONGYANG, North Korea, June 27 (UPI) -- Any Japanese aircraft entering North Korean airspace will be shot down, Pyongyang warned Saturday.
The North Korean military accused Japan this week of conducting spying missions and warned that it would "not tolerate even a bit" of what it calls aerial reconnaissance by Tokyo, the South Korean news agency Yonhap reported.
A report carried by the official Korean Central News Agency said, "The air force of the Korean People's Army will not tolerate even a bit the aerial espionage by the warmongers of the Japanese aggression forces but mercilessly shoot down any plane intruding into the territorial air of the DPRK (North Korea) even 0.001 millimeter."
Pyongyang said a Japanese E-767 passed over Musudan, the site used for North Korea's long-range rocket launch in April, on Thursday, adding that a Japanese surveillance aircraft had also conducted an aerial espionage mission a day earlier.
Yonhap said analysts believe North Korea may be preparing to test launch another long-range missile.

U.S. KC-10 tanker upkeep contract delayed to Sept

* Contract award initially due in June 2008
* Value estimated at $2.5 billion
WASHINGTON, June 26 (Reuters) - The U.S. Air Force said on Friday it does not plan to award a major contract for maintenance of its KC-10 refueling tankers until Sept. 30, a further delay of several months. Industry executives had expected an announcement sometime this month or next in the competition between Boeing Co (BA.N) and Northrop Grumman Corp (NOC.N) (NOC.N) to service the large refueling aircraft.
Analysts value the deal at around $2.5 billion.
The Air Force had initially planned to award a contract in June 2008, after the companies submitted bids in late 2007.
But the contract award was delayed because all contractors submitted "insufficient cost and pricing data," said Air Force spokeswoman Lieutenant Colonel Linda Pepin.
As a result, the Air Force contracting officer sought help from the Pentagon's Defense Contract Audit Agency, which recommended a full audit of all vendors, Pepin said.
It was not immediately clear if other companies besides Boeing and Northrop bid for the work.
Pepin said the Air Force issued a contract extension to Boeing, which holds the current contract, in January 2008, to cover maintenance of the planes until a new contract could be awarded. It included several four-month extension options, and the final one would carry the program through January 2010, Pepin said.
Northrop spokesman Randy Belote said his company had not been notified about the rescheduling of the contract award.
"Northrop Grumman submitted a best-value proposal in good faith and we look forward to winning the contract and working closely with the Air Force to supply support for this vital capability," he said.
Boeing spokesman Scott Day said the company had provided support for the KC-10s for over a decade, achieving a "100-percent, on-time delivery rate."
"We believe our... proposal is strong and that what sets Boeing apart is customer satisfaction, solid and consistent performance and a proven ability to ensure aircraft availability and readiness to the warfighter," he said. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal-Esa; Editing by Tim Dobbyn)