Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Raytheon Delivers 1000th Evolved SeaSparrow Missile

EAST CAMDEN, Ark., Aug. 25, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN - News) delivered the 1000th Evolved SeaSparrow Missile to a multinational consortium during a ceremony at the Raytheon Missile Systems Weapon Integration Center - Camden. Deployed by the U.S. Navy and nine international fleets, ESSM defends the battlespace by delivering ship self-defense firepower against high-G maneuvering anti-ship cruise missiles as well as surface and low-velocity air threats.
"ESSM's increased speed coupled with its improved guidance system allows for engagements at extended ranges," said Capt. Mike Anderson, the U.S. Navy's ESSM project manager. "The hallmarks of the missile are its international design, combat system flexibility and performance edge."
As a tail-controlled missile, ESSM utilizes recent enhancements to its guidance system to take advantage of improved seeker sensitivity, increased propulsion and greater weapon accuracy. Combined, these features result in ESSM arriving at the intercept point with more endgame speed and agility to counter the threat.
"Raytheon leads an international team of 18 world-class companies in developing and producing ESSM," said Ed Roesly, Raytheon's ESSM program director. "Our team develops the industrial bases of all participating countries, uses the expertise and technological skills of each participant and provides every country with a return on investment."
Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 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 87 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 73,000 people worldwide.
Contact:
John Eagles
502.364.6768 - office
502.727.9391 - mobile

U.S. Navy Contractor Cuts Costs and Improves Collaboration With Serena Software's Lean BPM Solution

Advanced Acoustic Concepts Uses Serena Business Mashups to Speed Time to Market by 80 Percent and Run Compliance Reports with Just One Keystroke
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Aug. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- The business of submarine technology is constantly evolving and Advanced Acoustic Concepts (AAC) must stay steps ahead in its role as a lead contractor for the U.S. Navy Surface Ship Torpedo Defense program. With its workforce spread across the country, AAC needed to consolidate multiple departmental tools into a single application while improving collaboration and minimizing miscommunication.
Serena's Lean Business Process Management (BPM) solution allowed AAC to control the cost and efficiency of its software development resources and ease the burden of frequent ISO and CMMI recertification. Serena helps AAC better manage software development, hardware operations, contract management, program management and purchasing.
AAC has been able to:
Bring new software applications to market 80 percent faster.
Boost efficiency 50 percent through better collaboration from beginning to end.
Set auto-alerts to notify the right people of calibration deadlines.
Ensure compliance through automatic tracking of contracts and proposals.
See what's really going on across the infrastructure, on the micro and macro levels.
For more information on how Advanced Acoustic Concepts has realigned its IT and business processes for innovative collaboration and development, read the case study here.
About Serena Software, Inc.
Serena is a privately owned company, headquartered in Redwood City, California, with 29 offices in 14 countries and more than 800 employees. Serena provides software on premise and on demand to over 15,000 customers including 96 of the Fortune 100. Serena enables teams of programmers to become more efficient by standardizing and automating development processes across both mainframe and distributed environments. Serena enables IT business analysts and power users to improve productivity with a new generation of Web 2.0 tools to build Business Mashups. Serena Business Mashups can be used to automate common, everyday processes; they are visual and do not require coding. Serena also enables IT executives to gain visibility into their projects, resources and costs - CIOs should have access to the same quality of information about IT as the CFO has about Finance. For more information on Serena, visit http://www.serena.com.
Serena is a registered trademark of Serena Software, Inc. All other product or company names may be trademarks of their respective owners, and their use is intended for identification purposes only and not in association with or as sponsorship or endorsement by such owners. Copyright © 2009 Serena Software, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

MicroWave Technology Inc. Wins Major Contract From BAE Systems

FREMONT, Calif.--On Tuesday August 25, 2009, 8:30 am EDT (BUSINESS WIRE)--MicroWave Technology Inc. (MwT), a wholly owned subsidiary of IXYS Corporation (NASDAQ:IXYS - News), announced that it has been awarded a contract from BAE Systems with a total amount of over $2.5 million. The contract consists of supplying a large volume of custom connected microwave amplifiers with military electrical specifications and high reliability requirements.
“We are pleased to be selected as a key supplier for a major military program by a first tier defense system company like BAE Systems,” commented Dr. Greg Zhou, General Manager of MwT. “This contract award demonstrates the recognition of our outstanding technical and manufacturing capabilities, quality system and cost competitiveness in our business sectors.”
MwT has been a supplier to the military and defense industry for the past 25 years. MwT manufactures high performance and high quality microwave semiconductor devices, MMIC products, modules, and subsystems for wireless communication infrastructure, defense, industrial and medical equipment applications. Please visit MwT website www.mwtinc.com or call Don Apte, Director of Sales and Marketing at 510-651-6700 for detailed information on MwT products.
About IXYS Corporation
Since its inception in 1983, IXYS Corporation has been developing technology-driven products to improve power conversion efficiency, generate solar and wind power and provide efficient motor control for industrial applications. IXYS and its subsidiary companies offer a diversified product base that addresses worldwide needs for power control, electrical efficiencies, renewable energy, telecommunications, medical devices, flexible displays and RF power.
Safe Harbor Statement
Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the results of IXYS to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including its Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2009. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements.

SAIC to Support U.S. Military Training Mission to Saudi Arabia

SAN DIEGO and MCLEAN, Va., Aug. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Science Applications International Corporation (NYSE: SAI - News) today announced it has been awarded a prime contract by the U.S. Military Training Mission (USMTM) to support the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces (SAAF) by establishing a Saudi War College (SWC) that meets educational and administrative standards of US War Colleges. The contract has a one year base period of performance, three one-year options and a contract value of more than $11 million if all options are exercised. Work will be performed primarily in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The USMTM to Saudi Arabia is a joint training mission and functional component command under the military command of the U.S. Central Command. The USMTM advises and assists the SAAF through security assistance efforts by developing, training and sustaining capable deterrent and self-defense forces for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in order to facilitate regional security. Under the contract, SAIC will help establish an SWC to assist in preparing and educating Saudi leaders to face domestic and global challenges. SAIC will help establish a state-of-the-art educational institution, and develop and implement a flexible curriculum that will enable the SWC to adapt to future Saudi mission requirements. SAIC will also recruit, hire, and retain fully qualified Saudi instructors, develop and implement a quality assurance plan, and establish a career and mentoring program for SWC instructors.
"SAIC is honored to support the SAAF by helping establish a world-class SWC. We believe that SAAF, teamed with SAIC, has the prerequisites for creating a prestigious military institution for the education of strategic leaders," said Charles Zang, SAIC senior vice president and business unit general manager.
About SAIC
SAIC is a FORTUNE 500(® )scientific, engineering, and technology applications company that uses its deep domain knowledge to solve problems of vital importance to the nation and the world, in national security, energy and the environment, critical infrastructure, and health. The company's approximately 45,000 employees serve customers in the U.S. Department of Defense, the intelligence community, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, other U.S. Government civil agencies and selected commercial markets. SAIC had annual revenues of $10.1 billion for its fiscal year ended January 31, 2009. For more information, visit www.saic.com.
SAIC: From Science to Solutions(®)
Statements in this announcement, other than historical data and information, constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be very different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in SAIC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended January 31, 2009, and other such filings that SAIC makes with the SEC from time to time. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Oshkosh Defense Brings History of Collaboration With U.S. Army to FMTV Competitive Rebuy Bid

On Friday August 21, 2009, 9:00 am EDT
OSHKOSH, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As a manufacturer and supplier of Department of Defense (DoD) tactical wheeled vehicles for more than four decades, Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK - News), brings a successful and celebrated history of collaboration with the U.S. Army to its bid for the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) competitive rebuy.
From the vehicle design stage to in-theater support, Oshkosh Defense has proven its ability to deliver and support the Army’s Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles (FHTV). During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Oshkosh Defense received a certificate of appreciation from the Army’s 7th Transportation Group for FHTV armor installation that was “instrumental” in protecting soldiers and their equipment, and for providing technical assistance and warranty support. The company received similar recognition from the Army’s 336th Transportation Group for support that had a “profound survivability effect” on the group’s operation.
“Oshkosh Defense is renowned as being a premier supplier of tactical and armored wheeled vehicles for the U.S. Army,” said Andy Hove, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Defense. “We are committed to being responsive to our customer’s needs and building on successful relationships to ensure we provide the best vehicles, support and value for the U.S. Armed Forces, including the FMTV program.”
Oshkosh was the first and only truck manufacturer to be honored with the Department of Defense’s David Packard Acquisition Excellence Award for its work on the Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) program as a part of a team effort with the Tank-automotive and Armaments Command Life Cycle Management Command and the U.S. Marine Corps. Oshkosh also received recognition from the Army’s product manager for Heavy Tactical Vehicles and the 2nd Squadron of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment for its aftermarket support during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The company also received the Defense Logistics Agency’s (DLA) 2005 Innovative Business Performer of the Year for its ability to embrace innovation and adapt to the agency’s ever-increasing demands to support the customer.
Another area of recognition is the National Freedom Award, given to the company by the DoD in 2008 for its outstanding Employer’s Support of the Guard and Reserve. A number of Oshkosh employees, from factory workers to office employees, are either current or former members of the National Guard or Reserve forces, including members who have been deployed in support of the current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as homeland relief missions such as Hurricane Katrina. This national award recognized Oshkosh for its critical support of these employees before, during and after their important duties and sacrifices for our nation.
These are just some examples of the celebrated and successful relationship Oshkosh has built with the U.S. military, and they are the result of the company’s dedication to customer satisfaction. In addition to delivering more than 30,000 high-performance FHTV vehicles to the Army, Oshkosh worked with the military to erect nearly 300,000 square feet of facility space in Iraq and Afghanistan to up-armor the Army’s vehicles, including the FMTV. Oshkosh continues to use its Kuwait facility to refurbish heavily worn or battle-damaged vehicles, resulting in shorter vehicle downtime and reduced costs for the Army.
The FMTV program is a five-year, multibillion-dollar contract award for the production of an estimated 23,000 vehicles and trailers for the Army. Oshkosh Defense is the only current manufacturer of medium and heavy tactical wheeled vehicles in the U.S. defense industry, having produced more than 67,000 military class vehicles in its manufacturing facilities. The company’s use of an advanced integrated assembly line has allowed for the simultaneous production of up to 10 vehicle models with 29 variations.
About Oshkosh Defense
Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, is an industry-leading global designer and manufacturer of tactical military trucks and armored wheeled vehicles, delivering a full product line of conventional and hybrid vehicles, advanced armor options, proprietary suspensions and vehicles with payloads that can exceed 70 tons. Oshkosh Defense provides a global service and supply network including full life-cycle support and remanufacturing, and its vehicles are recognized the world over for superior performance, reliability and protection. For more information, visit http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=AgELj4.wka1KMyz.YNl0gyTjba9_;_ylu=X3oDMTE2Ym01ZWhnBHBvcwMxBHNlYwNuZXdzQXJ0Qm9keQRzbGsDd3d3b3Noa29zaGRl/SIG=15c9hoiuk/**http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oshkoshdefense.com&esheet=6034082&lan=en_US&anchor=www.oshkoshdefense.com&index=1.
About Oshkosh Corporation
Oshkosh Corporation is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency and military vehicles and vehicle bodies. Oshkosh Corp. manufactures, distributes and services products under the brands of Oshkosh®, JLG®, Pierce®, McNeilus®, Medtec®, Jerr-Dan®, BAI™, Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles, Frontline™, SMIT™, CON-E-CO®, London® and IMT®. Oshkosh products are valued worldwide in businesses where high quality, superior performance, rugged reliability and long-term value are paramount. For more information, log on to http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=Ag6paBCIDyQerxZxlgMJBxDjba9_;_ylu=X3oDMTE2djhmaXA0BHBvcwMyBHNlYwNuZXdzQXJ0Qm9keQRzbGsDd3d3b3Noa29zaGNv/SIG=15kvunh2m/**http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oshkoshcorporation.com&esheet=6034082&lan=en_US&anchor=www.oshkoshcorporation.com&index=2.
®, ™ All brand names referred to in this news release are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains statements that the Company believes to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s future financial position, business strategy, targets, projected sales, costs, earnings, capital expenditures, debt levels and cash flows, and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “should,” “project” or “plan” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include the consequences of financial leverage associated with the JLG acquisition, including the level of the Company’s borrowing costs, the increased interest rates the Company would face if it experienced a deterioration or downgrade in credit agency ratings and the Company’s ability to maintain compliance with its financial covenants under its credit agreement; the cyclical nature of the Company’s access equipment, commercial and fire & emergency markets, especially during a global recession and credit crisis; the duration of the global recession, which could lead to additional impairment charges related to many of the Company’s intangible assets; risks related to the required rapid increase in the rate of production for the M-ATV contract and the amount, if any, of additional orders for M-ATVs that the Company may receive; the expected level and timing of U.S. Department of Defense procurement of products and services and funding thereof; risks related to reductions in government expenditures and the uncertainty of government contracts; risks related to production delays as a result of the economy’s impact on the Company’s suppliers; the potential for commodity costs to rise sharply in a future economic recovery; risks associated with international operations and sales, including foreign currency fluctuations; risks related to the collectability of receivables during a recession, particularly for those businesses with exposure to construction markets; and the potential for increased costs relating to compliance with changes in laws and regulations. Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company assumes no obligation, and disclaims any duty, to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Airbus wins 140 aircraft orders in Jan-July

* 140 gross aircraft orders in January-July
* 118 net aircraft orders in January-July
* 288 aircraft deliveries in January-July

PARIS, Aug 7 (Reuters) - Airbus won 140 aircraft orders in the first seven months of the year, boosted by a deal for 50 A320 planes from low-cost carrier Wizz announced at June's Paris Air Show and confirmed in July, the European planemaker said. Airbus's airline customers cancelled orders for 22 aircraft during the period from January to July, including for five A350s, the plane it is developing to take on rival Boeing's (BA.N) 787 Dreamliner. Net orders totalled 118.
The planemaker, owned by European aerospace and defence group EADS (EAD.PA), said it had delivered 288 aircraft by July 31, including three A380 superjumbos to Singapore Airlines (SIAL.SI) and a fourth to Emirates [EMAIR.UL].
Airbus has said it hopes to at least match the record number of deliveries achieved last year of 483 aircraft and has pledged to deliver 10 more A380s this year. Airlines pay the bulk of the cost of new planes on delivery.
However, it has predicted a plunge in gross orders to up to 300 this year as airlines struggle with the economic downturn and a drop in air travel. Airbus had 900 gross orders and 777 net orders after cancellations last year.
Shares in EADS were 0.67 percent lower at 13.25 euros by 0918 GMT, compared with a 0.79 percent drop on the French benchmark CAC 40 index .FCHI. (Reporting by James Regan, editing by Will Waterman)

Friday, July 3, 2009

F-35 Radar's Electronic Protection Capabilities Validated During Northern Edge 2009 Exercise

LINTHICUM, Md., July 3, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC - News) has announced that it successfully demonstrated key electronic protection capabilities of the F-35 Lightning II's AN/APG-81 radar during the recent Northern Edge 2009 (NE09) joint military exercise. The Northrop Grumman AN/APG-81 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar was flown on board the company's BAC 1-11 test aircraft and was integrated into what is considered the United States' largest and most complex airborne electronic warfare (EW) exercise to date. Northrop Grumman demonstrated the electronic protection (EP) capabilities of the AN/APG-81, by successfully countering advanced electronic attacks (EA), which are intended to degrade, neutralize, or destroy friendly combat capability.
"This event represents a major milestone in electronic protection testing for the AN/APG-81 in an operationally representative environment. We have been able to prove a number of EP capabilities years ahead of normal development timelines," said Teri Marconi, vice president of Combat Avionics for Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems sector. "The AN/APG-81 is the world's most advanced fighter fire control radar. It has extremely robust electronic warfare capabilities, and these tests validate years of laboratory testing versus a wide array of threat systems."
"The radar was subjected to a scale of scenarios that far exceeded typical developmental or operational test program requirements," said Pete Bartos, a former U.S. Navy F/A-18 operational test director and currently Northrop Grumman program manager for fifth-generation fighter requirements, improvements and derivatives. "In the past, typical EP testing consisted of a few sorties versus a single or maybe two jammers at once. This test was unique in that it included flights versus multiple types of advanced jammers on several aircraft formations at once."
The AN/APG-81 radar is currently undergoing integrated avionics flight testing aboard the Lockheed Martin Cooperative Avionics Test Bed (CATBird) aircraft, and is being installed in production F-35s on the aircraft assembly line in Fort Worth, Texas. The AN/APG-81 is designed and produced by Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector.
Northern Edge 2009 is a joint field training exercise incorporating over 9,000 warfighters supervised by the Joint Electronic Protection for Air Combat (JEPAC). NE09 provided an operationally representative training environment that integrated over a dozen types of U.S. fighter and bomber aircraft as well as an entire U.S. Navy carrier strike group. Large force air, land, and sea combat scenarios along with airborne interdiction of maritime target scenarios provided unparalleled opportunities for warfighters to 'train-as-they-fight' in a complex radio frequency environment.
Team members from JEPAC collaborated with the U.S. Air Force and Naval Warfare Centers as well as the military service research laboratories to present and integrate a realistic twenty-first century threat capabilities in NE09, effectively exposing over 700 aircrew service members to an unprecedented level of advanced electronic attack scenarios. This environment presented a rare and valuable opportunity to observe the performance of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter's APG-81 radar.
The JEPAC is one of ten test projects under the Office of the Secretary of Defense-sponsored Joint Test and Evaluation (JT&E) Program that develops joint tactics techniques and procedures to improve combat effectiveness through the use of electronic protection via timely integration of specific target track generating capabilities with tactical shooters during combat employment through the use of enhanced testing methodologies such as Northern Edge. The NE09 exercise is approved by the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS); scheduled by the Commander, United States Pacific Command (USPACOM); and sponsored by the Alaskan Command (ALCOM).
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.
Contact:
Paul C. Cabellon
Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems
(410) 765-7192

Research and Markets: General Dynamics Corporation-Competitive Benchmarking Analysis

On Friday July 3, 2009, 5:13 am EDT
DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/ca2e38/general_dynamics_c) has announced the addition of the "General Dynamics Corporation-Competitive Benchmarking Analysis" company profile to their offering.
General Dynamics Corporation is a defense conglomerate & the fifth largest defense contractor in the world as of 2008. The company has four main business segments: Marine Systems, Combat Systems, Information Systems & Technology and Aerospace. The company generated US$ 29.3 billion as revenues for 2008 & is headquartered at Falls Church, Virginia. The company has restructured markedly in the last two decades & the key events included sale of its famed F-16 production unit at Fort Worth to Lockheed & re-entry into the airframe business by acquisition of Gulfstream Aerospace.
This report brings to forefront a comprehensive competitive benchmarking analysis of the General Dynamic's business & presents an insightful perspective by stacking the company with key business competitors in the global aerospace & defence industry on key business performance matrices. The business competitors have been selected based on their relative size, scale of operations & compatibility of products & service offerings.
The report includes a comprehensive comparative analysis of the
Business Structure & Overview
Revenue Share by Business Segments
Comparative Employee Ranges by Business Segments
Shareholding Structure
Mapping Geographic Footprints
Competitive Positioning
Product Portfolio Analysis
Comparative Financial Performance Analysis
Key Financial Ratios
Analysis of Key Business Strategies & Plans
Comparative Analysis of Order Backlog Status
Comparative SWOT Analysis
The report can be used to analyze competitive positioning & strategy, corporate planning & to identify business trends & opportunities. The report will be useful for decision makers, top management of companies, Suppliers & Vendors, current & potential investors, industry & company analysts & those associated with the industry or the company.
The report is comprehensive yet concise; enabling & ensuring prompt and informed decision making.
Key Topics Covered:
1. Business Overview
2. Comparative Product Portfolio Analysis
3. Mapping Geographic Footprints
4. Competitive Positioning
5. Financial Benchmarking 2006-2009(Q1 Results)
6. Comparative Analysis of Key Financial Ratios
7. Comparative Stock Performance Analysis
8. Key Business Strategies & Plans (Additional strategies & plans available in the report)
9. Strategic Initiatives (There are more initiatives covered in the report)
10. Significant Business Developments (There are more developments covered in the report)
11. Order Backlog Status- Comparative Analysis
12. Comparative SWOT Analysis
13. Key Issues, Risk Factors & Industry Trends
Companies Mentioned:
Northrop Grumman
Boeing
Lockheed Martin
General Dynamics
For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/ca2e38/general_dynamics_c
Contact:
Laura Wood
Senior Manager
press@researchandmarkets.com
Fax from USA: 646-607-1907
Fax from rest of the world: +353-1-481-1716

France extends search for Air France black box

PARIS, July 3 (Reuters) - Investigators have extended the search for the flight recorders of an Air France (AIRF.PA) plane that crashed into the Atlantic last month and still hope to find them, France's transport minister said on Friday.
Flight AF 447 from Rio de Janeiro to Paris crashed on June 1, killing all 228 people on board, but investigators have so far failed to pick up any signals emitted by the "black box" recorders. The signals are sent out for at least 30 days. "We could stop around ... July 10, but we won't. If we don't find them with the classic means, we will continue through submarine exploration," Transport Minister Dominique Busseareau told French radio.
He said the chances of finding the black boxes were fairly weak, but they would nevertheless try.
French investigators said on Thursday the plane hit the water intact and at high speed, but was missing for six hours before an emergency was declared.
Evidence from wreckage indicates the plane was broken apart by impact with the water, which it struck facing forwards. (Reporting by Elizabeth Pineau; Editing by Sophie Hares)

Q+A-Japan eyes Lockheed Martin's F-22 fighter jet

TOKYO, July 3 (Reuters) - Japan is eyeing moves in the U.S. Congress aimed at extending production of Lockheed-Martin Corp's radar-evading F-22 Raptor fighter, which has raised hopes Tokyo may be allowed to buy a plane previously banned from export.
Here are some questions and answers about the F-22.
WHAT IS THE F-22?
Described by one analyst as the "Ferrari" of jet fighters, Lockheed-Martin Corp's (LMT.N) F-22 is widely considered the most advanced fighter plane in use today. Almost invisible to radar, it also boasts high-tech intelligence gathering equipment. But the state-of-the-art package comes at a steep price -- the U.S. paid more than $140 million per plane, not including development costs. Japan might pay an estimated $250 million per aircraft -- a total of $10 billion if it bought 40 planes.
Critics say the F-22, which has not been deployed in Iraq or Afghanistan, is a relic of Cold War military strategy.
WHY DOES JAPAN WANT IT?
Japan's fleet of F-4 jet fighters, whose design dates back to the 1960s, is ageing and becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. Replacing the fleet with F-22s could potentially enable Japan to evade North Korean defences and gather information about its secretive neighbour. It would also enable Japan to maintain a technological edge over China's rapidly expanding military. Some analysts say Japan may view the fate of the F-22 deal as a symbol of its U.S. alliance, about which many have doubts as China grows in importance. Others say Japan simply wants what it sees as "the best."
Japan's main opposition Democratic Party, which polls show has a good chance of taking power at an upcoming election, says it needs more information before deciding whether the F-22 is value for money.
WHY HAS THE UNITED STATES AVOIDED EXPORTING THE F-22?
A 1998 law passed by Congress banned foreign sales of the Raptor to keep secret the aircraft's radar-evading "stealth" technology. Past leaks of confidential information from Japan's Defence Ministry have underscored such concerns. But the prospect that production of the F-22 may soon end, affecting jobs in many parts of the United States, has prompted a push among U.S. lawmakers to develop an export version that could be sold to Japan.
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, however, has repeatedly said he wants to cap production at 187 aircraft, the last of which would roll off the production line in late 2011 or early 2012.
WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES FOR JAPAN?
The F-35, being developed by a consortium of countries and to go into full production by Lockheed-Martin in 2014, may be one of the most realistic options. In some ways less advanced than the F-22, it is also far cheaper at about $60 million for a basic model.
A team from BAE Systems (BAE.L) visited Japan in June to promote the rival Eurofighter Typhoon, developed by a European consortium, but critics point out that the aircraft is already somewhat dated.
Analysts say Japan's history of producing under licence from U.S. companies makes it less likely to pick a European option, though the Typhoon would be considerably cheaper than the F-22, at about $100 million per plane.
Boeing's (BA.N) F-15 might also be an option for Japan. Boeing is seeking partners to develop a "stealth" version of the plane. (Additional reporting by Jim Wolf in Washington; Editing by Alex Richardson)

FGM, Inc. Wins $60 Million Systems Engineering Contract

NECC Systems Engineering Contract Will Allow FGM to Continue to Provide Key Systems Engineering Support to the NECC Program
On Thursday July 2, 2009, 1:16 pm EDT
RESTON, Va., July 2 /PRNewswire/ -- FGM, Inc. announced today that the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific awarded the company an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a ceiling value of approximately $60 million. This contract, the Net Enabled Command Capability (NECC) Systems Engineering contract, will be used to support all NECC systems engineering activities for the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). NECC will be the cornerstone of Department of Defense (DOD) command and control (C2), evolving the current Global Command and Control System Family of Systems (GCCS-FoS) to a net-centric, single architecture. NECC support services will include technical operations, integrated logistics, test and evaluation, training, modeling and simulation, security engineering, and other related systems engineering support.
FGM assembled a team for this procurement composed of the leading experts in net-centric strategies, best practices, and systems implementation including Amyx, Inc., CACI International, Inc., DISC/BIT, Knowledge Consulting Group, and TeleConsultants, Inc.
FGM's President and CEO, Scott Gessay, said: "FGM has a long history of serving DISA and has supported the successful evolution of the NECC program since its inception. FGM is looking forward to leveraging 20 years of corporate experience providing high-end systems engineering for C2 systems to support the NECC JPMO in delivering the next generation operational system to the warfighter."
Founded in 1987, FGM is an industry leader in providing innovative information technology (IT) services for the Federal government. FGM is headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with offices in Honolulu, Hawaii; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and San Diego, California. They specialize in software and systems development and integration, including Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) environments.
For more information visit the FGM web site at www.fgm.com.

Bombardier Announces Closing of a $600 Million US Syndicated Letter of Credit Facility

On Thursday July 2, 2009, 11:06 am EDT
Bombardier (TSX:BBD.A - News)(TSX:BBD.B - News) announces today that it has closed a $600 million Letter of Credit Facility agreement with a syndicate of first quality financial institutions, mainly North American-based.
This facility, which was oversubscribed, is dedicated to supporting Bombardier Aerospace's operations as well as the general needs of the Corporation, and replaces the facility which was to expire in December 2009. Bombardier successfully attained its objectives of securing availability for the issuance of letters of credit until December 2011.
"Bombardier is pleased with this solid demonstration of bank support for its business plan, especially in this difficult economic environment," said Pierre Alary, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Bombardier Inc.
National Bank Financial Inc., RBC Capital Markets and UBS Securities LLC have jointly arranged the facility as Mandated Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners.
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2009, were $19.7 billion US, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.

Lockheed Martin Wins Role on U.S. Air Forces Europe Advisory and Assistance Contract

GREENBELT, Md., July 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT - News) has been selected to compete for future task orders under the U.S. Air Forces Europe Advisory and Assistance Services contract.
The Corporation is one of two awardees for this indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract. The contract has a one-year base and four one-year option periods, and a Lockheed Martin ceiling of $375 million.
"We are excited about the opportunity to support the Air Force's mission in Europe," said Lockheed Martin IS&GS-Defense President, John Mengucci. "I am confident that we will be able to provide USAFE with a cost effective program and a full range of management solutions."
The contract gives USAFE flexibility to obtain engineering and technical services, and management and professional support for operations in England, Germany, Italy, Kosovo, Bosnia, and Africa. Lockheed Martin's teammates include CIBER, Inc. of Greenwood Village, Colo.; TEAM Integrated Engineering, Inc. of San Antonio, Texas; and MacAulay Brown, Inc. of Dayton, Ohio.
USAFE, with headquarters at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, is a major command of the U.S. Air Force. It is also the air component of the U.S. European Command, a Department of Defense unified command. USAFE directs air operations in a theater spanning three continents and covering more than eight million square miles.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 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 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.
For additional information, visit our website: http://www.lockheedmartin.com

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Northrop Grumman's Global Hawk Unmanned Aircraft Continues to Soar With Successful Overseas Operations Support, Next-Generation Payload Flight Testing

SAN DIEGO, July 2, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The combat-proven RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aircraft system (UAS), built by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC - News), continues to prove its mettle by exceeding more than 31,000 cumulative flight hours for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy. More than 76 percent of these flight hours were flown in support of overseas contingency operations (OCO) efforts.
"Global Hawk has been a tremendous asset in OCO support, flying more than 1,100 missions in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom," said Steve Amburgey, Global Hawk program director for the 303d Aeronautical Systems Group at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. "With four aircraft now surging overseas at 97 percent mission effectiveness, the highest of any deployed system, the Global Hawk has consistently demonstrated its resiliency and capabilities."
This milestone comes on the heels of several recent successes, including the Global Hawk's 2,000th mission, deployment of the first Navy aircraft for the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Demonstration (BAMS-D) program, the first series of flight tests for its Airborne Signals Intelligence Payload (ASIP) on the Block 30 configuration, and completion of initial testing of the Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP) sensor for the Block 40 aircraft.
"Ever since its first OCO deployment in 2001, Global Hawk has provided persistent surveillance -- an unblinking eye -- over and from any place on the planet," said George Guerra, Northrop Grumman vice president of high altitude long endurance (HALE) systems. "These recent achievements are a testament to the robustness of the system, as well as the excellent partnership we have with our customers to ensure our technology is meeting the mark."
Able to simultaneously detect, identify and locate electronic and communications signals as well as special signals, the ASIP sensor will also be used onboard the Global Hawk's manned counterpart, the U-2. ASIP testing is scheduled for completion later this year.
The MP-RTIP tests verified system performance of the Synthetic Aperture Radar and Ground Moving Target Indicator dedicated modes as part of the Radar System Level Performance Verification program. The first Block 40 aircraft, AF-18, has been assembled and awaiting flight testing by the Air Force.
To date, the Global Hawk program has been on cost and on schedule for three straight years. All nine of the Block 10 configurations have been completed and delivered, seven for the Air Force and two for the Navy's BAMS-D program. All of the six Block 20s have been delivered and the rest of the fleet are in various stages of production and flight testing, including 17 Block 30s and one Block 40.
"Global Hawk, which can fly three times as long and operates at more than half the cost per flight hour than its manned counterpart, is the best value system for our warfighters," said Guerra. "Compared to other similar UAS, it only takes a single Global Hawk to collect the same information as 18 smaller medium-altitude unmanned systems."
Costing approximately $30 million each, without the applicable sensor package, Global Hawk's range, endurance and large payload capabilities are well suited to support a variety of customers and missions, including environmental and Earth science research, homeland security, border and coastal patrol, hurricane and fire monitoring, and other disaster relief support activities.
The Global Hawk is the world's first fully autonomous HALE UAS, collecting persistent ground surveillance data over a wide area for both military intelligence analysis and warfighters' battle management and targeting. Global Hawk can fly at altitudes of more than 60,000 feet for more than 32 hours, providing surveillance day or night, regardless of weather conditions.
Global Hawks are currently flown in four locations across the globe: Beale Air Force Base, home of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing and the RQ-4's main operating base, in Northern California; Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California; Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Maryland; and in support of the OCO efforts.
Northrop Grumman's principal Global Hawk teammates include: Aurora Flight Sciences, Bridgeport, West Va. (V-tail assembly and other composite structures); L-3 Communications, Salt Lake City (communication system); Raytheon Company, Waltham, Mass. (integrated sensor suite and ground station); Rolls-Royce Corporation, Indianapolis (engine); and Vought Aircraft Industries, Dallas (wing).
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.
Contact:
Gemma Loochkartt
Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems
(858) 335-0694

Aehr Test Systems Receives Another Order for Its New Advanced Burn-in and Test System (ABTS(TM))

FREMONT, Calif., July 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Aehr Test Systems (Nasdaq: AEHR - News), a leading supplier of semiconductor test and burn-in equipment, today announced it has received an order for its new Advanced Burn-in and Test System (ABTS) from a leading US aerospace company. The system is configured for burning-in and testing high pin count logic devices.
"This will be our first shipment of a high pin count system. It will be used for reliability testing of complex logic for aerospace and military applications," said Greg Perkins, vice president of worldwide sales and service at Aehr Test Systems. "The customer's primary need is the flexibility to provide 32M vectors on all 320 I/Os in the system plus the ability to capture per pin device failures while doing test during burn-in. We have sold the ABTS into a wide range of Test and Burn-in applications in both Asia and Europe."
The ABTS family of products is based on a new hardware and software architecture that is designed to address not only today's devices, but also future devices for many years to come. It can test and burn-in memory as well as both high-power logic and low-power logic in addition to high pin count logic. It can be configured to provide individual device temperature control for devices up to 50W or more and with up to 320 I/O channels. It uses N+1 redundancy technology for many key components in the system to provide the highest possible system uptime.
Come see the new ABTS system in Aehr Test Systems booth #430 at Semicon West in San Francisco at the Moscone Center, July 14 to 16.
About Aehr Test Systems
Headquartered in Fremont, California, Aehr Test Systems is a leading worldwide provider of systems for burning-in and testing memory and logic integrated circuits and has an installed base of more than 2,500 systems worldwide. Aehr Test has developed and introduced several innovative products, including the ABTS, FOX(TM), MTX and MAX systems and the DiePak® carrier. The FOX system is a full wafer contact test and burn-in system. The MTX system is a massively parallel test system designed to reduce the cost of memory testing by performing both test and burn-in on thousands of devices simultaneously. The MAX system can effectively burn-in and functionally test complex devices, such as digital signal processors, microprocessors, microcontrollers and systems-on-a-chip. The DiePak carrier is a reusable, temporary package that enables IC manufacturers to perform cost-effective final test and burn-in of bare die. For more information, please visit the Company's website at http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=Ag4vDOrJjxftCPCe0BLAUkKxcq9_/SIG=10pbb9ej6/**http://www.aehr.com/.
Safe Harbor Statement
This release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties relating to projections regarding customer demand and acceptance of Aehr Test's products. Actual results may vary from projected results. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, acceptance by customers of the ABTS technology, acceptance by customers of the ABTS systems shipped upon receipt of a purchase order and the ability of new products to meet customer needs or perform as described. See Aehr Test's recent 10-K, 10-Q and other reports from time to time filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a more detailed description of the risks facing our business. The Company disclaims any obligation to update information contained in any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.
Contacts:
Aehr Test Systems
Greg Perkins
V.P. Worldwide Sales & Service
(510) 623-9400 x241
Financial Relations Board
Tony Rossi
Analyst/Investor Contact
(213) 486-6545

DRS Technologies Receives $49M Infrared Sighting Systems Order for U.S. Army Tanks and Combat Vehicles

On Thursday July 2, 2009, 8:00 am EDT
DRS Technologies, Inc. announced today that it has received a $49 million follow-on order for Second Generation Forward Looking Infrared (SGF) sighting systems and components from the Raytheon Company's Network Centric Systems business in McKinney, Texas.
The products will be used to provide critical thermal-imaging technology to warfighters aboard U.S. Army combat and tactical-wheeled vehicles, including Abrams Main Battle Tanks, Bradley Fighting Vehicles and High Mobility Multipurpose-Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV).
Under the terms of this order, DRS will manufacture and provide systems and components that support the U.S. Army's SGF initiatives. Included are Block 1 B-Kit components for Abrams Thermal Receiver Units (TRUs) and circuit-card assembly sets for the Commander's Independent Thermal Viewer (CITV). The company will also provide B-Kits for the Improved Bradley Acquisition System (IBAS) and the Long Range Advanced Scout Surveillance System (LRAS3).
The work for this contract will be conducted by the Palm Bay and Melbourne, Florida operations of the DRS Reconnaissance, Surveillance & Target Acquisition business group. Deliveries will run through January 2011.
Soldiers in ground vehicles use DRS' advanced high-resolution Second Generation Forward Looking Infrared sighting systems to detect, identify and engage tactical enemy targets at any time during day or night, even in zero visibility conditions. The technology also provides them with digital battlefield imagery that promotes interoperability among military platforms, therefore contributing to their goal of having information dominance.
"In modern warfare, superior power is often trumped by superior situational awareness, battlefield visibility and networked intelligence," said RSTA president Terry Murphy. "Our leading-edge SGF systems give warfighters a distinct advantage in each of these areas. We're proud of the role we're playing in equipping them with these lifesaving capabilities."
DRS Technologies, headquartered in Parsippany, NJ, is a leading supplier of integrated products, services and support to military forces, intelligence agencies and prime contractors worldwide. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Finmeccanica S.p.A. (FNC.MI) which employs more than 73,000 people worldwide. For more information about DRS Technologies, please visit the company's website at www.drs.com
Contact:
For additional information please contact:
Richard M. Goldberg
Senior Vice PresidentPublic Affairs and Communications
(973) 451-3584
Email Contact
Brian T. GallagherDirectorPublic Affairs and Communications
(973) 898-7322
Email Contact

Cubic Awarded $30 Million Contract to Support U.S. Africa Command

Source: Cubic Corporation
On Thursday July 2, 2009, 7:00 am EDT
Cubic Applications, Inc., a mission support services business of Cubic Corporation (NYSE:CUB - News), has received a new contract valued at approximately $30 million for joint training and exercise support to the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM). Cubic will furnish subject matter experts and will develop and execute training exercises for the AFRICOM J7 Joint Training and Exercise Division.
Cubic's Information Operations Division, based in San Diego, started the new AFRICOM J7 support contract in June. The initial work will be performed at the AFRICOM headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany. Further taskings could include the development and support of AFRICOM-sponsored exercises in Europe, Africa and elsewhere as required.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for Cubic," stated Al Sargeant, vice president and general manager of the Information Operations Division. "Cubic will bring its worldwide operational, training and exercise expertise to support the new contract. We look forward to assisting AFRICOM and the Department of Defense in continuing to enhance their engagement in this strategic -- and unfortunately, often overlooked -- area of the world."
The U.S. Africa Command was established in 2007, acknowledging the emerging importance of Africa to the U.S. and the entire international community. The establishment of AFRICOM focused efforts that had previously been distributed among three different U.S. military headquarters. AFRICOM provides the Department of Defense with a single focal point for the continent, including two-way communications with African nations, the African Union, and the regional economic communities concerning security and related needs. AFRICOM is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany with DoD representatives in a number of African countries.
This contract award further broadens Cubic's role as a key global provider of mission support services to operational, combatant and component commanders. Cubic's Information Operations Division has supported AFRICOM since its inception by providing media analysis and effects assessment. The division will team with Cubic's Defense Modernization Division to supply the depth and expertise to perform the full array of required services under this new contract.
The AFRICOM J7 support contract includes one base and two option years.
Cubic Applications, Inc. is part of the defense segment of Cubic Corporation, a world leader in realistic combat training systems, mission support services and defense electronics. The corporation's other major segment, Cubic Transportation Systems, designs and manufactures automatic fare collection systems for public mass transit authorities. For more information about Cubic, see the company's website at www.cubic.com.
Contact:
Jan Stevens
858-505-2174
jan.stevens@cubic.com.

Micrel Extends Performance and Saves Cost With New Synchronous Hyper Speed Control(TM) Family of PWM Controllers

New Architecture Dramatically Reduces Output Capacitance and Features Excellent Transient Response for High Delta V Operation
On Thursday July 2, 2009, 7:00 am EDT
Micrel Inc., (NASDAQ:MCRL - News), an industry leader in analog, high bandwidth communications and Ethernet IC solutions, today introduced the first members of the family of Hyper Speed Control(TM) PWM controllers, the MIC2164, MIC2164-2 and MIC2164-3. The IC's Hyper Speed Control(TM) architecture significantly reduces the required output capacitance and allows for excellent transient response, while making high delta V operation (VIN=28V, VOUT=0.8V) possible. The solutions are ideal for set-top boxes, gateways, routers, computing peripherals, and telecom/networking equipments. The MIC2164 is currently available in volume quantities with pricing starting at $0.72 for 1K quantities while MIC2164-2 and MIC2164-3 are priced at $0.77 and $0.82 for 1K quantities respectively. Samples can be ordered on line at: http://www.micrel.com/ProductList.do.
"Micrel's unique Hyper Speed Control(TM) architecture offers terrific benefits such as reduced BOM cost and world class transient response for cost-sensitive applications such as set-top-box, graphic cards and servers," stated John T. Lee, director of power products, Micrel. "The huge advantage gained by our digitally modified hyper speed architecture is high speed, resulting in a smaller footprint and lower system-level cost for our customers."
Micrel's new devices are constant on-time mode PWM controllers that feature wide input voltage range, high performance, and are capable of driving up to 25A of load current. The MIC2164 operates at 300kHz PWM frequency while MIC2164-2 and MIC2164-3 operate at 600kHz and 1MHz respectively, to allow a size reduction path. The family achieves greater than 95 percent efficiency, while still switching at high frequencies, over a broad load range. The MIC2164 Hyper Speed Control(TM) family of PWM controllers operates over a wide input supply range of 3V to 28V and also offers cycle-by-cycle current limiting for FET protection. While the UVLO circuitry ensures proper operation under power-sag conditions to prevent the MOSFETs from overheating, the Soft Start feature reduces the inrush current. It also features built-in compensation with an external ripple injection circuit. The MIC2164 Hyper Speed Control(TM) family of PWM controllers is available in a 10-pin MSOP package with a junction operating range from -40degC to +125degC. All supporting documentation including the datasheet can be found on Micrel's website at: www.micrel.com
About Micrel, Inc.
Micrel Inc., is a leading global manufacturer of IC solutions for the worldwide analog, Ethernet and high bandwidth markets. The Company's products include advanced mixed-signal, analog and power semiconductors; high performance communication, clock management, Ethernet switch and physical layer transceiver ICs. Company customers include leading manufacturers of enterprise, consumer, industrial, mobile, telecommunications, automotive, and computer products. Corporation headquarters and state-of-the-art wafer fabrication facilities are located in San Jose, CA, with regional sales and support offices and advanced technology design centers situated throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. In addition, the Company maintains an extensive network of distributors and reps worldwide. Web: http://www.micrel.com.
Note: Hyper Speed Control is a trademark of Micrel, Inc.
Contact:
Contact:
Julieanne DiBene
Marketing Communications
1-408-474-1276
Email Contact

GE Capital Aviation Services Signs Aircraft Financing Deal With flydubai

On Thursday July 2, 2009, 7:36 am EDT
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--flydubai, Dubai’s first low cost airline, has signed a deal to finance four Boeing B737-800 aircraft with GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS). The sale and leaseback agreement covers the aircraft due to be delivered to flydubai from Boeing in 2009, with two expected in July, one in October and one in December.
flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith, said: “This is a significant deal for flydubai as it is the first financing that we have secured from outside the UAE. This deal ensures our financing needs for the rest of 2009 when we will receive a further four aircraft from Boeing. This will bring our fleet to a total of six aircraft by the end of the year and allow flydubai to operate to around 14 destinations, subject to achieving the necessary government approvals.”
Norman C. T. Liu, GECAS’ newly named President & CEO, said: “This is a major achievement, the product of excellent work between our two teams - we wish flydubai every success in this new venture."
flydubai was announced by the Government of Dubai in March 2008 with a start-up capital of AED250m. An historic order at the Farnborough Air Show in July 2008, saw flydubai become the biggest customer in the Middle East of the 737-800, with an order book of 50 at a list price of approximately US$4bn. The first two of these aircraft arrived in May and went into service at the beginning of June. This financing deal covers the next four aircraft that flydubai will receive.
flydubai has announced flights to eight destinations across the Middle East, North Africa and India, and currently operates to four – Beirut (Lebanon), Amman (Jordan), Damascus (Syria) and Alexandria (Egypt).
The first two aircraft covered by this deal will arrive in July and will service flydubai’s recently announced Indian routes of Lucknow, Coimbatore and Chandigarh.
About GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS):
GECAS, the U.S. and Irish commercial aircraft financing and leasing business of GE, has a fleet of 1,500+ owned aircraft with approximately 250 airlines in over 70 countries, and it manages over 325 aircraft for others. GECAS offers a wide range of aircraft types and financing options, including operating leases and secured debt financing, and also provides productivity solutions including spare engine leasing, spare parts financing and management. GECAS, a unit of GE Capital, has offices in 24 cities around the world.
GE is a diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company that is built to meet essential world needs. From energy, water, transportation and health to access to money and information, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.ge.com. GE is Imagination at Work .
About flydubai:
Established in March 2008 with start-up capital of AED 250 million, flydubai is Dubai’s first low cost airline. Owned by the government of Dubai, the airline will support the city’s commercial and tourism sectors by serving all travellers, providing them with affordable air links to a range of destinations.
With flydubai, travellers can take 1 piece of hand baggage (weighing up to 10 kg) no larger than 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm on board without charge. If the bag does not meet the cabin requirements, it will be checked into the aircraft hold at a cost of AED 150. For a little extra, passengers can check a bag. Each bag purchased can hold up to 32 kg and not larger than 90 cm x 75 cm x 43 cm. If customers want to take more, an additional bag can be purchased, subject to availability.
Based on a low cost business model, flydubai offers a value-for-money product at an extremely competitive price. Its website (www.flydubai.com) will be an important interface for customers, together with a call centre (+971 4 301 0800) and travel partners.
Contact:
GE Capital Aviation Services
Dan Whitney,
203-961-2466
dan.whitney@ge.com
or
flydubai
Polaris PR
Zahabia Motiwala,
(+9714) 341 5555
mobile: (+971) 50 768 944
0z.motiwala@polaris-me.com
or
Rima Salman,
(+9714) 341 5555
mobile: (+971) 50 273 4869
r.salman@polaris-me.com
or
Heather Redpath
PR Manager
Mobile: (+971) 50 9508420
heather.redpath@flydubai.com

France confident UK won't quit A400M - source

PARIS, July 2 (Reuters) - France is confident Britain will commit to the Airbus (EAD.PA) A400M military transport plane but disagreements remain over how to share out the costs of delays to the programme, a French presidency source said on Thursday.
The A400M, which would be built by European planemaker Airbus (EAD.DE), has faced repeated production delays and cost overruns. European nations involved in the project on June 22 postponed a decision on whether to commit to it for good.
"The question is to know ... what balance we are going to find between the states and (Airbus parent) EADS to overcome both scheduling and financing difficulties," said the senior official at President Nicolas Sarkozy's office.
The source was speaking to reporters ahead of a summit in France on Monday between Sarkozy and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, during which the A400M will be discussed.
British defence procurement minister Quentin Davies signalled during a meeting on the A400M last month in Spain that much progress needed to be made to rescue the 20 billion euro ($28 billion) troop and equipment transporter.
Davies declined to say whether Britain would remain part of the programme, which also involves France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Luxembourg and Turkey.
Asked whether the British were preparing to drop out, the French presidency source said: "The answer is no."
The official said Britain, like other countries involved in the A400M including France and Germany, faced tough budget constraints due to the recession.
"At the same time, the fact is that Britain and France need transport planes and will have to buy some one way or the other.
"The cost of abandoning the project would be much higher than the cost of continuing with it because we would have to add up the cost to EADS, and thus to the states which are shareholders in the company, and the cost of buying the planes we need from someone else."
"Thus we have all reached the same wise conclusion, which is to continue this great enterprise," the source said.
Brown and Sarkozy would certainly discuss how long to allow for negotiations on sharing the costs of the delays, the source said, mentioning one month, three months or six months as possible timeframes.
"It's a very difficult discussion given the general context, but the will to succeed is there," the source said.
The seven nations involved in the A400M met last month to decide whether to agree to a renegotiation of the contract requested by Airbus Military.
Airbus says the original contract signed in 2003 is too restrictive for a complex defence project and blames part of the delay on political interference in the choice of suppliers.
The countries agreed to extend a moratorium allowing time for discussions to the end of July.
The French presidency source said what was important at this stage was "to allow ourselves all the time we need" and Sarkozy would make that point to Brown on Monday. (Reporting by Estelle Shirbon, Editing by Marcel Michelson)