UPDATE 2-Buyers resubmit "final" A400M offer -Germany

* Nations ready to accept 2 bln eur cost increase -ministry
* Nations refuse to discuss financial, technical matters
* Statement leaves uncertainty over key loan definition
By Sabine Siebold

Defense News ~ BERLIN, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Buyer nations resubmitted a 3.5 billion euro bailout plan for the A400M military transporter plane on Friday and told Airbus parent EADS (EAD.PA) it was their "final" offer, a German defence ministry spokesman said.
The spokesman said the terms of the rescue package were unchanged from a previous offer of aid for the troubled European troop plane and suggested buyers had snubbed efforts by EADS to keep negotiating on some of the finer details of the rescue plan.
Spiralling costs and delays have threatened Europe's largest defence project and left EADS with a 5.2 billion euro loss.
Fearing damage to its core airliner business, the Airbus parent is negotiating a rescue plan with buyers representing Britain, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Luxembourg and Turkey.
The German spokesman said the seven NATO partners were ready to accept a cost increase of 2 billion euros for the transporter and to offer export guarantees of 1.5 billion euros.
However, they were rejecting further negotiations on financial or technical matters, at least for now.
"The buyer nations put forward their final offer on February 19th," the spokesman said.
"They are sticking to the position they took on February 15th. They accept price increases of 2 billion euros and said they were prepared to offer export guarantees of 1.5 billion euros."
EADS declined comment.
Sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday EADS had agreed a core package of 3.5 billion euros of support with buyers but that it had asked to renegotiate a price inflation clause and defer installation of some complex military kit.
An official from one buyer nation said the purpose of the latest letter was to send EADS a reminder that its offer was the last one on the table following months of talks. EADS is under pressure to accept and end suspense over the future of 10,000 jobs.
The German statement did not say how the 1.5 billion euro guarantees would be structured -- another key point holding up completion of EADS results due to be published on March 9.
Even with the proposed support, EADS faces losses of 1.7 billion euros on the multinational project, on top of 2.4 billion euros already provisioned in its accounts.
This could rise to 3.2 billion euros if guarantees are classified as a loan, forcing it to provision for extra losses.
In France, an aide to defence minister Herve Morin said the country remained optimistic of a long-awaited final deal.
"There are discussions. We let them take their course and are not commenting for now. We are fairly optimistic," he added.
Germany and France, with 60 and 50 aircraft respectively, are the largest customers for the propeller-powered A400M, which first flew in December and is due to be delivered in 2012.
Buyers have ordered a total of 180 planes to support global operations and fill a gap between the Lockheed Martin (LMT.N) C-130 Hercules and the larger jet-powered Boeing (BA.N) C-17.
(Additional reporting by Tim Hepher, Gerard Bon; editing by John Stonestreet)

General Dynamics Awarded USD$29 Million for RG-31 MRAP Independent Suspension Kits

Defense News ~ LONDON, Ontario, Feb. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) has awarded General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada a USD$29.2 million delivery order to supply 127 independent suspension kits for its Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle program. Â General Dynamics Land Systems, the Canadian company's parent corporation, is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD - News).
The TAK-4 independent suspensions, produced by Oshkosh, will be installed in-theatre on to previously delivered RG-31Mk5EM vehicles to enhance their ride quality and robustness.
The contract was signed through the Canadian Commercial Corporation, a Crown Agency of the Canadian Government.
General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada, located in London, Ontario, Canada, is a business unit of General Dynamics Land Systems of Sterling Heights, Michigan.  For over 30 years, more than 2000 highly skilled technical employees have designed, manufactured, delivered and supported to global customers a unique family of light armoured vehicles (LAV).  More information on the company is available at http://www.gdlscanada.com/.
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 91,700 people worldwide. Â The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. Â More information about General Dynamics is available online at http://www.generaldynamics.com/.

Lockheed Martin F-35 Poised to be Backbone of USAF Fighter Fleet

Defense News ~ ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The United States Air Force officially becomes the first F-35 Lightning II customer later this year, when the first of the stealth fighters is delivered to Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The delivery will initiate a massive recapitalization of the Air Force's multi-role fighter fleet, and will usher in profound increases in capability, a Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT - News) executive said Friday.
"The first two production F-35s are in final assembly at Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth plant, and the training wing at Eglin is primed to receive them and get their pilots in the seats," said Steve O'Bryan, Lockheed Martin vice president of F-35 Business Development and Customer Engagement. "The Air Force is by far the biggest F-35 customer, and the fact that the largest and most powerful air force in the world is staking its future on the capabilities of this aircraft speaks volumes." The Air Force plans to operate 1,763 F-35As, which along with the F-22, ultimately will replace all of the Air Force's current fighter fleet.
"The F-35 will be flown by the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, as well as our closest allies. This means that the USAF and the rest of the world's great air forces will be flying the F-35 together in the future," O'Bryan said. "The F-35 provides 'best value' in a package that not only deters hostilities but enhances interoperability."
Speaking Friday at the Air Force Association's Air Warfare Symposium at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel, O'Bryan pointed to the pillars of the F-35 program – affordability, survivability, lethality and supportability – and highlighted the F-35's value proposition. "As a 5th generation fighter, the F-35 is redefining the term 'multirole fighter' combining unprecedented situational awareness, net-enabled systems, sensor fusion, advanced sustainment, stealth and fighter performance in an affordable and supportable package."
With more than 150 test flights completed, all systems operating in F-35 aircraft, other surrogate test aircraft and laboratories, and 35 aircraft in assembly, the program is demonstrating steady progress toward meeting its commitments to the U.S. Air Force. Last November, AF-1, the first optimized conventional takeoff and landing variant (CTOL) aircraft, celebrated its initial flight, piloted by Lockheed Martin test pilot David "Doc" Nelson.
Of particular interest to the Air Force, the CTOL variant establishes new levels of operational availability. With simplicity and ease of maintenance designed in, the aircraft has unprecedented reliability and maintainability requirements, along with a reduced deployment footprint. The F-35A will provide unequaled multimission capability with a fraction of the support required by legacy fighters.
The F-35 Lightning II is a 5th generation fighter, combining advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations, and lower operational and support costs. Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 with its principal industrial partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2009 sales of $45.2 billion.
F-35 and Lightning II are trademarks of Lockheed Martin Corporation.
For additional information, visit our Web site:
http://www.lockheedmartin.com

UPDATE 1-Flying laser zaps missile in first for US

Defense News ~ WASHINGTON, Feb 12 (Reuters) - A high-powered laser aboard a modified Boeing Co (BA.N) 747 jumbo jet shot down an in-flight ballistic missile for the first time, highlighting a new class of ray guns best known from science fiction.
The flying laser's long-awaited test on Thursday showcased a potential to zap multiple targets at the speed of light and at a range of hundreds of kilometers, the Pentagon's Missile Defense Agency said in a statement.
"The Missile Defense Agency demonstrated the potential use of directed energy to defend against ballistic missiles when the Airborne Laser Testbed (ALTB) successfully destroyed a boosting ballistic missile," the agency said.
"The revolutionary use of directed energy is very attractive for missile defense," the statement added.
It cited among other things a low cost per intercept compared with other technologies used to defeat missiles that could be tipped with chemical, biological or nuclear warheads.
Directed energy weapons use highly focused rays to attack a target rather than chemical-powered arms. Those in control can tweak the strength involved, unlike a bullet or a bomb, allowing for less-than-lethal uses.
Lasers are well known from science fiction as a type of ray gun. In the real world, they are used for sighting, ranging and targeting for guns.
The experiment marked both the first time a laser weapon has destroyed a ballistic missile and the first time any system has accomplished it in the missile's boost phase of flight.
A boosting missile is easiest to track because its exhaust is bright and hot, but the window lasts only from one to five minutes, meaning the interceptor must be in close proximity.
The modified 747-400F jumbo jet took off from Edwards Air Force Base in California in an experiment that was unannounced before the outcome was made known early Friday.
A short-range ballistic missile was launched from an at-sea mobile launch platform off Point Mugu on the central California coast, the agency said.
Within seconds, the Airborne Laser used on board sensors to detect the missile, then a low-energy laser to track it.
After firing another laser to measure and compensate for atmospheric disturbance, on went its megawatt-class high-energy laser, "heating the boosting ballistic missile to critical structural failure," the agency said.
The engagement took place within two minutes of the target missile's launch while its rocket motors were still thrusting, the agency said.
Boeing, the prime contractor and system integrator, said: "With this successful experiment, the Airborne Laser Testbed has blazed a path for a new generation of high-energy, ultra-precision weaponry."
Michael Rinn, Boeing's program director, said in a statement: "ALTB technology and future directed-energy platforms will transform how the United States defends itself and its friends and allies."
The successful test prompted calls for the Pentagon to restore funding for further development of the Airborne Laser, which President Barack Obama turned into a kind of science experiment last year rather than a development program headed for deployment.
"This defense project should be made ready to protect our homeland at a moment's notice," said Rep. Todd Tiahrt, a Republican from Kansas, where Boeing had been expected to do modification work on the Airborne laser.
Riki Ellison of the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance, a nonprofit funded partly by defense contractors, said the United States had spent about $5 billion on the Airborne Laser's development since the early 1990s.
"Why would the US Congress and the Department of Defense not fully fund and further develop this system to have it ready to deploy to give our armed forces and allies protection against Iran and North Korea," he said in an email interview.
John Pike, director of GlobbalSecurity.org, a military information website, said the test had not proven anything to him about the system's real-world value.
"The question is whether it can shoot down targets at long range and this test didn't answer the question," he said.
Northrop Grumman Corp (NOC.N) designed and built the higher-energy laser and Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) supplied the beam- and fire-control systems.

(Reporting by Jim Wolf; editing by Andre Grenon)

Lockheed Martin-Built System Aims Laser in Successful Lethal Demonstration Against Ballistic Missile Target

Defense News ~ EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT - News) announced today that the Beam Control/Fire Control system for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's Airborne Laser Testbed (ALTB) successfully aimed the High Energy Laser beam in an experiment Feb. 11, in which a boosting ballistic missile target was destroyed. Â
In the lethal demonstration, the directed energy system aboard the modified Boeing 747-400F aircraft engaged and destroyed the threat-representative ballistic missile target shortly after it was launched from a sea-based platform in the Pacific Ocean. Â
The Lockheed Martin-developed Beam Control/Fire Control system focused and directed the beam generated by the Northrop Grumman-developed megawatt-class High Energy Laser, and the Battle Management System developed by Boeing, Airborne Laser Testbed prime contractor, managed the engagement. Â
"Shooting down a threat-representative ballistic missile target is the latest in a remarkable series of firsts that the government and industry team has achieved in demonstrating this leading-edge technology," said Doug Graham, advanced programs vice president, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company. Â "This successful experiment validates the effectiveness of this revolutionary technology and makes it the most mature directed energy system in the world, opening the door to further new possibilities for the application of this technology." Â
"The Beam Control/Fire Control System has performed with outstanding results in the most demanding mission to date," said Mark Johnson, Airborne Laser Testbed program director, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company. Â "The Beam Control/Fire Control System, which consists of a sophisticated suite of optics, low-energy lasers and software, has been rigorously tested in more than 140 flights since 2004, making technology history all along the way as a result the close partnership and dedication of the government and industry team." Â
The Beam Control/Fire Control System tracks the target, determines range to the target, compensates for atmospheric turbulence and focuses and directs the High Energy Laser beam.  Lower-energy lasers – the Track Illuminator Laser and the Beacon Illuminator Laser – determine where to point and focus the High Energy Laser.  The High Energy Laser beam passes through an optical path before exiting through the conformal window on the nose of the aircraft on its way to the target. Â
The Missile Defense Agency manages the Airborne Laser Testbed (formerly known as the Airborne Laser (ABL)), which is executed by the U.S. Air Force from Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, N.M. Â The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA - News) provides the modified aircraft and the Battle Management System and is the overall systems integrator. Â Boeing's Airborne Laser Testbed industry partners are Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC - News), which supplies the High Energy Laser and the Beacon Illuminator Laser, and Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., which provides the Beam Control/Fire Control System. Â
Lockheed Martin is a world leader in systems integration and the development of air and missile defense systems and technologies, including the first operational hit-to-kill missile. Â The company makes significant contributions to most major U.S. missile defense systems and participates in several global missile defense partnerships. Â
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. Â The Corporation reported 2009 sales of $45.2 billion. Â

Media Contact:
Lynn Fisher,
408-742-7606;
e-mail lynn.m.fisher@lmco.com


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Opsens announces closing of private placement

Defense News ~ QUEBEC CITY, Feb. 12 /CNW Telbec/ - Opsens Inc. (TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE: OPS - News; "Opsens" or the "Company") announces today, the closing of a private placement (the "Private Placement") of 4,287,500 units (the "Units"), at a price of CAD $0.85 per Unit, for an aggregate gross proceeds of CAD $3,644,375. Each Unit is comprised of one common share of Opsens and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. Each whole common share purchase warrant entitles its holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of CAD $1.15 per common share for a period of 24 months following the closing date of the Private Placement.
At the closing of the Private Placement, Opsens paid a cash commission of CAD $254,404 to M Partners Inc. (the "Agent") and to Industrial Alliance Securities Inc. (the "Sub-Agent"). Opsens also issued to the Agent and the Sub-Agent, 299,299 non transferable warrants (the "Broker Warrants"). Each Broker Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one common share of Opsens at $0.85 for a period of 24 months from the closing of the Private Placement. The securities issued pursuant to the Private Placement will be subject to a 4-month and a day restricted period expiring on June 13, 2010.
The net proceeds of the Private Placement totalling approximately CAD $3,3 million will be used for working capital purposes, potential acquisitions as well as marketing expenses, particularly for the commercialization on a larger scale of the Opsens' patented OPP-W fiber optic pressure/temperature sensor. The receipt of a commercial size order from an oil and gas producer in Alberta that had been testing Opsens' patented technology for 18 months, has generated interest from major oil and gas producers in Alberta looking for a mean to control pressure to optimize the quantity of steam to inject to reduce operation costs
About Opsens (www.opsens.com)

Opsens is a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of a wide rangeof fiber optic sensors and associated signal conditioners based on proprietarypatented and patent pending technologies. Opsens' sensors provide long-termaccuracy and reliability in the harshest environments. Opsens provides sensorsto measure pressure, temperature, strain and displacement to originalequipment manufacturers (OEM) and end-users in the oil and gas, medical,high-power transformers, and laboratory fields. Opsens provides completetechnical support, including installation, training, after-sales service, forits fiber optics systems that are regulated by the ISO 9001-2008 norm.
Opsens Inc was recognized as a TSX Venture 50(R) company in 2010. TSX Venture 50 is a trade-mark of TSX Inc. and is used under license.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-looking statements contained in this press release involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance and achievements of Opsens to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the said forward-looking statements.

For further information
Pierre Carrier,

President and Chief Executive Officer,

(418) 682-9996

Louis Laflamme,

CA, Chief Financial Officer,

(418) 682-9996

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Two Northrop Grumman Laser Systems Help Airborne Laser Testbed Turn Science Fiction Into Fact

Defense News ~ REDONDO BEACH, Calif., Feb. 12, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Airborne Laser Testbed (ALTB) transitioned from science fiction to directed energy fact Feb. 11 when it put a lethal amount of 'light on target' to destroy a boosting ballistic missile with help from a megawatt-class laser developed by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC - News).
While ballistic missiles like the one ALTB destroyed move at speeds of about 4,000 miles per hour, they are no match for a super-heated, high-energy laser beam racing towards it at 670 million mph. The basketball-sized beam was focused on the foreign military asset, as the missile is called officially, for only a few seconds before a stress fracture developed, causing the target to catastrophically split into multiple pieces.Â
"This experiment shows the incredible potential for directed energy as a premier element in early or ascent phase missile defense," said Steve Hixson, vice president of Space and Directed Energy Systems for Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector. "The demonstration leaves no doubt whatsoever about ALTB's unprecedented mobility, precision and lethality," he added. Hixson is a former ALTB program manager for the company.
Northrop Grumman executives said the high-energy Chemical Oxygen Iodine Laser the company provides – the most powerful laser ever developed for an airborne environment – performed reliably once again with other critical capabilities onboard the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's ALTB. This includes the low-power, solid-state Beacon Illuminator Laser for atmospheric compensation, a targeting laser Northrop Grumman also supplies for the ALTB system.
"The continued dependable and consistent performance of both laser systems is the result of our dedicated team and its unwavering commitment to develop game-changing technology for our military forces," said Guy Renard, Northrop Grumman's ALTB program manager. "The impressive progress made by the government and industry team during the last three-and-a-half years could not have culminated any more dramatically than this successful experiment."
The experiment, a proof-of-concept demonstration, was the first directed energy lethal intercept demonstration against a liquid-fuel boosting ballistic missile target from an airborne platform.
Northrop Grumman is under contract to The Boeing Company, ALTB's prime contractor, for the two laser systems. The ALTB is a modified Boeing 747-400F whose back half holds the high-energy laser. The front section of the aircraft contains the beam control/fire control system, developed by Lockheed Martin, and the battle management system, provided by Boeing.
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:
Bob Bishop
Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems
310.812.5227
Cell: 310.251.0261
bob.j.bishop@ngc.com


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ATK to Feature Major Programs at DEFEXPO 2010 in New Delhi

*ATK to Highlight its Affordable Innovation to an International Audience

Defense News ~ MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE:ATK - News) announced today that it will participate as an exhibitor at DEFEXPO 2010 in New Delhi, India. Â ATK will highlight a variety of capabilities and programs at the conference to be held at the Pragati Maidan Exhibition Centre from Feb. 15-18, 2010. Â The ATK exhibits will be located in Hall 18, Booth #18.3G.
ATK's booth will feature such innovative technologies as the Precision Guidance Kit (PGK) that turns artillery shells into precision weapons at minimal cost; the Palletized Autonomous Weapon System (PAWS) that merges ATK's 25mm and 30mm chain gun systems and advanced ammunition capabilities in an easily transportable, remote weapon station employed in either a mobile configuration, standalone mode or as part of a networked defense. ATK will also have on display its latest soldier in the loop and vehicle mounted barrier systems both of which are in production.
ATK will feature its newest addition to the U.S. missile inventory, the AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM). Â Developed cooperatively by ATK, the U.S. Navy and Italian Air Force, AARGM was recently approved for low rate initial production (LRIP) by the U.S. Department of Defense and is expected to reach initial operational capability next year as the U.S. Navy's newest and most advanced multi-role tactical missile.
Additionally, ATK will display its affordable 70mm precision system, Guided Advanced Tactical Rocket (GATR), which uses a semi-active laser guidance package to achieve extreme accuracy against both stationary and moving targets. GATR is a lock-on before or after launch guided rocket system designed for use on  ground vehicles, fixed/rotary wing aircraft and unmanned aircraft vehicles and is compatible with existing 70mm launcher hardware. GATR can be used for air-to-ground and ground-to-ground missions.
DEFEXPO provides potential customers the opportunity to learn how ATK's innovative business approach has helped the company grow to become the leading small and medium caliber ammunition producer in the Western Hemisphere. Â ATK will display its unique expertise in ammunition design, development, manufacturing, supply chain management, and quality assurance. Â ATK's booth will also highlight the company's portfolio of mission-critical tactical systems, including load-bearing vests, hydration packs, holsters, bags, and slings and related soldier equipment.
The show is also a chance for ATK to show off its capability in the development and construction of advanced aerostructures.  ATK's patented composites manufacturing process and capabilities have enabled ATK to be selected as a leading supplier of advanced composite structures and components for both commercial and military aircraft such as  the U.S. military's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter  and the Airbus A350 XWB.
ATK is a premier aerospace and defense company with more than 18,000 employees in 22 states, Puerto Rico and internationally, and revenues of approximately $4.8 billion. News and information can be found on the Internet at http://www.atk.com/.

Media Contact:
Tom Van Leunen

Phone: 703-412-3218

E-mail: thomas.vanleunen@atk.com

Investor Contact:
Jeff Huebschen

Phone: 952-351-2929
E-mail: jeff.huebschen@atk.com

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General Dynamics Awarded $387 Million Training Support Contract by the U.S. Army

Defense News ~ FAIRFAX, Va., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- General Dynamics Information Technology, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD - News), has been awarded a contract for Constructive Training Systems support by the U.S. Army's Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI). The total potential value of this single-award, five-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract is $387 million if all options are exercised. The initial award value is $56 million for the base year.
Under the contract, General Dynamics will provide technical, management and professional engineering support services for the procurement and fielding of Constructive Training Systems (CTS). Services to be performed consist of engineering, integration, exercise and experimentation support, gaming, materiel purchases, maintenance, supply support and post-fielding support to PEO STRI and the Project Manager for Constructive Simulations (PM ConSim). The work will be managed in the Orlando, Fla., area.
"This award continues General Dynamics' long-standing relationship with PEO STRI, enabling the PM ConSim to execute its mission of acquiring, fielding and sustaining the constructive simulations used to support the Army's command and staff training requirements," said Zannie Smith, senior vice president of General Dynamics Information Technology's Army Solutions Division. "Our extensive knowledge of customer requirements and proven performance will allow the flexibility and quick response to dynamic program changes to achieve mission fulfillment."
The programs supported through the contract include the Joint Land Component Constructive Training Capability, Battle Command Training Center Equipment Support, Combined Arms Command and Control Upgrade System, Training and Doctrine Command, and Common Battle Command Simulation Equipment.
The U.S. Army PEO STRI provides life-cycle support for the Army's most advanced training systems around the world and places the power of simulation into the hands of warfighters. As a trusted systems integrator for more than 50 years, General Dynamics Information Technology provides information technology (IT), systems engineering, professional services and simulation and training to customers in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, health, federal civilian government and commercial sectors. With approximately 17,000 professionals worldwide, the company manages large-scale, mission-critical IT programs delivering IT services and enterprise solutions. More information about General Dynamics Information Technology is available at http://www.gdit.com/.
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 91,700 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about General Dynamics is available online at http://www.gd.com/


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ILS Proton Successfully Launches the Intelsat 16 Satellite for Intelsat; First ILS Proton Launch of 2010

Defense News ~ International Launch Services On Friday February 12, 2010, 5:50 am EST
BAIKONUR COSMODROME, Kazakhstan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--International Launch Services (ILS), a world leader in providing mission and launch services to the commercial space industry, successfully carried the Intelsat 16 satellite to orbit for Intelsat S.A., the world’s leading provider of fixed satellite services, on an ILS Proton. The ILS Proton vehicle lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 6:39 a.m. local time (7:39 p.m. EST, 00:39 GMT). This was the 19th consecutive successful Proton mission in 18 months.
After a 9 hour 34 minute mission, the Breeze M successfully released the Intelsat 16 satellite into a near geostationary orbit. The spacecraft then utilized its on board fuel to maneuver to its geostationary orbit location at 58 degrees West Longitude.
The launch of the Intelsat 16 satellite marks the 1st ILS Proton launch of the year and the 57th commercial launch overall for ILS. It is the second Proton launch in just over two weeks, with the launch of a Federal mission on January 28, 2010. The Proton Breeze M vehicle is built by Khrunichev Space Center of Moscow, one of the pillars of the Russian aerospace industry and majority owner of ILS. Proton has a heritage of over 350 missions since its maiden flight in 1965.
The Intelsat 16 satellite was built on the Star 2.4 platform by Orbital Sciences Corporation has a 16 year life expectancy. The satellite expands Intelsat’s Latin American direct-to-home platform.
Frank McKenna, president of ILS said, “Intelsat is a longtime leader and innovator in the satellite telecommunications industry, having established the first commercial satellite communications system worldwide. We are honored to be launching the first ILS Proton mission of 2010 with Intelsat, with the launch of Intelsat 16. This is the 6th ILS Proton launched for Intelsat and we look forward to delivering quality and unmatched schedule assurance on all of our future missions with Intelsat.”
“ILS and Khrunichev have proven to be valuable partners for Intelsat, supporting our business with on-time launches. The launch of Intelsat 16 has been no exception and we thank the entire team from ILS, Khrunichev, Intelsat and Orbital for their dedication to the mission. We look forward to our continued relationship with ILS and Khrunichev and the upcoming Intelsat launches on ILS Proton,” said Intelsat’s Senior Vice President & Chief Technical Officer, Thierry Guillemin.
About ILS and Khrunichev
ILS is a world leader in providing mission and launch services for global satellite operators and offers a complete array of services and support, from contract signing through mission management and on-orbit delivery. ILS has exclusive rights to market the Proton vehicle and is a U.S. company headquartered in Reston, Va., near Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.ilslaunch.com

Khrunichev, which holds the majority interest in ILS, is one of the cornerstones of the Russian space industry. Khrunichev manufactures the Proton system and is developing the Angara launch system. The Proton launches from facilities at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, and has a heritage of over 350 missions since 1965. Khrunichev includes among its branches, a number of key manufacturers of launch vehicle and spacecraft components in Moscow and in other cities of the Russian Federation. For more information, visit www.khrunichev.com

About Intelsat
Intelsat is the leading provider of fixed satellite services worldwide. For over 45 years, Intelsat has been delivering information and entertainment for many of the world’s leading media and network companies, multinational corporations, Internet Service Providers and governmental agencies. Intelsat’s satellite, teleport and fiber infrastructure is unmatched in the industry, setting the standard for transmissions of video, data and voice services. From the globalization of content and the proliferation of HD, to the expansion of cellular networks and broadband access, with Intelsat, advanced communications anywhere in the world are closer, by far.
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Contact:
Media inquiries:

International Launch Services, Reston

Karen Monaghan,

Director of Communications

+1-571-633-7549

mobile: +1-571-282-5195

k.monaghan@ilslaunch.com

Raytheon says bidding for India tank upgrade

* Partnering Larsen & Toubro for 1,000 tank contract
* Contract value seen at more than $100 mln

Defense News ~ NEW DELHI, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Raytheon Co (RTN.N), the world's biggest missile maker, said on Friday it and partner Larsen & Toubro (LART.BO) have bid for the contract to upgrade 1,000 T-72 battle tanks in India.
Defence ministry officials said India was looking to spend at least $100 million in upgrading the tanks, which India bought from Russia three decades ago.
"The upgrade will increase the lethality of the T-72 tanks," Fritz Treyz, vice president, Raytheon (India operations), told Reuters.
Ratheon has a tie-up with engineering and construction firm Larsen & Toubro in India.
The upgrades will include weapons and computer systems and enhance its operation by night.
India, one of the world's biggest arms importers, wants to spend $50 billion buying and upgrading weapons over the next five years.
Treyz said Raytheon will also launch the "fish hawk", an anti-submarine warfare weapon system next week in India.

(Reporting by Bappa Majumdar; Editing by Lincoln Feast)

New Sat Will Boost India's Surveillance, EW Plans

By vivek raghuvanshi

Defense News ~ NEW DELHI, 12 Feb 2010 - India is developing an advanced military surveillance satellite capable of picking up a conversation between two telephones as well as taking high-resolution pictures.
The Communication-Centric Intelligence Satellite (CCI-Sat) will be launched into orbit in 2014, said a senior scientist at the state-owned Defence Electronics and Research Laboratory, Hyderabad, which is developing the $25 million satellite.
The CCI-Sat is part of a high-priority plan to develop electronic warfare (EW) systems for India's Army, Navy and Air Force, the scientist said.
Meanwhile, India is ready to put into orbit another homemade satellite, Cartosat-2B, in the next two months. That satellite also will be used for military purposes, Defence Electronics and Research Laboratory sources said.
Last year, India launched its made-in-India RISAT-2 military satellite, which is keeping a high-resolution eye on the country's borders and coastline in case of terrorist infiltrations.
Cartosat-2, like the U.S. satellite Ikonos, delivers 1-meter-resolution imagery, second only to the Quickbird, which offers an incredibly close 60-centimeter resolution - all from a distance of 800 kilometers to 900 kilometers above the Earth, said a scientist from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The ISRO and Defence Research and Development Organisation are collaborating on a dedicated naval satellite that will have a 1,000-nautical-mile footprint over the Indian Ocean. India also plans to launch that satellite this year.

Turkey's Long-Delayed Israeli UAVs Pass Hurdle

Defense News ~ By BURAK EGE BEKDIL and UMIT ENGINSOY 12 Feb 2010: ANKARA - A batch of Heron UAVs produced for Turkey by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Elbit Systems have passed critical performance tests in Israel, and Ankara is ready to accept the delivery of the drones, Turkey's top procurement official said Feb. 12.
The 4.5-ton Heron TP flies automatically in high-altitude safety for 60 hours at a stretch. (Israel Aerospace Industries)
"Six of the aircraft have successfully passed the tests inspected by a delegation of Turkish officials," said Murad Bayar, head of the government's defense procurement agency, the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries. "We are expecting their deliveries in the weeks ahead. And this closes the deal from our point of view."
The remaining four UAVs in the program will undergo similar performance tests in the next few months.
Turkey and the Israeli team had been at odds over delays of more than two years in the delivery of the Herons. The dispute regarding the technical fulfillment of contract specifications was resolved after revisions in the original terms and conditions, Bayar said.
IAI and Elbit won the Turkish UAV contract in 2005 against U.S. rivals. But the program was dogged from the start by technical difficulties.
The contract was worth $183 million, of which about $50 million would go to Turkish subcontrators Turkish Aerospace Industries and Aselsan.
The Heron dispute in recent months contributed to a major deterioration in relations between Turkey and Israel. But a critical meeting between Turkish and Israeli defense ministers in late January paved the way for a degree of reconciliation.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government has been particularly critical of Israel's military offensive in Gaza in late 2008 and early 2009.

U.S. Army Upholds Oshkosh's FMTV Award

Defense News ~ By KATE BRANNEN 12 Feb 2010: The U.S. Army has decided that Oshkosh will keep its $3 billion contract for the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV), the company announced today.
The U.S. Army has upheld its award of FMTV (Family of Medium Tactical Trucks) to Oshkosh. (OSHKOSH DEFENSE)
BAE Systems and Navistar both filed protests after the contract was awarded last August. The selection of Oshkosh unseated BAE Systems as the provider of the armored trucks.
After the protests were filed, the bids of all three competitors for the FMTV program were reviewed by the by the Government Accountability Office, which recommended the Army re-evaluate the bids using new scoring.
The Army reviewed the bids and made the decision to uphold its contract with Oshkosh. It also canceled the Sept. 4 stop-work order it had issued, Oshkosh said.
"We are very pleased the Army affirmed its original decision that Oshkosh Corporation's FMTV bid clearly represents the best overall value for the Army, the taxpayers and the Warfighter," said Robert G. Bohn, Oshkosh chairman and chief executive officer, in a written statement.
The FMTV re-buy program is a five-year, firm fixed-price requirements contract for the production of up to 23,000 vehicles and trailers, as well as support services and engineering, the company said.

Quasar Aerospace Industries, Inc. CEO Announces European Meeting on Tigerfish Joint Venture

Defense News ~ JACKSONVILLE, FL--(Marketwire - 02/11/10) - Quasar Aerospace Industries, Inc. (Pinksheets:QASP - News) - Dean Bradley, the CEO of Quasar Aerospace Industries, Inc. announces a meeting to be held in Hamburg, Germany from February 16th through the 19th. The interested parties from Australia, Europe and the US are holding day long meetings to chart the future course of the RAPT technology by Tigerfish USA, Inc. Quasar Aerospace Industries is hosting the meeting of aeronautical engineering experts from five countries. QASP's representatives will be Dean Bradley, James Ray, President and COO for Quasar Aircraft Corporation, and the CEO of one of our primary acquisitions.
Questions have arisen regarding the Class B shares to be issued on completion of the $350 million funding. Please be advised that said shares will be non-voting and will be restricted for a period of three (3) years.
There will be news blackout until Mr. Bradley returns from Germany the week of the 22nd of February.
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and Quasar Aerospace Industries, Inc. under take no obligation to update such statements.

Contact:
Quasar Aerospace Industries, Inc.
IR@quasaraerospace.net


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ATK Composite Technology Supports Recent Atlas V Launch

ATK Composite Technology Used on 20 Atlas V Launches
ATK's Clearfield Utah Facility Fabricated Composite Heat Shield to Protect Atlas V Launch Vehicle During Ascent
Defense News ~ MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alliant Techsystems' (NYSE: ATK) composite technology supported today's successful launch of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. Â The launch placed NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory into orbit.
Using advanced fiber placement manufacturing techniques, ATK produced the 10 foot diameter composite heat shield that provides essential protection for the first stage of the launch vehicle. Â The part was fabricated by ATK at its Clearfield, Utah facility. Â This is the 20th Atlas V launch using ATK built composite structures. Â
ATK's composite technologies deliver superior performance for numerous space launch vehicles, including the Atlas V, Delta II and Delta IV. Â Composite structures are lighter weight than traditional metal alloys yet offer increased strength. Â The company also manufactures composite components for military and commercial aircraft.
The Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) is the first mission to be launched for NASA's "Living With a Star" program, which is designed to understand the causes of solar variability and its impacts on Earth. SDO is designed to aid in understanding the Sun's influence on Earth and Near-Earth space by studying the solar atmosphere on small scales of space and time and in many wavelengths simultaneously.
ATK is a premier aerospace and defense company with more than 18,000 employees in 22 states, Puerto Rico and internationally, and revenues of approximately $4.8 billion. Â News and information can be found on the Internet at http://www.atk.com/.


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Component Orders Jump in January, Says ECA

Defense News ~ ARLINGTON, Va.--February 11, 2010, (BUSINESS WIRE)--Electronic component orders jumped upward in January according to the monthly report compiled by the Electronic Components Association (ECA). ECA’s monthly report consolidates order information collected in confidence from leading electronic component manufacturers. The upward trend in electronic component orders goes back seven months, but January showed perhaps the biggest jump during that time. Manufacturers are likely reacting to a combination of factors, including internal supply chain intelligence, good demand during the recent holiday season, and positive forecasts from analyst firms such as iSuppli, which predicts a mild recovery for the electronics market this year.
“The industry has seen a decent rebound for more than half a year, and the start of a new year typically leads to optimism,” says Bob Willis, ECA president. “Unlike the market decline we had in 2009, key indicators point to modest growth this year.”
About ECA
The Electronic Components Association (ECA) represents the electronic components industry and the technologies, materials and supply chain associated with it. ECA offers market research, conferences, standards development under the EIA brand, issue advocacy, technology intelligence, and collaborative efforts that help improve the business and technical expertise of its members. For more information, visit http://ec-central.org/index.cfm


Contact:
Cramblitt & Company
Bob Cramblitt, 919-481-4599
info@cramco.com

Morpho Detection Wins TSA Contract for Next-Gen Itemiser® DX Desktop Explosives Detection Systems

First Products to Bear New Morpho Detection Name Destined for Airport Checkpoints Across the United States
Defense News ~ NEWARK, Calif.--February 11, 2010, (BUSINESS WIRE)--Morpho Detection, Inc., a business of Safran group’s Sagem Sécurité division, today announced it has signed a contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for several hundred Itemiser® DX explosive trace detection systems (ETD). The contract value is approximately $16 million and was awarded after a competitive contracting process.
The Itemiser DX is the latest trace-based desktop explosive trace detection system to be approved as meeting the demanding detection standards recently established by TSA. The Itemiser DX is the first trace system to simultaneously detect positive and negative ions using a single detector. It delivers fast explosives detection in a desktop package that is reliable, cost effective, and easy to use.
The systems are expected to be deployed to airport checkpoints across the United States to replace and upgrade current units. Morpho Detection’s Itemiser DX system is the company’s first branded product since Sagem Sécurité acquired GE’s Homeland Protection business in September.
“We are especially pleased to have our next-generation Itemiser DX explosive trace detection system chosen by TSA for use at airport checkpoints across the country,” said Dennis Cooke, senior vice president and CEO, Morpho Detection, Inc.
The Itemiser DX is the most recently approved next-generation explosive trace detection system for use in checked baggage, passenger and cargo screening. The Itemiser DX system has successfully completed qualification testing and operational testing and evaluation. The Itemiser DX system was placed on TSA’s qualified products list for ETD, which contains the products approved for use in checkpoint screening.
Morpho Detection’s contract with TSA was funded, in part, by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Consistent with the ARRA program, this contract will directly help create or maintain U.S. jobs.
About Morpho Detection, Inc.
Morpho Detection, a company of Sagem Sécurité (Safran group), is a leading supplier of explosives and narcotics detection systems for government agencies, air and ground transportation venues, energy and other high-risk organizations and facilities, and the military. Morpho Detection brings together world-class trace detection, computed tomography, X-ray diffraction, X-ray and Raman Spectroscopy technologies into a single business offering that can make a wide range of security activities more accurate, productive and efficient. Morpho Detection helps customers protect people, assets and communities. Sagem Sécurité acquired GE’s Homeland Protection business in September 2009.
For more information, www.morphodetection.com.
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Contact:
Morpho Detection, Inc.
Steve Hill
+1-503-705-4172
steve.hill@morphodetection.com
or
Sagem Sécurité
Caroline Coudert
+33 1 58 11 19 47
caroline.coudert@sagem.com

Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Successfully Powers Launch of NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory Mission

Defense News ~ WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne today helped boost into orbit the first mission in NASA's "Living With a Star" program to explore more about how the sun affects life on Earth. Â The Solar Dynamics Observatory mission was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., by a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. Â The Atlas V is powered by the RD AMROSS RD-180 booster engine and a Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RL10 upper-stage engine. Â Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne is a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX). Â RD AMROSS LLC is a joint venture of Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne and NPO Energomash.
"Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne is pleased to provide power for the first mission in this exciting NASA program to learn more about the sun's impact on our solar system and the Earth," said Jim Maus, director, expendable propulsion programs, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. Â "This first launch of the RL10 in 2010 is the 407th production model RL10 to fly, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with United Launch Alliance in this coming decade."
"RD AMROSS and its partners -- NPO Energomash and Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne -- congratulate NASA on this successful launch," said Len Dest, president and CEO of RD AMROSS. Â "We are proud to say that the RD-180 has provided power for all 20 Atlas V launches, including four with NASA payloads."
The Atlas V Centaur upper stage is powered by a single RL10A-4-2 engine that delivers 22,300 pounds of thrust. Â For over 46 years, the RL10 has been one of the United States' most reliable upper-stage engines. Â The Atlas V Common Core booster is powered by the RD-180 engine delivering nearly 1 million pounds of thrust. Â The RD-180 is the only liquid oxygen-kerosene fueled engine with an oxygen-rich staged combustion cycle flying in the United States today.
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. Â United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and commercial building industries.


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FLIR Systems 2010 EPS view trails Street; shares down

* Q4 EPS $0.38 vs $0.41 a year ago
* Sees 2010 EPS $1.48 to $1.53 vs est. $1.55/shr
* CFO Bailey to retire
* Shares fall as much as 8 pct
By Bijoy Anandoth Koyitty
Defense News ~ BANGALORE, Feb 11 (Reuters) - FLIR Systems Inc (FLIR.O), which makes thermal-imaging products and infrared cameras, posted a lower quarterly profit and forecast 2010 earnings below analysts' expectations, sending its shares down as much as 8 percent.
The company said it sees slower growth in revenue from government systems in 2010 due to an anticipated decrease in deliveries under the base expeditionary targeting and surveillance sensors-combined (BETTS-C) and related programs.
"The BETTS-C surveillance system was built for Iraq, and right now at least there is not much expectations for a big similar system for Afghanistan. The Iraq system was a meaningful contributor to revenue," Stephens Inc analyst Timothy Quillin told Reuters.
FLIR's government systems segment, which makes imaging products for the military, accounts for more than half of its overall revenue.
FLIR, which competes with defense contractors such as L-3 Communications Holdings (LLL.N), Raytheon Co (RTN.N) and Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N), however, said it expects growth from the newly formed commercial vision systems.
"The commercial business will continue to grow nicely and they just need to book new business to replace the drop-off in the defense program," Quillin said.
Revenue from government systems fell 1 percent to $169.7 million in the latest fourth quarter, while the commercial vision systems division revenue rose 34 percent to $57 million. Total revenue rose 3 percent to $311.6 million.
For the fourth quarter, the company reported net earnings of $60.3 million, or 38 cents a share, compared with $65 million, or 41 cents a share, in the year-ago period.
Analysts on average were expecting earnings of 38 cents a share, before items, on revenue of $303.7 million, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.
For 2010, the company forecast earnings of $1.48 to $1.53 a share, on revenue of $1.2 billion to $1.3 billion. Analysts were expecting earnings of $1.55 a share, on revenue of $1.22 billion.
The company also said Chief Financial Officer Stephen Bailey will retire at the end of May. Bailey will be succeeded by senior vice-president Anthony Trunzo.
Shares of the company were trading down 7 percent at $27.52 late morning Thursday on Nasdaq.
(Reporting by Bijoy Koyitty in Bangalore; Editing by Maju Samuel and Unnikrishnan Nair)


Analyst Research
Report Title
FLIR Systems Inc: Business description, financial summary, 3yr and interim financials, key statistics/ratios and historical ratio analysis.
Provider: Reuters Investment Profile ..... $20.00 Buy
FLIR: Risk/Reward Rating: Full Report: Cash Truth Behind the Reported Earnings
Provider: New Constructs, LLC ..... $10.00 Buy
FLIR SYSTEMS INC (FLIR=US) - REPORT FOR ACTIVE TRADERS
Provider: Pechala's Reports .... $25.00 Buy