Lockheed Martin Awarded Task Order for Continued Production of Symphony IED Jammer Systems

Defense News: SYRACUSE, N.Y., March 16 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Navyawarded Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT - News) a sole source indefinite-delivery-indefinite-quantity contract for Symphony Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RC-IED) Defeat jammer systems. With an initial task order valued at $40.8 million, the contract runs through September 2014 and has a ceiling value of$940 million.

The Symphony systems are U.S. Government-approved for sale through the Foreign Military Sales program to allied, coalition and partner nations for operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and other nations.

"Symphony is mounted on convoy vehicles and has been proven in combat against Radio-Controlled IEDs," said Carl Bannar, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin's Radar Systems business. "The system was engineered and built to provide continuous electronic force protection against RC-IEDs in the most rugged, tactical and extreme environments."

Symphony is programmable and designed for easy installation, operation and maintenance on a diverse set of platforms used by security forces worldwide. It is compatible and interoperable with other communications systems and jamming devices.

Lockheed Martin performs Symphony system production, vehicle system integration, depot and logistic support and engineering work at facilities in Florida and Virginia, as well as in theater. Lockheed Martin has produced Symphony since 2006, has delivered more than 1,000 systems and, prior to the latest contract, had received orders totaling $126 million.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2009 sales of $45.2 billion.

For additional information, visit our Web site: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/ms2

Related Headlines

• Lockheed Martin Awarded Task Order for Continued Production of Symphony IED Jammer Systems - PR Newswire
• Building a Lean, Mean Value Machine - at SmartMoney.com
• Lockheed Martin appoints new controller - AP
• LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP Files SEC form 8-K, Change in Directors or Principal Officers - EDGAR Online
• Christopher Gregoire Named Lockheed Martin Vice President and Controller - PR Newswire

Media Advisory: Bombardier Aerospace

Defense News: MACON, GEORGIA--(Marketwire - 03/16/10) - Bombardier Customer Services invites you to attend a ceremony to mark the Grand Opening of the Bombardier Macon Air Center. The Macon facility is Bombardier Aerospace's third commercial aircraft service centre in the USA, and compliments the company's service centers in Bridgeport, West Virginia and Tucson, Arizona. The Macon facility, which began operations on January 18, 2010, will perform heavy maintenance activities on Bombardier CRJ100/200/700/900 aircraft.

We look forward to providing you a briefing and tour of the facility. Senior executives of Bombardier Customer Services and the City of Macon will be in attendance.

 

Date:      March 22nd, 2010
Time:      8:45 - 10:00 am
Location:  Bombardier Macon Air Center 100 East Drive, Macon, GA 31297-0216
RSVP:      By e-mail before March 18th, 2010 to Marianella de la Barrera at
           marianella.delabarrera@aero.bombardier.com

We look forward to your participation!

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.

Contact:

 
Contacts:
Bombardier Aerospace
Marianella Delabarrera
416-373-5575
marianella.delabarrera@aero.bombardier.com

USIBC Hosts 7th U.S.-India High Technology Cooperation Group Summit

Dialogue Underpins the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership

Defense News: WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) today convened leading executives from U.S. and Indian industry, joined by top government officials, for the 7^th Meeting of the U.S.-India High Technology Cooperation Group (HTCG).

The HTCG Summit provided a day-long opportunity for Indian and U.S. Industry to interact, identify market barriers, and highlight opportunities in high-tech areas such as Defense/Strategic Trade, Civil Nuclear Cooperation, Biotechnology, Nanotechnology and Civil Aviation. The findings of these private sector interactions were presented to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industrial Security, and India’s Ministry of External Affairs to inform the bilateral discussions between the Government of India and U.S. Government scheduled to take place tomorrow, March 16. Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao was chief guest and presided over the day’s event at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

“When we think back to the progress already made between our nations in the area of high technology cooperation – from the manner in which our navies supported one another following the Tsunami of 2004, in the way we collaboratively embraced civil nuclear cooperation, pioneered the U.S.-India Open Skies Agreement, and participated in India’s first, successful launch to the moon, Chandrayaan I, which included NASA and Raytheon technology – we can only be optimistic looking ahead along our line of sight for 2010, when President Barack Obama travels to India,” said Ron Somers, President of the U.S. – India Business Council.

Somers added: “If we think of our common challenges and our common goals, the United States and India stand united on issues concerning regional security, energy security, food security, fighting disease as well as the scourge of terrorism, promoting aviation safety and the security of our Open Skies, and providing education and the tools for uplifting our fellow man. In every one of these instances, high technology cooperation will play a constructive role in providing the solutions to meet these challenges and in achieving these noble goals,” Somers said.

Building on the successful state visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in November 2009, the HTCG working groups identified specific barriers that continue to hamper high-technology trade as well as acknowledged the growing scope for collaboration. The Summit also provided a unique opportunity for business leaders to hear from key U.S. and Indian policy makers, including Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and Deputy Assistant to the President of the United States, Michael Froman.

Foreign Secretary Rao spoke about the need for further streamlining of U.S. Export Controls. Assistant Secretary of Commerce Kevin Wolf presented an update on export control issues affecting U.S. – India trade. Michael Froman, Deputy Assistant to the President, underscored the importance of the U.S.-India relationship, saying: “There is no other bilateral relationship as important as the U.S.-India relationship.”

The U.S.-India High Technology Cooperation Group (HTCG) was conceived in November 2001 by PresidentGeorge W. Bush and then-Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Both countries agreed to take cooperative steps to create the requisite political, economic, and legal structures to enable successful high-technology commerce. Since the HTCG’s inception, dual use exports requiring licenses for U.S.-India trade have dropped from 40% to just .3% - demonstrating the commitment of both countries to engender a relationship based on trust, predictability, transparency, and robust high technology engagement.

The U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC), formed in 1975 under the aegis of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is the premier business advocacy organization representing over 340 of the largest U.S. companies investing in India, joined by global Indian companies, whose mandate is to deepen U.S.-India commercial ties.

www.usibc.com

Contact:

U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC)
Larry Navin, 202-463-3146
lnavin@uschamber.com

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Awards $4.395 Million to Fraunhofer CMB for H1N1 Vaccine Development

Defense News: NEWARK, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fraunhofer USA Center for Molecular Biotechnology (CMB) announced today that it has received a $4.395 million award from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop a vaccine against H1N1 influenza virus using its plant-based production platform.

This will be the third round of funding from DARPA and follows on CMB’s successful optimization and feasibility studies completed in 2008 and a new, state-of-the-art cGMP pilot manufacturing facility completed at the end of 2009. This current funding will allow CMB’s H1N1 vaccine candidate to progress to Phase 1 clinical trials, therefore validating the utility of the technology for manufacturing products for use in humans.

According to Dr. Vidadi Yusibov, Executive Director of Fraunhofer USA CMB, “Over the past eight years, we have taken our plant-based transient expression system for recombinant protein production from concept, through technical innovations, process improvement, and scale up. While the production platform has been validated by extensive pre-clinical studies, we are looking forward to entering the clinical phase of development.”

The need for alternative manufacturing platforms with rapid response capability became apparent in the past year with the emergence of the H1N1 influenza. DARPA’s interest in developing advanced manufacturing technologies for vaccine production stems from the need to protect military personnel and civilian populations from infections agents.

When asked their opinions on this latest announcement from Fraunhofer CMB, members of Delaware’s Congressional delegation made the following comments.

"Fraunhofer’s work to help fight the spread of the H1N1 influenza virus is on the cutting edge of research and will impact the way we develop vaccines long-term," said Congressman Mike Castle. "Dr. Yusibov and his team are leaders in their field and we are lucky to have them here in Delaware."

“Receiving this competitive grant shows clearly that Fraunhofer is helping lead the way in creating vaccine technology that can protect us against dangerous threats such as bioterrorism and pandemic flu,” said Sens. Thomas Carper (D-Del.) and Edward (Ted) Kaufman (D-Del.). “We are proud of the work being done at Fraunhofer and look forward to seeing all that they will accomplish with this additional support from the federal government.”

About Fraunhofer USA Center for Molecular Biotechnology

Fraunhofer USA CMB, a division of Fraunhofer USA, Inc., is a not-for-profit research organization whose mission is to develop safe and effective vaccines targeting infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders. CMB’s technology provides a safe, rapid and economical alternative for vaccine production. The Center conducts research in the area of plant biotechnology, utilizing new, cutting edge technologies to assist with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of human and animal diseases. The Center houses individuals with expertise and excellence in plant virology, pathology, molecular biology, immunology, vaccinology, protein engineering, and biochemistry. Further information is available at www.fraunhofer-cmb.org.

Contact:

Fraunhofer USA Center for Molecular Biotechnology
Dale Ervin, 302-369-3034
dervin@Fraunhofer-cmb.org

Air Berlin cancels $1.7 billion Boeing 787 order

* Air Berlin cuts firm Boeing 787 order to 15 from 25 planes

* Cuts options on further aircraft to 5 from 10

* Defers nine 737 deliveries to 2015 from 2010 or 2011

* Air Berlin shares fall 0.7 percent

Defense News: FRANKFURT, March 16 (Reuters) - Air Berlin (AB1.DE), Germany's second-biggest airline after Lufthansa (LHAG.DE), cancelled about $1.7 billion worth of firm orders for Boeing's (BA.N) 787 Dreamliner aircraft to cut its financial obligations.

"With a partnership spirit we have mutually agreed with Boeing to adjust the Air Berlin order book to meet Air Berlin's operational requirements and the market conditions," the company said on Tuesday.

Air Berlin cut its firm order to 15 planes from 25 and the number of options for further 787 aircraft to 5 from 10. Each 787 aircraft has a list price of about $170 million.

In addition, it is deferring delivery of nine Boeing 737 aircraft to 2015 from 2010 or 2011, it said.

"For Air Berlin, the agreement means a significant reduction of its financial obligations due to lower and much more distributed investment profile," it said.

Air Berlin had already said last year that it could cancel or defer some of its outstanding aircraft orders, which also include 4 Q400s built by Bombardier (BBDb.TO) and 26 A320-family aircraft from Airbus (EAD.PA). (Reporting by Maria Sheahan)

Bridge PR: Leicester Firm's Groundbreaking Event Highlights Challenges for Ex-Forces Personnel in 'Civvy Street'

Defense News: LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A GROUNDBREAKING event staged by a Leicester company to highlight the challenges ex-Forces personnel face returning to ‘civvy street’ has been a major success.

More than 30 exhibitors and hundreds of delegates attended a first-of-its-kind job fair and networking event organised by Leicester-based Gemini Forces and Drivers Direct, working together as the British Forces Resettlement Services (BFRS)

The event at the Garrison Sports Centre, in Aldershot, Hampshire, was aimed at helping past, present and future service leavers and their family members access a range of support organisations and find meaningful employment.

Harry Dean, Gemini Forces director who served in the Army for 30 years, said: “We’ve broken new ground with the BFRS event and it proved to be a resounding success with attendees and exhibitors alike. It gave service leavers and their families the perfect platform to meet recruiters specifically looking for their skill sets and experiences gained in military life.”

Gemini Forces specialises in helping ex-Services personnel find employment when they return to civilian life. It has helped countless ex-Services personnel make the seamless transition to civilian life, finding employment in an array of industry sectors including Health & Safety, environmental, aviation, facilities management, project management and defence consultancy sectors.

“The help ex-Forces personnel can access when making the transition to civilian life is an unknown quantity for many. Our event in Aldershot also made delegates aware of the training packages they are entitled to when leaving the services which can give them a huge boost when returning to civilian life.”

During the BFRS event, keynote speaker Col Richard Kemp CBE raised the issue of the transition from military to civilian life.

He said: “In my experience since leaving the Army, most former service people tend to very much undersell themselves. It is really important that they recognise the impressive range of skills and experience they have acquired in their military service so that they can market themselves to employers.”

This information was brought to you by Cision http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=ArZvxkLBQI.RdPh0YW95g5rjba9_;_ylu=X3oDMTE2MWNhNnRzBHBvcwMxBHNlYwNuZXdzYXJ0Ym9keQRzbGsDaHR0cHd3d2Npc2lv/SIG=16ucf4p62/**http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cisionwire.com&esheet=6215905&lan=en_US&anchor=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cisionwire.com&index=1&md5=34e53d76c0f61f957bf259e81ce388e5

Contact:

Bridge PR

Denise Taylor

tel: 024 76 520025

email: mailto:garyl@bridgepr.co.uk;_ylt=AnYWSJ6K98eqcOEa_NV1IJDjba9_;_ylu=X3oDMTE4c2tvNXMwBHBvcwMxBHNlYwNuZXdzUHJDb250YWN0BHNsawNnYXJ5bGJyaWRnZXA-

or

Gemini Forces

Harry Dean

0845 308 2405

COM DEV Wins Work on Multiple Satellites

Defense News: CAMBRIDGE, ON, March 16 /CNW/ - COM DEV International Ltd. (TSX:CDV - News), a leading manufacturer of space hardware subsystems, today announced that it has been selected by EADS Astrium to provide passive microwave equipment for a series of four commercial communications satellites. COM DEV will supply switches, filters and multiplexers for use on the satellites which EADS Astrium is building for SES S.A. The satellites will deliver next generation broadcast, VSAT and broadband services in Europe and Africa.

COM DEV has initially been awarded authorizations to proceed (ATPs) valued at CDN$2.8 million. The ATPs are expected to lead to full contracts valued in excess of CDV$14 million, with work scheduled to be completed by early 2012 at COM DEV's facility in Cambridge, Ontario.

"EADS Astrium has been a customer for decades, and we're very pleased with the confidence they've shown in selecting us for a multi-satellite program," said John Keating, CEO of COM DEV International. "These satellites will provide both replacement and incremental capacity, demonstrating the ongoing trend of increasing demand for satellite communications services."

About COM DEV

COM DEV International Ltd. (www.comdevintl.com) is a leading global designer and manufacturer of space hardware subsystems. With facilities in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, COM DEV manufactures advanced products and subsystems that are sold to major satellite prime contractors for use in communications, space science, remote sensing and military satellites.

This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from results indicated in any forward-looking statements. The Company cautions that, among other things, in view of the rapid changes in communications markets and technologies, and other risks including the cost and market acceptance of the Company's new products, the level of individual customer procurements and competitive product offerings and pricing, and general economic circumstances, the Company's business prospects may be materially different from forward-looking statements made by the Company.

The triangular logo and the word COM DEV are each registered trademarks and the property of COM DEV Ltd. All rights reserved.

For further information

Gary Calhoun, Chief Financial Officer, Tel: (519) 622-2300 ext. 2826, gary.calhoun@comdev.ca
Jeff Codispodi, The Equicom Group, Tel: (416) 815-0700 ext. 261, jcodispodi@equicomgroup.com

Lockheed Martin Delivers Innovative Full-Motion Video Intelligence System to USJFCOM

First "Valiant Angel" System Delivered Just 90 Days After Contract Award

Defense News: SUFFOLK, Va., March 15 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Joint Forces Command is testing a brand new video intelligence system delivered by Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT - News) that will help commanders take better control of the flood of video being generated on the modern battlefield. The Valiant Angel system uses broadcast television technology to help commanders collect, archive, search, analyze and share full-motion video.

This first Valiant Angel system was delivered just over 90 days after contract award. Joint Forces Command awarded a team comprised of Lockheed Martin, Harris Corporation and NetApp a$29 million contract to develop the system in September. The Valiant Angel Network Operations Center and first node was delivered on December 4th to the Command's Joint Intelligence Laboratory, where it is undergoing integration testing in advance of a planned deployment to Afghanistan this spring.

"Full-motion video is one of today's most pressing tactical intelligence challenges," said Dan Rice, LockheedMartin Vice President for Spatial Solutions. "With so many sensors out there generating so much video, it can be overwhelming for the user to manage. Joint Forces Command recognized early on that this challenge was in need of an innovative new solution – and one that could get into the hands of warfighters immediately. We're proud to be working with USJFCOM to rapidly turn Valiant Angel from contract award into an operational system."

Once the system completes the testing phase, Lockheed Martin will produce and field several Valiant Angel"nodes" to Afghanistan. Each node consists of a suite of high-capacity servers that store and archive video footage from multiple sensors and UAVs, coupled with a software system that lets users catalog, tag, search, and analyze video clips. For instance, users can search the archive for a specific person or vehicle, or they can fuse mapping, geospatial, and multi-source intelligence data with video feeds to conduct in-depth analysis. Valiant Angel works with both archived video and with live, incoming video streams.

The Valiant Angel system incorporates tools and technologies from Lockheed Martin's Audacity™ video analysis system, Harris Corporation's Full-Motion Video Asset Management System (FAME™), and NetApp's Data ONTAP high-performance storage technology.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2009 sales of $45.2 billion.

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

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General Dynamics Itronix Launches New GDAssure(TM) Program that Certifies Customer Computer Systems Prior to Installation

- Program offers unprecedented level of assurance that new rugged computer systems will work successfully when deployed across the customer's enterprise -

Defense News: SUNRISE, Fla., March 15 /PRNewswire/ -- General Dynamics Itronix introduces the new GDAssure™ Solution Validation and Installation Certification Program that evaluates and certifies that a customer's rugged computer, software and peripherals operate as they are intended in a simulated day-to-day operating environment. The GDAssure program reduces the time and costs associated with a computer system that, once installed, fails to operate correctly.

The program assembles a team of engineers, system architects and others who test and evaluate various aspects of a system's configuration and performance. An analysis might include the evaluation of wireless accessories including printers, bar code scanners, GPS modules, operating software and mounting hardware for vehicle installations. Testing can also incorporate vibration, shock, drop, extreme operating temperatures and other tests based on a system's configuration and operating environment. The final analysis documents the components that worked as intended and those that need to be re-evaluated.

"This program is useful to a wide range of government, public safety, utilities, transportation and other organizations that expect their computer-based systems to successfully and efficiently operate across the enterprise, with minimal impact on their day-to-day operations," said Frank Romeo, solutions & services marketing manager for General Dynamics Itronix.

The GDAssure Solution Validation and Installation Certification Program is available as part of a sales contract and takes from 60 to 90 days to complete.

GDAssure Solution Validation and Installation Certification Program is part of the General Dynamics Itronix GDAssure Service portfolio that offers a variety of lifecycle, professional and managed services, including:

• Standard three-year warranties;
• Enhanced warranty programs;
• No Fault Max full warranty coverage;
• Advanced Exchange (swap-out repair);
• Battery Maintenance;
• Gold Disk Load;
• Asset Tracking & Management;
• Customer Service Account Management;
• Product Disposal services; and
• Customized Packaged Solutions.

General Dynamics Itronix is a leading developer of wireless, rugged computing solutions for mobile workers, offering a full range of field computing systems, including full-sized laptops, ultra-mobile notebook PCs and tablet PCs. The company is part of General Dynamics C4 Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD - News). Additional information is available at www.gd-itronix.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 www.generaldynamics.com.

Itronix is a registered trademark or trademarks of General Dynamics Itronix.

Related Headlines

• General Dynamics Itronix Launches New GDAssure(TM) Program that Certifies Customer Computer Systems Prior to Installation - PR Newswire
• General Dynamics gets $228M contract from FAA- AP
• General Dynamics Awarded $228 Million Contract to Modernize FAA Communications System - PR Newswire
• GENERAL DYNAMICS CORP Files SEC form 8-K, Change in Directors or Principal Officers - EDGAR Online
• General Dynamics Awarded $41 Million for RG-31 MRAP Spare Parts - PR Newswire

Caster Concepts Wins Contract to Engineer and Build Test Machine for Navy

Defense News: ALBION, MI--(Marketwire - 03/15/10) - Caster Concepts, an ISO 9001-2000 certified designer and manufacturer of a comprehensive line of industrial casters, was awarded the contract to build a high performance test dynamometer for the Puget Sound Naval Facility in Bremerton, Washington. The contract calls for Caster Concepts to engineer and manufacture a test dynamometer used to optimize and fine tune the control systems that power a 325 horsepower electric motor. The contract also includes the design of a custom shipping container that will house the test equipment during transport and serve as a mobile laboratory during testing.

Caster Concepts will outfit the test dynamometer with speed and torque sensors to monitor and record performance using a PC-based data acquisition measurement hardware. The design work, including finite element analysis, will be conducted in-house. All manufacturing will be performed on site at Caster Concepts' plant in Albion, Michigan, or by one of its sister companies, Fabricating Concepts, The Machine Center and Triple E Manufacturing.

The Navy evaluated four proposals for the test dynamometer. Caster Concepts' was judged to be the most cost effective and the most technically sound. Delivery of the test dynamometer will be in May. Caster Concepts will also provide onsite training and support.

Caster Concepts has long held the belief that the heart of a great caster company is the engineering and technology behind the product. The company has grown and developed its engineering team to include not only expertise in wheels and bearings but also in electronics, software, material science, product development and all mechanical engineering skill sets. As a result, Caster Concepts has been involved in the development of a polyurethane manufacturing process for airless wheels used in Humvees (HWMWV) and all terrain vehicles (ATV), driving simulators to teach advanced driver's education and the creation of a revolutionary shock absorption technology for wheels that reduces hearing loss in factory workers.

About Caster Concepts

Caster Concepts, Inc. is an ISO 9001-2000 certified designer and manufacturer of a comprehensive line of industrial casters, ranging from medium-duty series to heavy-duty series to meet any application. CCI also manufactures caster wheels to withstand impact, corrosion, temperature extremes and chemicals found in harsh industrial environments. The multi-functional casters and wheels serve a variety of applications in the industrial, automotive, food service, aerospace, material handling and other demanding markets. Learn more about the entire family of Caster Concepts companies -- Reaction Industries, LLC, The Machine Center,Fabricating Concepts, LLC, Triple E Manufacturing and CasterShox by visiting the most comprehensive website in the caster industry at www.casterconcepts.com.

Contact:

 
For more information, contact:
Dr. William Dobbins
President & CEO
Caster Concepts, Inc.
517-629-8838
Media contact:
Alyson Kallmeyer
Marketing Programs Manager
Hilty Moore & Associates, Inc.
440-424-4709 Ext. 202

L-3 Awarded F-16 Mission Training Center Contract Option

Defense News: NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--L-3 Communications (NYSE:LLL - News) announced today that its Link Simulation & Training division has been awarded a $20.9 million contract option on the F-16 Mission Training Center (MTC) program. This contract option, received from the Aeronautical Systems Center's Training Systems Product Group at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, brings the total contract value on the program to $109.1 million.

Under the contract option, L-3 Link will build and deliver an F-16 MTC suite that includes four high-definition simulators. The BoeingCompany will provide the instructor/operator stations and brief/debrief systems. This marks the second four-ship F-16 MTC the U.S. Air Force has ordered from L-3 Link.

All F-16 MTC suites under order are being integrated with L-3 Link’s HD World^™ simulation product line. HD World combines high-definition databases, image generation systems, physics-based processing technology and visual system displays to create highly realistic and relevant environments for F-16 pilot training. SimuSphere^® HD, the visual display component to HD World, provides each simulator with an immersive, 360-degree field-of-view.

“The technologies being delivered on the F-16 Mission Training Center simulators are providing a solution that will maximize pilot operational readiness while reducing training costs to the U.S. Air Force,” said Bob Birmingham, president of L-3 Link. “For the first time ever in a simulator, F-16 pilots will be able to detect, judge the orientation of, recognize and identify targets from the same distance as when flying an actual mission.”

Under the program, the U.S. Air Force could order as many as 20 four-ship F-16 MTCs for delivery to installations in the U.S., Europe and Pacific region. High-fidelity F-16 MTC simulators, which will accurately model all of the fighter aircraft’s weapon systems and ordnance, will be delivered in Block 40/42 and 50/52 configurations to support basic and advanced pilot mission training, tactics validation and mission rehearsal.

L-3 Link Simulation & Training is a systems integration organization that delivers and supports training systems and equipment to enhance operational proficiency. The company’s current services include conducting front-end analysis, program design, simulator design and production, field support, aircraft logistics support, training and courseware support, and air traffic control training. It has major operations in Arlington, Texas, and other key bases of operation in Binghamton, N.Y.; Orlando, Fla.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; Broken Arrow, Okla.; and Phoenix, Ariz.

Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications employs approximately 67,000 people worldwide and is a prime contractor in aircraft modernization and maintenance, C³ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems and government services. L-3 is also a leading provider of high technology products, subsystems and systems. The company reported 2009 sales of $15.6 billion.

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

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

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

Contact:

L-3 Link Simulation & Training
Rick Oyler, 817-619-3536

Related Headlines
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