Oshkosh Defense Awarded $11.9 Million Delivery Order to Supply United Arab Emirates With HEMTT A4s — Press Release
Filed under: Oshkosh Truck Corp, Press Releases, U.S. Army, United States, logistics
OSHKOSH, Wis. — March 18, 2010 — Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), has received a delivery order from the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command (TACOM LCMC) to supply more than 40 next-generation Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTT) to the United Arab Emirates.
The delivery order, valued at $11.9 million, is part of the UAE’s Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC)-3 missile systems purchase approved by the U.S. Congress. The HEMTT variants included in this contract are the Patriot tractor, wrecker and guided missile transporter. The vehicles will be built and delivered July through September 2011. The order was issued under the Army’s Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles (FHTV) III contract.
“Our HEMTT A4 variants included in this order will provide transportation, resupply and recovery support for the PAC-3 missile systems,” said Andy Hove, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Defense. “Oshkosh Defense’s high-performance vehicles meet the durability, mobility and payload-capacity needs of militaries worldwide and thrive in the most demanding environments.”
The HEMTT A4’s advanced suspension, more powerful engine, air-conditioned cab and anti-lock brakes, in addition to the vehicle’s 13-ton payload capacity and off-road capabilities, will provide exceptional support to the UAE armed forces. Oshkosh Defense’s UAE-based facilities will supply regional aftermarket support services.
Along with vehicles such as the SandCat and Global Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET), the HEMTT A4 is part of Oshkosh Defense’s full line of international vehicles designed to meet a variety of logistical and operational needs around the world.
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 www.oshkoshdefense.com.
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®, 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 www.oshkoshcorporation.com.
®, ™ All brand names referred to in this news release are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies.
bioTRAiTS finds Biometrics is a Rising Star at U.S. Defense Industry Trade Show Amidst Heightened Concern for Productivity, Security — Press Release
ORLANDO – Growing concern for security at U.S. military and defense industry facilities and productivity elevated biometrics technology to superstar status at the AUSA Institute of Land Warfare Winter Symposium & Exposition recently at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., USA.
One of the world’s most influential defense industry trade shows, the AUSA ILW Winter Symposium & Exposition attracted top military leaders from Active Army/Reserve Components; civilian executives of the Department of Army/Defense; Joint Force Commanders; and influential captains of industry, according to the AUSA web site.
Peter Wengert, chief executive officer of bioTRAiTS, Inc., an Orlando-based global provider of biometrics technology to corporations, governments, institutions, and consumers worldwide, said he has never seen such strong interest in biometrics technology from defense industry contractors and government agencies.
“This year we were inundated with requests for proposals from the world’s biggest defense industry buyers and contractors,” Wengert said. “This was the third year we attended the AUSA Winter Symposium and this year felt like we arrived from another world. Everyone wanted information about biometrics,” he said.
bioTRAiTS was invited to participate in the AUSA ILW Winter Symposium & Exposition as a Team Member of URS Corporation (NYSE: URS), one of the leading providers of engineering, construction and technical services around the world and the nation’s 18th largest U.S. defense industry contractor, according to Government Executive magazine.
Biometric technology precisely measures unique human biological traits such as fingerprints, eyes, voice patterns and other markers that validate the identity of the subject. bioTRAiTS, Inc. markets advanced proprietary software that integrates biometrics with state-of-the-art hardware systems to provide identity security that is virtually foolproof.
“Biometrics technology provides the best means to identify, verify, and authorize secure entry into critical facilities,” Wengert explained. “It’s the only absolute way to tell the good guys from the bad guys.”
Wengert said government contractors see other major benefits too.
“We can track employee performance automatically and accurately report the hours they work on specific projects for billing purposes,” he said. Those ‘Time and Attendance’ functions are particularly valuable as many contractors anticipate program budget cuts and greater calls for precise accounting.
“When accurate, automated accounting of productivity is imperative, biometrics offers the very best solutions on the market today,” he said.
Wengert said he’s been asked to forward proposals to more than 18 major defense industry contractors and customers, including U.S. government agencies. “Typically we’d be thrilled to get two or three such requests,” Wengert said.
Each proposal will take up to a week to complete, Wengert said, but the result could range from a $50,000 pilot project to a custom design, installation and maintenance contract worth several million dollars.
“Security, accuracy and productivity are critical objectives in the defense industry and biometrics provides the most reliable technology tools to achieve all three,” Wengert explained. “We’re in the right place at the right time with the most appropriate solutions on the planet,” he said.
bioTRAiTS, Inc. is a University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program client located at the Central Florida Research Park in East Orlando.
* * *
For more information about this press release contact:
Peter A. Wengert, CEO bioTRAiTS, Inc., 3267 Progress Drive, Suite 103 , Orlando , FL 32826; 866-815-0888 or peter@biotraits.com;
Carol Ann Dykes, Site Manager, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-882-0211, cdykes@mail.ucf.edu
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142 or LvershelCo@aol.com
About bioTRAiTS:
bioTRAiTS, Inc. is a biometric technology company committed to helping companies protect assets, increase profits and increase revenue. bioTRAiTS, Inc. provides customized software solutions to meet time, attendance and access control needs via recognition and verification of unique human characteristics. With over seven years experience in the field of electronic security, bioTRAiTS, Inc. consistently delivers an excellent return on investment and receives high marks for customer service.
About the UCF Business Incubation Program:
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 130 emerging companies (including more than 80 current clients) create over $800 million in annual revenue and more than 1600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With seven facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development between the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Winter Springs, The City of Sanford, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, Osceola County and the City of St. Cloud, and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.
Valley Forge Composite Technologies, Inc. Announces First Pending Sale of the THOR-LVX Cargo Scanner — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Countries, Events, Press Releases, development program, logistics
Valley Forge Composite Technologies, Inc. Announces First Pending Sale of the THOR-LVX Cargo Scanner
COVINGTON, Ky., March 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Valley Forge Composite Technologies, Inc. of Covington, KY (OTC:VLYF) (BULLETIN BOARD: VLYF) and Caravan International Corporation of New York, NY, announce today that the Federation of Malaysia has included THOR LVX(TM) as a line item in the upcoming Five Year Acquisition Plan. THOR LVX will be used by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department to screen containers at selected major ports in Malaysia.
“We are honored to be chosen by the Malaysian government to help them protect their ports of entry”, said Louis Brothers, CEO of Valley Forge. “We believe that this will be the first of many orders of THOR LVX from Pacific Rim countries and from around the globe.”
THOR LVX is an advanced screening system for sea and airline cargo. It provides enhanced detection capability with high processing speed and great accuracy. THOR LVX can scan a 40′ shipping container in approximately 30 seconds, allowing it to quickly detect many types of contraband including explosives, narcotics and radioactive materials.
About Valley Forge
Valley Forge Composite Technologies, Inc. develops, manufactures and distributes next-generation detection systems. Its THOR LVX(TM) system is designed to detect nuclear material, explosives, narcotics and other contraband hidden in cargo containers and baggage, even through shielding. VLYF is also marketing the Odin personal screening system for use in airports, high-security buildings and border entry points. More information about Valley Forge Composite Technologies, Inc. can be found at www.vlyf.com.
About Caravan International
Caravan International Corporation is an export management company representing high technology companies in the aerospace, security / threat detection, communications and advanced electronics areas.
Caravan International Corporation is proud to represent Valley Forge Composite Technologies. More information on Caravan International can be found at www.caravan-ny.com.
Forward-Looking Statement
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a ’safe harbor’ for certain forward-looking statements. Statements in this press release that relate to Valley Forge Composite Technologies, Inc.’s future plans, objectives, expectations, performance, events, reports made by others, and the like, including a statement about the assumptions underlying a forward-looking statement, are forward-looking statements protected by the safe harbor. Investors should understand that future events, risks and uncertainties, individually or in the aggregate, are factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements. These factors could include changes in economic conditions or government policies that may change the demand for the Company’s products and services and could include other factors discussed in the sections of the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, entitled ‘Description of Business’ or ‘Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation.’ This release is comprised of interrelated information that must be interpreted in the context of all of the information provided and care should be exercised not to consider portions of this release out of context. Valley Forge Composite Technologies, Inc. uses paid services of investor relations organizations to promote the Company to the investment community. Investments in the Company should be considered speculative, and, prior to acquisition, should be thoroughly researched. Valley Forge Composite Technologies, Inc. does not intend to update these forward-looking statements prior to its reporting of its quarterly or annual results.
MRAP-ATV Continues To Drive Work For Plasan Bennington
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Contract Awards, Department of Defense, Events, Oshkosh Truck Corp, Plasan, Services, States, Vermont, logistics, production program
The MRAP-ATV is the new lighter, more maneuverable MRAP made for service in Afghanistan. Oshkosh won the production contract and so far has been awarded contracts for over 8,000 vehicles by the U.S. military. Plasan Bennington makes armor plates for the vehicles and as Oshkosh receives contracts so does the Vermont company.
It announced that Oshkosh had given it a sub-contract worth over $170 million as part of a recent order of 1,460 MRAP vehicles. As the U.S. industry geared up to produce not only MRAPs but also uparmored HUMVEE and trucks several companies expanded their capabilities. Plasan Bennington is one along with BAE Systems. Protection against IED and mines demands the production of sophisticated metal plates for use on military vehicles.
Fourth 787 Joins Boeing Flight-Test Fleet: Press Release
EVERETT, Wash., March 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) has added the fourth 787 Dreamliner to its flight-test fleet with the completion of the first flight of ZA003. The airplane departed Paine Field in Everett, Wash., at 10:55 a.m. (Pacific time) and landed at 2:01 p.m. at Boeing Field in Seattle.
Captains Ray Craig and Mike Bryan piloted the airplane on its three-hour-and-six-minute flight. ZA003 is the final 787 with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines to enter the flight-test program.
“We’ve done a significant amount of ground testing on the new systems on ZA003 in preparation for first flight. Engineering, manufacturing and flight operations have really pulled together as a team to enable first flight,” said Craig. “It has been very rewarding to watch the Boeing team pull together in support of this milestone.”
ZA003 is the only 787 in the flight test fleet that will include elements of the passenger interior features including cabin and crew support systems. The 787 is introducing new passenger amenities and provisions for a more comfortable flying experience. Among the new features are improved lighting, bigger stowage bins, larger windows with electrochromatic shades and redesigned lavatories with easier access.
In addition to demonstrating that the interior meets certification requirements, ZA003 will be used to conduct tests on systems, noise performance, flight-deck operations, avionics, electromagnetic effects, high-intensity radio frequency response and extended operations (ETOPS).
“The Boeing team is doing great work. We’ve established a good pace of accomplishment on the program,” said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The priorities are clear and the entire team is focused.”
James Webb Space Telescope Core Completes Thermal Testing
James Webb Space Telescope Core Completes Thermal TestingJuly 6, 2009
REDONDO BEACH, Calif. -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has completed testing on a model of the "core" section of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to validate the observatory's sophisticated thermal modeling and design. The company is leading an industrial team in the design and development of the Webb Telescope for NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
"This test represents JWST's first large-scale thermal performance and demonstration test after a decade in development," said Martin Mohan, JWST program manager for Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector. "At this early juncture, it appears that our test objectives were achieved. The team gathered a tremendous amount of data that we'll review over the coming months to assess the implications for the current observatory design."
The Webb Telescope's unique design features a sunshield that separates the observatory into a warm sun-facing side, and a cold side facing away from the sun. The warm side will be subjected to nearly 100,000 thermal Watts of heat from the sun, while the cold, anti-sun side, where the optical telescope element and science instrument module are located, will be cooled passively to as low as -414 degrees Fahrenheit (25 K, or slightly above absolute zero). These elements come together at the observatory's central, or core, region.
The core model built by Northrop Grumman is a thermal facsimile of the Webb Telescope's central region and stands about two stories tall, or 17.5 feet, and 17 feet wide. It consists of the top portion of the spacecraft bus, deployable tower, a truncated but fully tensioned five-layer sunshield, optical telescope element backplane support frame, integrated science instrument module (ISIM) compartment, cable trays, thermal management systems, and ISIM electronics compartment.
Testing was conducted in Northrop Grumman's largest thermal vacuum chamber at the company's space systems manufacturing facilities over nearly six weeks. To simulate the extreme cold JWST will experience in space, Northrop Grumman upgraded the chamber with a gaseous helium-refrigerated shroud and precisely monitored the test with 550 individual temperature sensors. The chamber provided a background operating temperature as low as -435 degrees F (13K).
The telescope operates at temperatures approaching absolute zero to best see the near- and mid-infrared light coming from the very first stars and galaxies.
"I can't overstate how much of a milestone this test represents and the remarkable achievement it is just getting this large test article to flight-like temperatures and gathering the needed data," said Keith Parrish, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, JWST Deputy Observatory/Sunshield manager. "The fact that it went as smoothly and with as little fanfare speaks volumes to the planning, build quality, facility operations, and foresight of the entire team. This test expands the joint NGAS/NASA institutional knowledge for large cryogenic testing and will contribute to the even more complex flight article testing later in the program."
The Webb Telescope is the next-generation premier space observatory, exploring deep space phenomena such as distant galaxies to nearby planets and stars. It will give scientists clues about the formation of the universe and the evolution of our own solar system, from the first light after the Big Bang to the formation of star systems capable of supporting life on planets like Earth.
# # #
Technorati Tags:
Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC), Space systems
Northrop Grumman Plays Major Role in NASA’s Development of Alternate Astronaut Escape System
Northrop Grumman Plays Major Role in NASA's Development of Alternate Astronaut Escape SystemJuly 8, 2009
Launch Abort System Successfully Tested At NASA Facility
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. - July 8, 2009 - Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) played a major role in NASA's development of an alternate astronaut escape system that was successfully demonstrated today in a simulated launch abort test.
The unpiloted test was part of an assessment by the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) of a potential alternate launch abort system concept that could be used for future piloted spacecraft. The test occurred at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, Va.
NASA's Constellation Program is designing the Orion crew exploration vehicle, Ares launch vehicles and Altair Lunar Lander that will return humans to the moon to live and work. The Orion launch abort system offers a proven method of pulling the crew out of danger in the event of an emergency on the launch pad or during the climb to Earth orbit.
The alternate system is called the Max Launch Abort System (MLAS), which could deliver aerodynamic performance benefits, weight savings and be relatively simple in some spacecraft applications. The demonstration vehicle consists of a full-scale composite fairing, a full-scale crew module simulator and four solid rocket abort motors mounted in the boost skirt with motor mass simulators in the forward fairing.
"Our contribution to the MLAS demonstration is one example of a number of Northrop Grumman initiatives designed to help NASA mitigate risks related to key aspects of its Constellation Program," said Carl Meade, director of Constellation Systems for Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector.
Northrop Grumman developed and produced the composite fairing, fins, drag plates, and motor cage structure. Company personnel based in Wallops Island, Va., performed structures and mechanism assembly and supported the vehicle integration and flight test. Northrop Grumman's subcontractor, Ensign Bickford Aerospace and Defense, Simsbury, Conn., provided pyrotechnic separation system mechanisms.
"We contributed our expertise in structures and mechanisms including advanced composites design, analysis and manufacturing from across the company," said Tod Palm, Northrop Grumman's MLAS program manager. "It was especially gratifying to work alongside NASA in a fast-paced, seamless team environment. We look forward to future opportunities to work with the NASA team to address similarly challenging issues."
The prototype in the test was used to evaluate the means to safely propel a spacecraft and its crew from an errant rocket. It represents a departure from the tower launch abort system used during Apollo launches and retained for the NASA Constellation Program.
The MLAS test was primarily a demonstration of unpowered flight along a stable trajectory, vehicle reorientation and stabilization, followed by crew module simulator separation from the MLAS fairing, stabilization and parachute recovery of the crew module simulator.
Northrop Grumman is working with NASA on other elements of the Constellation Program, including the Altair Lunar Lander. The company brings extensive experience with lunar landers, solar system probes and space observatories, along with its expertise in designing and producing large complex systems from spacecraft to ships to high performance aircraft.
# # #
Technorati Tags:
Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC), Space systems
Northrop Grumman Advanced Composite Mate Joint Passes Stringent Tests for NASA’s Composite Crew Module Demonstration Program
Northrop Grumman Advanced Composite Mate Joint Passes Stringent Tests for NASA's Composite Crew Module Demonstration ProgramDecember 17, 2009
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – An innovative method for joining composite structures implemented by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has passed a series of intensive structural tests, paving the way for the use of composites in future spacecraft.
"This is a major step forward for the use of composites in future missions," said Gene Fraser, vice president of Advanced Programs and Technology for Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. "Our engineering and technology development efforts on this composite structure will enable future manned habitats for the Moon and beyond."
In collaboration with the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) Composite Crew Module team, Northrop Grumman developed a unique joint design that was used to mate two segments of NASA's Composite Crew Module (CMM) demonstrator. The joint design test results proved that the mating process retains compartment pressure and withstands external loads at twice the level normally experienced in flight. In addition, the new process provides mass and cost savings due to the elimination of mate joint fasteners, more efficient subsystems installation and no requirement for an autoclave during mate. The CCM is a high fidelity technology demonstration article that represents the inner pressurized shell for the Orion crew module.
"The splice region performed exactly as our analysis predicted," said Mike Kirsch, NASA CCM program manager. "We tracked the strain across the joint and verified that the non-autoclave cured composite was fully capable of handling the pressure and vehicle loads in the crew cabin."
Conducted at the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., the Northrop Grumman team also installed an advanced fiberoptic strain-sensing system on the CCM, which monitored more than 3,500 channels of data in real time during the test to monitor the splice joint's performance. Additional tests measured the CCM's performance during ultimate loads for launch, on-orbit, and abort scenarios. NASA is now proceeding with post-impact load conditions to verify the robust residual strength characteristics of the CCM habitat structure. The test program will be complete next spring.
In recognition of the company's participation in the CCM splice fabrication effort, NESC, which is leading development of the CCM, presented Northrop Grumman's engineer Dawson Vincent with a Technical Excellence Award in October.
# # #
Technorati Tags:
NASA (National Aeronautics & Space Administration), Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC), Space systems
Lockheed Martin Team Passes Critical Design Review for Solar Ultraviolet Imager for GOES-R Satellite Series
Filed under: Lockheed Martin, Syndicated Industry News, space
December 17, 2009 11:31:00 AM
PALO ALTO, Calif., -- The Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) team, awarded a contract by NASA in 2007 to design and build the agency's Solar Ultraviolet Imager (SUVI) for the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES)-R Series, has met the requirements of a Critical Design Review. The review was conducted last week at the Lockheed Martin Space Systems Advanced Technology Center (ATC) in Palo Alto by a group of multi-disciplinary experts from NASA and NOAA, as well as a number of independent reviewers. The SUVI instrument will be built at the ATC under the management of the company's Sensing & Exploration Systems organization.
The Lockheed Martin SUVI instrument meets and exceeds all performance requirements. The design provides over six times more pixels (picture elements) than required, and imaging cadence capability at more than three times the original specification. The SUVI program will now proceed to fabrication of the flight units. The next major review will be the Pre-Environmental Review in Nov. 2011. The team is on track for instrument delivery in Oct. 2012, with six months of schedule margin to meet that date. The first GOES-R launch is scheduled for 2015.
"As a team we are honored to have surpassed this important milestone in the design and construction of SUVI," said Mons Morrison, Lockheed Martin SUVI program manager. "We look forward to continuing our collaboration with NASA and NOAA to produce the best possible suite of instruments that will make these crucial measurements, and to working side by side with our Lockheed Martin colleagues who will design and build the GOES-R spacecraft."
The SUVI on the GOES-R satellites is a diverse set of operational instruments that will provide the required solar observational capabilities that enable NOAA to monitor solar activity and to issue accurate real-time alerts when space weather may possibly affect the performance and reliability of space-borne and ground-based technological systems and human endeavors. Space weather can disrupt satellite operations, communications, navigation, and the distribution of electricity through power grids. These can lead to economic losses and can potentially endanger human life.
In recognition of the importance of the data SUVI will gather and the challenges associated with designing and building the instruments, Lockheed Martin assembled a highly capable team with a substantial record of success in providing similar instruments for other missions. The Lockheed Martin Solar and Astrophysics Laboratory (LMSAL) within the ATC, well known for solar instrument development and solar physics research, leads the GOES-R SUVI effort. LMSAL recently completed work on the GOES-O Solar X-ray Imager (SXI) and oversaw its successful calibration on-orbit following a June 2009 launch.
Along with the Polar Operational Environmental Satellite (POES) and Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) polar orbiting weather satellites currently built by Lockheed Martin, GOES is a critical part of the U.S. satellite constellation for weather observations. Operational since 1975, the GOES program is a key element in National Weather Service (NWS) operations, providing a continuous stream of environmental information (weather imagery and sounding data) used to support weather forecasting, severe-storm tracking, and meteorological research. Along with weather forecasting, the GOES program also provides data to support space weather forecasting, safety, protection of property, and ultimately, economic health and development. The future GOES-R mission is expected to improve the quality and timeliness of forecasts, expanding the safety and economic security of the public.
The GOES Program is managed by NOAA, which establishes requirements, provides funding and distributes environmental data for the United States. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md., manages the SUVI instrument acquisition as a part of its support to NOAA's development of the GOES-R series of satellites.
The ATC is the research and development organization of Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company (LMSSC). LMSSC, a major operating unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation, designs and develops, tests, manufactures and operates a full spectrum of advanced-technology systems for national security and military, civil government and commercial customers. Chief products include human space flight systems; a full range of remote sensing, navigation, meteorological and communications satellites and instruments; space observatories and interplanetary spacecraft; laser radar; ballistic missiles; missile defense systems; and nanotechnology research and development.
Technorati Tags:
Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT), Space systems
Soldier Technology Europe Conference
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Countries, England, Events
May 18th – 21st, 2010
Olympia Conference Centre, London
www.soldiertechnology.com
Soldier Technology brings together 575 soldier modernization experts in a unique industry forum. The event comprises 55+ in-depth presentations on pressing issues, 3 interactive workshops, a fully interactive exhibition with 40+ exhibitors and an awards dinner with an outstanding guest speaker. Soldier Technology 2010 will bring together senior military representatives from 35 MoDs and present unique case studies from 30 soldier modernisation projects (SMPs) as well as tackling the top issues for the forthcoming year. For soldier modernization professionals across Europe, Soldier Technology 2010 is the one date that is prioritised in the meeting calendar.
How To Register:
· Online at www.soldiertechnology.com (quoting 10983.004_G3_8)
· By calling +44 (0) 20 7368 9465 (quoting 10983.004_G3_8)
· By emailing soldiertechnology@wbr.co.uk (quoting 10983.004_G3_8)
Goodrich Delivers 2,000th Helicopter Health and Usage Management System (HUMS) — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Events, Goodrich, Military Aviation, Press Releases, logistics, production program
Goodrich Delivers 2,000th Helicopter Health and Usage Management System (HUMS)
Diagnostic health management system saves time, money for military, commercial helicopters
CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 11, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Goodrich Corporation’s (NYSE:GR) Sensors and Integrated Systems business in Vergennes, Vt. marked the delivery of its 2,000th helicopter health and usage management system (HUMS) in a ceremony March 8, 2010 attended by employees and U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT). Leahy has supported the company in winning more than $100 million in contracts to develop and deploy the HUMS systems for a number of helicopter platforms for the U.S. Army and Marine Corps.
“I am incredibly proud to mark this day with the men and women of Goodrich,” said Leahy. “2,000 HUMS units are a win for Vermont, the Department of Defense, and our men and women in uniform. These life-saving, money-saving devices keep our helicopters flying safely and have been at the heart of this region’s economy.”
Goodrich Sensors and Integrated Systems vice president Gary Loftus described how a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter unit, fully equipped with HUMS, recently set a new record for numbers of hours flown in a 12-month period and saved taxpayers $45 million in maintenance costs. “The HUMS units give feedback to mechanics that enable them to catch big problems while they are still small, inexpensive problems,” Loftus explained. “They also catch problems while the helicopter is either on the ground or in time to get the helicopter to the ground safely. Our employees are proud of the role they play in helping our warfighters save lives, time and money.”
Goodrich’s Health and Usage Management Systems (HUMS) give mechanics feedback on a helicopter’s engine performance, structural performance and rotor performance – allowing a helicopter to be serviced before major system failures. Before the use of HUMS units, helicopters were routinely taken out of service for unnecessary preventative maintenance. The units are onboard a variety of military and commercial helicopters including the U.S. Army’s UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook, the U.S. Marine Corps’ CH-53E Super Stallion, and Sikorsky’s commercial S-76D® and S-92 aircraft.
Goodrich Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a global supplier of systems and services to aerospace, defense and homeland security markets. With one of the most strategically diversified portfolios of products in the industry, Goodrich serves a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and service facilities. For more information, visit http://www.goodrich.com/.
Goodrich Corporation operates through its divisions and as a parent company for its subsidiaries, one or more of which may be referred to as “Goodrich Corporation” in this press release.
GR – Electronic Systems
Source: Goodrich Corporation; GR – Electronic Systems
U.S.M.C. Gives Support Contract To Force Protection
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Contract Awards, Department of Defense, Events, Force Protection, Services, U.S. Marine Corps, logistics, production program
Force Protection had a heyday a few years ago as a manufacturer of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. In 2005 – 2007 the U.S. military could not buy the vehicles fast enough as Congress showered them with money for them. The IED and mine threat at that time was consistently inflicting the most casualties on the U.S. and its allies. It still remains a potent threat in Afghanistan but not as much in Iraq as the U.S. slowly pulls its troops out.
Force Protection was unable to keep its sales up as more companies entered the market. There have been some recent sales to overseas customers but the main U.S. defense buys have dried up. The company was able to announce today that it had signed a contract with the U.S.M.C. for field service support to its existing vehicles. This contract is worth over $26 million.
An OEM often has the ability to sell maintenance, support and modification services to the military once production of an article is completed. Eventually the defense department may turn to other providers so that market too ends. It behooves a company to keep improving their products or make new ones that attract the market.
GTEC Wins $18.7 Million Award to Provide Expeditionary Field Feeding Units to U.S. Army — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Events, Press Releases, logistics, production program
GTEC Wins $18.7 Million Award to Provide Expeditionary Field Feeding Units to U.S. Army
MCLEAN, Va., March 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Global Defense Technology & Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:GTEC) , a provider of mission-critical, technology-based systems, solutions, and services for national security agencies and programs of the U.S. government, announced that it has received an $18.7 million delivery order with the U.S. Army Materiel Command to provide expeditionary field feeding units, also known as containerized kitchens (CK), to the U.S. Army in support of the military’s force modernization and mobility efforts. Delivery of the CKs is anticipated to begin in 2011.
Designed to improve quality of life for U.S. forces operating in challenging environments, the CK is a ruggedized and transportable commercial grade kitchen with the ability to feed 800 troops three fresh meals per day. Currently GTEC CKs are deployed in places such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Korea, Germany and as part of the recent humanitarian efforts in Haiti.
John Hillen, President & CEO commented, “This order underscores GTEC’s commitment to serve as a mission-partner for our U.S. military customers by developing and integrating the capabilities required to support the warfighter in an increasingly mobile and expeditionary environment.”
About Global Defense Technology & Systems, Inc.
Global Defense Technology & Systems, Inc. (GTEC) provides mission-critical technology-based systems, solutions, and services for national security agencies and programs of the U.S. government. Our services and solutions are integral parts of mission-critical programs run by the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, Department of Homeland Security, federal law enforcement agencies, and other parts of the federal government charged with national security responsibilities. Learn more about Global Defense Technology & Systems at www.gtec-inc.com .
“Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: 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 differ materially 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 Global Defense Technology & System Inc.’s (GTEC) Annual Report on Form 10-K, and such other filings that GTEC makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and GTEC undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements in the future except as required by law.
SAIC Awarded Contract by the U.S. Navy Program Executive Office of Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Contract Awards, Events, IT, Press Releases, SAIC, development program
SAIC Awarded Contract by the U.S. Navy Program Executive Office of Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I)
Company to Help Engineer, Integrate and Test C4I Technology Solutions
MCLEAN, Va., March 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) (NYSE:SAI) today announced it has been awarded a prime contract by the U.S. Navy’s Program Executive Office (PEO) of Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) to develop Department of Defense command and control (C2) software, as well as modification and enhancement of existing C2 systems. The multiple award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract, has a three-year base period of performance, two one-year options and a ceiling value of more than $625 million for SAIC. Work will be performed primarily at PEO C4I’s headquarters in San Diego, Calif.
PEO C4I provides integrated communication and information technology systems, delivering end-to-end connectivity and enabling decision superiority to ensure mission success of U.S. naval forces. It acquires, fields, and supports C4I systems that extend across Navy, joint, and coalition platforms. This includes managing acquisition programs and projects that cover all C4I disciplines: applications, networks, communications, intelligence and surveillance, and reconnaissance systems for afloat platforms and shore commands. Under the contract, SAIC will provide support in areas including software engineering, design, development, integration and modification, as well as test and evaluation. SAIC will also provide integrated logistics support, and configuration and program management services as required.
“We look forward to helping PEO C4I identify effective and affordable solutions to emerging C2 (command and control) requirements, and assisting them as they continue to acquire, integrate and deliver C4I technology to the naval warfighter operating on afloat platforms, at shore commands, or in a joint service environment,” said Peter Dube, 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. Headquartered in McLean, Va., 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.
Northrop Grumman Names Paul Russell to Lead Space Navigation Business Area
Northrop Grumman Names Paul Russell to Lead Space Navigation Business AreaMarch 11, 2010
WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. –– Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has appointed Paul K. Russell vice president of the newly-created Space business area within the company's Navigation Systems Division, effective immediately.
In his new position, Russell will be responsible for overall leadership of the division's inertial measurement unit programs and products for space applications, including Northrop Grumman's industry-leading Scalable Space Inertial Reference Unit (Scalable SIRU(TM)).
Russell joined Northrop Grumman in 2005 as director of the company's Azusa, Calif., site where he was responsible for oversight of all functional activities and facilities. He has an extensive executive management background in systems engineering, space technology and product management. Prior to joining Northrop Grumman, Russell was director of systems engineering for Space Systems/Loral, with responsibility for leading the systems engineering development of commercial satellite systems and supporting a variety of fixed and direct broadcast applications. Most recently, he served as vice president of engineering and manufacturing for the western region of Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector.
Russell earned a bachelor's degree in physics from Willamette University and a master's degree in electrical engineering from Santa Clara University. He is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt.
Russell currently serves on the Santa Clara University Industrial Advisory Board.
# # #
Technorati Tags:
Appointments, Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC), Space systems
GeoEye Selects Lockheed Martin to Build Next-Generation Commercial Remote Sensing Satellite System
Filed under: Lockheed Martin, Syndicated Industry News, space
March 11, 2010 1:59:00 PM
SUNNYVALE, Calif., -- Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, a core business area of the Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT), announced today that it has been selected by GeoEye, Inc. (Nasdaq: GEOY) to build the company's next-generation, high-resolution Earth imaging satellite system known as GeoEye-2. Financial terms are not being disclosed at this time.
Lockheed Martin has begun start-up activities and procurement of long-lead components to support the earliest possible launch date for GeoEye-2. This effort will lead to a contract award for the design, engineering and manufacturing of the satellite and the associated command and control system.
Lockheed Martin Space Systems, a world leader in the most advanced space-based systems for government and commercial customers, designed and built the world's first commercial, high-resolution, Earth-imaging satellite, IKONOS, which has been providing 0.82-meter ground resolution imagery to GeoEye's customers around the globe for more than a decade.
These map-accurate images are used for applications in national security, environmental monitoring, state and local government, disaster assessment and relief, land management and for many other geospatial applications.
"GeoEye and Lockheed Martin have had a long and productive partnership since building and launching the first commercial remote sensing satellite," said Joanne Maguire, executive vice president, Lockheed Martin Space Systems. "Our GeoEye-2 solution will leverage our strong government and commercial satellite system expertise and focus on operational excellence and mission success to provide GeoEye with another world-class, high-performance spacecraft for its customers."
Matthew O'Connell, GeoEye's chief executive officer and president, said, "We look forward to working with Lockheed Martin again and eagerly anticipate the construction and successful launch of another cutting-edge satellite which will provide proven reliability and greatly enhanced imaging capabilities for our customers."
Lockheed Martin's GeoEye-2 solution will build on the company's deep heritage and ability to execute within cost and schedule in this mission area and offer increased agility, resolution and flexibility over IKONOS and GeoEye-1. This will enable the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) to provide critical geospatial situational awareness and global security information to intelligence analysts, war fighters and decision makers. Commercial users will also benefit from access to GeoEye-2's map-accurate color imagery. The spacecraft will feature a high-resolution ITT camera that has been in development for more than two years.
Technorati Tags:
Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT), Space systems
Great Britain Buys More SATCOMM Leading To Satellite Investment
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Contract Awards, Countries, England, Events, IT, Paradigm, Satellites, Services, logistics, space
Paradigm Secure Communications received a contract extension from the British Ministry of Defense to provide satellite telecommunications services for the Army, RAF and Navy. The contract is now extended past 2020 and has a value of over $6 billion. This further work is allowing Paradigm to invest in a fourth Skynet 5 satellite.
This contract was originally awarded in 2003 and the was structured as a Defense Finance Initiative. This meant that the contractors provided the hardware and Paradigm and Astrium built and launched three Skynet satellites. The U.K. and the U.S. have found that the operations in Afghanistan and Iraq have increased their requirements for satellite communications and Paradigm had already planned for a fourth satellite. The U.S. is planning on awarding a multi-billion dollar contract with commercial providers for their military and other government agency use.
ArdentMC Receives HUBZone Certification, Brings Jobs to Economically Challenged Areas — Press Reelase
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Events, Press Releases
ArdentMC Receives HUBZone Certification, Brings Jobs to Economically Challenged Areas
FRONT ROYAL, Va., March 10 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Ardent Management Consulting (ArdentMC) announced receipt of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) HUBZone designation. Firms meeting specific employment criteria may be designated as SBA HUBZones, which assist the Federal government in ensuring federal contracting and employment opportunities are available in underutilized and underemployed regions.
ArdentMC’s principal office, in Front Royal, Virginia, is the first of multiple efforts ArdentMC expects to undertake over the next three years to identify motivated, qualified IT resources from outside of the Washington DC Beltway to support Federal Initiatives in the eGovernment, Homeland Security and Defense areas. ArdentMC delivers business process, management consulting, software development and systems integration services to a host of clients in the Federal, State, Local and Private Sectors. ArdentMC technical consultants specialize in Geospatial Information Systems, Portfolio Management, Systems Integration, and Data Center Consolidation. ArdentMC has expanded its Federal business, working with agencies to include the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, Department of Justice, Small Business Administration, and others.
ArdentMC’s new SBA HUBZone designation means Federal program managers, contracting officers, and contracting specialists will have an easy avenue to allow ArdentMC and other HUBZones to deliver their services, assisting Federal agencies in meeting small business contracting goals and supporting President Obama’s goal of helping bring new jobs to those who need them around the country.
“As a small business, working with the Federal government can be a challenge, and ensuring that federal dollars make it beyond the large beltway companies isn’t easy. Our new HUBZone designation helps fulfill on the administration’s commitments, while also providing an easier avenue for government agencies to work with ArdentMC. I’m thrilled ArdentMC has been certified as a HUBZone, and look forward to helping under-served areas gain access to new opportunities,” said Brandon LaBonte, President of Ardent Management Consulting.
For more information on ArdentMC’s HUBZone Status, please visit http://www.ardentmc.com/
About ArdentMC
As a HUBZone-certified small business in Virginia with offices in Front Royal and Reston, Ardent Management Consulting is a results-oriented program management and IT consulting firm specializing in large scale program management, business process consulting and complex systems integration for clients ranging from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, and Federal Civilian agencies, as well as Fortune 500 entities within the private sector. ArdentMC was founded on the principle that serving our clients is a privilege — and that succeeding in solution delivery for our clients’ missions requires superior, highly dedicated resources, a focus on execution, and never-ending commitment to excellence. For more information about ArdentMC, please visit http://www.ardentmc.com/.
Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy Is ‘Effective, Suitable and Mission Capable’ for USAF Operations — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Events, Lockheed Martin, Military Aviation, Press Releases, logistics
Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy Is ‘Effective, Suitable and Mission Capable’ for USAF Operations
MARIETTA, Ga., March 9 /PRNewswire/ — The Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) Center has rated the C-5M as “effective, suitable and mission capable” based on results from OT&E testing completed in January 2010.
The OT&E phase spanned four months, evaluating various performance aspects to validate the capability and reliability of the C-5M. These positive test results enable the Super Galaxy to continue to support critical missions flown in support of world-wide operational contingencies.
“The C-5M test was a resounding success because of teamwork between the test team, the user, the contractor and the program office,” said Col. John Scorsone, Director of Test and Evaluation for Air Mobility Command. “The integrated test team will now transition to an integrated fielding team which will build on past relationships to help this program achieve even more record-breaking results.”
In addition to setting 42 world records last year, the C-5Ms delivered needed cargo to the warfighter during OT&E and continue to perform combat support missions today. Performance during OT&E proved the modernized A and B models of the C-5 are redefining strategic airlift for the military and will be a force multiplier for decades to come.
Payload and range improvements in the C-5M enable a fully loaded aircraft to fly unrefueled for more than 5,000 miles and bypass traditional en route stops. This not only saves thousands of gallons of fuel, but decreases the amount of time needed to get precious cargo to the warfighter’s destination.
“The C-5M is a game-changer and we are excited about the world record-breaking capabilities it provides those protecting freedom across the globe,” said Lorraine Martin, Lockheed Martin C-5 program vice president. “We greatly appreciate the dedication and exceptional work of the Air Force active and reserve crews flying and maintaining the C-5M during OT&E.”
Current USAF plans call for 52 fully-modernized C-5Ms by 2016 with the next delivery scheduled for September 2010 to Dover Air Force Base, Del.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) 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/
Source: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company
U.S. Government To Invest In Biomass Fuel Production
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Contract Awards, Events, Military Aviation, S&T, SAIC, Services, development program, logistics, production program
The U.S. Government’s Energy Department awarded SAIC a contract to provide engineering and support services for a biomass ethanol refinery. The total value of the contract could be $21 million if all options are exercised.
The U.S. Government and military are investing in developing different ways to make gasoline out of plant matter. Ethanol is already common but this program is to look at other biomass feedstocks as well as the traditional corn. The U.S. Air Force and DARPA are researching into using algae to make carbon based fuel.
Northrop Grumman Expands Composites Manufacturing Training for Major Turkish F-35 Supplier — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Countries, Events, Military Aviation, Northrop Grumman Corp., Press Releases, Turkey, development program
Northrop Grumman Expands Composites Manufacturing Training for Major Turkish F-35 Supplier
Hands-on training helps Turkish Aerospace Industries prepare for its role as a second source supplier for jet’s center fuselage
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., March 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) is adding momentum to Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc.’s (TAI) readiness to build complete center fuselages for the F-35 Lightning II aircraft by teaching its engineers how to build the complex composite structures used in the jet.
From Jan. 18 to Feb. 12, the company conducted rigorous classroom and hands-on training at its Advanced Composites Center in El Segundo for more than a dozen engineers and manufacturing specialists from TAI. The training was the third in a planned series of classes designed to teach TAI employees, ultimately, how to build a complete F-35 center fuselage.
“To date, TAI has made great progress in learning the tools and techniques of composites manufacturing,” said Mark Tucker, vice president and F-35 program manager for Northrop Grumman’s Aerospace Systems sector. “The recent training helped solidify their understanding of how to successfully produce and handle the actual composite inlet ducts used in the F-35.”
TAI is a second source supplier of F-35 center fuselages to Northrop Grumman, a principal member of the Lockheed Martin-led F-35 industry team. The Turkish company is slated to produce 400 center fuselages for the program beginning in the low rate initial production phases.
Guided by Northrop Grumman F-35 subject matter experts, the training engaged the TAI employees actively in the production of forward and aft inlet ducts for the jet. It included learning how to use the complex fiber placement mandrels that define the shape of the ducts; operating the machines that perform the actual fiber placement process; preparing the ducts for curing; performing post cure processing; and machining and conducting a final inspection of the completed parts.
According to Tucker, one of the parts that the TAI team helped produce – a forward inlet duct – will be integrated into one of the first major structural assemblies to be produced at TAI’s new F-35 assembly facilities in Ankara, Turkey later this year.
For Turker Dolek, a senior member of the TAI group, the benefits of the training extended far beyond simply refining and maturing their F-35 composite manufacturing skills.
“What we are also learning from Northrop Grumman is how to handle and manage manufacturing problems,” explains Dolek. “We’re very impressed that the company is encouraging all of its suppliers to bring their best effort to the program. All of the Northrop Grumman employees on the program are doing their best. We’re very honored to be part of this project.”
The TAI training is part of Northrop Grumman’s on-going commitment to help expand international participation in the F-35 program, build a reliable global supply chain, and help Lockheed Martin transition the program successfully from its current system development and demonstration phase into the LRIP and full-rate production phases.
Northrop Grumman is responsible for designing and producing the center fuselage for all three variants of the F-35. The company also designed and produces the aircraft’s radar and other key avionics including electro-optical and communications subsystems; develops mission systems and mission-planning software; leads the team’s development of pilot and maintenance training system courseware; and manages the team’s use, support and maintenance of low-observable technologies.
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.
Source: Northrop Grumman Corporation
General Dynamics Awarded $41 Million for RG-31 MRAP Spare Parts — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Canada, Companies, Countries, Events, General Dynamics, Press Releases, logistics, production program
General Dynamics Awarded $41 Million for RG-31 MRAP Spare Parts
LONDON, Ontario, March 8 /PRNewswire/ — U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) has awarded General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada a USD$41.5 million delivery order modification for spare parts in support of RG-31 Mk5E vehicles under the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle program. General Dynamics Land Systems, the Canadian company’s parent corporation, is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD) .
These parts will be used to support vehicles that are being manufactured under a delivery order awarded to General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada on February 17, 2010, for 250 RG-31 Mk5E vehicles for the MRAP program. In total, 1,652 RG-31 vehicles have been ordered under the MRAP program.
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 www.gdlscanada.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.
Source: General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada
Lockheed To Begin Production Of New Radars For E-2D Hawkeyes
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Contract Awards, Events, IT, Lockheed Martin, Military Aviation, Services, U.S. Navy, development program, production program
The Navy awarded Lockheed Martin a contract to begin Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) of the new radar for the E-2D carrier based Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. The E-2D is an upgrade of the venerable E-2C system that has been in use for thirty years. The contract has a value of over $170 million for four radar systems.
The E-2D has begun production recently. The APY-9 has longer range and better discrimination then the previous radars on the aircraft. Once LRIP is complete with the necessary exit criteria demonstrated the system will enter Full Rate production with seventy-five systems planned.
Oshkosh Defense Receives $35 Million in Awards for M-ATV Interface Upgrades and Expanded Aftermarket Support — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Events, Oshkosh Truck Corp, Press Releases, production program
Oshkosh Defense Receives $35 Million in Awards for M-ATV Interface Upgrades and Expanded Aftermarket Support
Oshkosh Defense Receives $35 Million in Awards for M-ATV Interface Upgrades and Expanded Aftermarket Support
OSHKOSH, Wis. — March 8, 2010 — Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), announced today it has received three awards valued at more than $35 million from the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command (LCMC) for MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) upgrades and in-theater support. The company received two awards for more than 6,400 M-ATV Self Protection Adaptive Roller Kits (SPARKS) upgraded interface brackets, as well as an award expanding Oshkosh Defense aftermarket support in-theater that will place 18 additional Oshkosh field service representatives (FSR) in Afghanistan and six in Iraq.
SPARKS are mine roller systems designed to be fitted to tactical wheeled vehicles and are used to protect soldiers from improvised explosive devices (IED). The roller system makes contact with the IED and causes the device to detonate away from the vehicle and crew. Oshkosh M-ATVs include an existing SPARKS interface. Recently, the SPARKS mine rollers have undergone revisions under U.S. government direction. These upgraded interface brackets will allow Oshkosh® M-ATVs to be fitted with the upgraded SPARKS.
Upgrade kits will be shipped to the Defense Distribution Depot Red River in Texarkana, Texas, in June 2010. The government will ship the brackets to receiving units in theater for installation on Oshkosh M-ATVs. Oshkosh FSRs will support with installation as necessary.
Oshkosh FSRs support the M-ATV and other vehicles in-theater, providing training and the complete spectrum of service and support in Iraq and Afghanistan. Oshkosh FSRs operate at any theater forward base that would support the M-ATV and that may require more access to Oshkosh Corporation than internal assets can provide.
Oshkosh has produced the M-ATV at a rapid pace, meeting the government’s accelerated delivery schedule. To date, the aggregate amount of awards Oshkosh has received for 8,079 M-ATVs, upgrade kits, spare parts kits and aftermarket support is valued at more than $4.74 billion. In addition to providing exceptional survivability, the M-ATV uses the Oshkosh-patented TAK-4® independent suspension system to deliver superior off-road mobility on Afghanistan’s challenging mountainous terrain and unimproved road networks.
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 www.oshkoshdefense.com.
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®, 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 www.oshkoshcorporation.com.
Boeing Launches Compact 3-D Imaging Camera– Press Release
Filed under: Boeing, Business Line, Companies, Events, Press Releases
Boeing Launches Compact 3-D Imaging Camera
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., March 8, 2010 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced it has begun offering a new, compact, energy-efficient camera that provides three-dimensional images for military and commercial applications.
Boeing Directed Energy Systems and wholly owned Boeing subsidiary Spectrolab have jointly developed the camera using their own research and development funding, and successfully tested it over the past two years by attaching it to mobile ground platforms and a Boeing AH-6 Little Bird helicopter. Equipped with advanced sensors that were developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Lincoln Laboratory and transferred to Boeing under a teaming arrangement, the cube-shaped camera is one-third the size and uses one-tenth the power of most comparable 3-D imaging cameras.
“Our three-dimensional camera fits a lot of capability into a small package,” said Nasser Karam, vice president of Advanced Technology Products at Spectrolab. “Its compact design and modest power needs will allow it to be deployed on a wide range of platforms, including unmanned aerial and ground vehicles that don’t have much room or power to spare.”
The camera, which Boeing can customize for each customer, has many potential uses, including mapping terrain, tracking targets and seeing through foliage. To create a 3-D image, the camera fires a short pulse of laser light, then measures the pulse’s flight time to determine how far away each part of the camera’s field of view is.
“The camera combines cutting-edge sensor technology with Boeing’s advanced pointing and tracking solutions and real-time processing to provide our customers with highly integrated 3-D imaging payloads for ground, airborne or space-based applications,” said Joseph Paranto, Growth lead for Directed Energy Systems in Albuquerque.
Boeing is currently integrating the camera into compact 3-D imaging payloads on unmanned aerial vehicles and will be testing that capability this spring. The team will also add 3-D video capability to the camera soon to complement its existing still-image capability.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.




