Saturday, February 26, 2011

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Lockheed Martin Flies First Production F-35 Stealth Fighter....NSI News Source Info # 1627

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Lockheed Martin Flies First Production F-35 Stealth Fighter....NSI News Source Info # 1627
(NSI News Source Info)

FORT WORTH, Texas,

- February 26, 2011:

The first production model of the Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] F-35 Lightning II made its inaugural flight today in preparation for delivery to the U.S. Air Force this spring. The jet will head to Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., to support developmental testing shortly after the Air Force takes delivery.


“The aircraft was rock-solid from takeoff to landing, and successfully completed all the tests we put it through during the flight,” said Lockheed Martin Test Pilot Bill Gigliotti. “The Air Force is getting a great jet that represents a huge leap in capability, and we’re looking forward to getting it into the hands of the service pilots in just a few more weeks.”

During the flight, the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) F-35A variant, known as AF-6, underwent basic flight maneuvering and engine tests. Test Pilot Gigliotti took off from Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base at 3:05 p.m. CST and landed at 4:05 p.m. The jet will continue flight tests in Fort Worth for about a month before it is accepted by the Air Force.

The F-35A CTOL variant – designed to meet U.S. Air Force requirements – is also the primary export version of the Lightning II. The air forces of Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Australia, Denmark, Norway and Israel will employ the F-35A.

Deliveries of the F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing variant to the U.S. Marine Corps also begin this year, while deliveries of the F-35C carrier variant to the U.S. Navy start in 2012. Seventeen F-35s have entered testing since December 2006, and have logged more than 650 flights and numerous ground tests.

The F-35 Lightning II is a 5th generation fighter, combining advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment. Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 with its principal industrial partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 132,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.8 billion.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/02/dtn-news-defense-news-lockheed-martin_26.html


DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Lockheed Martin Solicits For Australian Industry Partnership On MH-60R Helicopter.....NSI News Source Info # 1626

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Lockheed Martin Solicits For Australian Industry Partnership On MH-60R Helicopter....NSI News Source Info # 1626
(NSI News Source Info) CANBERRA, Australia - February 26, 2011:

Lockheed Martin Corporation [NYSE: LMT] is expanding its base of potential suppliers for the MH-60R helicopter in Australia, issuing a request for information from potential suppliers of critical pieces of aircraft hardware.

Under the auspices of a recently signed Global Supply Chain (GSC) Deed, Lockheed Martin will establish long-term partnerships by offering Australian companies new opportunities to compete for subcontracts on a full range of Lockheed Martin products and services.

Manufacture of the MH-60R weapons pylons is one of the first opportunities for Australian industry to bid on a project under the GSC Deed. The pylons, which are located on either side of the aircraft, are designed to carry the missiles and torpedoes the MH-60R uses for Anti-Submarine Warfare and Anti-Surface Warfare missions.

“Growth in orders for the MH-60R has resulted in an urgent need for an expanded supply base, and Australian industry has a depth of capability that would be an ideal supplement to our dedicated supplier base,” said George Barton, Lockheed Martin’s director of Naval Helicopter Programs.

The request for information asks potential bidders for cost estimates on varying quantities of pylons, which would include Lockheed Martin’s forecasted domestic demand as well as supply for potential Foreign Military Sales customers through 2018. The Royal Australian Navy is one of those potential customers. The MH-60R is being offered for the country’s Air 9000 Phase 8 competition. Team Romeo—comprising Lockheed Martin and airframe manufacturer Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., General Electric, Raytheon and CAE—is poised to provide 24 multi-mission MH-60R, or “Romeo,” aircraft to Australia.

The source selection process for the MH-60R pylons is expected to conclude by the end of 2011. Lockheed Martin is also considering other prospective GSC and Australia Industrial Capability opportunities on the Air 9000 Phase 8 and other programs.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 132,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.8 billion.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/02/dtn-news-defense-news-lockheed-martin_1844.html

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: BAE Systems Gets $1.5 Billion Orders For Advanced M777 Howitzer....NSI News Source Info # 1625

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: BAE Systems Gets $1.5 Billion Orders For Advanced M777 Howitzer....NSI News Source Info # 1625
(NSI News Source Info) ABU DHABI - February 26, 2011:

The orderbook of UK-based BAE Systems, a global defence, security and aerospace company, for lightweight 155mm howitzers is about $1.5 billion (Dh5.5 billion), Bob Preedy, head of the company's Artillery Business Development, told Gulf News yesterday.


"We deliver 10 guns every month. We conduct foreign military sales through the US government. So far, we have delivered 760 guns," Preedy said on the sidelines of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (Idex-2011).

Preedy also said the price of one howitzer is approximately $3 million and its customers are primarily the US Army, US Marine Corps, Canada and Australia.

BAE Systems' sales rose 1.8 per cent on year in 2010 to £22.4 billion.

Later at a news conference, BAE Systems announced that a US order for 46 M777 howitzers takes the number of guns ordered to 1,001. "The order comes as BAE Systems continues deliveries of M777 to Canada and Australia, in addition to the US," the company said.

Weighing less than 4,200 kilograms, the revolutionary M777 is the world's first artillery piece to make widespread use of titanium and aluminium alloys, resulting in a howitzer that is half the weight of conventional 155mm systems. As a result, it can be deployed by medium-lift helicopters quickly and beyond the reach of roadside bombs to otherwise inaccessible areas, extending its reach over the theatre of operations.

Mike Smith, managing director of BAE Systems' Global Combat Systems Weapons business, said in a statement that the M777 has passed every development and operational test in vital areas such as accuracy, consistency, operational flexibility and mobility.

BAE Systems said the success of the M777 in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan is reflected in the global interest in the howitzer.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/02/dtn-news-defense-news-bae-systems-gets.html


DTN News - CHINA NEWS: Online Call For Protests In China Prompts Crackdown....NSI News Source Info # 1624

DTN News - CHINA NEWS: Online Call For Protests In China Prompts Crackdown....NSI News Source Info # 1624
*Authorities have responded to the anonymous campaign calling for pro-democracy demonstrations across China with detention of human rights activists, greater Internet censorship and pressure on foreign journalists
(NSI News Source Info) BEIJING, China - February 26, 2011:
An anonymous online campaign calling for pro-democracy demonstrations across China on Sunday has been met with the detention of human rights activists, greater Internet censorship and even veiled pressure on foreign journalists.

The strict response by authorities comes after a U.S.-based Chinese-language website, Boxun.com, called for repeated attempts each Sunday to launch a "jasmine revolution" in about two dozen cities, including Beijing and Shanghai.

The first planned attempt, which was held last Sunday, brought out a swarm of police and foreign media in some of the designated sites but provided no evidence the country was on the cusp of a popular uprising.

Still, with regimes toppling in North Africa and the Middle East, authorities in China deemed the threat strong enough to have interrogated, arrested and detained at home dozens of people suspected of fomenting the anti-government movement.

Human rights groups based outside China said Friday that police had charged five activists this week with "subversion of state power" and "inciting subversion of state power," serious crimes that carry potentially decade-long prison sentences.

The five were Ran Yunfei, 46, a widely followed blogger and public intellectual; Ding Mao, 45, a student leader during the 1989 Tiananmen democracy protests who spent 10 years in jail; Hua Chunhui, 47, an insurance company manager who has advocated on civil society issues; Liang Haiyi, no age given, a woman accused of posting foreign links about the jasmine revolution on a popular Chinese instant-messaging service; and Chen Wei, 42, a leading human rights activist in central Sichaun province.

Friday, February 25, 2011

DTN News - LIBYA UPRISING: Libya Faces Widespread Anti-Government Protests....NSI News Source Info # 1623

DTN News - LIBYA UPRISING: Libya Faces Widespread Anti-Government Protests....NSI News Source Info # 1623

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 25, 2011:

Thousands of opposition protesters staged a new push Friday to oust Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, with reports of government forces shooting at demonstrators in the capital Tripoli.

Protesters amassed in cities including Benghazi, where anti-Gadhafi forces appear to be in control. News agencies quote residents as saying forces loyal to Gadhafi opened fire in several districts of Tripoli after protesters began marching in the capital following Friday prayers.

Gadhafi speaks again

Towards dusk, Libyan state television showed Gadhafi addressing supporters in Tripoli.

The impassioned speech was directed at the the country's youth, with the Libyan leader urging them to defend the nation. Gadhafi spoke from a perch above Tripoli's Green Square, telling supporters "I am one of you."

The address was Gadhafi's third speech this week. In an audio speech carried on state television on Thursday, he accused al-Qaida forces of playing a role in the country's unrest.

Tripoli is the center of the shrinking territory that Gadhafi's regime still controls. The uprising that began last week has put the eastern part of the country under rebel control, and support for the anti-government movement is growing in the west.

On Thursday, an estimated 23 people died as violence broke out in the city of Zawiya, just 50 kilometers west of Tripoli. Heavy fighting also was reported in the city of Misurata.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/02/dtn-news-libya-uprising-libya-faces.html

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated February 25, 2011....NSI News Source Info # 1622

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated February 25, 2011....NSI News Source Info # 1622
Source: U.S. DoD issued No. 155-11 February 25, 2011
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - February 25, 2011: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued February 25, 2011 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS

TRICARE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY

Humana Military Healthcare Services, Inc., Louisville, Ky., is being awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide managed care support to the Department of Defense TRICARE program. The instant award will comprise of the transition-in base period $4,931,404. The total potential contract value, including the approximate 10-month base period and five one-year option periods for health care delivery, plus a transition-out period, is estimated at $23,526,516,165. The South Region contractor will assist the Military Health System in operating an integrated health care delivery system combining the resources of the contractor and the military’s direct medical care system to provide healthcare, plus medical and administrative support services to eligible beneficiaries in the South Region. The South Region includes the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky (Fort Campbell area only), Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas (excluding areas of western Texas). The work to be performed includes management of provider networks and referrals, medical management, enrollment, claims processing, customer service and access to data, among other requirements, while providing beneficiary satisfaction at the highest level possible through the delivery of world-class health care. The South Region contractor will also be responsible for administering and complying with all Continued Health Care Benefit Program requirements in all geographic areas. The majority of the work to be performed will be in Louisville, K. This contract was competitively procured via the TRICARE Management Activity e-solicitation website with three initial offers received. The TRICARE Management Activity, Aurora, Colo., is the contracting activity (HT9402-11-C-0003).

NAVY

The Pennsylvania State University Applied Research Laboratory, State College, Pa., was awarded on Feb. 24 a $150,000,000 modification to increase the contract ceiling to existing previously awarded cost-plus-fixed fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00024-02-D-6604). This ceiling increase modification provides for up to an additional 1,560,000 staff hours to provide research, development, engineering, test and evaluation. The core areas include guidance, navigation and control of undersea systems, advanced thermal propulsion, materials and manufacturing technology, atmosphere and defense communications and other related technologies. The capabilities are determined to be essential to support a variety of specific programs managed by different technical sponsor organizations. The thematic areas of research and development include, but are not limited to, missiles, radar, sonar, space, undersea warfare, anti-air warfare, command, control and communications, and other related technologies. No funds are obligated by award of this contract modification. Work will be performed in State College, Pa., and is expected to complete by September 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/02/dtn-news-us-department-of-defense_25.html

DTN News: Afghanistan Top Stories / Headlines News Dated February 25, 2011....NSI News Source Info # 1621

DTN News: Afghanistan Top Stories / Headlines News Dated February 25, 2011....
NSI News Source Info # 1621
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources The New York Times & Yahoo News
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 25, 2011: Comprehensive daily news related to Afghanistanfor the world of TODAY.

*Comprehensive daily news related to Afghanistan Top Stories / Headlines News for the world of TODAY
New York Times

Articles

Newest First | Oldest First
Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | Next >>
Afghan Officials Say Jailed Christian Convert Is Free

Officials say Sayed Mussa, who faced the death penalty for his conversion from Islam to Christianity, was released Monday, but his whereabouts remain unknown.

February 24, 2011
    Military to Investigate Whether General Ordered Improper Effort to Sway U.S. Lawmakers
    Military to Investigate Whether General Ordered Improper Effort to Sway U.S. Lawmakers

    The investigation was prompted by an article by Rolling Stone, which described a “psychological operation” ordered in Afghanistan by Lt. Gen. William Caldwell.

    February 24, 2011
      U.S. Pulling Back in Afghan Valley It Called Vital
      U.S. Pulling Back in Afghan Valley It Called Vital

      American officials say the Pech Valley consumed resources disproportionate with its importance and there are not enough troops to win decisively against the Taliban and Al Qaeda.

      February 24, 2011

      DTN News: Pakistan - Latest Headlines News Dated February 25, 2011....NSI News Source Info # 1620

      DTN News: Pakistan - Latest Headlines News Dated February 25, 2011....NSI News Source Info # 1620
      Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources The News - Pakistan
      (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 25, 2011: Comprehensive daily news related to Pakistan - Latest Headlines News for the world of TODAY.
      *Comprehensive daily news related to Pakistan - Latest Headlines News for the world of TODAY

      LAHORE: US Consul General in Lahore, Carmella Conroy Friday visited Raymond Davis in Kot Lakhpat prison and remained with ...
      ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Friday lauded the sacrifices of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and ...
      KARACHI: Sindh Assembly Friday unanimously passed a resolution for regularizing the services of employees of Sindh ...
      PESHAWAR: Security forces Friday arrested an American national on charges of illegally staying in the country, police and ...


      DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Lockheed Martin JLTV Platform Maturity Grows Beyond 145,000 Combined Testing Miles....NSI News Source Info # 1619

      DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Lockheed Martin JLTV Platform Maturity Grows Beyond 145,000 Combined Testing Miles....NSI News Source Info # 1619
      (NSI News Source Info)

      DALLAS,

      - February 25, 2011:

      Lockheed Martin's (NYSE:LMT - News) Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) has reached a key maturity milestone, accumulating over 145,000 combined internal and government testing miles across its family of vehicles. U.S. Army and Marine teams continue to accumulate durability miles as part of a 12-month test and evaluation phase at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md., and Yuma Proving Grounds in Yuma, Ariz.

      "Reaching 145,000 combined testing miles shows that our vehicle design is mature and robust, and can stand up to the harsh conditions in which they will operate," said Scott Greene, vice president of Ground Vehicles at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "Our commitment to performance is equal to our commitment to affordability, and those qualities will only improve as we continue to optimize our design for an Engineering and Manufacturing Development proposal later this year."

      Ten Lockheed Martin JLTV variants are undergoing government evaluations, as part of the Technology Development (TD) phase of the JLTV program, expected to conclude in May.

      "Our JLTV family of vehicles has delivered consistent performance throughout the TD phase," Greene said. "TD offers challenging mobility and reliability trials that have pushed our vehicles to the extreme, and we're proud of the dependability and maturity our platform has demonstrated to the customer."

      Lockheed Martin leads a team pursuing the JLTV program, a joint services effort to return advanced mobility, protection and payload to deployed troops by replacing a portion of the aging High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (Humvee) fleet. The JLTV program creates a common family of vehicles consisting of the Combat Tactical Vehicle and Combat Support Vehicle, both with multiple variants and associated companion trailers.

      Formed in 2005, the Lockheed Martin-led JLTV team includes BAE Systems Global Tactical Systems, Alcoa Defense and JWF-Defense Systems.

      http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/02/dtn-news-defense-news-lockheed-martin_25.html

      DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated February 24, 2011....NSI News Source Info # 1618

      DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated February 24, 2011....NSI News Source Info # 1618
      Source: U.S. DoD issued No. 151-11 February 24, 2011
      (NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - February 24, 2011: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued February 24, 2011 are undermentioned;


      CONTRACTS

      AIR FORCE

      The Boeing Co. of Seattle, Washington, was awarded a fixed price incentive firm contract valued at over $3.5 billion for the KC-X Engineering and Manufacturing Development which will deliver 18 aircraft by 2017. Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC/WKK), Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8625-11-C600).

      http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/02/dtn-news-us-department-of-defense_24.html