DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Lockheed Martin AMF JTRS Team Demonstrates Joint Tactical Radio Onboard AH-64D Apache Helicopter..NSI News Source Info # 1511

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Lockheed Martin AMF JTRS Team Demonstrates Joint Tactical Radio Onboard AH-64D Apache Helicopter....NSI News Source Info # 1511

*Flight Demonstration on Airborne Platform Showcases AMF JTRS Technical Maturity

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Lockheed Martin - January 25, 2011

(NSI News Source Info) MESA, Ariz. - January 27, 2011: A Joint Tactical Radio Internet-Protocol (IP) communications network has successfully transmitted data and video to ground-based radios from its first airborne platform. The Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] Airborne & Maritime/Fixed Station Joint Tactical Radio System (AMF JTRS) team, with support from Boeing, conducted this significant test that provides a new capability to connect joint forces on the battlefield. This also marked the first airborne demonstration of AMF JTRS onboard the AH-64D Apache (Block III architecture) helicopter.

AMF JTRS will be a secure (NSA Type 1), software-programmable, multi-band/multi-mode, mobile ad-hoc network that will give joint U.S. forces simultaneous voice, data, and video communications. With its ability to reprogram and configure communications through a software-centric architecture, AMF provides an affordable forward and backwards compatible solution for the DoD.

“These early AMF JTRS integration activities onto the Apache Block III test platform validate the technical maturity of the system hardware and software,” said Mark Norris, vice president for Joint Tactical Network Solutions with Lockheed Martin’s IS&GS-Defense. “It underscores the critical role that AMF JTRS will play by providing IP networking, as well as the ability to dynamically use multiple waveforms as mission needs require and the ability to cross band and interconnect legacy systems.”

During the demonstration at Boeing’s Mesa, Ariz., facility, Lockheed Martin’s team integrated an AMF JTRS Small Airborne Joint Tactical Radio enabled with the Wideband Networking Waveform (WNW) onto an Apache helicopter. Ground and aerial nodes interfaced in a dynamic joint tactical mobile ad hoc network using IP-based communications. AMF JTRS then transmitted live streaming video and real-time situation awareness data from the Apache’s onboard infrared camera to multiple ground-based radios.

The Apache flight is part of an incremental approach that complements on-going lab-based testing to validate AMF JTRS hardware and software capability in an operationally-relevant environment. Lockheed Martin’s AMF JTRS team plans to perform an extensive "live fly" exercise with multiple aircraft and ground nodes in 2011. The Lockheed Martin AMF JTRS team includes BAE Systems, General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/01/dtn-news-defense-news-lockheed-martin_27.html

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing, Netherlands MOD Mark 1st Flight of Royal Netherlands Air Force CH-47F (NL) Chinook....NSI News Source Info # 1510

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing, Netherlands MOD Mark 1st Flight of Royal Netherlands Air Force CH-47F (NL) Chinook....NSI News Source Info # 1510

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing

(NSI News Source Info) Ridley Township, Pa., - January 27, 2011: Representatives of Boeing [NYSE: BA], its suppliers and the Netherlands Ministry of Defence marked the first flight of the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) CH-47F (NL) Chinook heavy-lift helicopter in a ceremony Jan. 25 at Summit Aviation in Middletown, Del.

The aircraft made its first flight on Dec. 8 and is scheduled to complete its flight test program in August after approximately 100 flight hours. There are two aircraft in flight test.

The RNLAF has ordered six CH-47F (NL) Chinooks to enhance its current fleet of 11 CH-47D (NL) aircraft. The new Chinooks are equipped with survivability equipment, a forward-looking infrared system, and fast rope positions, which will be used to support Special Forces operations. The engines will include air particle separators for operation in harsh environments. These additions will make the RNLAF CH-47F a versatile, multi-role aircraft for worldwide operations.

Boeing expects to begin delivering the aircraft later this year, making the RNLAF the first international customer to field the new CH-47F.

The flight tests have included assessments of the advanced operational capabilities enabled by the aircraft’s Avionics Control and Management System cockpit and newly integrated Digital Automatic Flight Control System. By the conclusion of the tests, the aircraft will be certified airworthy by the Netherlands Military Aviation Authority.

“The Chinook has over the years proven itself to be a true workhorse for the Netherlands Air Force,” said Air Commodore Theo ten Haaf, Commanding Officer Defence Helicopter Command of the RNLAF. “The aircraft proved to be 'the right tool’ for a difficult and challenging job, especially in austere environments and during the combined air and ground operations in Afghanistan. Both ground troops and aircrew speak highly of it.”

He added, “The CH-47F is a major improvement over the 47D model. The arrival of these new aircraft in the RNLAF will ensure that the RNLAF continues to operate with the best in the field of tactical transport helicopter operations both now and in the future.”

“Our goal is to use available technology to provide customers with the best solutions while enabling long-term sustainability,” said Leanne Caret, H-47 Programs vice president for Boeing. “We have a long-standing relationship with the Netherlands and this new aircraft is another example of our focus on providing advanced solutions to meet our customers’ growing demands.”

The Netherlands MOD and Boeing also are evaluating a potential upgrade of the current CH-47D (NL) Chinook fleet to the new CH-47F (NL) configuration.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/01/nsi-news-source-info-rome-italy-january.html

DTN News - Italy TODAY January 27, 2011: Berlusconi Predicted To Lose Female Votes....NSI News Source Info # 1509

DTN News - Italy TODAY January 27, 2011: Berlusconi Predicted To Lose Female Votes....NSI News Source Info # 1509

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Catherine Hornby, REUTERS/ Toronto Sun

(NSI News Source Info) ROME, Italy - January 27, 2011: One of Italy's most senior female politicians has condemned Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi as a "sultan""who degrades women and predicted many of those who voted for him will abandon him in the next election.

Rosy Bindi, president of the opposition Democratic Party and deputy speaker of the lower house of parliament, said in an interview sex scandals were likely to cost Berlusconi power.

"Italian women are paying the highest price for this scandal, with an image being spread of women whose value is reduced to their bodies and who become tradeable goods at the disposal of the sultan, the emperor," she told Reuters.

"Berlusconi has based an important part of his electoral success on women ... but undoubtedly his approval ratings are now falling ... women will represent a key element in putting an end to Berlusconi's honeymoon in our country," she said in her office in the lower house on Wednesday evening.

Milan prosecutors have alleged that Berlusconi paid for sex with prostitutes who attended parties at his villa, including a teenaged nightclub dancer who goes by the stage name of "Ruby the Heart-Stealer".

The billionaire media mogul denies any wrongdoing and says he has never paid for sex. He says politically motivated leftist magistrates are bent on destroying him and he has refused to face questioning.

Berlusconi has survived previous scandals about his private life. Middle-aged and elderly women have been key sources of electoral support for the prime minister.

But Bindi, who has called for Berlusconi to resign, said the most recent scandal would likely be seen as a step too far.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/01/dtn-news-italy-today-january-27-2011.html

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated January 26, 2011....NSI News Source Info # 1508

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated January 26, 2011....NSI News Source Info # 1508

Source: U.S. DoD issued No. 069-11 January 26, 2011

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - January 26, 2011: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued January 26, 2011 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS

AIR FORCE

Raytheon Company, Integrated Defense Systems of Sudbury, Mass. was awarded a $107,000,000 contract which will procure one preliminary design for the Space Fence Program. At this time, $20,000,000 has been obligated. ESC/HSIK, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass. is the contracting activity. (FA8707-11-C-0004)

Lockheed Martin Corporation, Mission Systems & Sensors of Moorestown, N.J. was awarded a $107,000,000 contract which will procure one preliminary design for the Space Fence Program. At this time, $20,000,000 has been obligated. ESC/HSIK, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass. is the contracting activity. (FA8707-11-C-0005)

The Boeing Company of Seal Beach, Calif. was awarded a $12,204,718 contract modification, a GPS IIF Space Vehicle calendar year 2011 option exercise. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. SMC/PKP, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. is the contracting activity. (FO4701-96-C-0025; PO0750)

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/01/dtn-news-u_26.html

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: The 'Beast Of Kandahar' Stealth Aircraft Quietly Resurfaces In New Pics....NSI News Source Info # 1507

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: The 'Beast Of Kandahar' Stealth Aircraft Quietly Resurfaces In New Pics....NSI News Source Info # 1507

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Clay Dillow

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - January 26, 2011: All of a sudden it was there, but then like any good stealth aircraft it vanished. Now the “Beast of Kandahar” has resurfaced in new photos, spurring aviation and defense wonks to once again speculate about the function and purpose of such a stealthy-looking unmanned aerial system.

The Beast, also known as the Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel, first appeared in 2009 in the skies over Kandahar in Afghanistan. It was later revealed to be a product of Lockheed’s Skunk Works and property of the U.S. Air Force, but that’s about all that was revealed. What the RQ-170 is designed to do—or is doing in Afghanistan—remains under wraps.

Bill Sweetman, keeper of Aviation Week’s Ares blog and the civilian authority on the drone at this point, has speculated that aside from the obvious reconnaissance functions, the Beast could perhaps be configured to carry “a high-powered microwave source” to fry computers and electronic equipment on the ground, or an electronic jamming platform to support other aircraft. But at the official level, silence surrounds the Beast of Kandahar and its potential combat (or non-combat) functions, and quiet is exactly the way a secret stealth drone likes it.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/01/dtn-news-defense-news-beast-of-kandahar.html

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Northrop Grumman-Built Aegis Guided Missile Destroyer William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) Completes Successful "Super Trial".# 1506

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Northrop Grumman-Built Aegis Guided Missile Destroyer William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) Completes Successful "Super Trial"....NSI News Source Info # 1506

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Northrop Grumman

(NSI News Source Info) PASCAGOULA, Miss., - January 26, 2011: Northrop Grumman Corporation's Aegis guided missile destroyerWilliam P. Lawrence (DDG 110) successfully completed her combined super trial last week in the Gulf of Mexico. The successful sea trial paved the way for delivery to the Navy in the next six weeks. The company's 28^th destroyer is being built in Pascagoula.

"I want to thank our shipbuilder and Navy team for a very professional effort culminating in an outstanding acceptance trial," said Richard Schenk, test and trials vice president, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding. "This is the last DDG to be delivered for a while and this team has set the bar very high. As a result of all our successful demonstrations and events, we are flying three brooms to signify your achievement. Thank you for your professionalism and teamwork."

"I'd like to congratulate the team for a very successful acceptance trial," said U.S. Navy Capt. Bill Galinis, supervisor of shipbuilding, Gulf Coast. "This team conducted over 180 demonstrations and tests over the last week with the Board of Inspection and Survey, with all major events conducted safely and very successfully. I'm very proud of this team on the William P. Lawrence DDG 110 and the effort you put forth during the construction, test and leading to the delivery of this fine ship. Your performance on all the major events leading up to this day have been nothing short of tremendous. Each member of the Northrop Grumman and Navy team should walk off the ship with heads held high and feeling very proud because you have done an extremely tremendous job and the Navy is getting a very good ship."

"Sea trials were excellent and they confirmed what I have been watching over the past 20 months," said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Tom Williams, prospective commanding officer, DDG 110. "The Northrop Grumman shipbuilding team has produced an outstanding ship. The engineering plant will make sure we can sail fast and the weapons trial demonstrated that we can hit the enemy hard. My crew is ready to come aboard and demonstrate that our motto will be 'Never Give In.' I am very proud of this ship and that it will live up to the legacy of Admiral William P. Lawrence. The shipbuilders should be very proud of what they did here, too."

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/01/dtn-news-defense-news-northrop-grumman.html

DTN News - Afghanistan TODAY January 26, 2011: Karzai Finally Opens Afghanistan Parliament....NSI News Source Info # 1505

DTN News - Afghanistan TODAY January 26, 2011: Karzai Finally Opens Afghanistan Parliament....NSI News Source Info # 1505

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources AFP

(NSI News Source Info) KABUL, Afghanistan- January 26, 2011: President Hamid Karzai opened Afghanistan's parliament on Wednesday, ending a week-long stand-off with lawmakers who had threatened to inaugurate the legislature with or without him.

The ceremony held in a national assembly compound comes four months after the country held its second post-Taliban parliamentary elections, the results of which have met with massive controversy over claims of widespread fraud.

"Congratulations to all of you," Karzai told the lawmakers after swearing them in with the placing of a hand on a copy of the Koran.

Watched over by government ministers, local politicians, foreign diplomats and the head of US-led NATO forces in the country, General David Petraeus, Karzai urged the MPs to work together for Afghanistan's future.

"It is normal all over the world that at times of election there is competition. But when the elections are over national unity starts, when the competition is over cooperation and service starts," he said.

"I hope, given the dangers our country faces and also given the opportunities that we have for the future -- a bright, prosperous, happy and strong future -- that we can put our hands together and lead the country to a place that every person in this country hopes for."

The embattled president had last week said he would delay the opening of parliament for a month to allow time for a special tribunal to investigate claims of irregularities in September's parliamentary elections.

He told losing candidates protesting at his palace on Tuesday that his decision to go ahead with the ceremony had been influenced by "foreign hands".

"Some foreign hands questioned our decisions and started instigation to create crises in our country," Karzai said, according to a statement released by his office earlier.

They "kept provoking candidates (winning MPs) that they should inaugurate the parliament without the president's participation and that we will support you," the statement quoted the president as saying.

The elections have been controversial, not only because of the fraud that saw nearly a quarter of about five million votes thrown out, but also because of the relatively few wins by Pashtuns, Afghanistan's biggest ethnic group and Karzai's traditional powerbase.

Karzai has never endorsed the final outcome of the vote.

Afghanistan's top prosecutor, Mohammad Ishaq Alako, an ally of Karzai, opened a probe into the election results and called for the vote's annulment.

Karzai established a special tribunal to investigate claims of election fraud and has resisted demands by the new MPs -- who say it is unconstitutional -- to scrap the court.

Nearly 200 losing candidates camped out overnight at Karzai's office in an unusual show of defiance, according to a presidential aide speaking on condition of anonymity.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/01/dtn-news-afghanistan-today-january-26.html

DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing, Alaska Airlines Complete Contract For 15 Next-Generation 737s....NSI News Source Info # 1504

DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing, Alaska Airlines Complete Contract For 15 Next-Generation 737s....NSI News Source Info # 1504

**Alaska places its first order for the 737-900ER

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing

(NSI News Source Info) SEATTLE, - January 26, 2011: Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Alaska Airlines yesterday (Jan. 25, 2011) announced an order for 15 Next-Generation 737 airplanes, comprised of 13 737-900ERs (extended range) and two 737-800s. The 737-900ER is a new model for the Alaska Airlines fleet. The contract, which includes exercised options previously placed by Alaska, is valued at $1.3 billion at list prices.

The largest and newest model in the 737 family, the 737-900ER can carry up to 26 more passengers or fly about 500 nautical miles (926 km) farther than the 737-900. The longer range of the 737-900ER will connect distant city pairs across continents, such as Seattle to Orlando, Fla., in a generous two-class configuration. It has substantial economic advantages over competing models, including six percent lower operating costs per trip and four percent lower operating costs per seat mile. Alaska Airlines plans to operate the 737-900ER in a two-class configuration with 178 to 184 seats.

"The reliability and efficiency of our 737 fleet has been a direct contributor to our strong financial performance," said Brad Tilden, president of Alaska Airlines. "The 737-900ER will be a perfect fit for our transcontinental, high traffic west coast and mid-continental markets and will be the most fuel efficient airplane in our fleet. We look forward to adding the same 'Proudly All Boeing' logo to these airplanes that already adorns the rest of our 737 fleet."

The Next-Generation 737s will add capability to Alaska Airlines' fleet of 114 737s currently serving 61 destinations in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

"Alaska Airlines has established a strong record of operational and financial performance by operating a highly efficient and flexible all-Boeing 737 fleet," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The addition of these Next-Generation 737s demonstrates our hometown partner's strong investment in its future growth. It also speaks to the continuous improvements we are making to the Next-Generation 737 in terms of efficiency, economics, reliability and passenger comfort."

The Next-Generation 737 family is the world's best-selling commercial jetliner. Demand for the Next-Generation 737 has led Boeing to announce two production rate increases, leading to the highest-ever production rates for the airplane in 2013.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/01/dtn-news-airlines-news-boeing-alaska.html

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: BAE Systems To Provide Thermal Weapon Sights To Canadian Army....NSI News Source Info # 1503

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: BAE Systems To Provide Thermal Weapon Sights To Canadian Army....NSI News Source Info # 1503

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources BAE Systems

(NSI News Source Info) LEXINGTON, Massachusetts - January 26, 2011: BAE Systems will provide Canadian soldiers with thermal weapon sights that improve their situational awareness and survivability.

Rheinmetall Canada Inc., a provider of the Rheinmetall Defence Group's range of products in Canada, will integrate BAE Systems' uncooled thermal weapon sights with the 40mm grenade launcher's fire control system as part of the Canadian Army's Close Area Suppression Weapon System (CASW). BAE Systems' thermal sights will enhance weapon functionality and mission effectiveness by allowing for targeting independent of darkness and common battlefield obscurants.

"BAE Systems understands Rheinmetall Canada's urgent need to deliver Close Area Suppression Weapon Systems to the Canadian Department of National Defense in support of their soldiers' operational needs," said Dennis Long, program manager for BAE Systems. "Our sights provide a tremendous day and night advantage in detecting, observing, and engaging the enemy. Simply put, they help soldiers achieve their missions and return home safely."

The company now provides thermal weapon sights to eight countries. The U.S. Army recently awarded BAE Systems a $123 million contract for continued production of thermal weapon sights. That order - the most recent under a five-year, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract - increases BAE Systems' total thermal weapon sight contract value to more than $1 billion since 2004.

BAE Systems has delivered more than 91,000 thermal weapon sights to support operations of the U.S. Army and its allies in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The company produces light, medium, and heavy thermal weapon sights using the company's MicroIR® uncooled infrared sensor technology to generate superior infrared imagery without the need for bulky, power-consuming cryogenic cooling equipment. BAE Systems has completed rigorous field testing of its thermal sites, demonstrating their ability to withstand harsh battlefield environments.

BAE Systems has operated in Canada since 2000. The company has a strong track record in delivering economic benefit by partnering with domestic industries and delivering on offset commitments.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/01/dtn-news-defense-news-bae-systems-to.html

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Saab Receives Order From FMV Regarding Development Of Existing Gripen System....NSI News Source Info # 1502

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Saab Receives Order From FMV Regarding Development Of Existing Gripen System....NSI News Source Info # 1502

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Saab - Sweden

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - January 26, 2011: Defence and security company Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) regarding development of the existing material system 39 (edition 19). The order amount is 127 MSEK.

The order consists of development work and modification material to subsystems in Gripen C/D. The work will be carried out in 2011 and 2012.

Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents and constantly develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/01/dtn-news-defense-news-saab-receives.html

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U. S. Navy Validates New Navigation Capability For DDG 1000....NSI News Source Info # 1501

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U. S. Navy Validates New Navigation Capability For DDG 1000....NSI News Source Info # 1501

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Raytheon

(NSI News Source Info) TEWKSBURY, Mass., - January 26, 2011: The U.S. Navy achieved a critical milestone with the successful testing of the Next Generation Navigation System (NAVDDX) produced by Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), prime contractor for mission systems equipment for the DDG 1000-class destroyer.

NAVDDX is a modern open architecture solution for distributing navigation and high-precision time data to ship mission systems. The open architecture design provides the flexibility and commonality to be easily integrated into the DDG 1000 class and other ship platforms, including new construction and modernization programs.

System development was a highly successful joint effort between Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) and the U.S. Navy's Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, San Diego, Calif., through a private party sales agreement.

"This is another example of the rigorous testing strategy that is built into the DDG 1000 development program," said Raytheon IDS' Bill Marcley, vice president of Total Ship Mission Systems and DDG 1000 program manager. "With each milestone, we continue our progress toward delivering proven and reliable capabilities to the sailors of the U.S. Navy fleet."

"NAVDDX is the product of a successful government-industry partnership," said Pete Shaw, deputy, Marine Navigation Division, Space and Naval Warfare System Command. "Together, we are delivering the most advanced, mission-critical combat-support positioning, navigation and timing system available today."

The DDG 1000-class destroyer is the latest evolution in warfighting technology for surface combatant ships, providing unmatched capability to the U.S. Navy. The DDG 1000-class destroyer's advancements can be incorporated into future and modernized platforms. The benefits of DDG 1000's systems reuse potential across the fleet are already being realized, including the application of the Dual Band Radar for the new Ford-class aircraft carrier (CVN 78) as well as the application of the Total Ship Computing Environment infrastructure for the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and USS San Antonio (LPD 17) technology refresh efforts. The systems and software engineering approach used on DDG 1000 yields an open architecture well suited for capability enhancements to counter emerging threats.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/01/dtn-news-defense-news-u-s-navy.html

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Raytheon Awarded $145 Million For Patriot GEM-T Missiles For State Of Kuwait....NSI News Source Info # 1500

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Raytheon Awarded $145 Million For Patriot GEM-T Missiles For State Of Kuwait....NSI News Source Info # 1500

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Raytheon

(NSI News Source Info) TEWKSBURY, Mass., - January 26, 2011: Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has received a $145 million Foreign Military Sales production contract for Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missiles – Tactical (GEM-T) to augment Kuwait's air and missile defense.

The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., issued the contract to complement Kuwait's Configuration-3 radar system upgrade work already underway at Raytheon.

"This new GEM-T missile production contract highlights the efforts by Kuwait Air Defense to maintain readiness and effectiveness of the Patriot Air and Missile System to counter evolving regional threats," said Sanjay Kapoor, vice president of Patriot Programs at Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (IDS). "We continue to modernize the Patriot system and are committed to providing Kuwait and our 11 other partner nations globally with increased system reliability and reduced life-cycle costs."

Work under this contract will be performed by Raytheon IDS at the Integrated Air Defense Center in Andover, Mass.

Raytheon IDS is the prime contractor for both domestic and international Patriot Air and Missile Defense Systems and is the system integrator for Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missiles.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/01/dtn-news-defense-news-raytheon-awarded.html

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated January 25, 2011....NSI News Source Info # 1499

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated January 25, 2011....NSI News Source Info # 1499

Source: U.S. DoD issued No. 067-11 January 25, 2011

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - January 25, 2011: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued January 25, 2011 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS

AIR FORCE

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Defense Systems Division of Herndon, Va. was awarded a $49,694,900 contract which will research, develop, and deliver an integrated software solution that improves upon the targeting functionality currently performed by Air Force and joint targeting automation software. At this time, $2,173 has been obligated. Air Force Research Laboratory/RIKF, Rome, N.Y., is the contracting activity (FA8750-11-D-0001; basic orders 0001 and 0002).

The Boeing Co., of Wichita, Kan., was awarded a $13,168,213 contract modification which will provide for Option Year II support for one of two special air mission aircraft assigned to the 89^th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Andrews, Md., which provides air transportation for the President. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. OC-ALC/GKSKB, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8106-09-C-0005; PO0022).

NAVY

Hamilton Sundstrand Corp., Windsor Locks, Conn., is being awarded a $24,636,056 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for procurement and installation of Electronic Propeller Control System kits into the C-130T aircraft for the Navy Reserves (up to 20) and the LC-130H aircraft for the Air Force National Guard (up to 5), including non-recurring engineering, technical and logistics services. Work will be performed in Windsor Locks, Conn. (65 percent), and Crestview, Fla. (35 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contracts combines purchases for the Navy Reserves ($20,490,770; 83 percent) and the Air Force National Guard ($4,145,286; 17 percent). This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-11-D-0008).

Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding Inc., Newport News, Va., is being awarded $10,960,474 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-08-C-2110) in support of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) engineering detailed design. Work will be performed in Newport News, Va., and is expected to complete in September 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding Conversion and Repair, Newport News, Va., is the contracting activity.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/01/dtn-news-us-department-of-defense_25.html

DTN News: Afghanistan Top Stories / Headlines News Dated January 25, 2011....NSI News Source Info # 1498

DTN News: Afghanistan Top Stories / Headlines News Dated January 25, 2011....NSI News Source Info # 1498

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Los Angeles Times & The New York Times

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - January 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

Scandals Tarnish German Military

By JUDY DEMPSEY

Germany's armed forces ombudsman has given a harshly critical assessment of training and leadership methods, just as a string of scandals threaten the reputation of the defense minister.

January 25, 2011

MORE ON AFGHANISTAN AND: AFGHANISTAN WAR (2001- ), DEFENSE AND MILITARY FORCES, GERMANY, NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION

‘Colonel Imam’ Dies in Taliban Custody

By JANE PERLEZ

Brig. Sultan Amir died in the hands of a younger generation of militants in the tribal badlands of Pakistan — a victim of the vicious forces he helped create.

January 24, 2011

MORE ON AFGHANISTAN AND: DEFENSE AND MILITARY FORCES, PAKISTAN,TALIBAN, AMIR, SULTAN

He Never Left

Duane Clarridge, who was indicted for lying to Congress about his role in the Iran-Contra scandal, doesn’t seem to have learned any lessons.

January 24, 2011

MORE ON AFGHANISTAN AND: UNITED STATES DEFENSE AND MILITARY FORCES, AFGHANISTAN WAR (2001- ), ESPIONAGE, CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY,CLARRIDGE, DUANE R

U.S. Military Deaths in Afghanistan

The Department of Defense has identified 1,451 American service members who have died as a part of the Afghan war and related operations.

January 24, 2011

MORE ON AFGHANISTAN AND: UNITED STATES DEFENSE AND MILITARY FORCES, AFGHANISTAN WAR (2001- ), DEFENSE DEPARTMENT

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/01/dtn-news-aerospacedefense-headlines_25.html

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Receives $1.6B Contract For P-8A Poseidon Low-Rate Initial Production....NSI News Source Info # 1497

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Receives $1.6B Contract For P-8A Poseidon Low-Rate Initial Production....NSI News Source Info # 1497

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing

(NSI News Source Info) SEATTLE, USA - January 25, 2011: Boeing [NYSE: BA] on Jan. 21 received a $1.6 billion contract from the U.S. Navy for low-rate initial production (LRIP) of the P-8A Poseidon aircraft. The LRIP 1 contract is for six P-8A aircraft, spares, logistics and training devices.

The Navy plans to purchase 117 of the Boeing 737-based P-8A anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft to replace its P-3 fleet. Initial operational capability is planned for 2013.

“Providing these production aircraft to the Navy fleet on schedule is our No. 1 goal,” said Chuck Dabundo, Boeing vice president and P-8 program manager. “This is an exciting day for Boeing and the Navy and a testament to the P-8 team’s hard work and determination.”

"This first production contract represents a significant commitment by the U.S. Navy to recapitalize its force of long-range maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft," said Capt. Leon Bacon, P-8A deputy program manager for the Navy. “Ensuring that this capability arrives on schedule and within budget remains our primary objective.”

Boeing will begin final assembly of the first LRIP aircraft at its Renton, Wash., facility this summer. The Poseidon team is using a first-in-industry in-line production process that draws on Boeing’s Next-Generation 737 production system. All P-8A-unique aircraft modifications will be made in sequence during fabrication and assembly.

“The in-line approach we’ve incorporated on this military derivative aircraft is already paying the dividends we expected by helping us improve efficiency and reduce costs,” said John Pricco, Boeing Commercial Airplanes P-8 program manager.

As part of the U.S. Navy System Development and Demonstration contract awarded to Boeing in 2004, the team is building and testing six flight-test and two ground-test aircraft. The first three flight-test planes, T1, T2 and T3, are completing testing at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. The program’s static test plane, S1, recently completed its test program, which began in May 2009; S2, the fatigue test plane, will begin testing later this year.

A derivative of the Next-Generation 737-800, the Poseidon is built by a Boeing-led industry team that includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems, BAE Systems and GE Aviation.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/01/dtn-news-defense-news-boeing-receives.html