Saturday, January 29, 2011

DTN News - Afghanistan TODAY January 29, 2011: Kandahar Deputy Governor Killed By Suicide Bomber....NSI News Source Info # 1522



DTN News - Afghanistan TODAY January 29, 2011: Kandahar Deputy Governor Killed By Suicide Bomber....NSI News Source Info # 1522
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Telegraph U.K.
(NSI News Source Info) KABUL, Afghanistan - January 29, 2011: The deputy governor of Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province, the spiritual home of the Taliban, has been killed by a suicide bomber.
Abdul Latif Ashna had just left his home and was on his way to his office when a suicide bomber on a motorcycle blew himself up near his vehicle.

One of his bodyguards and his driver were wounded, as were two passers-by in the Afghan town.

Mr Ashna, a trained engineer, had been deputy governor since April 2010.

He previously worked for UN Habitat, the UN programme to improve the urban environment, before teaching at Kandahar University.

Kandahar, the birthplace of Taliban leader Mullah Omar, is at the heart of a nine-year insurgency by the Islamic militants.

Besides foreign troops and Afghan soldiers and police, the Taliban also regularly target local officials whom they accuse of being traitors working with the international forces and the Western-backed Kabul government.

The deputy mayor of Kandahar, Noor Ahmad Nazari, was killed in October, six months after his predecessor was assassinated.

The governor of Kandahar, Tooryalai Wesa, survived a bomb attack on his convoy in November 2009.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/01/dtn-news-afghanistan-today-january-29.html

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Australia Continues To Boost Its Military, With The Purchase Of 12 New Submarines A Part Of A US$44Bn Upgrade....NSI # 1521

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Australia Continues To Boost Its Military, With The Purchase Of 12 New Submarines A Part Of A US$44Bn Upgrade....NSI News Source Info # 1521
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Research and Markets On Friday January 28, 2011, 4:00 pm EST
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - January 29, 2011: Australia's relationship with China has become increasingly important in recent years, owing to China's emergence as Australia's biggest export destination, having overtaken Japan. Australia has traditionally been a very close ally of the US, but Canberra must increasingly tread a fine line between fostering closer economic cooperation with Beijing while guarding against China's rising military power. The Australian government has continued to boost its military capabilities, with the purchase of 12 new submarines as part of a US$44bn upgrade plan.

Canberra has also made efforts to increase regional military cooperation potentially as a hedge against China by signing a security pact with Japan. In light of Australia's longstanding security ties with the US, some Chinese strategic planners may interpret three-way defence cooperation between Canberra, Tokyo and Washington as being aimed at curbing Beijing.

The slowdown in Australia's real GDP growth in Q310 is in line with our bearish view that weakening investment and private consumption growth will cause a drag in headline expansion going forward. Indeed, we are pencilling in economic growth of only 1.6% and 2.3% for 2011 and 2012 respectively, weaker than the forecast 2.8% expansion in 2010.

Australia's economic growth decelerated considerably in Q310, expanding by only 0.2% quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) (seasonally-adjusted), from a revised 1.1% registered in Q210. The recent slowdown in the country's real GDP expansion was in line with our view that the rise in borrowing costs, fall in consumer confidence, and weakening residential property sector will lead to lower headline growth going forward. With this in mind, we maintain our view that the Australian economy will expand by only 1.6% in 2011, before rebounding slightly to 2.3% in 2012. These figures are much lower than our projected 2.8% growth for Australia in 2010

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

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated January 28, 2011....NSI News Source Info # 1520

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated January 28, 2011....NSI News Source Info # 1520
Source: U.S. DoD issued No. 078-11 January 28, 2011
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - January 28, 2011: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued January 28, 2011 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS

NAVY

Composite Engineering Inc.*, Sacramento, Calif., is being awarded a $31,461,842 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for the design, development, integration and test of the subsonic aerial target (SSAT). Work will be performed in Roseville, Calif. (58 percent), Sacramento, Calif. (20 percent), Wichita, Kan. (19 percent), and Palmdale, Calif. (3 percent). Work is expected to be completed in December 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via electronic request for proposals; three offers were received. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-11-C-0024).

AIR FORCE

Lockheed Martin Corporation, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company of Marietta, Ga. was awarded a $20,585,119 contract modification will provide interim contract support for the C-5 Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. ASC/WLSK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity. (FA8625-09-D-6485 0008)

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/01/dtn-news-us-department-of-defense_28.html

DTN News - WIKILEAKS NEWS: The Guardian's Role In The Biggest Leak In The History Of The World....NSI News Source Info # 1519

DTN News - WIKILEAKS NEWS: The Guardian's Role In The Biggest Leak In The History Of The World....NSI News Source Info # 1519
*In an extract from WikiLeaks: Inside Julian Assange's war on secrecy, the Guardian's editor-in-chief explains why Assange remains such an important figure – and why the story is destined to run and run
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Alan Rusbridger guardian.co.uk, Friday 28 January 2011
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - January 29, 2011: Back in the days when almost no one had heard about WikiLeaks, regular emails started arriving in my inbox from someone called Julian Assange. It was a memorable kind of name. All editors receive a daily mix of unsolicited tip-offs, letters, complaints and crank theories, but there was something about the periodic WikiLeaks emails which caught the attention.

Sometimes there would be a decent story attached to the emails. Or there might be a document which, on closer inspection, appeared rather underwhelming. One day there might arrive a diatribe against a particular journalist – or against the venal cowardice of mainstream media in general. Another day this Assange person would be pleased with something we'd done, or would perambulate about the life he was living in Nairobi.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/01/dtn-news-wikileaks-news-guardians-role.html

DTN News - UNREST IN EGYPT NEWS: Factbox: Egyptians React To Mubarak Speech....NSI News Source Info # 1518



DTN News - UNREST IN EGYPT NEWS: Factbox: Egyptians React To Mubarak Speech....NSI News Source Info # 1518
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Reuters
(NSI News Source Info) CAIRO, Eygpt - January 29, 2011: President Hosni Mubarak ordered tanks onto Egypt's streets and delivered a speech pledging to address the economic and political concerns of protesters, but he did not bow to the main demand that he end his 30-year rule.

Friday, January 28, 2011

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Orbit International Corp. Receives Order For The E-2 Hawkeye Aircraft Valued In Excess Of $600,000....NSI # 1517

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Orbit International Corp. Receives Order For The E-2 Hawkeye Aircraft Valued In Excess Of $600,000....NSI News Source Info # 1517
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Orbit International Corp.
(NSI News Source Info) HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. - January 28, 2011: Orbit International Corp. (NASDAQ:ORBT - News), an electronics manufacturer and software solution provider, today announced that its Orbit Instrument Division received an order in excess of $600,000 for data entry panels for the mission control in the E-2 Hawkeye, the all weather carrier-capable Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft, designed to give long-range warning of incoming aerial threats. Deliveries under this contract are expected to commence in the second quarter of 2011 and continue through the fourth quarter of 2011.

From an operating altitude above 25,000 feet, the E-2 Hawkeye provides data on approaching air threats and provides threat identification and positional data to fighter aircraft. The Hawkeye’s secondary roles include strike command and control for all aircraft carrier battle groups, surveillance, guidance of search and rescue missions for naval aviators.

Sam Berhumoglu, Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Orbit Instrument Division noted, “We have been involved in the E-2 Hawkeye program for over 12 years, initially providing our data entry panels for the E-2C aircraft and now for the latest version, the E-2D aircraft. The Hawkeye will continue its role as the Navy’s primary AEW aircraft for years into the future. Just last month, it was reported that 75 new E-2 Hawkeye aircraft with significant radar, engine, and electronics upgrades will be built in order to deal with a growing need for surveillance necessary to protect the U.S. naval fleet.”

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

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. Calls On Canada To Stick With F-35....NSI News Source Info # 1516

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. Calls On Canada To Stick With F-35....NSI News Source Info # 1516
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources CAMPBELL CLARK OTTAWA— From Friday's Globe and Mail
(NSI News Source Info) OTTAWA, Canada - January 28, 2011: U.S. Defence Secretary Robert Gates made a pitch for Ottawa to forge ahead with plans to buy the American-made F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, a purchase which is shaping up as a potential election issue in Canada.

The Conservatives have announced a plan to buy 65 F-35 stealth fighter-bombers for $9-billion, and estimate that support costs for the first 20 years will total another $5-billion to $6-billion. The Liberals, arguing costs are likely to balloon, have vowed that if they win government, they will put the purchase on hold to review whether such expensive aircraft are really needed.

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Russia Exported 480 Fighters In 2000-2009....NSI News Source Info # 1515

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Russia Exported 480 Fighters In 2000-2009....NSI News Source Info # 1515
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Russian Aviation
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - January 28, 2011: Russia exported 480 newly-made fighter aircraft in the period of 2000 to 2009 inclusive, according to calculations of the Russian media.

The United States of America is world’s largest exporter of fighters; it holds nearly half of the market. Russia is second largest exporter, followed by China, France, UK and Sweden. Moscow sold three times more fighters than all European makers combined, largely due to better quality/price ratio of the Sukhoi and MiG products.

Meantime, Russia’s share in the global market for fighter aircraft decreased from 40% in the period of 2000 to 2004 inclusive down to 30% in that of 2005 to 2009. The percentage is for sheer number of aircraft delivered to customers worldwide. Absolute income in dollar terms grew substantially over the given period: the buying nations tended to purchase more heavyweight and expensive Sukhoi fighters of the Flanker series. At the same time, Russian fighters are often less expensive compared to US and European analogues. This means Russian makers earn less than their Western counterparts on “per-aircraft” basis.

Russia has managed to save positions in India despite very competitive market environment in that country. India has been buying combat aircraft from Europe, and is considering US and European designs for future acquisitions. Today, New Delhi tops the list of customers for Russian combat jets with large orders for the Su-30MKI multirole and MiG-29K/KUB deck fighters. India is followed by Algeria, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia.

The biggest lost that the Russian manufacturers suffered in the past five years is that of China. Beijing used to import Sukhoi Su-27SK and Su-30MKK/MK2 jets in great numbers. By 2005 China had been the largest importer of Russian fighters, but recently disappeared from the list of buyers completely.

China has been boosting export of its own products. With 90 sales, Beijing is way down Moscow, but the gap is expected to be closing in the current decade. The Chinese industry has developed very promising J-10 and FC-1 light fighters. These are now in service with Chinese and Pakistani air forces respectively, and available on the market.

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

DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Lockheed Martin Delivers First Civil L-100 Hercules Replacement Center Wing Box....NSI News Source Info # 1514

DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Lockheed Martin Delivers First Civil L-100 Hercules Replacement Center Wing Box....NSI News Source Info # 1514
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Lockheed Martin - January 25, 2011
(NSI News Source Info) MARIETTA, Ga., - January 28, 2011: Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has delivered the first replacement Center Wing Box (CWB) assembly for the civil variant of the Hercules, the L-100, to Lynden Air Cargo. This delivery marks the first upgrade of an L-100 with a new CWB.

The new Center Wing Box assembly is the first of three on order for Lynden, an Anchorage, Alaska-based firm that operates a fleet of six L-100s. The installation will be performed by Singapore Technologies Aerospace Engineering using Lockheed Martin-designed tooling. The new CWB will give the Lynden L-100 an additional 15 years of service life.

The CWB sits atop the aircraft’s main fuselage and forms the attachment point for the outer wings and the inboard engines. CWBs are manufactured in the company’s Marietta, Ga., facility for both the new C-130J Super Hercules and for earlier Hercules models.

Lynden Air Cargo began operations in 1995 and is part of the Lynden family of companies providing multi-modal transportation services including air, ground, marine and logistics companies. Lynden’s fleet of Hercules has accumulated more than 125,000 accident-free flight hours since 1997.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 133,000 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 2009 sales from continuing operations were $44.0 billion.

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

Thursday, January 27, 2011

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: 2,000th U.S. Army Vehicle Refurbished In-Theater By Oshkosh Defense....NSI News Source Info # 1513

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: 2,000th U.S. Army Vehicle Refurbished In-Theater By Oshkosh Defense....NSI News Source Info # 1513
*TPER Program Restores Worn, Battle-Damaged Vehicles Faster, More Economically
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Oshkosh Defense - Jan. 25, 2011
(NSI News Source Info) OSHKOSH, Wis. - January 27, 2011: Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), commemorated its refurbishment of the 2,000th U.S. Army vehicle in the Theater-Provided Equipment Refurbishment (TPER) program. Oshkosh collaborates with the U.S. military on the TPER program, which eliminates the cost of shipping vehicles to the U.S. for repairs and returns the trucks to soldiers stationed in-theater more quickly.

“Many of the heavy and line-haul trucks that come to this facility have seen almost a decade of rugged, in-theater use,” said Mike Ivy, vice president and general manager of Army Programs for Oshkosh Defense. “The TPER program allows us to significantly reduce the cost of refurbishing the Army’s vehicles, and cuts maintenance cycle time by at least 60 days compared to U.S.-based repairs – more quickly getting the trucks back out where they are needed. The 2,000th truck that we’re delivering to the Army today represents the success of this program and our combined commitment to supporting Soldiers as close to point of use as possible.”

Oshkosh executives and Army officials gathered at Oshkosh’s Defense Logistics Center in Kuwait to celebrate the milestone and pay tribute to Oshkosh employees, as well as the U.S. Army staff, who support the TPER program. An Oshkosh Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET), part of the Army’s Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles (FHTV), was the 2,000th refurbished vehicle.

The TPER program restores battle-damaged and heavily worn vehicles from the Army’s FHTV and line-haul fleets to the military’s strict equipment-readiness standards so they can be returned to the field. The military departments involved in the TPER program include TACOM Life Cycle Management Command (LCMC), the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), and the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA).

The DCMA and Oshkosh’s quality-assurance offices work together to ensure vehicles are restored to full mission-capable operability. The Kuwait facility sees as many as 60-65 vehicles a month that need anywhere from 300-1,000 replacement parts. To meet these requirements, Oshkosh collaborates extensively with TACOM and DLA to maintain a multifaceted supply-chain management approach.

Oshkosh Defense provides aftermarket service and support with a full life-cycle approach. The company has led customer service projects at more than 100 locations globally, including in-theater. These efforts, along with factory-trained field service representatives (FSRs) and Web-based parts support ensure customers can access service, repair and parts distribution in every corner of the globe, at any time of day. More than 700 Oshkosh service personnel are currently deployed across the U.S. and abroad, including more than 280 FSRs in Afghanistan.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/01/dtn-news-defense-news-2000th-us-army.html

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated January 27, 2011....NSI News Source Info # 1512

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated January 27, 2011....NSI News Source Info # 1512
Source: U.S. DoD issued No. 071-11 January 27, 2011
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - January 27, 2011: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued January 27, 2011 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS

NAVY

Lockheed Martin, Syracuse, N.Y., is being awarded a $48,443,311 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-5201) for exercise of fiscal year 2011 options for the Navy’s AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 undersea warfare system. The AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 is a surface ship combat system with the capabilities to search, detect, classify, localize and track undersea contacts; and to engage and evade submarines, mine-like small objects, and torpedo threats. Work will be performed in Lemont Furnace, Pa. (50 percent), Syracuse, N.Y. (25 percent), Eagan, Minn. (25 percent), and is expected to be completed by May 2013. 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.

Lockheed Martin Services, Inc., Gaithersburg, Md., is being awarded a $36,000,000 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-incentive-fee, performance-based contract (N65236-05-D-8836) for services for the operation of the Naval Array Technical Support Center to include production, repair, refurbishment, installation and testing of towed array sonar systems. The cumulative value of this contract, including this modification is $152,540,060. The work for this contract will be performed at Little Creek, Va., (75 percent for fiscal 2011) with the transition of work, in accordance with BRAC 2005, to Newport, R.I., (25 percent for fiscal 2011, 100 percent for fiscal 2012), and is expected to be completed by March 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured by full and open competition via the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center e-Commerce central website and the Federal Business Opportunities web site, with two offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity.

Far Western Anthropological Research Group, Inc., Davis, Calif. (N62473-11-D-2220) ;HDR Environmental, Operations and Construction, Inc., Englewood, Colo. (N62473-11-D-2221);ASM Affiliates, Inc.*, Carlsbad, Calif. (N62473-11-D-2222); and SWCA, Inc., South Pasadena, Calif. (N62473-11-D-2223),are each being awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contract for cultural resources-related services at various locations within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest area of responsibility. The maximum dollar value, including the base period and four option years, for all five contracts combined is $25,000,000. The work to be performed provides for cultural resources-related services under North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code 541690. The services include cultural resources-related studies, investigations, preparation of historic and archaeological documents, and implementation of plans in accordance with Sections 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. Work under these contracts will be performed in Calif. (90 percent), Ariz. (two percent), Colo. (two percent), Nev. (two percent), N.M. (two percent), and Utah (two percent). Far Western Anthropological Research Group, Inc. is being awarded the initial task order in the amount of $55,572 for an archaeological survey and site recordation of four historic roads and trails at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, China Lake, Calif. Work for this task order is expected to be completed by Jan. 2012. The term of the contracts is not to exceed five years, with an expected completion date of Jan. 2016. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online and Federal Business Opportunity websites, with nine proposals received. These four contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contracts. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

Rolls Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $22,204,421 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-10-C-0020) to exercise an option to procure CV-22 engine support in the form of 17,800 engine flight hour and 17 low power repairs. Work will be performed in Oakland, Calif. (70 percent) and Indianapolis, Ind. (30 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $22,204,421 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Carleton Life Support System, Inc., Davenport, Iowa, is being awarded $9,368,204 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for research and development efforts to produce advanced life support systems for fighter/attack and transport/patrol aircraft, as well as deployable systems to support the warfighter. Work will be performed in Davenport, Iowa, and is expected to be completed in February 2016. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via a broad agency announcement; one offer was received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00421-11-D-0032).

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2011/01/dtn-news-us-department-of-defense_27.html

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

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

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