Wednesday, April 14, 2010

DTN News: China TODAY April 15, 2010 ~ Quake In Remote West China Kills 589, Buries More

DTN News: China TODAY April 15, 2010 ~ Quake In Remote West China Kills 589, Buries More Source: DTN News / By ANITA CHANG, Associated Press Writer - 59 minutes ago (NSI News Source Info) XINING, China - April 15, 2010: Rescuers combed through the rubble of collapsed buildings for survivors Thursday, more than a day after strong earthquakes shook a mountainous Tibetan region of China, killing nearly 600 people and injuring thousands. Photo taken on April 14, 2010 shows the ruins of collapsed houses after an earthquake in Yushu County, northwest China's Qinghai Province. About 400 people have died and 10,000 others were injured after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit Yushu early on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Ren Xiaogang) * The series of quakes flattened buildings across remote western Yushu county and sent survivors, many bleeding from their wounds, flooding into the streets of Jiegu township. State television showed block after devastated block of toppled mud and wood homes. Local officials said 85 percent of the buildings had been destroyed. Residents and troops garrisoned in the town used shovels and their hands to pull survivors and bodies from the rubble much of the day Wednesday. Several schools collapsed, with the state news agency saying at least 56 students died. Worst hit was the Yushu Vocational School, where the officials Xinhua News Agency cited a local education official as saying 22 students, 20 of them girls, died. State broadcaster CCTV showed footage of rescuers working at night, picking through the rubble aided by torchlights fixed to their safety helmets. A group of workers found a girl trapped for more than 12 hours under a heap of debris. "I can't feel my arm," said the girl, who was curled up with her back to the workers. The workers talked to her and fed her water as others searched for pieces of wood to prop up the rubble that had entrapped her. As rescuers gingerly pulled her out and carried her to a stretcher, she could be heard saying: "I'm sorry for the trouble. Thank you, I will never forget this." Crews set up emergency generators to restore operations at Yushu's airport, and by late afternoon the first of six flights landed carrying rescue workers and equipment. But the road to town was blocked by a landslide, hampering the rescue as temperatures dropped below freezing. The death toll had risen to 589 by early Thursday, with more than 8,000 others injured, the Ministry of Civil Affairs said in a statement. About 15,000 houses had collapsed and 100,000 people need to be relocated, it said. Many survivors spent the night in the cold outdoors, wrapping themselves in thick cotton blankets and lying on thin pads on the ground with cardboard boxes serving as makeshift pillows. Others spent the night in quake-damaged cars, covering exposed areas with sheets of plastic, CCTV footage showed. Xinhua said temperatures in the area can fall below freezing at night. The airport in Xining, the nearest big city 530 miles (860 kilometers) away, was filled in the predawn hours Thursday with Chinese troops in camouflage, firefighters and rescue teams leading dozens of sniffer dogs. They were whisked onto waiting buses for the difficult drive to the quake zone, which takes 12 hours under the best of conditions. Yang Xuesong, a rescuer from Shandong province in eastern China, said his biggest concern was the altitude. "This is the highlands. I don't know if the search dogs can get used to it," he said. While China's military is well-practiced in responding to disasters, the remote location posed logistical difficulties. The area sits at around 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) and is poor. Most people live in Jiegu, with the remaining _ mostly herders _ scattered across the broad valleys. The small airport has no refueling supplies, so relief flights were carrying extra jet fuel, reducing their capacity for hauling supplies, state media reported. "The situation here is difficult. Most of the buildings have collapsed. A lot of people are seriously injured," said Pu Wu, a director of the Jinba Project, which provides health care training for Tibetan communities. "We are scared. We are all camping outside and waiting for more tents to come." The local quake relief headquarters put the death toll at 589 and the injured at 10,000 by early Thursday morning, according to the Xinhua news agency. Wu Yong, commander of the army garrison, said the deaths "may rise further as lots of houses collapsed." Hospitals were overwhelmed, and rescue teams were slowed by damaged roads, strong winds and frequent aftershocks. President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao urged "all-out efforts" to rescue survivors and dispatched a vice-premier to supervise the effort. The government immediately allocated $30 million (200 million yuan) for relief, and mobilized more than 5,000 soldiers, medical workers and other rescuers, joining 700 troops already on the ground. The initial quake, measured at magnitude-6.9 by the U.S. Geological Survey and 7.1 by the China Earthquake Networks Center, hit Yushu at 7:49 a.m. (7:49 p.m. EDT, 2349 GMT). It was followed by a series of tremors. Residents of Jiegu, known by Tibetans as Gyegu, about 20 miles (30 kilometers) from the epicenter, fled dazed and sobbing as the ground shook, toppling houses, as well as temples, gas stations, electric poles and the top of a Buddhist pagoda in a park, witnesses and state media said. Many of the students boarded at the schools and were preparing to head to class when the quake struck. One rescue worker said he didn't know how many students had died but he had helped recover several bodies. "Students just got up and were yet to go to class when the quake happened. I recovered several bodies from the debris and found they were fully dressed," said Zhu Liang, a government worker who joined the rescue operation. The destruction of schools is an eerie echo of the massive magnitude-7.9 quake that hit neighboring Sichuan province two years ago, leaving nearly 90,000 people dead or missing. Thousands of students among the dead were killed when their schools collapsed. Poor design, shoddy construction and the lax enforcement of building codes were found to be rampant. Both Wednesday's quake and the one in Sichuan two years ago occurred along the Longmenshan fault, which runs underneath the mountains that divide the Tibetan plateau to the west and the Sichuan plain below. Messages of sympathy came from U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and the White House, the pope at the Vatican, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, as well as the Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan leader revered by the often fervently Buddhist Tibetans and reviled by Chinese leaders, who accuse him of fomenting separatism. Houston Rockets star Yao Ming has set up a hotline to help North American Chinese residents reach family and friends in China. A recorded message in English and Mandarin asks the caller to enter the phone number of the person they are trying to reach in China. Once a trading hub and a gateway to central Tibet, Yushu and surrounding environs were among the Tibetan areas caught up in the anti-government protests that swept the region in March 2008. Tensions have simmered since, and the region has been closed to foreigners off and on. Associated Press Writers Charles Hutzler, Tini Tran and Gillian Wong and researchers Zhao Liang and Yu Bing contributed to this report from Beijing.

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated April 14, 2010

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated April 14, 2010 Source: U.S. DoD issued April 14, 2010 (NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - April 14, 2010: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued April 14, 2010 are undermentioned; CONTRACTS AIR FORCE ~Rockwell Collins, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was awarded a $208,905,836 contract which will provide for the Senior Leadership Command, Control, and Communications System - Airborne Communications program. The contractor will provide secure voice, data, and video systems for the very important person special air mission fleet, up to 40 aircraft, to include: communication system operator work stations; passenger stations voice over internet protocol phones; video teleconferencing systems; classified and unclassified local area networks; and training, maintenance, and logistic support. At this time, $8,560,163 has been obligated. 653d ELSG/PK, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (FA8726-10-D-0003). ARMY ~Lockheed Martin Corp., Syracuse, N.Y., was awarded on April 12 a $108,490,207 firm-fixed-price contract. The government intends to procure 17 enhanced AN/TPQ-36 (EQ-36) radar systems with the associated sustained operational group and mission essential group (MEG) non-recurring engineering and MEG installation under an undefinitized contractual action with an obligation of 49 percent of the estimated value. Work is to be performed in Syracuse, N.Y., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 8, 2010. Sole-source bids were solicited with one bid received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-06-C-T004). ~Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on April 12 a $68,737,950 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 1,770 rocket-propelled grenade protection kits. Work is to be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2012. Five bids were solicited with five bids received. TACOM, CCTA-ADCA, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0111). ~Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Orlando, Fla., was awarded on April 9 a $46,242,947 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the issuance of an undefinitized contract action for the purchase of AH-64 Apache modernized target acquisition designation sight/pilot night vision sensors systems; associated integration and installation; associated spares; TADS electronic display and control glass; unique meeting support; and troubleshooting and repair for Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the Netherlands. The April 9 obligation of $46,242,947 is 49 percent of the UCA not-to-exceed amount of $94,373,362. Work is to be performed in Orlando, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2013. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Army Contracting Commands, AMCOM Contracting Center, CCAM-AP-B, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-C-0169). ~Honeywell International, Inc., Phoenix, Ariz., was awarded on April 9 a $12,150,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. This contract is for developing technologies to improve and enable silicon carbide power devices and component technologies. These technologies will enable military and commercial systems to be more efficient while operating at higher temperatures and small footprints. These technologies are critical to meet performance requirements for advanced military and U.S. energy platforms. Work is to be performed in Phoenix, Ariz. (0.98 percent); Durham, N.C. (48.65 percent); Niskayuna, N.Y. (9.87 percent); Fayetteville, Ark. (9.57 percent); East Butler, Pa. (15.16 percent); Longwood, Fla. (6.69 percent); and Midland, Mich.; (8.09 percent), with an estimated completion date of May 29, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Army Research Development & Engineering Command Contracting Center, Research Triangle Park, Durham, N.C., is the contracting activity (DAAD19-01-C-0067). ~ACC Construction Company, Inc., Augusta, Ga., was awarded on April 9 a $20,800,464 firm-fixed-price contract for the design/build of special operations facility battalion and operations complex, Phase 4, Fort Campbell, Ky. Work is to be performed in Fort Campbell, Ky., with an estimated completion date of June 8, 2012. Bids were solicited via the Federal Business Opportunities Web site with nine bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-10-C-0043). ~Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Phoenix, Ariz., was awarded on April 9 a $32,766,000 firm-fixed-price contract. This construction project, entitled “Design/build Special Operations Forces Fuel Cell and Corrosion Control Hangars, Cannon Air Force Base, Curry County, New Mexico,” consists of the design and construction of a 32,087 square foot fuel cell hangar and a 57,674 square foot corrosion control hangar with all associated site work, site utilities, Anti Terrorism Force Protection requirements, parking lots, airfield ramps, underground electrical duct bank to substation, and new electrical switch gear and vault at the substation. Work is to be performed in Curry County, N.M., with an estimated completion date of May 2, 2010. Twenty bids were solicited with 13 bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque District, CESPA-CT, Albuquerque, N.M., is the contracting activity (W912PP-10-C-0015). ~Osborne Co., Inc., Eden, N.C., was awarded on April 8 a $8,321,151 firm-fixed-price contract to construct 6.03 miles of roads from the Harmony Church cantonment area to the new Good Hope maneuver/training area. This new roadway will require the construction of a bridge over US Highway 27/280 and a replacement bridge on Jamestown Road across the Weems Pond spillway. Construction of the Weems Pond Bridge will require a temporary bridge on Jamestown Road. Supporting facilities will include: clearing and grubbing; fine and rough grading; erosion control systems; grassing; storm drainage; guard rails; force protection fencing and gates; and utility protection. Work is to be performed in Fort Benning, Ga., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 10, 2011. Six bids were solicited with three bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-09-D-0015). ~Design Build S.E., Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, was awarded on April 8 a $5,990,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the recovery design/build roof and exterior repairs, Ramey Army Reserve Center, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Work is to be performed in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, with an estimated completion date of May 14, 2011. Bids were posted on the World Wide Web with five bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-10-C-0047). ~RCG Enterprises, Inc., Pensacola, Fla., was awarded on April 9 a $12,489,158 firm-fixed-price contract for Lake Pontchartrain and vicinity, Lakefront Airport T-walls, LPV 105.01. Work is to be performed in Orleans Parish, La., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 11, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with 11 bids received. West New Orleans East, Hurricane Protection Office, Orleans Parish, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-10-C-0054). ~CACI, Inc., Federal, Chantilly, Va., was awarded on April 9 an $8,788,911 firm-fixed-price contract. The contractor will provide simulation-supported battle command staff training exercise for pre- and post-mobilizing active and reserve component combat, combat support, and combat service support brigade and battalion equivalents headquarters. Work is to be performed in Fort Dix, N.J. (20 percent); Dublin, Calif. (20 percent); Birmingham, Ala. (20 percent); Arlington Heights, Ill. (20 percent); and Houston, Texas (20 percent), with an estimated completion date of Jan. 1, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Mission & Installation Contracting Command, MICC Center, Fort Bragg, N.C., is the contracting activity (W91247-10-C-0032). NAVY ~CACI Technologies, Inc., Chantilly, Va., is being awarded a $37,744,674 modification to previously awarded contract (N63394-04-D-1262) for systems engineering services in support of integrated ship self defense. This procurement is to provide professional engineering, technical, training, software, project service, and logistics services and products necessary to support the Ship Self Defense System of the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division, Port Hueneme, Calif. Services will be required at shore sites, land-based test facilities, shipyards, and aboard ships in ports and at sea. Work will be performed in Port Hueneme, Calif. (35 percent); Wallops Island, Va. (20 percent); Crystal City, Va. (20 percent); San Diego, Calif. (10 percent); Little Creek, Va. (10 percent); and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (5 percent). Work is expected to be completed by December 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $781,438 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Port Hueneme Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme, Calif., is the contracting activity. ~The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $10,994,224 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-09-C-0050) to provide 6,600 flight hours of persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance unmanned aircraft vehicle services in support of naval maritime missions. Work will be performed in Bingen, Wash. (97 percent), and St. Louis, Mo. (3 percent), and is expected to be completed in June 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $10,994,224 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. ~Raytheon Network Centric Systems, St. Petersburg, Fla., is being awarded an $8,090,839 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-08-C-5203) for Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) system production. CEC is a sensor netting system that significantly improves battle-force anti-air warfare capability by extracting and distributing sensor-derived information and making the data available to all participating CEC units. This modification combines purchases for the U.S. Navy (97.3 percent) and the government of the United Kingdom (2.7 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will be performed in Largo, Fla. (47 percent); St. Petersburg, Fla. (20 percent); Dallas, Texas (18 percent); and McKinney, Texas (15 percent), and is expected to be completed by January 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. ~Shaw Environmental, Inc., Concord, Calif., is being awarded $7,463,914 for task order #0010 under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N68711-01-D-6011) for non-time critical removal action for three solid waste disposal areas (SWDA) at Installation Restoration Site 12 at Naval Station Treasure Island. The work to be performed provides for additional soil characterization and excavation within the three SWDA. Work will be performed in San Francisco, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity. ~General Dynamics Information Technology, Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $6,221,873 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide support to the U.S. Joint Forces Command for studies and analyses, logistics support, and specialized program support. Work will be performed in Suffolk, Va., and is expected to be completed Jan. 31, 2011. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. The contract is a sole-source pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) (1); only one responsible source and no other supplies and services will satisfy agency requirements. Fleet and Industrial Supply Center, Norfolk, Contracting Department, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N00189-10-D-Z040). ~Ball Aerospace and Technology Corp., Boulder, Colo., is being awarded an estimated $5,545,404 cost-plus-incentive-fee, fixed-price-incentive-fee, firm-fixed-priced, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to conduct a software requirements review and system design review, and will provide the Navy the means to establish initial conditions for naval operational oceanographic models, allowing them to represent both the current and predicted ocean thermal structure. The objective of this acquisition is to provide an on-orbit asset that will deliver altimetry data to the Navy’s central data processing ground site. It will have a capability to measure mesoscale ocean topography with at least a three centimeters precision for a mean mission duration of at least six years. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $499,625,341. Work will be performed in Boulder, Colo. (46 percent); France (43 percent); Clifton, N.J. (8 percent); and Golden, Colo. (3 percent). Work is expected be completed by November 2010; with options exercised, the work will continue until 2019. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems e-Commerce Central Web sites, with an unlimited number of proposals solicited and one offer received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00039-10-D-0068). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY ~Belmont Instrument Corp.*, Billerica, Mass., is being awarded a maximum $31,611,102 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for blood fluid warming system with accessories and repair parts. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 99 proposals originally solicited with 68 responses. The date of performance completion is April 13, 2015. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM2D1-10-D-8208). ~McClellan Jet Services*, McClellan, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $25,126,757 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel. Other location of performance is California. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one proposal originally solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is March 31, 2014. The Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (SP0600-10-D-0015). MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY ~New Mexico State University Physical Science Laboratory (NMSU PSL), Las Cruces, N.M., is being awarded a sole-source cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (HQ0147-10-D-0051) for $6,775,921. Under this contract, NMSU PSL will provide sustainment efforts to maintain, test, and certify Lance missile equipment for use during launch operations; maintain, test, and certify as operational the mobile telemetry van to support launch operations; provide launch services for all Lance target missile system launch operations; and build, test, install, integrate, and monitor telemetry packages required during specified target missile launch operations. The work will be performed in Las Cruces, N.M. The performance period is through March 2015. Fiscal year 2010 research, development, test, and evaluation funds will be used for the initial task order for equipment storage, maintenance, and management effort. The Missile Defense Agency is the contracting activity. *Small business

DTN News: First U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon Delivered To Patuxent River

DTN News: First U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon Delivered To Patuxent River Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, MD - April 14, 2010: The first P-8A Poseidon test aircraft arrived at Pax River, April 10. The aircraft, recently assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX-20), arrived after a six hour, 55 min flight from Boeing’s Seattle facilities. VX-20’s Government Flight Test Director, Cmdr. Jim Reining, along with VX-1’s Operational Test Director, Cmdr. John Verniest, and Boeing’s P-8A chief pilot, Chris Dobb, delivered the aircraft referred to as T1. T1 began formal Navy flight testing at the Boeing facility in October 2009. The Integrated Test Team (ITT) spent the past six months executing ground and flight tests while maximizing the expertise of Boeing P-8A engineers and technicians. “It was an exciting moment to watch the first P-8A Poseidon touch down at Pax River today,” said Capt. Mike Moran, Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft program manager (PMA-290). “The maritime patrol and reconnaissance platform is in great demand throughout the world and this flight put us one step closer to delivering Poseidon to the Fleet. I cannot be more proud of our team as they work to ensure this aircraft will meet our warfighters’ requirements.” Moran said that the program continues to meet all performance criteria and is on track for initial operational capability in 2013. “The ITT, along with all Boeing’s Seattle production and maintenance team has worked very hard to get the aircraft to Pax River to complete the planned test program,” said Reining. “The ITT is grateful for the strong support from PMA-290 and Boeing management and is excited to get to work testing at Pax River.” The Poseidon ITT, comprised of Navy test squadrons (VX-20 and VX-1), and Boeing, will utilize T1 to evaluate the P-8A’s airworthiness and expand its flight envelope. The program’s other two flight test aircraft, T2 and T3, will transfer to Pax River later this year. These aircraft will focus on extensive mission systems and weapons system testing, ensuring the P-8A’s ability to carry out the anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations. The Poseidon will replace the P-3C Orion as the Navy’s premier maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft. Its advanced mission systems, software and communications technology will allow the Fleet to carry out the same missions as the Orion, but with greater situational awareness that will enhance mission success. The USN expects the P-8A to achieve initial operational capability during 2013, with the type to replace its Lockheed Martin P-3C Orions. The service will eventually field 117 Poseidons, while Boeing has already secured its first export deal for the type, with eight P-8Is under contract for the Indian navy.

DTN News: Boeing Awarded Additional Contract For F/A-18 Technical Publication Services

DTN News: Boeing Awarded Additional Contract For F/A-18 Technical Publication Services Source: DTN News / Boeing (NSI News Source Info) BRISBANE, Queensland, - April 14, 2010: Boeing Defence Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], has signed a three-year contract worth AU$4.5 million to provide the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) with support for F/A-18 Hornet aircraft technical publications. Boeing Defence Australia has provided F/A-18 technical publication services including management, production of amendments and additional support tasks as required to the RAAF for the past five years. "By working in partnership with the RAAF's Tactical Fighter Systems Project Office (TFSPO), Boeing Defence Australia has been able to deliver responsive and innovative solutions," said Scott Marosek, Boeing Defence Australia senior manager for Global Services & Support – Australia Technical Support. "Our highly skilled and supportive team is committed to delivering the best outcome for TFSPO. We look forward to continuously improving our working relationship to ensure world-class technical publication services for the RAAF's F/A-18 fleet over the next three years." TFSPO Engineering Support Manager David Martinek said the effectiveness of technical publication support for the F/A-18 fleet provided by Boeing Defence Australia to date is mainly due to their expertise with managing the configuration of instructions for continued airworthiness within a common source database environment. "At the end of the day, we share the common goal of delivering highly responsive and reliable technical publication support to ensure the safety and availability of the F/A-18 fleet," said Martinek. "The commitment and sound knowledge of the F/A-18 that Boeing Defence Australia offers enable optimum solutions to be developed. We look forward to working with Boeing Defence Australia as a partner over the next three years." Other services Boeing Defence Australia provides to support the F/A-18 fleet include platform maintenance, modifications and upgrades at RAAF Base Williamtown, as well as supply chain services such as spares manufacturing and repairs from Brisbane. Boeing Defence Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company and a business unit of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, is a leading Australian aerospace enterprise. With a world-class team of nearly 2,000 employees at 13 locations throughout Australia and two international sites, Boeing Defence Australia supports some of the largest and most complex defense projects in Australia. A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

DTN News: Lockheed Martin's Joint Air-To-Ground Missile (JAGM) Successfully Completes Limited Dirty Battlefield/Countermeasures Testing

DTN News: Lockheed Martin's Joint Air-To-Ground Missile (JAGM) Successfully Completes Limited Dirty Battlefield/Countermeasures Testing Source: DTN News / Lockheed Martin (NSI News Source Info) ORLANDO, Fla., - April 14, 2010: Lockheed Martin's (NYSE:LMT - News) Joint Air-To-Ground Missile (JAGM) team has successfully completed an extensive series of static, tower-based and captive-carry flight tests of its tri-mode seeker in a limited dirty battlefield/countermeasure rich environment at Redstone Arsenal, AL. The tests successfully validated the capability and technological maturity of the Lockheed Martin tri-mode seeker, a critical element to a low-risk, on time, on-budget fielding of the JAGM system. JAGM's three seeker modes are semi-active laser, imaging infrared and millimeter wave radar. The seeker was tested against both active and passive countermeasure systems including white and red phosphorous, fog oil, smoke, millimeter wave chaff, flares, camouflage netting and mobile camouflage systems. Test results demonstrated all three sensor modes successfully communicated and worked collaboratively to effectively address and defeat each countermeasure and obscurant. The test series was preceded by an array of successful captive-carry tests conducted by Lockheed Martin in clean, non-dirty-battlefield flight environments, during both favorable and adverse weather conditions including sun, rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow. "We tested our tri-mode seeker against a variety of countermeasures and obscurants in a very challenging and realistic battlefield environment, and the seeker performed precisely as designed," said Hady Mourad, JAGM program director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "We are exceptionally pleased with the results. JAGM will provide the right weapon at the right time in any environment." The U.S. Army's Joint Attack Munition Systems Project Office in Huntsville, AL, is leading the JAGM Technology Development program to replace the currently fielded HELLFIRE, Longbow, Airborne TOW and Maverick missiles for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps. JAGM provides the next-generation air-to-ground missile for employment from the services' rotary-wing, fixed-wing and unmanned platforms. Threshold aviation platforms include the U.S. Army's AH-64D Apache attack helicopter, the Army's Extended Range Multi-Purpose (ERMP) Sky Warrior unmanned aerial system (UAS), the U.S. Marine Corps' AH-1Z Super Cobra attack helicopter, and the U.S. Navy's MH-60R Seahawk armed reconnaissance helicopter and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet jet fighter. Numerous Objective platforms are also in consideration, including the tri-service Joint Strike Fighter program. The initial operational capability of JAGM on the AH-64D, AH-1Z and F/A-18E/F is scheduled for 2016, and the IOC for the MH-60R and ERMP is 2017. Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2009 sales of $45.2 billion. For additional information, visit our website: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

DTN News: US Military Backs F-35, Draws Line On More F/A-18s

DTN News: US Military Backs F-35, Draws Line On More F/A-18s
* US Navy sees F/A-18 production shutdown starting in 2013 * Sen. Lieberman unhappy with work on fighter shortfall * Missouri senator blasts move to end F/A-18 production Source: DTN News / Reuters (NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON, - April 14, 2010: Top U.S. Air Force and Navy officials backed the Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) F-35 fighter jet and said they had no plans to buy more Boeing Co (BA.N) F/A-18 fighters despite the skyrocketing cost of the F-35 program and delays in deliveries of test aircraft. Officials from both services, grilled by members of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday about the F-35, said they believed a major restructuring had put the program back on track. But they stressed that they were monitoring the program carefully. Senator Joseph Lieberman, who heads the committee's airland subcommittee, said he was troubled by news that the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter was facing projected cost increases of more than 50 percent and worried that delays in the program could widen projected shortfalls for both service's fighter forces. "The JSF is the cornerstone of tactical aviation modernization for each of our services. Excessive cost growth in this program is bound to hurt American air power in the years ahead," Lieberman said. Missouri Republican Senator Kit Bond, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee, blasted defense officials for insisting on shutting down production of the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet beginning in 2013, given mounting problems with what he called the "Joint Strike Failure." "It just makes no sense," Bond told Reuters. "Today's comments reflect the Pentagon's willingness to turn a blind eye to the looming threat to America's air combat power and America's defense industrial base." Boeing operates a major manufacturing facility in St. Louis, Missouri. Vice Admiral David Architzel, principal military deputy for acquisition for the Navy, told the hearing the services had made an "unequivocal" commitment to the F-35 program and considered it essential for replacing aging fighters. He said a looming tactical fighter aircraft shortfall was "manageable" and predicted it could be managed to peak at about 100 aircraft in 2018 -- far below the 177-aircraft gap initially forecast -- by extending the life of existing planes. The U.S. government's fiscal 2011 begins Oct. 1. Lieberman said the Navy fighter shortfall could be closer to 267 aircraft and questioned the Navy's view that it could narrow the gap by reducing squadron size, conducting service life extensions, and cutting aircraft time in maintenance. "I'm not satisfied that the steps taken are sufficient," he said, noting the Air Force faced similar challenges. But Navy officials steadfastly rejected more purchases of Boeing Super Hornets beyond the 515 already planned. Marine Corps Lieutenant General George Trautman said the intention had always been to begin shutting down the F/A-18 line in fiscal 2013, with the final shutdown due in 2015. He said the size of the projected shortfall fluctuated because so much depended on the front end assumptions . "You can manipulate the front end almost any way that you want to manipulate it, in order to have the number come out to any specific number that you want," he said. "It's almost impossible to predict, frankly, eight years from now specifically how many shortfall airplanes we're going to have, even if the ramp on JSFs stay precisely as we think it's going to occur today. And that's doubtful." Trautman told reporters after the hearing that comments on the end of the Boeing fighter line did not take into account any foreign arms sales the company might make. Senator Bond said the Pentagon's statements about shutting down the Boeing F/A-18 line could jeopardize billions of dollars of potential revenue and tens of thousands of U.S. jobs at stake in the foreign fighter competitions involving the F/A-18. At the same time, he said the F-35's problems were already causing some foreign partners on that program to take another look at the Boeing fighter, particularly because of concerns he said he was hearing about the F-35's ability to operate off a carrier. Admiral Architzel, asked about reports that the F-35 was breaking cables on aircraft carriers, said that was "definitely a rumor," since the F-35 had not yet been tested on a carrier. Boeing spokesman Philip Carder said Boeing had delivered more than 420 Super Hornets to the Navy on time or ahead of schedule, and all on budget. He said current plans called for production for the Navy to continue through 2015. "Additional domestic or international orders would extend production and maintain the industrial base, which is a critical national asset, well beyond 2015," Carder said. The Navy officials said they continued to explore the possibility of a multiyear procurement agreement with Defense Secretary Robert Gates to buy 124 F/A-18E/F and EA-18G planes from fiscal 2010 through fiscal 2013. Senate aides said Pentagon cost estimators disagreed with Boeing about the expected savings from a multiyear deal. Air Force and Navy officials also rejected continued funding for a second engine for the F-35 that is being built by General Electric Co (GE.N) and Britain's Rolls-Royce (RR.L). They said spending an additional $2.9 billion on the second engine program would divert resources from other key programs. The Navy said the Pentagon's Joint Assessment Team set up to review cost growth on the F-35's primary engine, built by United Technologies Corp (UTX.N) unit Pratt & Whitney, found that Pratt's cost-cutting plan was achievable. It said Pratt's current proposal for a fourth lot of F135 engines showed that the engine maker had begun to reduce costs in line with the Pentagon assessment.
(Reporting by Andrea Shalal-Esa; Editing by Tim Dobbyn and Steve Orlofsky)

DTN News: French President Nicolas Sarkozy Confident Brazil To Buy French Rafale Jets

DTN News: French President Nicolas Sarkozy Confident Brazil To Buy French Rafale Jets Source: DTN News / Reuters (NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON, - April 14, 2010: French President Nicolas Sarkozy said on Tuesday that he was confident Brazil would purchase 36 next-generation fighter jets from France even though the time may be running out to close a deal. Rafale is a twin-jet combat aircraft capable of carrying out a wide range of short and long-range missions, including ground and sea attack, air defence and air superiority, reconnaissance, and high-accuracy strike or nuclear strike deterrence. The aircraft has been developed for the French Air Force and Navy. 61 aircraft were ordered (36 for the air force and 25 for the navy). The Rafale M entered service in 2001, and ten aircraft are operational on the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. Rafale B and C entered service with the French Air Force in June 2006, when the first squadron was established. The second air force squadron was set up in 2008. Brazil is in the final stages of buying 36 jets worth more than $4 billion, which are to be assembled locally. The deal could eventually rise to more than 100 aircraft. The three finalists are the Rafale made by Dassault (AVMD.PA), the Gripen NG made by Sweden's Saab (SAABb.ST), and the F-18 made by U.S.-based Boeing Co (BA.N). But Brazil's Defense Minister Nelson Jobim has said he favors the Rafale. "I am confident," Sarkozy told reporters on the sidelines of a summit on nuclear security hosted by U.S. President Barack Obama. "It is developing precisely on schedule." The coming months are crucial since President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who has said he strongly favors the Rafale for political reasons, will leave the presidency later this year. A Brazilian election is scheduled for October.
(Writing by Louis Charbonneau; Editing by Chris Wilson)

DTN News: Russia Plans To Upgrade Black Sea Fleet With New Warships

DTN News: Russia Plans To Upgrade Black Sea Fleet With New Warships Source: DTN News / Ria Novosti (NSI News Source Info) SEVASTOPOL, - April 14, 2010: Russia's Black Sea Fleet will receive up to four frigates and four diesel-electric submarines in the next five years, a Navy source told RIA Novosti on Tuesday. The Russian official said that the new warships were needed to replace vessels which have been in service for over 30 years and may soon not be fit for sea missions. "The need to revamp the operational strength of the Black Sea Fleet is dictated by the decommissioning of various outdated vessels," the source said. Earlier reports indicated that the Black Sea Fleet is set to decommission its Ochakov destroyer and a diesel submarine built in 1982. Next on the "scrap" list are the Kerch destroyer and several large support ships. The first new vessels that are likely to join the fleet in the near future are the Admiral Gorshkov frigate and the Lada class Sevastopol diesel submarine, which are still under construction. Russia needs to maintain a strong combat-capable fleet in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean not only to protect its interests in the region but also to contribute to international efforts in fighting sea piracy and drug-trafficking. Warships from the Black Sea Fleet regularly participate in the Blackseafor naval drills, the Black Sea Harmony and the Operation Active Endeavor counterterrorist operations. "The new ships will ensure the fleet's active participation in these operations and in other missions planned by the Russian Navy,' the source said. He added that the planned overhaul did not violate the 1997 agreements with Ukraine on the presence of the Black Sea Fleet in the Crimea. "Our plans are absolutely transparent and they will be discussed at meetings of a Russian-Ukrainian subcommittee on the Black Sea Fleet." Related News Russia sends additional missile cruiser to Indian Ocean Russian warship en route to Blackseafor naval drills Russia's Black Sea Fleet may lose all warships by 2015 Talks on presence of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in Crimea to continue - Medvedev

DTN News: Russia Delays Launch Of New Nuclear Submarine

DTN News: Russia Delays Launch Of New Nuclear Submarine Source: DTN News / RIA Novosti
(NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW, Russia - April 14, 2010: Russia will not float out a new nuclear-powered multipurpose attack submarine as planned on May 7 due to technical reasons, a source in the shipbuilding industry said on Tuesday. Construction of the Severodvinsk, the first Project 885 Yasen (Graney) class submarine, began in 1993 at the Sevmash shipyard in the northern Russian city of Severodvinsk but has since been dogged by financial setbacks. Russia planned to float out the submarine on May 7 to mark the 65th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in May 1945. "The launch of the new Severodvinsk submarine has been delayed for technical reasons," the source said, adding that the sub would be floated out and pass sea trials later this year. Graney class nuclear submarines are designed to launch a variety of long-range cruise missiles (up to 3,100 miles or 5,000 km) with nuclear warheads, and effectively engage submarines, surface warships and land-based targets. The submarine's armament includes 24 cruise missiles, including the 3M51 Alfa SLCM, the SS-NX-26 Oniks SLCM or the SS-N-21 Granat/Sampson SLCM. It is also equipped with eight torpedo launchers, as well as mines and anti-ship missiles such as SS-N-16 Stallion.
The Severodvinsk is expected to enter service with the Russian Navy by late 2010 - early 2011. Last year, work started on the second sub in the series, the Kazan, which will feature more advanced equipment and weaponry. Russia's Navy commander, Adm. Vladimir Vysotsky, has called the construction of new-generation nuclear-powered ballistic missile and attack submarines a top priority for the Russian Navy. Related News Russia to float out new nuclear sub on May 7 No radiation danger as scrapped nuclear sub catches fire in north Russia New Russian nuclear submarine to enter service in 2010 Russian Navy takes delivery of a new submarine for lease to India