www.defence-industries.com News

Raytheon's Mid-Range Munition Completes First Cartridge Integration Test

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:59:24 GMT

Raytheon Company , General Dynamics and the U.S. Army completed the first Mid-Range Munition cartridge integration test. The autonomously fired round struck the threat target from a beyond-line-of-sight range of 5.2 kilometers (about 3 statute miles).

MRM is a gun-fired, precision-guided projectile that provides beyond-line-of-sight engagement capabilities to brigade combat teams.

"This was the first completely autonomous imaging infrared-guided shot in the history of the MRM program," said James Riley, Raytheon Missile Systems' vice president for Land Combat. "MRM's beyond-line-of-sight capabilities will give Future Combat Systems brigade combat team soldiers, and potentially BCTs equipped with the Abrams tank, the ability to engage the enemy out of contact and win battles while minimizing friendly casualties."

The test verified two primary modes of operation: designate and autonomous. In designate mode, the round was initially guided to the target with a laser designator before switching to imaging infrared seeker guidance. In autonomous mode, the round was fired in the general direction of the target before the IIR seeker searched for and acquired the target.

Raytheon Company, with 2007 sales of $21.3 billion, is a technology leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 86 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide.

    Contact:
    Heather Uberuaga
    520.665.5594
    uberuaga@raytheon.com

Lockheed Martin Receives $6.3 Million Contract to Support MK 41 Vertical Launching System for U.S. and Turkish Navies

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:59:24 GMT

Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] recently received a $6.3 million contract modification from the U.S. Navy’s Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) to provide engineering support services for MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) work on the U.S. Navy’s Ticonderoga Class guided missile cruiser modernization program and the Turkish navy’s MEKO Track IIA and IIB frigates.

The latest MK 41 VLS baseline VII launch control system combines commercial off-the-shelf technologies and open architecture software elements. Originally designed by Lockheed Martin in the early 1980s, MK 41 VLS has gone through numerous system upgrades and baseline improvements to introduce new capabilities, integrate new missiles and lower the total cost of ownership.

“The MK 41 is the world’s most reliable below-deck, multi-mission naval missile launching system with a launch success rate of more than 99 percent,” said Dan Schultz, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Integrated Defense Technologies line of business. “The flexibility and open system architecture of the MK 41 VLS baseline VII enables Lockheed Martin to maintain and continuously upgrade its customer’s systems as technology evolves. We have already demonstrated baseline VII’s portability to other computer processors and operating systems, and we are ready for the next generation tactical computing environment fielded for the Navy’s DDG Modernization and CG(X) programs.”

The recent contract modification was to the MK 41 VLS Design Agent Contract originally awarded in 2004. The work will be performed at Lockheed Martin’s locations in Baltimore, MD and Ventura, CA.

The multi-missile, multi-mission MK 41 launcher has revolutionized the way world navies think about sea-launched weapons. No other naval missile launcher is capable of firing missiles for every threat in naval warfare, including anti-air, anti-submarine, ship self-defense, land attack and ballistic missile defense. More than 11,000 MK 41 VLS missile cells have been delivered or are on order. MK41 VLS systems are either in service or on order by 12 navies around the world for 186 ships in 19 different ship classes.

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 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

Media contact: Jim Gring, 410-682-0156; e-mail, james.gring@lmco.com
For additional information, visit our website:
http://www.lockheedmartin.com

Northrop Grumman Awarded $374 Million Construction Preparation Contract for Second Gerald R. Ford-Class Aircraft Carrier

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:59:24 GMT

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) received a $374 million cost type contract award for construction preparation of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier CVN 79. The carrier, which has yet to be been named, is the second ship of the Gerald R. Ford class.

The company's Shipbuilding sector will perform the work in Newport News, Va., which includes design efforts, planning and the procurement of long lead-time material such as propulsion machinery. The 21-month contract also provides for continued research and development efforts with key suppliers. Approximately 300 people will be supporting this project by the end of its first year.

"Being awarded the contract for CVN 79 while we are in the early stages of construction on the first ship of the class is beneficial to both the Navy and our shipbuilders," said Mike Shawcross, vice president for Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding's Gerald R. Ford-class program. "We have an experienced team who has been working on the lead ship's construction preparation contract since 2004 and began full construction last year. We will be able to take their experience and lessons learned and efficiently apply them to the CVN 79."

The Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) class will continue the legacy of U.S. Navy aircraft carrier ship platforms. Enhancements being incorporated into the design include flight deck changes, improved weapons handling systems, and a redesigned island, all resulting in increased aircraft sortie rates. It will also include a new nuclear power plant; increased electrical power generation capacity; allowance for future technologies; and reduced workload for the sailors, translating to a smaller crew and lower operating costs for the Navy.

The full scale construction contract for CVN 79 is expected to begin in 2012.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.

CONTACT:  Jennifer Dellapenta
          Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding
          (757) 380-3558
          Jennifer.Dellapenta@ngc.com

AIRBUS MILITARY and EADS propose a new approach for the A400M Programme

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:59:24 GMT

Airbus Military and EADS have proposed a new programme approach for the A400M to the Launch Nations, through OCCAR, with the aim to find a way forward for this programme.

Airbus Military and EADS want to discuss the programme schedule along with changes to other areas of the contract including in particular certain technical characteristics of this first-class military aircraft.

Airbus Military suggests to resume series production only once adequate maturity is reached, based on flight test results. With this proposed new approach, the first delivery of the A400M would then occur around three years after first flight.

Airbus Military is still working with the engine consortium to firm up a date for the first flight.

Airbus Military and EADS will only be able to reliably determine all financial implications once a committed industrial plan, including the availability of systems, is fully stabilized and once OCCAR's position on the proposal is known.

This proposed new approach will not compromise the ultimate qualities and the exceptional characteristics of the airplane, with the most advanced logistic and tactical capabilities that will be delivered to the armed forces and will make A400M a unique airplane in its category.

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of € 39.1 billion and employed a workforce of about 116,000. The Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and EADS Astrium, the European leader in space programmes from Ariane to Galileo. Its Defence & Security Division is a provider of comprehensive systems solutions and makes EADS the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium as well as a stakeholder in the missile systems provider MBDA. EADS also develops the A400M through its Military Transport Aircraft Division.

Contact:
Pierre Bayle
Tel: +33142242063
Barbara Kracht
Tel: +34606652477

Boeing Unites UK Rotorcraft Support Business

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:59:24 GMT

Today Boeing Defence UK Ltd., a subsidiary of The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], announced the establishment of a new operation to focus on Boeing's rotorcraft support business in the United Kingdom. The new organization, Boeing UK Rotorcraft Support, is part of the Boeing Integrated Defense Systems business unit.

Boeing's UK portfolio of rotorcraft support activities includes the Chinook Through Life Customer Support program, which received the Chief of Defence Materiel Commendation award in November 2008, and the Apache Integrated Operational Support program.

Leading the new organization is Managing Director David Pitchforth. He is responsible for further developing Boeing's rotorcraft support business in the United Kingdom while working directly with the Ministry of Defence (MOD), local industry partners and the company's UK and U.S. rotorcraft teams.

"Creating this new operation underscores Boeing's commitment to our customers, industry partners and employees in the UK," said Peri Widener, executive for Boeing's global rotorcraft support team. "David has the local knowledge, customer relationships and leadership qualities necessary to make Boeing an agile onshore partner to the Ministry of Defence and to work effectively with local industry."

In December 2007, Boeing announced the formation of Boeing Defence UK Ltd. to consolidate Boeing's defense activities in the United Kingdom and to meet the criteria set forth in the Defence Industrial Strategy.

"The consolidation of our UK rotorcraft support business is an essential step in Boeing's strategy for long-term growth and presence here in the United Kingdom," said Mike Kurth, managing director, Boeing Defence UK Ltd. "David's experience with the customer and our industry partners will be an added benefit toward achieving our objectives of growth and partnerships."

Pitchforth, a native of Yorkshire, was most recently with AgustaWestland Military Division as director of Business Transformation and senior vice president, UK Government Business Unit. A major part of Pitchforth's focus was the transformation activity centered on the Rotary-Wing Strategic Partnering Arrangement between the MOD and the company. Prior to entering the defense industry, Pitchforth was most well known for his role as managing director and chairman of the Jaguar Racing Formula 1 team.

Pitchforth holds a degree in Design Engineering from Open University, a Higher National Certificate in Design Engineering and an Ordinary National Certificate in Mechanical & Production Engineering from Huddersfield Polytechnic, and a certificated apprenticeship from the Engineering Industry Training Board.

Contact Info:

Madonna Walsh
Boeing Defence UK Ltd.
office: +44 (0)20 7340 1900
mobile: +44 (0)7827 350 265
madonna.a.walsh@boeing.com

Brad Mudd
Boeing Integrated Defense Systems
office: +1 314-233-1220
mobile: +1 314-750-6967
bradley.h.mudd@boeing.com

Boeing P-8I Selected as Indian Navy's Long-Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:59:24 GMT

The Government of India has selected The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] to provide eight P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft to the Indian navy. The P-8I is a variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing is developing for the U.S. Navy.

India is the first international customer for the P-8. Boeing will deliver the first P-8I within 48 months of the contract signing, and the remaining seven by 2015.

"The men and women of The Boeing Company are pleased that India has selected the P-8I," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems (IDS). "This aircraft will provide outstanding capabilities tailored to India's unique maritime-patrol requirements."

The P-8I is a true multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) that features greater flexibility and a broader range of capabilities than MPAs currently in service. The P-8I can operate effectively over land or water while performing anti-submarine warfare missions; search and rescue; maritime interdiction; and long-range intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance.

The P-8I provides India with speed, reliability, persistence and room for growth to satisfy the country's requirements now and well into the future. The aircraft features an open system architecture, advanced sensor and display technologies, and a worldwide base of suppliers, parts and support equipment.

"Throughout the negotiations, both sides worked diligently to give India the most advanced anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare aircraft in the world today," said Vivek Lall, Boeing IDS vice president and India country head. "The result of these efforts will bring the Indian navy advanced technology that is unmatched in maritime reconnaissance aircraft, and the reach and capability it needs to defend India's vast coastline and maritime waters."

Contact Info:

Ellen LeMond
The Boeing Company
office: 314-777-0669
mobile: 314-705-1661
ellen.j.lemond@boeing.com

Chick Ramey
The Boeing Company
office: 425-965-7570
mobile: 206-851-414
charles.b.ramey@boeing.com

Oshkosh Corporation Awarded Contract to Provide Replacement Defense Vehicle Parts

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:59:24 GMT

Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) announced today that Oshkosh Defense has been awarded a sole source contract with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to provide replacement parts for medium and heavy tactical vehicles. This annual contract has a potential duration of 10 years, if all option years are exercised, and a value of up to $1.12 billion. This follows a one-year contract that included seven option years, each of which were exercised, that ended in December 2008.

Under the contract, Oshkosh Defense will supply the DLA with replacement parts to support Oshkosh's medium and heavy tactical vehicles, which include the Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR), Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) and Palletized Load System (PLS). Oshkosh also supplies replacement parts for other manufacturers' medium and heavy-payload vehicles.

"Oshkosh Defense vehicles provide the superior performance and reliability that our military customers demand, and we are proud to support those vehicles with our top-of-the-line aftermarket parts and services," said Robert G. Bohn, Oshkosh Corporation chairman and chief executive officer. "Our customers always know their vehicles are backed by an extensive and dependable network of parts and support services with Oshkosh."

The first contract order is valued at $17.5 million and is for approximately 2,300 replacement part numbers to support Oshkosh's tactical vehicles.

Oshkosh Defense provides aftermarket service, repair and parts distribution to its customers around the world. With factory-trained technicians, Web-based parts support and service centers worldwide, customers are covered 24/7 whether their vehicles are in the field or in garrison.

About Oshkosh Defense

Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, is an industry-leading global designer and manufacturer of tactical military trucks and armored wheeled vehicles, delivering a full product line of conventional and hybrid vehicles, advanced armor options, proprietary suspensions and vehicles with payloads that can exceed 70 tons. Oshkosh Defense provides a global service and supply network including full life-cycle support and remanufacturing, and its vehicles are recognized the world over for superior performance, reliability and protection. For more information, visit www.oshkoshdefense.com.

About Oshkosh Corporation

Oshkosh Corporation is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency and military vehicles and vehicle bodies. Oshkosh Corp. manufactures, distributes and services products under the brands of Oshkosh^(R), JLG^(R), Pierce^(R),McNeilus^(R), Medtec^(R), Jerr-Dan^(R), BAI^(R), Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles, Frontline^(TM), SMIT^(TM), Geesink^(TM), Norba^(TM), Kiggen^(TM), CON-E-CO^(R), London^(R) and IMT^(R). Oshkosh products are valued worldwide in businesses where high quality, superior performance, rugged reliability and long-term value are paramount. For more information, log on to www.oshkoshcorporation.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that the Company believes are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding the Company's future financial position, business strategy, targets, projected sales, costs, earnings, capital spending and debt levels, and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as "may," "should," "expects," "intends," "estimates," "anticipates," or "believes" and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company's control which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include the consequences of the Company's financial leverage position, especially given recent turmoil in the credit markets, and the level of associated borrowing costs; the Company's ability to maintain compliance with financial covenants in its credit agreement; the cyclical nature of the Company's access equipment, commercial and fire & emergency markets, especially during a global economic downturn and credit crisis; the Company's ability to offset higher steel and raw material costs through other cost decreases or product selling price increases; risks related to reductions in government expenditures and the uncertainty of government contracts; risks associated with international operations and sales, including foreign currency fluctuations; and the Company's ability to turn around its Geesink Norba Group business. Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    CONTACT: Oshkosh Corporation
             Financial:
             Patrick Davidson
             Vice President, Investor Relations
             920.966.5939
             or
             Media:
             Ann Stawski
             Vice President, Marketing Communications
             920.966.5959

Raytheon Awarded $77 Million for Patriot Upgrades

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:59:24 GMT

Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has been awarded a contract to continue upgrading Patriot missiles by adding the capability to engage and destroy cruise and ballistic missiles.

The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., issued the $77.4million contract to upgrade 166 Patriot Advanced Configuration-2 missiles to Guidance Enhanced Missiles-Tactical (GEM-T).

"Upgrading Patriot PAC-2 missiles to GEM-Ts ensures that the Army and our other Patriot partners have the capability to defend against advanced air-breathing and tactical ballistic missiles," said SkipGarrett, vice president and deputy for Patriot Programs at Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (IDS). "Raytheon remains dedicated to continuously improving Patriot hardware and software to ensure that Patriots can defeat all known and potential threats."

Work for this contract will be performed by Raytheon IDS at the Integrated Air Defense Center,Andover, Mass.,through August 2011.

Raytheon is the prime contractor for the Patriot system and integration of all variants.

Integrated Defense Systems is Raytheon's leader in Global Capabilities Integration providing affordable, integrated solutions to a broad international and domestic customer base, including the U.S. Missile Defense Agency,the U.S. Armed Forces and the Department of Homeland Security.

Raytheon Company, with 2007 sales of $21.3 billion, is a technology leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning86 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide.

General Dynamics Awards Electronic Warfare Subsystem Contract to Lockheed Martin

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:59:24 GMT

General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems has awarded Lockheed Martin MS2 of Syracuse, N.Y., a contract valued at up to $36 million including options for development and procurement of the High Gain, High Sensitivity (HGHS) subsystem. General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems is a business unit of General Dynamics

General Dynamics Advance Information Systems is the U.S. Navys Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) system integrator for the SEWIP Block 1 program. The HGHS subsystem will enhance detection capabilities to assist Navy sailors in defending ships from emerging threats. General Dynamics will integrate the HGHS subsystem into the SEWIP Block 1B3 upgrade currently in development. This effort is part of the larger SEWIP Block 1 upgrade program to the AN/SLQ-32 Electronic Warfare suite. The Block 1 upgrade provides a vast improvement to the Surface Navys Anti-Ship Missile Defense.

Mike Tweed-Kent, vice president and general manager of integrated combat systems for General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, said, ""This is an example of General Dynamics commitment to an open business model where we use competition to find the best ideas that industry has to offer.""

After a competitive bidding process, Lockheed Martin was selected for the development and procurement of the HGHS subsystem, including the topside antenna systems, the below decks signal processor as well as the processing algorithms that accompany the processor.

General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems designs, develops, manufactures, integrates, operates and maintains mission systems for defense, space, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, homeland security and homeland defense customers. Headquartered in Fairfax, Va., the company specializes in ground systems; imagery processing; mission payloads; space vehicles; maritime subsurface, surface and airborne mission systems; and tasking, collection, processing, exploitation and dissemination programs for national intelligence. More information is available on the Internet at www.gd-ais.com.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 85,600 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies.

QinetiQ North America Announces New Orders for TALON Robots and Spares Totaling $58.5 Million

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:59:24 GMT

QinetiQ North America, a global developer of innovative technology solutions for national defense, today announced that the Foster-Miller subsidiary of its Technology Solutions Group has been awarded a total of $58.5 million in funding for additional TALON(R) robots and replacement parts. The total represents awards from the U.S. Army and Navy made during the six-month period since a new $400 million IDIQ (indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity) was announced last May.

The new delivery orders include $48 million against the $400 million IDIQ awarded by the Robotic Systems Joint Program Office (RSJPO) administered by the Program Executive Office - Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO-STRI) and $10.5 million against the $295 million IDIQ awarded by the Navy's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division (NAVEODTECHDIV).

More than 2,400 TALON robots are now deployed around the world, with a significant number of them in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are used primarily to assist military personnel with the extremely dangerous job of detecting and disabling roadside bombs - the Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by hostile forces to attack troops. TALON robots have been used in more than 100,000 counter-IED missions to date, saving countless lives in the process.

"TALON continues to play a vital role in the defeat of roadside bombs and IEDs in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Dr. William Ribich, President of the Technology Solutions Group. "In addition, our soldiers and marines are constantly exploring new ways to deploy the robots and maintain their own safe standoff distances in all types of challenging situations. We're pleased that the partnership of soldier and TALON is proving to be so durable and successful."