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Manufacturing.Net - July 02, 2009

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (AP) — A North Kingstown man has died while working at the Electric Boat Corporation manufacturing plant.

North Kingstown police said Wednesday that the 31-year-old worker, who was not identified, had been using a transport device to move a section of steel outside. When it started raining, the steel had to be moved back inside.

The machinery was not moving as the worker got out. But he became trapped between it and a large door that was being closed.

Officials say the employee, who had worked at Electric Boat for 10 years, was treated on the scene this morning and died at Kent County Hospital.

A spokesman for Electric Boat says work has stopped in that part of the plant and counselors will be available for employees.

Electric Boat is a unit of General Dynamics Corp.

By Associated Press of Pakistan on June 28, 2009 at 1:44 am

ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman on Saturday said that first Pakistan made JF-17 - Thunder - aircraft would fly in the country’s airspace by end of this year.He made this announcement while addressing the Graduation Ceremony of No 38 Combat Commanders’ Course which was held at Pakistan Air Force Base, Mushaf (Sargodha).

In his address to the graduating Combat Commanders, he said, The JF-17 Thunder program is on track. “We will start production of this aircraft from 30th of this month and Inshallah 1st Made in Pakistan JF-17 aircraft will fly in Pakistan’s airspace by end of this year.”

“PAF has extensively flown against the militants in Swat as well as in FATA. Application of airpower has brought about tangible results. This is a new type of warfare in which PAF has been participating for the first time during the last one year or so in support of Pakistan Army. We will continue our contribution towards our national security effort as long as it is required.”

Referring to the challenges confronted the nation, he said ‘the challenges, both internal and external, that confront us today and our responses to these have to be viewed in the broader perspective of the changes that are shaping the geopolitical landscape of the world. Apart from the traditional hostile adversary, new frontiers of conflict have lately emerged for us in the West and from within. These developments pose a great deal of threat to our national security.”

The Chief Guest awarded certificates and trophies to the graduating officers who underwent a strenuous and professionally demanding course.

The Chief of the Air Staff Trophy for the best Combat Commander was awarded to Squadron Leader Haider Shahbaz Ali while Air Officer Commanding Air Defence Command Trophy for best Combat Controller was awarded to Squadron Leader Saquib Rehman.

Earlier on his arrival, the Chief Guest was received by Air Commodore M Ashfaque Arain, Base Commander PAF Base, Mushaf. The ceremony was attended by Principal Staff Officers and field commanders of Pakistan Air Force.

Source: Defence Talk

PARIS, June 17, 2009 – The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] will dedicate funding to further development of the F-15 Silent Eagle program, with the goal of a flight demonstration in the third quarter of 2010. The announcement came at the Paris Air Show following meetings with potential customers and reaffirmed a commitment to the prototype program made by Boeing Integrated Defense Systems President and CEO Jim Albaugh at the air show on June 14.

The F-15 Silent Eagle, which Boeing launched in March, advances the most modern variants of the F-15 multi-role strike fighter with enhanced survivability. Features include a digital electronic warfare suite coupled to an Advanced Electronically Scanned Array radar for enhanced situational awareness, aerodynamic improvements and cost-effective radar cross-section reduction technologies.

“We know from talking with current international F-15 operators that they are very interested in the capabilities of the Silent Eagle,” said Albaugh. “Making this commitment to get the program through to a flight demonstration will ultimately help international customers understand how this aircraft meets their need for a flexible, long-range, large-payload, high-speed, multi-role strike fighter with reduced observability.”

Boeing will conduct further trade studies to allow new F-15 technologies to be brought to market. In addition, Boeing will continue discussions with a number of international aerospace companies about potential co-development opportunities.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world’s largest space and defense 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 Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

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Source: Boeing

16 June 2009

The US Air Force, supported by Boeing, has fired a high-power laser for the first time from its advanced tactical laser (ATL) aircraft in flight.

The ATL test successfully hit a board on the ground from a C-130H aircraft equipped with a chemical laser, a beam control system, sensors and weapon system consoles.

Boeing Directed Energy Systems vice president and programme director Gary Fitzmire said that test fire showed the feasibility of firing a high-power laser in flight and delivering laser beam energy to a ground target.

“ATL’s ultra-precision engagement capability will dramatically reduce collateral damage,” Fitzmire said.

The system is designed to destroy, damage or disable targets with little to no collateral damage.

The ATL will be tested further to demonstrate its capabilities.

Source: Air Force Technology

PALMDALE, Calif., June 3rd, 2009 –

On Tuesday, June 2, Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] and the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) successfully conducted the initial demonstration flight of the Advanced Composite Cargo Aircraft (ACCA). This flight marks the final and most significant milestone of Phase II of AFRL’s ACCA program, in which Lockheed Martin replaced the mid/aft fuselage and empennage of a Dornier 328J aircraft with an advanced composite structure.

“Yesterday was one of those perfect days where I get to be the first to fly a new aircraft and everything goes as planned. The aircraft was a real pleasure to fly and we experienced no issues,” said Rob Rowe, Lockheed Martin test pilot.

ACCA took off to the east from USAF Plant 42 at 6:55 a.m. The aircraft then banked west and climbed to an altitude of approximately 10,000 feet where the two-pilot crew took the vehicle through a series of airspeed and stability and control tests. These tests are important to understand how the composite cargo aircraft performs at varying speeds, attitudes, and altitudes. This data will be used as a baseline for future tests.

“Historically aircraft cost has been determined by the size and weight of the vehicle. With ACCA we are proving that while size does matter, it isn’t the final determination of aircraft cost,” said Frank Mauro, vice president of Advanced System Development, Lockheed Martin. “ACCA is an important step in proving that composite technologies are real game changers in reducing design and manufacturing costs along with extending life and reducing maintenance costs over traditional metallic aircraft structures.”

The road to this first flight started over a decade ago with industry and government laboratories collaborating in the AFRL-led Composites Affordability Initiative (CAI), a series of critical development steps in both materials and manufacturing technologies designed to mature dramatic, cost-saving processes. Out-of-autoclave curing of large, unitized and co-bonded structures minimizes part count and mechanical fasteners. The “ripple effect” of this approach spreads across every aspect of airframe production expense. Tooling, raw material, fabrication man-hours, quality control and floor space utilization efficiency are just a few of the factors that combine to create a compounding effect on cost when applied in a holistic manner. ACCA is the “capstone” test of integrating these CAI principles all the way from conceptual design through certification and flight.

“This successful flight is the culmination of years of teamwork between government and industry labs involving hundreds of dedicated researchers across the country,” said Barth Shenk, Air Force Research Lab’s ACCA program manager. “This has the potential to change aircraft manufacturing as we presently know it, for the better”

“NASA Dryden Flight Research Center and AVCRAFT (Myrtle Beach, SC) have been lynchpin partners in our program’s success,” Shenk said. “NASA’s expertise in experimental flight test programs helped us streamline our test preparations and AVCRAFT (the domestic maintainer of the Dornier 328J) provided critical support on the aircraft subsystems so that Lockheed Martin could focus on the structural design, fabrication and integration issues”

Upcoming test activity will focus on establishing the flight envelope of the ACCA to baseline its flight performance and validate predicted structural performance. Accurate prediction of structural behavior in the flight environment is a key step in establishing the eligibility of the technologies for transition into future programs so that the cost savings ACCA has demonstrated can be realized.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 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 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

Press Release

Source: Lockheed Martin

6/10/2009 6:24:25 AM

GE Marine reports it has completed a gas turbine engine qualification testing program for its LM2500+G4 marine aeroderivative gas turbines. As a result, the engine is now certified by three key organizations: Bureau Veritas, RINA S.p.A., and American Bureau of Shipping (Naval Vessel Rules).

“To meet engine qualification requirements for the LM2500+G4, GE devised a rigorous testing program that was approved by all three key organizations,” said Brien Bolsinger, GE Marine general manager. “The 500-hour program performed at our Evendale, Ohio, test cell certified the engine’s operation and performance, thus qualifying the LM2500+G4 gas turbine for both military and commercial marine applications,” Bolsinger added.

The first military marine application of the LM2500+G4 will be to power the French and Italian Navies European Multi-Mission Frigates (FREMM) ships. In September 2008, the initial LM2500+G4 gas turbine module was delivered by GE Marine System Supplier (MSS) Avio to DCNS’ shipyard in France for the French Navy’s first FREMM.

The LM2500+G4 is the latest and most technologically advanced member of the LM2500 family. The LM2500+G4 offers 17% more power than its LM2500+ predecessor, and has a 6% increase in airflow over the current LM2500+ model. The LM2500+G4 is expected to provide the same 99.6% reliability level as the LM2500, which currently has a fleet of more than 2,500 engines operating in diverse marine and industrial applications.

The LM2500+G4 is experiencing increasingly greater demand by marine and industrial customers worldwide. To date, GE has on order or delivered 58 LM2500+G4 gas turbines, with a high time engine logging in excess of 10,000 hours in service.

Source: Maritime Today

BATH, Maine – The General Dynamics Littoral Combat Ship Team, led by Bath Iron Works of Bath, Maine, recently completed testing of the main propulsion system for Independence (LCS 2) in preparation for the ship’s upcoming builder’s at-sea trials. The ship, which is in its final stages of system test and activation, is being constructed at Austal USA facilities in Mobile, Alabama.

All components of the combined diesel and gas turbine (CODAG) main propulsion system which drive the ship’s four independent steerable water jets have been tested. The two diesel engines, two gas turbine engines, and four water jets are operational and all four propulsion shafts have been successfully rotated. The four ship’s service diesel generators were successfully brought on-line in earlier testing.

The ship will soon undergo a series of dockside tests before going to sea for builder’s trials this summer.

Jeff Geiger, president of Bath Iron Works, said, “With the main propulsion system now ready, we’re well on the way toward getting this ship to sea. It’s a major accomplishment for the GD LCS team and Navy personnel who have worked tirelessly to get us to this point. We will continue to perform system activation, testing and integration efforts over the next several weeks but with this milestone under our belts, everyone is looking forward to taking in the lines and putting Independence through its paces in the Gulf of Mexico.”

Independence is one of two ship designs that will be evaluated by the U.S. Navy as part of its plan to build a total of 55 Littoral Combat Ships. When delivered later this year, it will be the U.S. Navy’s first trimaran warship. Independence (LCS 2) will be homeported in San Diego.

The Littoral Combat Ship is a major part of the Navy’s plan to address asymmetric threats of the 21st century. Intended to operate in coastal areas, the ships will be fast, highly maneuverable and geared to supporting mine detection/elimination, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare, particularly against small surface craft. The 419-foot ship provides superior seakeeping, propulsion efficiency and aviation capability. Key features include a large, below-deck open mission bay with a high payload capacity, enabling the ship to carry equipment and personnel for a variety of missions. The General Dynamics LCS’s large flight deck will support near-simultaneous operation of two SH-60 helicopters or multiple unmanned vehicles. The ultra-stable trimaran hull also allows for flight operations in high sea conditions.

The ship’s open architecture computing infrastructure (OPEN CI) is the computing backbone that handles the combat, damage control, engineering control, mission package and other computing functions onboard the General Dynamics LCS. Developed by the General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems team, the OPEN CI design made it possible to rapidly achieve successful operation of the propulsion system from the General Dynamics LCS Integrated Command Center.

General Dynamics Bath Iron Works is the prime contractor for the General Dynamics Littoral Combat Ship Team. Partners include Austal USA (Mobile, Ala.); BAE Systems (Rockville, MD); General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems (Fairfax, Va.); L3 Communications Marine Systems (Leesburg, Va.); Maritime Applied Physics Corporation (Baltimore, Md.); and Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems (Baltimore, Md.).

Bath Iron Works, a leader in surface combatant design and construction, employs approximately 5,700 people. Since 1991, BIW has manufactured and delivered 30 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, the most technologically advanced surface combatant in the world, to the U.S. Navy. Four additional ships are currently under construction for delivery by 2011. The shipyard is also building the lead ship of the Navy’s Zumwalt (DDG 1000) class of guided missile destroyers.

General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 92,900 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. More information about General Dynamics is available online at www.generaldynamics.com.

Source: General Dynamics

28 May 2009 | Ref. 087/2009

HOUSTON, Texas – BAE Systems submitted its proposal to the U.S. Government to produce the next generation of medium tactical vehicles for the U.S. Army. The contract is expected to be awarded in July for an estimated 12,400 vehicles and 10,900 trailers to be delivered to the U.S. Army from 2010 through 2014.

“We believe our proposal is the best value for our Armed Services and the American taxpayer,” said Chris Chambers, vice president and general manager of Global Tactical Systems Programs at Sealy, Texas. “Our proposal incorporates our 17 years of knowledge and experience gained in the manufacture of the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) in Texas and fulfills all the requirements in the request for proposal.”

BAE Systems won the U.S. Government contract to produce the replacement for the U.S. Army’s aging fleet of M-939 and M-35 cargo trucks in 1991. Since then, more that 53,000 FMTVs and trailers have been produced in 21 variants in the high-quality facility in Sealy, Texas. The FMTV is the medium tactical vehicle platform of choice for the U.S. Army and performs a variety of roles from cargo and troop carrier, to shop and cargo van carrier, to artillery and air defense missile weapons carrier.

The vehicle has proven itself able to meet the ever-evolving needs of Soldiers and Marines. BAE Systems developed the Low Signature Armored Cab in 2003 to provide crews in Iraq with increased protection from enemy fire. More recently, BAE Systems designed and assembled the Caiman MRAP, providing in record time advanced protection for our deployed forces. The more adaptable Long Term Armor Strategy (LTAS) cab, currently in production, was developed over a three year period in cooperation with the Army. LTAS allows crews to vary their protection level by adding or removing appliqué armor to the cab.

BAE Systems manufactures the FMTV at Sealy, Texas, where it employs more than 2,700 people in facility that has more than 900,000 square feet of manufacturing, storage and office space on approximately 200 acres. The Sealy facility has established itself as a world-class designer, volume manufacturer and through-life supporter of high-quality, best value, military tactical vehicles.

About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defense, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems’ sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.

Source: BAE Systems

By vivek raghuvanshi
Published: 3 Jun 2009 12:08

Source: Defense News

NEW DELHI - The monopoly held by India’s state–owned aeronautic manufacturer, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), has been broken by the private firm Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. [TASL], which struck a joint venture with U.S.-based Sikorsky Aircraft to manufacture helicopters here.

An executive of TASL said the helicopters will be built for both defense and civil purposes, and include utility and strike versions for the armed forces.

Sikorsky is already in the race for India’s program to procure 197 utility helos, along with AgustaWestland of the United Kingdom, Eurocopter of France , Kamov of Russia and Bell Helicopter of the United States.

The joint venture between TASL and Sikorsky is being set up near the central Indian city of Hyderabad in an Aerospace Special Economic Zone. The joint venture will be built at a cost of $200 million and the plant will be commissioned in one year, added the TASL executive.

Tata Group, which is the parent of TASL, already has an agreement with U.S. aerospace major Boeing to handle an initial $500 million of defense-related aerospace component work in India for export to Boeing.

Last year, TASL announced that it is joining hands with EADS to bid for the Indian Army’s $1 billion advanced tactical communications system project. TASL also signed a memorandum of understanding last year with Israel Aerospace Industries to set up a defense technology company in India to jointly produce a wide range of defense and aerospace products.

All content © 2009, Army Times Publishing Company

02 June 2009

Radiation Shield Technologies (RST) has introduced the world’s first blast protection blanket capable of protecting against ballistic threats such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and even nuclear spills.

RST reports that the new Demron-W High Energy Nuclear/Ballistic IED RDD RED Shield can provide total protection against ballistics, IEDs, dirty bombs and all types of radiological and nuclear incidents.

RST president of radiation shield rechnologies Ronald F DeMeo said that the Demron Shield provides unsurpassed nuclear suppression and outperforms all current softbody armour in anti-fragment and ballistic protection.

“The Demron-W Nuclear/Ballistic Shield is the only device that can combat all threats faced today, including traditional ballistics and bombs as well as IEDs, RDDs, REDs, nuclear and radiological threats and roadside bombs,” said DeMeo.

The shield is made with RST’s patented Demron-W fabric, which has National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Class 2 Certification for the 1994–2007 Standard on Protective Ensembles for First Responders to CBRN Terrorism Incidents.

The material provided level IIIA ballistic protection and unsurpassed fragmentation protection during tests conducted by the HP White Laboratory.

Demron and the new Demron-W consist of a radiopaque nano-polymeric compound fused between layers of fabric and manufactured into several lightweight, nuclear-radiation blocking garments, including full-body suits, vests, blankets and medical X-ray vests and aprons.

Demron has been proved to block gamma rays, X-rays and nuclear emissions by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, part of the National Nuclear Security Administration within the US Department of Energy, as well as the Georgia Institute of Technology and the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Demron technologies are used worldwide by NATO, NASA, the National Guard, US Navy, UAE and the governments of South Korea, China, Saudi Arabia and Australia, among others.

Source: Army-Technology

26 May 2009

The first hypersonic flight experiment was successfully conducted by Australian Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).

The trial is a part of the hypersonic international flight research experimentation programme that will test the theories of hypersonics technology.

The programme will evaluate its potential for next-generation aeronautics to enable greater speed and fuel efficiency and reduced intercontinental travel time.

During the trial, the test vehicle was manoeuvred in space using nitrogen gas valves as thrusters and turned onto the correct heading and elevation for re-entry into the atmosphere.

The flight will provide scientists with new data to make hypersonic flight a reality according to the Australian minister for defence science and personnel Warren Snowdon.

“This trial has successfully tested the flight and mission control systems that will be used in future experiments,” said Snowdon.

It’s the first in a series of up to ten planned flight experiments by the organisation.

Source: Air Force Technology

Sun May 24, 2:53 AM

TOKYO (AFP) - Japan has decided to relax its self-imposed ban on arms exports to allow more joint development and production of weapons with other nations, a report said Sunday.

The new measure would “enable shipments to countries with which Japan co-develops arms,” said the Nikkei newspaper without citing sources.

“The move is aimed at reducing procurement costs and stimulating the domestic defence industry by promoting joint development and production of key arms, such as next-generation fighter jets, with the US and Europe,” it said.

By taking a more active role in US or European military development programmes, Japan hopes to reduce the purchasing cost of major equipment such as jets, the Nikkei said.

Tokyo however would continue to prohibit arms exports to nations that are state sponsors of terrorism, violate the human rights of their citizens or lack sufficient controls over arms sales, the Nikkei said.

Japan currently bans almost all weapons exports, except for special cases such as those relating to the joint development of a missile defence system with the United States.

The report came as the world’s second-largest economy is increasingly scaling up its military power and seeking a greater role on global and regional security issues.

Tokyo, which sees itself as a top target for nuclear-armed North Korea, has spent some 700 billion yen (7.1 billion dollars) on its own missile defence system, developed with the United States.

Japan deployed the system last month as a preventive measure after North Korea launched what Pyongyang called “a satellite”. The United States, Seoul and Tokyo said it staged a disguised ballistic missile test.

Source: Yahoo News Canada

5/14/2009

The Alenia Aermacchi M-346 “MASTER” makes its first three aircraft formation flight. The 60-minute flight was made by the two prototypes and LRIP00, representative of the series production configuration, while the M-311 aircraft acted as camera ship.

Alenia Aermacchi is proceeding with the last M-346 development activities and is fitting out the new hangar dedicated to the automated build-up and structural assembly lines for series production at a rate of 18-24 aircraft annually, which can be increased in case of specific needs.

Thanks to the extremely advanced and automated industrialization process, Alenia Aermacchi will be able to address effectively the market demand for trainers aimed at pilots of 4th and 5th generation combat aircraft.

Presently the M-346 “MASTER” has been chosen for a total of more than 60 aircraft and there are going to be other commercial opportunities through the participation to important international bids.

Source: Alenia Aermacchi

21 May 2009

Alion Science and Technology has won an order for modelling and simulation (M&S) support for the military’s new mkXIIA mode 5 identification friend or foe (IFF) system.

Using a radio-based ID system, IFF enables the warfighter to differentiate friendly aircraft, vehicles and forces from enemy ones.

The project will ensure that the IFF provides timely and precise identification (ID) and situational awareness to prevent casualties from friendly fire.

Alion Operational Solutions Group’s senior vice president and manager said that these improvements can help ensure our warfighters’ safety by giving them more effective identification tools.

The $1.5m contract will also see that the waveforms in IFF match air traffic control (ATC) standards and don’t interfere with airwaves supporting safe operations of the aircraft.

The technology solutions company, Alion, will also assess mode 5’s performance on selected platforms. It will check its ID that queries potential combat targets and conveys ID information.

In addition, the Alion-operated Modelling and Simulation Information Analysis Centre (MSIAC) project will offer training on how to use the M&S systems.

This contract will end in April 2012.

IFF helps the warfighter to differentiate between friendly aircraft, vehicles and forces, and the enemy.

Source: Air Force Technology

By ANTONIE BOESSENKOOL
Published: 19 May 2009 17:32

EADS edged out Boeing as the biggest aerospace and defense company in the world in 2008, based on revenues, a study from Deloitte pointed out May 19. Boeing had led EADS in 2007, but a strike of machinists in Boeing’s commercial division last fall allowed EADS to move ahead.

Boeing and EADS, with partner Northrop Grumman, are locked in a battle to build the next air-refueling tanker for the U.S. Air Force, a deal that is valued at $35 billion and has been put on hold. The Defense Department may rebid that contract as early as this summer.

EADS led the revenue growth for European companies, with almost $6 billion in additional revenue in 2008 over its 2007 revenue of about $57 billion. Boeing’s 2008 revenue was $60.9 billion, down from $66.4 billion in 2007.

Deloitte’s study of 67 aerospace and defense companies or divisions of companies found that European companies grew faster than U.S. companies in 2008. Revenue for European companies grew 9.56 percent, while revenue for U.S. companies in the study grew at 6.3 percent.

Operating margins were 7.55 percent for European companies in 2008 and 10.17 percent for U.S. companies in the survey, Deloitte said.

In total, the group had record revenue of $595 billion in 2008 and operating income of about $54 billion. Revenue in 2007 for the group was $552 billion.

All content © 2009, Army Times Publishing Company

Source: Defense News

CHARLOTTE, N.C. and FORT WORTH, Texas – General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products and Elbit Systems of America, LLC, have formed a new company named UAS Dynamics, LLC, to provide unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to the Department of Defense (DoD) and other potential U.S. government customers through programs such as the recently announced U.S. Marine Corps’ Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (STUAS)/Tier II program.

The solutions that UAS Dynamics will offer are based on advanced, mature UAS designs that have accumulated more than 150,000 operational flight hours to date: the combat-proven Hermes® and Skylark® systems, developed and fielded by Elbit Systems Ltd. UAS Dynamics will adapt those proven designs to incorporate new technologies that use U.S. engineering, technology, manufacturing and logistics resources to rapidly field and satisfy evolving U.S. requirements. The new platforms will fill current and future operational gaps allowing Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities that range in size and scope from hand-held and tactical level systems to medium altitude, long-endurance level systems.

“UAS Dynamics is an American company positioned to address U.S. defense requirements with operationally proven systems that have been modified, manufactured and supported locally,” said Doug Tobiassen, president of UAS Dynamics. “We are proud to combine General Dynamics’ systems integration and program management expertise with the proven UAS technology that Elbit Systems of America brings to the table,” he continued.

Tobiassen was formerly the senior director of program management for advanced programs at General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products. He brings 35 years of experience in the defense industry to his new role. Paul Keller, currently at Elbit Systems of America, will serve as the executive vice president of UAS Dynamics and brings 30 years of experience to the position.

“The advanced capabilities of the Hermes® and Skylark® UASs have been proven in operations worldwide,” stated Raanan Horowitz, president and chief executive officer of Elbit Systems of America. “These systems were delivered on an accelerated schedule to support urgent operational requirements of allied forces and are proving to be a tremendous value to operations and mission-effectiveness in conflict areas.”

“We are proud to join forces with General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products in order to make advanced technology and operationally-proven UASs available to the U.S. warfighter,” Horowitz said.

The joint venture is equally owned by General Dynamics and Elbit Systems of America and will be located in Fort Mill, S.C.

General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD). It is located in Charlotte, N.C., and provides a broad range of system solutions for military and commercial applications. The company designs, develops and produces high-performance weapon and armament systems, defensive armor, countermeasure systems, and aerospace composite solutions, as well as off-road axle and suspension systems. It is also a leading U.S. producer of biological and chemical detection systems. More information about General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products can be found on the Internet at www.gdatp.com.

Elbit Systems of America is a leading provider of high performance products and system solutions focusing on the commercial aviation, defense, homeland security and medical instrumentation markets. With facilities throughout the United States, Elbit Systems of America is dedicated to supporting those who contribute daily to the safety and security of the United States. Elbit Systems of America, LLC, is wholly owned by Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT), a global electronics company engaged in a wide range of programs for innovative defense and commercial applications.

Elbit Systems Ltd., is an international defense electronics company engaged in a wide range of defense-related programs throughout the world. The company, which includes Elbit Systems and its subsidiaries, operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (”C4ISR”), unmanned air vehicle (UAV) systems, advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space systems, EW suites, airborne warning systems, ELINT systems, data links and military communications systems and radios. The company also focuses on the upgrading of existing military platforms and developing new technologies for defense, homeland security and commercial aviation applications.

Elbit Systems of America and other trademarks, service marks and logos are registered or unregistered marks of Elbit Systems of America companies in the United States and in foreign countries. Copyright © 2009 Elbit Systems of America. All rights reserved.

Source: General Dynamics

SEATTLE, April 27, 2009 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] P-8A Poseidon test aircraft T-1 successfully completed its first flight April 25, taking off from Renton Field at 10:43 a.m. and touching down at Boeing Field in Seattle at 2:14 p.m. The P-8A performed a series of flight checks, reached a maximum altitude of 25,000 feet, and landed after three hours, 31 minutes in the air.

“This is a significant accomplishment for the P-8A team, as it moves us one step closer to delivering the next maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft to the warfighter,” said Capt. Mike Moran, P-8A program manager for the U.S. Navy. “Today’s flight is a clear demonstration of the program’s commitment to delivering this critical capability on time and the result of a tremendous effort by the joint Navy/Boeing team. I commend Boeing for putting its ‘A-Team’ in place on this program and enabling the Navy to leverage Boeing’s experience, expertise and, more importantly, dedication to make this aircraft a reality.”

Prior to takeoff, the P-8A team completed a limited series of flight checks, including engine starts and shutdowns. During the flight, test pilots performed airborne systems checks including engine accelerations and decelerations, autopilot flight modes, and auxiliary power unit shutdowns and starts.

“This is an exciting day for the P-8A program and a tribute to the hard work of the entire team,” said Bob Feldmann, Boeing vice president and P-8 program manager. “We understand the needs of the U.S. Navy and maritime patrol community, and we are dedicated to meeting every one of our future milestones on or ahead of plan.”

The integrated Navy/Boeing team will begin formal flight testing of the P-8A during the third quarter of this year. Before that, Boeing will paint the aircraft, install additional flight test instrumentation and conduct a series of ground tests.

The P-8A, a derivative of the Next-Generation 737-800, is built by a Boeing-led industry team that includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems and GE Aviation. The team currently is assembling and testing the first five P-8As.

The Navy plans to purchase 108 P-8As to replace its fleet of P-3C aircraft. Initial operational capability is planned for 2013.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world’s largest space and defense 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 Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

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Source: Boeing

Raytheon

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla., April 28, 2009 /PRNewswire/ — Raytheon Company launched its first GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb II as a control test vehicle (CTV) flight.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E fighter aircraft released the GBU-53/B in flight. After safely separating from the aircraft, the weapon deployed its wings, performed a series of preprogrammed maneuvers and flew to a predesignated position. The mission met all primary test objectives.

“The success of the CTV flight proves Raytheon’s GBU-53/B is on track to demonstrate our low-risk entry into engineering manufacturing development,” said Harry Schulte, Raytheon Missile Systems vice president of Air Warfare Systems. “GBU-53/B’s improved tri-mode seeker represents the most cost-effective, low-risk and highly capable solution for the warfighter to eliminate moving targets in adverse weather.”

The seeker on Raytheon’s GBU-53/B leverages the company’s experience with the proven Non Line-of-Sight-Launch System Precision Attack Missile.

Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 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 73,000 people worldwide.

Contact:
Mike Nachshen
520.794.4088 - office
520.269.5697 - mobile
Michael_nachshen@raytheon.com

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

SEATTLE, May 05, 2009 — The first painted P-8A Poseidon aircraft rolls out of the paint hangar at Boeing’s [NYSE: BA] Renton, Wash., facility, displaying its new U.S. Navy livery. The aircraft, designated T-2, is the third of five test aircraft being assembled and tested as part of the System Development and Demonstration contract that Boeing received in 2004.

The first test aircraft, T-1, which successfully completed the program’s first flight on April 25, will be painted in the same gray paint scheme later this summer. T-2 was painted in late April.

The Navy plans to purchase 108 P-8A anti-submarine warfare aircraft to replace its fleet of P-3Cs. Initial operational capability is planned for 2013. The P-8A is built by a Boeing-led industry team that includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems and GE Aviation.

11 May 2009

Air Force Technology

Airbus parent EADS and European governments have made ‘progress’ in defining the technical specifications of the A400M in a bid to restore production of the delayed military aircraft, sources close to the talks said.

Simplifying the technical requirements is one of three key stumbling blocks in talks between EADS and the seven European Nato countries aimed at rescuing Europe’s biggest military project, whose delays have angered Britain and Germany.

Other major debating points include the price of the transport plane – estimated at about €100m ($131.7m) each – and the need to agree a new delivery timetable.

“There has been good progress in defining the technical characteristics,” one of the sources said, without elaborating.

An Airbus Military spokeswoman declined to comment.

The A400M, designed to carry troops and heavy equipment to rugged areas such as Afghanistan, was ordered by seven European Nato countries in 2003 for a total cost of €20bn.

The plane was due to be delivered in 2009 but has yet to make its maiden flight.

Development was held up mainly by engine problems but manufacturers also blame a laundry list of customised national requirements such as defensive aids and navigational features.

Germany, for example, wants its 60 prop-driven A400Ms to have the ability to hug the landscape to avoid attack.

According to industry sources, EADS wants to produce a basic version of the plane in the first phase to reduce the development risk, adding more complex features later.

By triggering delay clauses in the contract, the buyers could have cancelled the project on 1 April and ordered EADS to pay back €5.7bn in upfront development costs. But they declared a moratorium until July to allow emergency talks.

EADS has said it will deliver the first A400M three years after its first flight, saying the date for that milestone depends on the readiness of crucial engine software.

Buyers such as Britain, which has threatened to cancel over the delays, and France want their planes as soon as possible to support global operations and renew ageing transport fleets.

Other European buyers include Spain, Belgium, Luxembourg and Turkey. South Africa and Malaysia have agreed to buy export versions but have no role in the current contract negotiations.

EADS is seen as keen to end months of negative publicity and will be under pressure to announce progress on development or relaunch the project in time for the Paris Air Show in mid-June.

By Tim Hepher, Reuters.