EIN Presswire: Military Featured Press Releases

ITAR Tops the Agenda at Defence Exports 2010

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:58:15 +0000

International Traffic in Arms Regulations still a vital issue among defence exports professionals

The responsible and regulated trade of arms and defence goods continues to be at the forefront of the minds of governments, businesses, NGOs and institutions around the world. The key issues currently affecting and influencing defence exports are ITAR regulations and US export control reform. With serious penalties for non-compliance, the US system is vital to understand for any export professional with a desire to remain competitive, whilst also acting responsibly, in the global marketplace.

In October 2010, key figures from the US will come together in Brussels at SMi Group's Defence Exports to provide the latest essential updates. Providing information about ITAR and the US Export Control System is Robert Kovac, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary and Managing Director, Defense Trade Controls, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, USA. Joining him will be Kevin Wolf, Assistant Secretary for Export Administration, Department of Commerce and Anthony Aldwell, Deputy Director, Defence Technology Security Administration, Department of Defense.

Additional topics to be discussed at this conference include the planned reforms in the EU, which are aimed at easing bureaucratic barriers and creating a more open and transparent 'European defence equipment market' between member states. Discussing the intra-community transfer of defence goods at SMi's Defence Exports is Pierre-Arnaud Lotton, DG Enterprise, European Commission. The conference will also receive vital national updates from eight nations and will include an address on the Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls from Ambassador Sune Danielsson, Head of Secretariat, Wassenaar Arrangement.

Full speaker line-up available online: http://www.smi-online.co.uk/defenceexports201030.asp

About SMi Group Ltd

Defence Exports is part of a portfolio of conferences from SMi Group Ltd. SMi Group Ltd provides high quality business conferences, training events and masterclasses in the Defence & Aviation, Security, Finance, Pharmaceutical, PFI&PPP and Energy sectors. For further information on SMi conferences, please see http://www.smi-online.co.uk

Iraq War Politics Target of New Theatre Comedy

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 07:56:36 +0000

Mary Courage & Her Children scrutinizes the rhetoric of the Iraq war in three acts

July 26, 2010 -- Mary Courage & Her Children, the musical comedy that reimagines the 2007 Senate vote to extend funding for the Iraq war, is now available in paperback by playwright Terry Dugan at www.marycourage.com.

A battle is brewing in the Senate over a bill to support the troops and indefinitely fund the war against the Arabs, but as public opinion has soured on the bloodshed, some senators are getting cold feet about doing the right thing: voting yes.

With the vote too close for comfort, Mary Courage, Washington's top defense lobbyist, turns her spin machine into overdrive to lock up the last three votes needed to secure the funding. However, the new junior senator from the state of Depression, a famous musician swept into office, will use his charm and charisma to kill the legislation and bring home the children of his state to their families.

As Mary focuses on political maneuvering, she becomes distracted by the return of her son, Veggie, who was mortally wounded in the war but now rests comfortably on the other end of a ventilator in an army hospital.

A satire with a "Mother Courage" meets "The Wizard of Oz" sensibility, Mary Courage & Her Children uses sharp lyrics, dark humor and stark realism to delve into the politics of war and all its spin cycles, greasy palms, talking points and scapegoats.

"Mary Courage is a handful of confidence, a bit of spitfire, a tinge of vulnerability, a pinch of saleswoman and a heap of survivor," says Dugan. "She's a widower who doesn't have time for her own weakness; she's too busy trying to cure everyone else's. She's compassionate to the risk that soldiers take, but she's unapologetic in saying that bad people need to be killed. She says it so that her children, the politicians, don't have to.

"Whether Mary Courage is an antagonist or protagonist is up for debate, depending on which side of the war you throw your support behind. She's a patriot and protector of the people for making sure the Senate spends enough money to give the soldiers the tools they need. Or she's a manipulative, greedy, slithering snake who plays on peoples' emotions and uses piles of money to corrupt the corruptible. Most likely, she's somewhere complicated in-between."

To read more about Mary Courage or purchase your copy, visit www.marycourage.com or the Mary Courage page at the author's website, http://terrydugan.com/full-length-plays/mary-courage-and-her-children/. For production inquiries regarding Mary Courage & Her Children, contact the author at terry@terrydugan.com.

Skout Forensics Announces Launch Of Leading Edge Computer Forensic Tools

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 08:07:51 +0000

Washington DC, USA - July 21, 2010 -- Skout Forensics, headquartered in McLean, Virginia, announced the launch of a suite of leading edge computer forensic tools today.

The company's products and related solutions offer companies, law firms, governmental entities and individuals, leading edge technology to assist in:

* Internal and external investigations

* Electronic discovery, data recovery, preservation, and analysis

* Court-ready reporting of digital evidence

Skout Forensics' patent-pending flagship product, the Skout Forensics Data Collection Kit, allows customers to acquire electronic data in a forensically sound manner from any standard desktop or laptop computer. It will enumerate all attached devices and image them separately just as a trained examiner would. The Skout Forensics Data Collection Kit integrates all required forensic standards in a manner that can be executed by anyone. It has the ability to seamlessly collect data from a computer both while powered on and while powered off.

The forensic image is secured by 256-bit AES encryption, meaning that once the device is disconnected from the target machine it can be safely transported ensuring the data is secure. To automatically detect when the need to output two copies is required, there is a built in mirrored disk writing support. All this is done with a single keystroke from the user. No other product is as seamless or easy to use as the Skout Forensics Collection Kit.

Skout Forensics' innovative approach to computer forensics provides its customers with faster and less intrusive electronic evidence collections and analysis, while providing a cost-effective alternative to those currently on the market.

"Computer forensic tools don't have to be expensive or difficult to use. We created the Skout Forensics Data Collections Kit and our other solutions in order to make computer forensic technology available to a variety of users at an affordable price," said Skout Forensics co-founder, Chris Coulter.

About Skout Forensics:

Skout Forensics is a privately held pioneering developer of streamlined digital forensic solutions. The company's products and solutions enable its customers to utilize digital forensic best practices in a manner that is affordable, simple to use and easy to scale.

The Skout Forensics management team consists of seasoned professionals with over 40 years of industry and legal experience. For additional information please visit - www.skoutforensics.com.

Contact Information:

Skout Forensics
Tel: 703.755.0001
Email: contactus@SkoutForensics.com

###

Magid Glove & Safety, a Top Safety Equipment Provider, Introduces Jumbo-Sized Disposable Earplugs

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:17:25 +0000

Premier manufacturer and distributor of work gloves and safety equipment, Magid Glove & Safety expands hearing protection line with Jumbo Disposable Earplugs.

CHICAGO - Magid Glove & Safety, a leading supplier of quality work gloves, earplugs and work safety equipment, introduces its new E2(R) IHP932J and IHP932CJ jumbo-sized uncorded and corded disposable earplugs. The bigger size accommodates workers with larger, deeper ear canals, providing the comfort and hearing protection required in a wide range of environments that experience high levels of noise.

The jumbo disposable earplugs are made with soft, hypo-allergenic polyurethane foam, with a tapered design that ensures a comfortable fit all day long. The fluorescent colored earplugs come corded for easy identification and loss prevention, providing high visibility during compliance checks. With high noise reduction rating (NRR) of 32 combined with Magid's economical prices, workers can enjoy quality protection at an affordable cost.

"The new E2 IHP932J and IHP932CJ Jumbo Earplugs are a natural extension of the E2 line helping to meet the growing need for safety products with both outstanding protection and enhanced fit and comfort," said Rusty Cohen, executive vice president of Magid Glove & Safety. "At Magid, we are committed to supplying our customers with a complete line of hearing protection solutions at affordable price points and a wide range of sizes that will be well accepted by buyers and workers alike."

Complying with workplace safety standards keeps workers protected, increases production and improves performance. Disposable earplugs, leather work gloves, safety glasses, fall protection - Magid Glove & Safety offers an array of safety solutions that allow workers to focus on the task at hand with comfort and confidence.

About Magid Glove & Safety Mfg. Co. LLC: Magid Glove & Safety (http://www.magidglove.com) is America's leading manufacturer, importer, distributor and direct supplier of hand protection, personal protective equipment (PPE), first aid products and protective and disposable clothing. A valued partner in safety to thousands of companies since 1946, Magid proudly offers its own signature Magid branded products as well as products from such top-quality brands as 3M™, Ansell(R), SHOWA Best(R), DuPont™, Moldex(R), MSA, North by Honeywell, Sperian, and more. Utilizing a state-of-the-art warehouse management system, Magid ships 95% of its orders within 24 hours of receipt from the world's largest PPE inventory of over 30,000 items. For more information about Magid Glove & Safety or its full line of gloves and personal protective safety equipment, please visit www.magidglove.com or call 1-800-444-8030.

PR courtesy of Online PR News: http://www.onlineprnews.com

Media Contact:
Lisa Bucki
800-444-8010 ext. 39
http://www.magidglove.com
lisaBucki@magidglove.com

Hundreds of Northern Virginia Residents Demand a GAO investigation...

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 08:15:58 +0000

...into the BRAC move to the Mark Center area.

Alexandria, Virginia - June 29, 2010 -- Citing questions regarding how Duke Realty came to provide an "unsolicited bid" to the Army for a BRAC move as well as environmental concerns, nearby impacted residents are asking Congress for a full General Accounting Office investigation.

BRAC 133 is part of a decision by Congress to relocate personnel to facilities that are designed to increase protection in a post 9/11 environment. In the 2008 Defense Authorization Bill , Congress agreed to allow the Department of the Army to review alternative locations (near but outside of Ft. Belvoir). The legislation identified a government owned warehouse location adjacent to Metro and VRE. Following the adoption of that legislation, the Department of the Army received an unsolicited bid to instead develop land located at the intersection of I395 and Seminary Road, which has no Metro or VRE access, is not in the vicinity of Ft. Belvoir, is in a primarily residential area, and is located near hospitals, elementary schools and elderly assisted living communities.

Residents want a full GAO investigation to determine what influenced the decision to move to this area and how an unsolicited bid came to the Department of the Army. In addition, the residents want to know why the Department of the Army ignored the proximity to a nature preserve and question their suggestion that this residential area is equal to the alternate location.

The chosen location sits within ½ mile of a medical office building that serves over 1,000 patient visits daily, a mile from one middle school, two elementary schools, a fire house with an ambulance station, and Inova Alexandria Hospital, is less than a mile from Northern Virginia Community College and directly across from a large apartment complex and elderly assisted living communities and has no Metro access. This section of Seminary Road acts as the link for ambulances that serve Inova Alexandria Hospital. In an April 5, 2010 letter to the City of Alexandria, VDOT stated that even with the traffic improvements proposed by the property developers, the project will have a debilitating effect on the region.

Site Creates Terrorist, Traffic and Environmental nightmare for residents
At a time when Government failure to provide proper BP oversight has resulted in the largest environmental disaster our country has ever witnessed, it is again creating a security and transportation nightmare that could be avoided, had this unsolicited bid not been ushered through without adequate review. The Department of the Army has admitted that this building does pose a terrorist threat that cannot be "mitigated." In fact, in an August 12, 2009 letter to Senators Warner and Webb, the Army states: "Vehicles can still try to infiltrate the site or detonate a device just outside the secure perimeter regardless of whether the RIF (Remote Inspection Facility) is on-site or not. It is virtually impossible to reduce all risk associated with possible aggressor attacks.

The residents of the area state in the petition that "this new building is a travesty. It represents government and congressional decision making at its absolute worst, and we believe it represents a political rather than logistical decision. The initial failure to exercise proper oversight and leadership is now being compounded by the failure of our elected representatives at all levels of government to come to grips with the fiasco that they have caused. "

"We are astonished that given the security, environmental impact and potential threat to the surrounding area that construction of this building is proceeding with seemingly little Congressional intervention. We urge immediate action., " the residents noted.

The petition has been delivered to Congress today and the attached signatures represent residents, doctors, patients and businesses in the area directly impacted by the building.

For further information regarding this issue, including comments on the traffic management plan, letters to Congress, Defense Authorization language, and a suit filed but sealed by the Department of the Army please contact us.

Additional information can be found at: http://drop.io/brac133

NASA Challenges College Students To Design Space Lofts

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:28:11 +0000

WASHINGTON, June 24, 2010 -- NASA is challenging college students to design concepts for inflatable habitat lofts for the next generation of space explorers. The winning concepts may be applied to the exploration habitats of the future.

The X-Hab Academic Innovation Competition is a university-level challenge designed to encourage further studies in spaceflight-related engineering and architecture disciplines. This design competition requires undergraduate students to explore NASA's work to develop space habitats, while also helping the agency gather new and innovative ideas to complement its current research and development.

Students will design, manufacture and assemble an inflatable loft that will be integrated into NASA's operational hard-shell prototype lab unit. The competition winner will participate in a demonstration of the submitted design during the 2011 Desert Research and Technology Studies, or a similar field test next summer.

NASA's Exploration Mission Directorate and the Office of the Chief Technologist's Innovative Partnerships Program are sponsoring this new technology challenge. NASA is dedicated to supporting research that enables sustained and affordable human and robotic exploration. This educational competition contributes to the agency's efforts to train and develop a highly skilled scientific, engineering and technical workforce for the future.

For information about competition registration and requirements, visit: http://www.spacegrant.org/xhab

Source: NASA

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Code Red Safety, Leader in Safety Training Services, Introduces Wind Turbine High Angle Rescue Teams

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 12:47:58 +0000

Safety training company Code Red Safety & Rental expands safety training and rescue services to include wind turbine high angle rescue.

HAMMOND, IND. - Code Red Safety & Rental, leading provider of industrial safety services and training nationwide, announces the expansion of its rescue services to include wind turbine high angle rescue. As wind turbines present many dangers and challenges to workers who must install and maintain them, safety training and rescue services are critical to ensuring safety on the job. Code Red Safety's wind turbine rescue teams are fully trained and certified to provide high angle rescue support and equipment to workers in hazardous situations who have limited access to emergency services.

"At Code Red Safety, we understand that many jobs, such as wind turbine installation and maintenance, involve hazardous conditions and challenging tasks. Despite these dangers, workers must continue to get the job done. That's where our safety teams come in. With the proper equipment, training and rescue support, wind turbine workers can focus their attention on getting their job done effectively, while Code Red safety supervisors ensure workers are safe," says Mike Miller, CEO of Code Red Safety & Rental.

In addition to wind turbine rescue, Code Red Safety also provides other high angle rescue services and confined space rescue. High angle rescue involves advanced rope systems that allow rescuers to access and recover victims from steep, hazardous locations, such as wind turbines, cranes or building ledges. Confined space rescue saves victims from confined spaces with limited accessibility and poor ventilation, including silos, storage tanks and sewer systems. These types of rescue require highly-trained professionals to identify and implement rescue plans using complex equipment and techniques.

Industries that Code Red Safety & Rental serve include wind farms, manufacturing, construction, crane operations and tank cleaning operations. Rescue teams are fully trained and experienced in a wide range of rescue and safety services, including trench rescue, fall protection, contractor safety management and rescue equipment maintenance.

"With our wide range of services and capabilities, companies in any industry can rely on Code Red Safety to provide the services they need to meet safety requirements," said Miller. "In addition to rescue services, we offer safety equipment, personal protective clothing, OSHA training and inspection services that help companies prevent potential hazards as well as save money. Our team is dedicated to keeping businesses and workers safe at all times."

About Code Red Safety: Code Red Safety (http://www.safetysupervisor.com/) has been providing industrial safety personnel, products and training since 1995. With offices in Indiana, Missouri and Texas, Code Red Safety provides industry leading safety supervisors and services, from permit writing to industrial safety services and safety manual creation.

PR courtesy of Online PR News: http://www.onlineprnews.com

Media Contact:
Matt Jancosek
800-499-5253
http://www.safetysupervisor.com/
Mjancosek@coderedsafety.com

Lockheed Martin and Alaska Aerospace Partner for GMD Development and Sustainment Contract

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 13:30:43 +0000

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, June 17th, 2010 -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Alaska Aerospace Corporation announced today that they are partnering to pursue the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) Development and Sustainment Contract.

Together, the corporations will apply their proven experience to ensure the reliability and readiness of the GMD element of the Ballistic Missile Defense System, which defends our nation, deployed military forces, friends and allies against a limited attack by intermediate- and long-range ballistic missiles. The GMD Development and Sustainment Contract will entail development, manufacturing, test, training, operations and sustainment support.

"We are honored to welcome Alaska Aerospace to our GMD team," said Mathew J. Joyce, GMD vice president and program manager, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company. "Alaska Aerospace will be a key contributor to an open government-industry partnership that will ensure responsiveness and mission focus."

As a partner to Lockheed Martin, Alaska Aerospace will provide operations and maintenance support at Fort Greely, Alaska, and Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., where GMD Ground-based Interceptors are deployed.

"Alaska Aerospace is committed to responsive and affordable GMD operations and maintenance in partnership with Lockheed Martin," said Dale Nash, chief executive officer, Alaska Aerospace Corporation. "We will apply our proven Kodiak Launch Complex expertise to GMD, providing consistency and transparency." Alaska Aerospace Corporation developed, owns and operates the Kodiak Launch Complex on Kodiak Island, Alaska, which provides government and commercial satellite launch services and target missile launch services for missile defense testing.

"We will continue to rely upon a skilled resident workforce, which will support the needs of the Missile Defense Agency and the warfighters for responsiveness, reliability and affordability," said retired Lt. Gen. Tom Case, president and chief operating officer, Alaska Aerospace Corporation.

"Alaska Aerospace brings not only an impressive record in all aspects of launch facility operation, but also tried-and-true experience in supporting complex operations in a subarctic environment," said retired Major Gen. John W. Holly, vice president, Missile Defense Systems, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company.

Lockheed Martin's credentials for GMD Development and Sustainment include more than 30 years of experience in missile defense development, production, testing and fielding, more than 50 years of experience in strategic weapon system operations and sustainment, and award-winning performance-based logistics expertise. Lockheed Martin is a world leader in systems integration and the development of air and missile defense systems and technologies, including the first operational hit-to-kill missile. The company makes significant contributions to most major U.S. missile defense systems and participates in several global missile defense partnerships.

The Missile Defense Agency issued an amended draft request for proposals for GMD Development and Sustainment May 14 and has announced that it will issue a final request for proposals this summer and award the contract in 2011. In addition to Fort Greely and Vandenberg Air Force Base, GMD Development and Sustainment Contract work will be performed in Huntsville, Ala., at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., and at Eareckson Air Station, Alaska.

Headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska, Alaska Aerospace Corporation provides satellite launch and missile defense services. The State of Alaska established the corporation in 1991 to stimulate a high-technology aerospace industry in the state.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 136,000 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.

Source: Lockheed Martin

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Report Finds Taliban Commanders Believe They are Managed by Pakistani Intelligence Service

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:14:22 +0000

Taliban commanders inside Afghanistan believe that their organisations, and the war efforts they are currently undertaking, are closely managed by the Pakistani intelligence service, the ISI. This was the key finding of a report authored by Matt Waldman, Fellow at the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy, published this week in the Discussion Papers |series of the LSE's Crisis States Research Centre.

Centre Director, Professor James Putzel, commented, 'This report is based on research carried out inside Afghanistan, including interviews with important Taliban commanders, who clearly believe that they are being "run" by Pakistan's intelligence service. The prevalence of such beliefs among the insurgents themselves and the critical stance they take towards the relationship between their leadership networks and elements of the Pakistani military and intelligence services may prove to be important as Afghans continue to explore the prospects for reaching a peace agreement. We believe the publication of these findings can advance the public and policy debates about the prospects for peace and development in Afghanistan'.

'That Taliban commanders and a wider group of Afghans close to the insurgency believe that the highest levels of Pakistan's government are actively involved in protecting and sustaining the insurgency presents a great challenge to senior Pakistani civilian and military officials to demonstrate their commitment to reaching a peace settlement', Putzel said. 'After all, the costs of this conflict in the lives of civilians and soldiers in Pakistan itself will continue to increase until a lasting peace is reached on both sides of the border'.

The research undertaken by Waldman complements the Crisis States Research Centre's growing corpus of research on the sources of conflict, the trajectories of state-building and the economic and political dimensions of the development challenge in Afghanistan. The relationship between the Taliban and Pakistan's ISI were discussed in two books authored by Centre Research Fellow, Dr. Antonio Giustozzi - Koran, Kalashnikov and Laptop and Decoding the Taliban (Hurst 2007 and 2010) and explored in the CSRC Working Paper, "The Missing Ingredient: Non-Ideological Insurgency and State Collapse in Western Afghanistan, 1979-1992" (CSRC WP No. 11, 2007|). A recent paper co-authored by Guistozzi, "Negotiating with the Taliban: toward a solution for the Afghan conflict" (CSRC WP No.66, 2010|) discusses the debate on reconciliation and negotiations with the Taliban, its future prospects and the role of the United Nations within it. The paper argues that the very fact the conflict in its various phases has been going on for so long offers opportunities for reconciliation and it discusses the shape this could take, including the role of regional powers like Pakistan.

A new Policy Direction to be published on Wednesday of this week (16 June) by the CSRC, Cycles of War and Peace in Afghanistan: Understanding the Political Economy of Conflict argues that there is an internal logic to the progression of war and the processes that make peace possible. According to the Centre's Director, "The understanding of attitudes among Afghan insurgents that is offered in Waldman's paper on the ISI provides key insights into where in the cycle of war and peace Afghanistan is today. Such an understanding is crucial if international actors are to intervene in ways that shorten rather than prolong the war'.

Source: LSE

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Boeing and Northrop Grumman Partner for Missile Defense Agency Contract Competition

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:03:57 +0000

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., June 14, 2010 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Northrop Grumman Corp. [NYSE: NOC] today announced a strategic partnership to pursue the competitive development and sustainment contract for future work on the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA).

"Boeing takes great pride in supporting the Missile Defense Agency on GMD, providing round-the-clock protection of the United States against attack by ballistic missiles, and we are pleased to join with Northrop Grumman in this competition for future development and support of this critical element of America's defense," said Greg Hyslop, vice president and general manager, Boeing Strategic Missile & Defense Systems. "This partnership offers MDA the most experienced and responsive team, ready to adapt GMD to future needs and requirements. At the same time, this proven team will continue to offer the warfighter an unmatched level of mission readiness, availability and support -- affordably and with the lowest risk."

As part of the strategic partnership, Norm Tew, Boeing vice president and GMD program director, will serve as program manager of the Boeing-Northrop Grumman GMD team. Steve Owens, Northrop Grumman GMD program director, will be the team's deputy program manager.

Boeing will build on its experience of supporting the MDA as prime contractor for the development, deployment, integration and testing of the GMD weapon system since 2001. The Boeing-led team currently operates and sustains the deployed weapon system while developing and testing innovative technologies to provide greater reliability and meet its customer's evolving needs and requirements.

Northrop Grumman is responsible for designing and deploying the command-and-control systems that form the backbone of the GMD ground system, known as GMD Fire Control/Communications (GFCC) products. GFCC products connect and orchestrate GMD components that launch and guide interceptors in flight. Northrop Grumman has developed and sustained ground-based missile systems for more than 50 years and has been prime contractor for the U.S. Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) weapon system since 1997. Northrop Grumman has been part of the Boeing GMD team for more than 10 years.

"As Boeing's strategic partner, we bring the low risk of our domain expertise on GMD fire control and communications, and the robust systems management model of our leadership role on ICBMs," said Karen Williams, vice president of Air and Missile Defense Systems for Northrop Grumman's Information Systems sector. "Those are very powerful capabilities we can use to help the team bring GMD into a new era of efficiency, affordability and long-term partnership with MDA."

An integral element of the Global Ballistic Missile Defense System, GMD also consists of radars, other sensors, command-and-control facilities, communications terminals and a 20,000-mile fiber optic communications network. There are more than 20 operational interceptors at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., and at Fort Greely, Alaska, to defend the United States against long-range ballistic missile threats.

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. Visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

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.

Source: Boeing

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Northrop Grumman Exhibits at Eurosatory 2010

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 13:24:26 +0000

LONDON - June 10, 2010 - Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) is participating in the international land and air-land defence and security exhibition, Eurosatory, where it will highlight its key capabilities in the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) domain, command and control, and in tactical data link technology.

Eurosatory takes place from 14-18 June at the VIPARIS Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, Paris. The Northrop Grumman exhibit area is at stand location J 631.

"Northrop Grumman has a strong presence across Europe and Eurosatory gives us the opportunity to showcase the considerable capabilities that we have to offer," said John Brooks, president of Northrop Grumman International Inc. "We are committed to our customer base in Europe and look forward to building on the trans-Atlantic industry cooperation and partnerships that we have developed through the Euro Hawk and NATO AGS programmes and to bringing new Northrop Grumman technologies to this important market."

Exhibits will demonstrate Northrop Grumman's breadth and depth of capability in ISR and land systems, and will highlight the role the company plays in ensuring armed forces around the world have the capabilities they need to carry out their roles as safely and effectively as possible.

The Northrop Grumman exhibit stand will feature the company's industry-leading capability in unmanned aerial vehicles including the Global Hawk-based solution for the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) requirement and the Fire Scout, a multi-role vertical unmanned aircraft system (VUAS).

Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor for the NATO AGS system, currently in development at the company's Melbourne, Fla. facility, in which the Block 40 version of the RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aircraft is a key component.

Demonstrating its commitment to trans-Atlantic cooperation, Northrop Grumman leads an industry team representing 15 participating nations to develop and produce the Alliance-owned and operated ground surveillance capability. The AGS system provides real-time data, intelligence and target identification to NATO users within and beyond line of sight.

Highlights will also include Northrop Grumman's internationally exportable family of network-centric command and control systems and its world-class expertise in tactical data link (TDL) technology.

Featured will be Northrop Grumman's capability in tactical command and control systems using the software application Command and Control for the PC (C2PC). Presentations will be available showing surveillance and intelligence solutions based on the core capabilities of the Integrated Tactical Command and Control system (I-TaCCS) a land, sea and air and dismounted soldier-based C4I solution, and Integrated Joint Operational Command and Control System (I-JOCCS).

The network simulation tool Tactical Data Link Integration Exerciser (TIGER) will be showcased. This is a proven interoperability stimulation/simulation system with Link 11, Link 16, JREAP-C, SIMPLE, and TIF capabilities. TIGER is used worldwide in test, integration and training for tactical data links.

Also highlighted will be Northrop Grumman's software defined radio applications including Communications on the Move (COTM) and Freedom Multifunction RF Systems technologies, a mock-up display of communication, navigation and identification systems for next-generation military aircraft and Counter IED technology.

The Dismounted Computer System (DCS), a multi-processor computer system capable of operating two different operating systems simultaneously designed for installation in military vehicles, will be featured together with the Soldier Link System, a lightweight wearable communications system for ground forces. DCS and SLA are the two main components of the Integrated Battle Management System (IBMS). IBMS is a scalable C4I system for situation aware and command and control built upon a robust network of hardware, software and communications components.

Northrop Grumman's German subsidiary will also be represented at the air show. Northrop Grumman LITEF will display sensors for weapon stabilization, inertial guidance systems for missiles and AHRS / navigation systems for fixed and rotary wing aircraft based on fibre optic and MEMS technology. Systems from Northrop Grumman LITEF are in service on aircraft platforms in the U.S., Europe and Asia and are fitted to the Eurofighter Typhoon, the Tornado and BAE Systems Hawk as well as the Meteor, Taurus and IRIS-T missiles.

Northrop Grumman has offices across Europe in: Freiburg and Hamburg, Germany; Pomezia, Italy; Paris; Brussels, Belgium; Oslo, Norway; and at locations across the United Kingdom.

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. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

Source: Northrop Grumman

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Former Sens. Dole, Cleland to Lead Independent Panel for Arlington National Cemetery Management

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:48:31 +0000

June 10, 2010 -- Secretary of the Army John McHugh today announced sweeping changes in the management and oversight of Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) following completion of a months-long probe by the Army's Inspector General.

"While the Inspector General's (IG) team found that ANC employees - under an extraordinarily high operational tempo of 27 to 30 funerals a day - performed their jobs with dedication and to a high professional standard, they also found them hampered by dysfunctional management, the lack of established policy and procedures, and an overall unhealthy organizational climate," McHugh said. "That ends today."

McHugh ordered the investigation following allegations of lost accountability of some graves and poor record keeping, among other issues. The Army released its investigation findings at a Pentagon news conference today. The investigation followed an earlier inspection and management review ordered by McHugh's predecessor, former Army Secretary Pete Geren, which McHugh expanded shortly after taking office. Those findings were also released today.

"Both reports pointed to the lack of established policies and procedures, a failure to automate records, and long-term systemic problems," he said.

As part of a series of corrective measures, McHugh established the newly-created position of Executive Director (ED) of the Army National Cemeteries Program, whose duties will include oversight of cemetery management, reviewing and updating policies and procedures, and implementing corrective measures outlined in the investigation and inspection reports. McHugh appointed Kathryn Condon to serve as ED. Condon previously served as the senior civilian for Army Materiel Command - overseeing one of the largest commands in the Army, with more than 60,000 employees in 149 locations worldwide.

Among a host of other changes and initiatives, McHugh is establishing an Army National Cemeteries Advisory Commission, which will include officials from outside the Army to regularly review policies and procedures, and provide additional guidance and support. McHugh has enlisted the services of former senators and Army veterans Max Cleland and Bob Dole to begin that effort.

Dole represented Kansas in the Senate for three decades, and in 2007 co-chaired a commission investigating deficiencies at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. In addition to serving as senator from Georgia, Cleland is a former head of the Department of Veterans Affairs and currently serves as secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission, which oversees American burial grounds in foreign countries, including the American cemetery and memorial in Normandy, France. Both are decorated Army veterans.

ANC Superintendent John Metzler Jr., will remain in his post supporting funerals and ceremonial activities until July 2 - when he retires from federal service. However, Metzler will now report directly to the new executive director, and has received a letter of reprimand from McHugh based on the IG's findings.

At McHugh's request, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki is providing a detailee while the Army conducts a nationwide search for a new superintendent.

Patrick K. Hallinan, director of the Office of Field Programs for the VA, who is responsible for the development and implementation of National Cemetery Policy, will be temporarily reassigned to ANC as its superintendent. Hallinan has more than 31 years of cemetery service, and currently has oversight responsibilities for 130 national cemeteries.

The cemetery's deputy superintendent was placed on administrative leave pending a disciplinary review in the wake of the findings.

"Arlington National Cemetery is the place where valor rests, a place of reverence and respect for all Americans," McHugh said. "The Army recognizes its sacred responsibility to ensure America's confidence in the operation of its most hallowed ground, and to the heroes for whom this is their final resting place. I believe these changes will do just that."

In addition to Arlington National Cemetery, the Army National Cemeteries Program includes the Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery in Washington, DC.

The IG's report and other documents are located on the Web at http://www.army.mil/arlington.

Source: Department of Defense

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Raytheon Space Sensor Tasked for First-Of-Its-Kind Military Use

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:26:13 +0000

June 10, 2010 -- Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) hyperspectral imaging sensor known as ARTEMIS is being prepared for a first-of-its-kind tactical military role by the Air Force Space Command.

The company's Advanced Responsive Tactically Effective Military Imaging Spectrometer has successfully completed its one-year experimental mission aboard the Air Force Research Laboratory's Tactical Satellite-3. Based on the success of that mission, Raytheon has been notified that the Air Force Space Command will take control of TacSat-3 with the intent to use ARTEMIS in an operational capacity.

"The ARTEMIS hyperspectral imager gives military commanders an important new advantage in the asymmetric battlefield," said Bill Hart, vice president for Raytheon Space Systems. "ARTEMIS can detect various man-made and natural materials, which adds a fundamentally new capability for the DoD."

Unlike visible imagers, hyperspectral sensors capture light across a wide swath of the electromagnetic spectrum, providing unprecedented spectral detail. That spectral information produces a distinct "signature," which can be compared against the spectral signatures of known objects to rapidly identify potential areas of interest.

The ARTEMIS hyperspectral imager combines spectral information with geo-location coordinates in an easy-to-read map. This information is then sent directly to troops on the ground in near real time.

"Air Force Space Command looks forward to taking ownership of the TacSat-3 ARTEMIS system," said Lt. Col. Ryan Pendleton, Air Force Space Command, Chief, Operationally Responsive Space Integration. "We plan to operationalize the system as soon as possible to provide direct benefit to warfighters."

TacSat-3 originated as part of the U.S. Department of Defense's operationally responsive space initiative, which seeks to give field commanders flexible, affordable options for obtaining real-time tactical surveillance data from space. Aided by the ORS Office, and led by the Air Force Research Laboratory, the TacSat-3 program was designed to demonstrate the feasibility of developing and launching a military payload within extremely tight schedule and budget constraints.

"TacSat-3 has been a pathfinder to explore concepts of operation for future ORS systems and demonstrates how great things can be achieved on a small budget and in a short time," said Dr. Peter Wegner, director of the Pentagon's ORS Office. "It has also demonstrated the utility of hyperspectral information to benefit soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines around the world."

Raytheon is discussing with several government customers opportunities for rapidly deploying additional hyperspectral space sensors. "Based on our experience on TacSat-3, we're ready to build operational hyperspectral systems like ARTEMIS quickly and affordably," said Raytheon's Hart.

Raytheon Company, with 2009 sales of $25 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 88 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 75,000 people worldwide.

Source: Raytheon

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Airbus wins commitments worth US$15.3 billion at ILA Berlin Air Show

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:21:21 +0000

10 June 2010 -- During the 2010 ILA Berlin Air Show, Airbus announced commitments across its broad product range covering a total of 67 aircraft, valued at over US$15.3 billion. These commitments include firm orders for 32 A380 aircraft worth around US$11.5 billion, plus Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreements for a further 35 aircraft totaling around $3.8 billion.

The highlight of the show was the firm order from Emirates Airline for 32 A380s. This latest order from the Dubai based carrier brings its total orders for the A380 to 90 aircraft. Emirates has supported the development of the A380 from the earliest days, and this order - the single largest A380 order ever - is an unequivocal endorsement of both the A380's exceptional in-service performance, and also its role as a market-growth enabler for airlines that operate it.

In addition to this firm order, commitments reached at the show included MoUs for 35 aircraft worth approximately $3.8 billion, from:

* TAM Airlines for five A350-900s worth almost $1.3 billion, plus 20 A320 Family aircraft worth around $1.7 billion (comprising six A319s, seven A320s and seven A321s);
* Finnair for five A321s worth $485 million. These aircraft will come equipped with the new performance-enhancing "Sharklet" wingtip device option;
* Germania for five A319s worth $372 million.

John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers commented: "The recessionary tide has turned, and our success at this show proves yet again the world airlines' clear preference for the superior aircraft of Airbus." He added: "What we have seen at ILA are green shoots of industry recovery. There is more to come as the industry picks up."

Airbus' success is founded on innovative design, which has given it the world's most modern aircraft family in every category from 100 to well over 500 passenger seats.

Source: EADS

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Technical Center Signs Agreement to Research Unmanned Aircraft Systems in the National Airspace System

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 13:40:36 +0000

June 9, 2010 -- The Federal Aviation Administration's William J. Hughes Technical Center has established a cooperative research and development agreement with Insitu Inc., of Bingen, Washington, and the New Jersey Air National Guard to study unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and to address their integration into the national airspace system (NAS).

Insitu Inc., a wholly-owned, independent subsidiary of The Boeing Company, will provide two ScanEagle aircraft and their related support hardware and data to the FAA. The FAA will conduct research to guide development of recommendations for integrating unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system. The research will be managed by the FAA's Research and Technology Development office and conducted at the Technical Center.

The two-year agreement will enable FAA scientists to study and better understand UAS design, construction and functionality. Also, researchers will look at the differences in how an air traffic controller would manage an unmanned aircraft vs. a manned aircraft, by integrating the ScanEagle system into Technical Center air traffic control simulations and studies.

Insitu will train FAA pilots and support staff to fly and maintain the system, and will supply documentation related to the ScanEagle system. The flight testing will take place over the New Jersey Air National Guard's Warren Grove Range, 20 miles north of the Technical Center.

UAS now fly within the national airspace system under certificates of authorization, or FAA waivers. The waiver process is issued for public entities and determined on a case-by-case basis, with most UAS operations segregated from other air traffic. More than 1,500 types of UAS are in production worldwide, so it is important to establish the parameters to enable them to operate within the NAS, safely and efficiently.

UAS are cleared to fly in restricted airspace, including the military airspace at Warren Grove Range, owned and operated by the New Jersey Air National Guard.

The ScanEagle has flown more than 315,000 hours in military operations, providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. It can fly more than 24 hours at a time, and has been used in many civil applications, including search and rescue operations, fire and flood monitoring and evacuation efforts conducted in hazardous weather.

A cooperative research and development agreement, or CRDA, is an agreement between a federal laboratory and a collaborating partner. The partners leverage their resources by providing personnel, services, facilities, equipment, intellectual property and/or other resources to conduct specific research or development efforts to further the FAA's mission. That continuing mission is to provide the safest, most efficient airspace system in the world. The government provides no funds in these agreements, but the collaborating party may reimburse the government for related expenses.

The FAA's Cooperative Research and Development Agreement program is based at the William J. Hughes Technical Center.

Source: FAA

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