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U.S. Air Force General Named New STRATCOM Chief

By JOHN REED from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

U.S. Air Force Gen. Robert Kehler was nominated Sept. 2 to lead the nation's nuclear forces as commander of U.S. Strategic Command.

AeroStrategy Welcomes Michael Holland to Its Ann Arbor Office

From ASDWire : Aerospace & Defence News Distribution. Published on .

Ann Arbor, MI - September 1, 2010 --[ASDWire]-- AeroStrategy LLC is pleased to announce the addition of Michael Holland, Associate Consultant, in its North American office in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Holland brings with him experience as a contracts

French, U.S. Procurement Chiefs to Discuss Reaper

By PIERRE TRAN from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

Paris - The head of the Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA) French procurement office, Laurent Collet-Billon, flew July 2 to the United States to meet his American counterpart, Ashton Carter, and executives of General Atomics to gather information about the Predator B drone, a DGA official said.

DGA Official To Take NATO Defense Investment Post

By PIERRE TRAN from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

PARIS - NATO has appointed Patrick Auroy to one of the six assistant secretary-general posts in the alliance headquarters, where he will be responsible for defense investments, Laurent Teisseire, spokesman for the French Ministry of Defense, said Sept. 2.

Israeli, Palestinian leaders Vow to Meet Every 2 Weeks For Peace

By LACHLAN CARMICHAEL from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

WASHINGTON - Israeli and Palestinian leaders launched their first direct negotiations in 20 months here Sept. 2, agreeing to meet every two weeks in a bid to reach a lasting peace settlement within a year.

French Await Javelin for Afghanistan Training

By PIERRE TRAN from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

PARIS - French defense officials hope a shipment of 260 U.S.-built Javelin antitank missiles and 76 launchers will land this month, allowing training to start in October and be deployed in Afghanistan at the beginning of next year, an industry executive said Sept. 2.

India OKs $6.5B Plan To Build Stealth Destroyers

By Vivek Raghuvanshi from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

NEW DELHI - The Indian government has approved spending $6.5 billion to build four stealth destroyers for the Navy under Project-15B.

L-3 WESCAM EO/IR Sensors to Support the U.S Army's Long Endurance Multi-Intelligence Vehicle

From ASDWire : Aerospace & Defence News Distribution. Published on .

BURLINGTON, Canada, September 2, 2010 --[ASDWire]-- L-3 WESCAM announced today that it has received an order from Quantum Research International Inc. to supply the vital imaging and targeting sensors required for the Long Endurance Multi-Intelligence

Colombia In Talks With Embraer Over KC-390

By ANDREW CHUTER from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

Colombia has added its name to the list of South American countries in talks with Embraer about becoming a partner in the KC-390 tactical airlifter program.

Northrop Begins Production of MQ-4 for U.S. Navy

By JOHN REED from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

Northrop Grumman has begun work on the very first MQ-4 Broad Area Maritime Surveillance drone at the company's Moss Point, Miss., facility, company officials announced Sept. 1.

Finland MoD Estimates $3.66B Budget for '11

By GERARD O'DWYER, HELSINKI from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

Finland's Ministry of Defense (MoD) presented its estimated 2011 budget needs: $3.66 billion.

Obama Warns Hamas as Peace Talks Open

By STEPHEN COLLINSON, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

WASHINGTON - U.S. President Barack Obama warned Hamas on Sept. 1 that its "senseless slaughter" would not thwart his Middle East peace drive, but a row over Israeli settlements clouded the opening of the long-odds talks.

U.S. to Shun Military Drills in Turkey

By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

ANKARA - The United States will not take part in upcoming air drills in Turkey, a U.S. embassy official said Sept. 1, as media reports said Washington had conditioned its presence on Israeli attendance.

China Intensifies Build-Up Against Taiwan: Reports

By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

TAIPEI - China is ramping-up its military presence facing Taiwan despite the easing of hostilities across the Strait, a defense ministry report cited by local media warned Sept. 1.

Kuwait To Buy Patriots, Says It Plans No Attacks

By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

KUWAIT CITY - Kuwait plans to buy Patriot missiles from the U.S. but will not allow its territory to be a launch pad for attacks, the defense minister said in statements published on Sept. 1.

EU selects Sectra as supplier of secure telephony

From ASDWire : Aerospace & Defence News Distribution. Published on .

Linkoping, Sweden, September 1, 2010 --[ASDWire]-- Sectra's encryption system Tiger XS, approved for communications up to EU Secret, has been selected for secure telephony within the EU. The recently signed framework contract between Sectra and the Council

Iraq To Spend $13B On U.S. Arms, Equipment

By JIM MICHAELS, USA TODAY from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

BAGHDAD - Iraq is preparing to buy as much as $13 billion in American arms and military equipment, a huge order of tanks, ships and hardware that U.S. officials say shows Iraqi-U.S. military ties will be tight for years to come.

5 Teams To Tackle Gates Call To Improve Efficiency

By KATE BRANNEN from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

Pentagon officials have created five teams to lead the effort to improve efficiency across the Defense Department, according to the Army's acquisition executive.

AeroVironment Receives $35.3 Million Order for Digital Puma Unmanned Aircraft Systems

From ASDWire : Aerospace & Defence News Distribution. Published on .

MONROVIA, Calif., Aug. 31, 2010 --[ASDWire]-- AeroVironment, Inc. (AV) (NASDAQ:AVAV) announced today that it has received a contract delivery order valued at $35,265,662 for digital Puma(r) All Environment (AE) unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), spares

GAO: Early LCS Deployment Hurt The Program

By PHILIP EWING from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

This year's "early deployment" of the littoral combat ship Freedom, praised by commanders as proof of the ships' potential, actually hurt the overall progress of the full LCS program, according to a congressional report issued Tuesday, which also found that LCS will not help the Navy hunt submarines as well as originally advertised.

Indian Shipyard Hopes To Expand Facility, Market

By VIVEK RAGHUVANSHI from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

NEW DELHI - India's state-owned Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), which is preparing to build the Navy's new mine countermeasure vessel (MCMV), has asked the Goa state government for additional land so that GSL can complete a $170 million modernization project.

Discovery Air Selects Quantum Control Aviation ERP Software

From ASDWire : Aerospace & Defence News Distribution. Published on .

SAN DIEGO, Calif., August 31, 2010 --[ASDWire]-- Discovery Air Inc. (TSE: DA.A), a Canadian aviation services corporation with six subsidiaries providing fixed-wing and helicopter services across Canada and in international markets, recently selected

Campaign Against Taliban To Intensify: NATO Chief

By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

COPENHAGEN - NATO forces in Afghanistan are set to intensify the campaign against Taliban strongholds in the coming weeks, the head of the military alliance said on Aug. 30.

Revised U.S. Export Rules May Ease Overseas Sales

By WILLIAM MATTHEWS from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

U.S. President Barack Obama plans to announce export control reforms Aug. 31 that would make it easier for U.S. companies to sell many military and dual-use technologies abroad.

OEwaves Receives Contract from DARPA to Develop an EMP (electro-magnetic pulse) Immune All-Dielectric RF Photonic Receiver

From ASDWire : Aerospace & Defence News Distribution. Published on .

OEwaves will develop, demonstrate, and test an RF photonic receiver targeting DARPA's Electro-Magnetic Pulse (EMP) Tolerant Microwave Receiver Front End (EMPiRe) program. Pasadena, CA - August, 30 2010 --[ASDWire]-- DARPA's challenging EMPiRe program

Amendment Sought To Protect USN Hornet Buy

By JOHN REED from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

U.S. lawmakers are scrambling to pass a stand-alone amendment to the 2010 Defense Authorization Act to keep the Navy's planned 124-plane Super Hornet deal alive after a pair of technicalities threatened to scuttle the buy.

U.S. Slaps New Sanctions on North Korea

By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

WASHINGTON - The U.S. government on Aug. 30 slapped sanctions on four people and eight firms linked to North Korea's government, the Treasury Department said.

U.S. Concerned About Taiwan Ex-Generals' China Visits: Report

By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

TAIPEI - Closer contacts between retired Taiwanese generals and the Chinese authorities have sparked concerns in Washington, the island's major arms supplier, media and an official said Aug. 30.

U.S. Air Force Looks To Replace Aging T-38s

By MICHELLE TAN from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

The next approach to teaching future U.S. Air Force pilots - be it a jet, a simulator or a mix of both - must be reasonably priced but do as good of a job as the aging trainer it will replace, according to the official in charge of analyzing the options.

HD Cameras on UAVs Is Closer To Reality

By MICHAEL HOFFMAN from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

DENVER - When U.S. airmen go to work, they monitor grainy feeds from remotely piloted aircraft flying over Iraq and Afghanistan. But soon pictures of the war are going to get just as sharp as what they watch on their big screens at home.

N. Korea Vows to Use Nuclear Weapons If Attacked

By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

HAVANA - North Korea's ambassador to Cuba said Aug. 28 that, if attacked, his country would respond with nuclear weapons and engage in a "sacred war," Cuban state media reported.

China Denies Halting Defense Exchanges With India

By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

BEIJING - China on Aug. 28 denied reports that defense exchanges with India had been suspended by New Delhi in retaliation for Beijing refusing a visa to a top general from its neighbor.

Fire Scout Incident Called 'Learning Experience'

By KRISTIN QUINN from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

The flight of a U.S. Navy unmanned helicopter into restricted airspace near the nation's capital after operators lost control of the aircraft was a "learning experience" that is unlikely to hurt efforts to integrate unmanned planes into commercial airspace, industry and military officials said.

Raytheon Beats ATK to Win Excalibur Job

By KATE BRANNEN from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

The U.S. Army has selected Raytheon over ATK to continue development of the next-generation of Excalibur 1B GPS-guided artillery rounds, according to a DOD contract announcement.

Former Slovenia PM Took Patria Cash: Report

By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia - Slovenian prosecutors have filed charges against former prime minister Janez Jansa over alleged bribery in the biggest defense deal signed by Slovenia yet, media reported Aug. 27.

Who'll Fund U.K.'s Next Nuke Subs? Industry Wants to Know

By ANDREW CHUTER from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

LONDON - Britain's largest defense industry organization wants Prime Minister David Cameron to clarify the government's position on funding the replacements for Britain's Trident nuclear missile submarines.

P&W Parries GE's F-35 Thrust Claims

By JOHN REED from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., - As Pratt & Whitney wraps up final ground tests on the short-takeoff-and-vertical-landing version of its F135 engine for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, company executives continue to fire shots at the GE-Rolls Royce team fighting to keep its alternative JSF engine program alive.

Schutt Industries Embarks On Yet Another Plant Expansion

From ASDWire : Aerospace & Defence News Distribution. Published on .

Clintonville, Wisconsin, August 26, 2010 --[ASDWire]-- Schutt Industries, the leading manufacturer of trailers for the US Military, including the Light Tactical Trailer (LTT) has almost completed the latest expansion of their main office and manufacturing

Denmark Turns Down NATO Request for F-16s

By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

COPENHAGEN - Denmark has turned down a NATO request to send F-16 fighters to Afghanistan as it believes it has done enough for the international military mission there, the foreign minister said Thursday.

Battle Royal Looms Over German Army Reform

By FRANCIS CURTA, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

BERLIN - Germany's defense minister plans drastic troop cuts to slash government costs but his bid to end conscription threatens to blow open a damaging rift in Chancellor Angela Merkel's ruling coalition.

Estonia Buys APCs in Largest-Ever Deal

By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

TALLINN - Estonia on Aug. 26 announced its largest-ever military vehicle deal, buying more than 80 armored personnel carriers from fellow NATO member the Netherlands.

Re: Acquisition Reform and Budget Machinations Begin to Affect Programs

By Haywoodj from Defense Procurement News - Latest Comments. Published on Aug 26, 2010.

Also it was General Dynamics, not Northrop Grumman (NOC)

Re: Acquisition Reform and Budget Machinations Begin to Affect Programs

By Haywoodj from Defense Procurement News - Latest Comments. Published on Aug 26, 2010.

It is Austal USA, not Austal (ASB:AU) of Australia

Worst Cyber Attack on U.S. Military Came Via Flash Drive: U.S.

By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

WASHINGTON - The most serious cyber attack on the U.S. military's networks came from a tainted flash drive in 2008, forcing the Pentagon to review its digital security, a top US defense official said Aug. 25.

Service Contracts Targeted by OSD Efficiency Push

By KATE BRANNEN from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

As the U.S. Defense Department looks for ways to save billions of dollars each year, service contracts, which make up more than half of the U.S. Army's contracting dollars, will be targeted, according to a senior Army official.

India Developing Laser-Based Anti-Missile Systems

By Vivek Raghuvanshi from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

NEW DELHI - Indian scientists are developing laser-based anti-ballistic missile systems called Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs).

U.S. Releases Radar Upgrades for Taiwan Fighters

By WENDELL MINNICK from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan - The U.S. has announced the sale of new radar upgrades for Taiwan's Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF). The announcement came during a two-day tri-service military exercise in southern Taiwan from Aug. 24-25.

France in Afghanistan 'As Long As Necessary'

By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

PARIS - President Nicolas Sarkozy declared on Aug. 25 that French forces will remain in Afghanistan for as long as they are needed there and enjoy the support of the Afghan people.

Swiss Abort Major Fighter Jet Purchase

By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

GENEVA, Aug 25, 2010 - Switzerland on Wednesday postponed its search for new air force fighter jets for several years, just weeks before it was expected to announce a decision on the multibillion dollar tender.

Pentagon's DLA Seeks 10% Cost Cut

By JOHN T. BENNETT from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

The Pentagon's Defense Logistics Agency is aiming to reduce costs by 10 percent, enter more long-term contracts, and improve its parts' quality and traceability, DLA director Adm. Alan Thompson told reporters Aug. 25.

Lost Navy UAV Enters Washington Airspace

By CHRISTOPHER P. CAVAS from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

U.S. Navy operators lost control of an unmanned aircraft earlier this month and were unable to regain control before the aircraft entered restricted airspace around the U.S. capital.

Iran Test Fires Surface-To-Surface Missile

By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

TEHRAN - Iran has test fired its home-built surface-to-surface Fateh 110 missile, state television reported on Aug. 25, less than a week after a similar test was carried out on another missile.

Russia Has Deployed S-300 Missiles In South Ossetia: Tbilisi

By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

TBILISI, Georgia - Georgia accused arch-rival Russia on Aug. 25 of deploying sophisticated S-300 missile defense systems in a second breakaway Georgian region, South Ossetia, as well as Abkhazia.

Chile May Tie Up With Brazil's KC-390

By ANDREW CHUTER from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

LONDON - The Chilean government is talking with Brazil about getting involved in the Embraer KC-390 military jet transport program.

Sentient launches Kestrel Maritime at AUVSI 2010

From ASDWire : Aerospace & Defence News Distribution. Published on .

Kestrel Maritime takes Maritime Domain Awareness to the next level Denver, Colorado - 25 August 2010 --[ASDWire]-- To enhance maritime domain awareness, Sentient, Australian specialist in computer vision technology, today unveiled Kestrel Maritime,

Raytheon May 'Adjust' SDB Development to Match JSF Schedule

By JOHN REED from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

Raytheon officials announced that the company may adjust development of its Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) II to accommodate for slips in the testing of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

Xe Reaches $42 Million Settlement With U.S. Over Weapons Smuggling

By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

The U.S. State Department said Aug. 23 that Xe, the controversial private security firm formerly known as Blackwater, has agreed to pay $42 million in fines to settle alleged export violations.

TMD Technologies to feature advanced microwave electronics at Polish defence show

From ASDWire : Aerospace & Defence News Distribution. Published on .

24 August 2010 --[ASDWire]-- TMD Technologies will be highlighting its microwave power modules (MPMs), transmitters, power supplies and TWTs at the MSPO International Defence Industry Exhibition in Poland in September 2010. From its rugged amplifier

U.S. Troops in Iraq Fall Below Obama's 50,000 Mark

By ARTHUR MACMILLAN from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

BAGHDAD - U.S. troop numbers in Iraq fell below 50,000 on Aug. 24, a week ahead of an official end to America's combat mission, as a poll cast doubt on the timing of the pullout and warned of negative consequences.

Qinetiq: Zephyr UAV Set 3 World Records

By ANDREW CHUTER from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

LONDON - Qinetiq said its solar-powered Zephyr UAV broke three world records during a recent test flight in the United States that reached an altitude of 70,740 feet.

France Completes Tests of Campcopter S-100

By PIERRE TRAN from News From DefenseNews.com. Published on .

PARIS - The Délégation Générale pour l'Armement (DGA) procurement office has completed tests of the Camcopter S-100 vertical take off and landing (VTOL) unmanned air vehicle for the French Army and Navy, ending with a series of maritime scenarios, Austrian company Schiebel said Aug. 24.

Kestrel supports Australian Troops in Afghanistan

From ASDWire : Aerospace & Defence News Distribution. Published on .

Kestrel extends ISR capabilities of the ScanEagle Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) in support of Australian Defence Force operational requirements Melbourne, Australia - 24 August 2010 --[ASDWire]-- Since 2006 the ScanEagle Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)

AeroVironment's Stratospheric Global Observer Unmanned Aircraft System Makes First Flight

From ASDWire : Aerospace & Defence News Distribution. Published on .

Flight Test Campaign Begins for First Unmanned Aircraft System Developed to Provide Uninterrupted Coverage Over Any Spot on the Globe EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., Aug. 16, 2010 --[ASDWire]-- AeroVironment, Inc. (AV) (NASDAQ:AVAV) announced that

AeroVironment Global Observer Unmanned Aircraft System Successfully Completes Wing Load Tests

From ASDWire : Aerospace & Defence News Distribution. Published on .

Key Milestone Achieved in Development and Testing of First Unmanned Aircraft System to Offer Seamless Persistence Without Latitude Restrictions MONROVIA, Calif. - Aug. 11, 2010 --[ASDWire]-- AeroVironment, Inc. (AV) (NASDAQ:AVAV) announced that a

Re: Defense Department Continues Criticism of Lockheed Martin’s EVMS System

By defproc from Defense Procurement News - Latest Comments. Published on Aug 11, 2010.

Sir,

I agree that the situation may be unfair to Lockheed Martin. The article was stressing that the government is moving to punish the company for this situation potentially further impeding progress on the JSF program. I also think the government would argue that it is not up to them to fix the EVMS system as Lockheed signed up to a contract which delineates what data should be provided. Certainly managing by CV and SV alone which the PM shops often do without necessarily recognizing their contribution to the problem is also not fair. The current emphasis on earlier cost estimates with higher fidelity will only increase these issues as the pressure to manage to EVM will only be higher.

Thank you,

MCP

Vigilance launches new Aerial Surveillance and ISR training service

From ASDWire : Aerospace & Defence News Distribution. Published on .

Eindhoven, 11 August 2010 --[ASDWire]-- Vigilance Services has launched a new Aerial Surveillance and ISR training service for NATO military organizations. The Aerial Surveillance and ISR training service will enable military planners to incorporate

Re: Defense Department Continues Criticism of Lockheed Martin’s EVMS System

By Enrique (Rick) Contreras from Defense Procurement News - Latest Comments. Published on Aug 11, 2010.

This article puts the pressure on LM, but does not address the lack of control by the government PMO, or the lack of responsibility assigned to DCMA to identify issues in a contractor's EVMS. DCMA only identifies issues, not proper corrective actions. I speak from experience. There is much more to this story than the article addresses.

Inmedius Delivers S1000DauthorPro XE with Full Issue 4.0 Support

From ASDWire : Aerospace & Defence News Distribution. Published on .

Browser-Based, WYSIWYG S1000D Editor Lowers Total Cost of Ownership Pittsburgh, PA - August 11, 2010 --[ASDWire]-- Inmedius, Inc. announces the general release and worldwide distribution of S1000DauthorPro(tm) XE, its new S1000D browser-based, WYSIWYG

Schutt Industries Receives Another Delivery Order Totaling Nearly $5.5 Million

From ASDWire : Aerospace & Defence News Distribution. Published on .

Clintonville, Wisconsin, August 9, 2010 --[ASDWire]-- Schutt Industries, the leading manufacturer of trailers for the US Military, including the Light Tactical Trailer (LTT) has been awarded a new delivery order by TACOM for more than $5.5 million. Schutt

Schutt Industries Receives A Delivery Order For M200 Trailers Totaling Nearly $3.7 Million

From ASDWire : Aerospace & Defence News Distribution. Published on .

Clintonville, Wisconsin, August 8, 2010 --[ASDWire]-- Schutt Industries, the leading manufacturer of trailers for the US Military, including the Light Tactical Trailer (LTT) has been awarded a new delivery order by TACOM for more than $3.7 million. Schutt

QinetiQ North America to Support SPAWAR System Center Atlantic

From ASDWire : Aerospace & Defence News Distribution. Published on .

Company will develop and deliver command and control systems training CHARLESTON, SC, Aug. 10, 2010 --[ASDWire]-- The U.S. Navy's Space and Naval Warfare System Center Atlantic (SSC-A) has awarded QinetiQ North America's Systems Engineering Group

Re: Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company Acquires Special Devices, Incorporated Defense and Aerospace Group — Press Release

By William L. Poteat from Defense Procurement News - Latest Comments. Published on Aug 06, 2010.

I would like to contact the Moorpark office concerning a couple of positions that they are advertizing . Cuold you get me a good phone number , that phone number that is on the web site sounds like a fax number when I dial it . I would like to talk to the Human Resource Section about salaries

Thank You , Bill Poteat

Inmarsat Announces $1.2bn Investment in Next Generation Ka-band Satellite Network

From ASDWire : Aerospace & Defence News Distribution. Published on .

. Targeting a $1.4bn incremental market opportunity . Significant capacity pre-commitment from Boeing . Global services to iPad-sized antennas London: 6th August 2010 --[ASDWire]-- Inmarsat (LSE: ISAT), the leading provider of global mobile satellite

LuciadFusion platform for effective Situational Awareness at LandWarNet 2010

From ASDWire : Aerospace & Defence News Distribution. Published on .

High performance data fusion, visualization & analysis for Land and Joint Defense operations Tampa FL, USA, August 3 2010 --[ASDWire]-- Luciad, the leading supplier of software components for rapid development of situational awareness applications

Aptima Teams with Office of Naval Research to Extend Human Intelligence to UAVs

From ASDWire : Aerospace & Defence News Distribution. Published on .

MIMIC to enable autonomous UAVs for new concept of operations Woburn, MA - August 2, 2010 --[ASDWire]-- In less than a decade, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have evolved from a curiosity on the battlefield to a core 'eyes in the sky' resource for

Re: U.S. To Buy More M2 Machine Gun Parts

By defproc from Defense Procurement News - Latest Comments. Published on Jul 05, 2010.

Delete.

Re: General Dynamics Reaches Agreement to Purchase Pfizer Complex in New London

By ROMAN66 from Defense Procurement News - Latest Comments. Published on Jul 04, 2010.

that's a great boost for New London, great news

Re: More Sniper Pod Sales For Lockheed Martin

By jolyghoms18 from Defense Procurement News - Latest Comments. Published on Jun 28, 2010.

The Sniper pod's advanced features are changing the way our ... SOURCE Lockheed Martin!

Re: Sniper Location & Gunshot Detection Systems

By denishwillam16 from Defense Procurement News - Latest Comments. Published on Jun 28, 2010.

hi Once detection is made, the C-Sniper system will provide the data and control to point ... tracks, and communicates exact sniper locations

Re: New Gulfstream G650 Completes First Flight — Press Release

By jetcharter from Defense Procurement News - Latest Comments. Published on Jun 05, 2010.

We just had the pleasure of taking our first flight in the G650 and it is the standard, without a doubt. The new Gulfstream flew so smoothly, so quietly that we were able to enjoy our sleep during our over night.

Re: Oshkosh Defense Receives $79 Million for M-ATV Protection and Remote Weapon System Kits — Press Release

By ATV fanatic from Defense Procurement News - Latest Comments. Published on May 01, 2010.

Cool gadget that it have for an atv.

Re: Raytheon Awarded Contract for Integrated Standoff Inspection System — Press Release

By htomfields from Defense Procurement News - Latest Comments. Published on Apr 27, 2010.

There is a lot of information about Idaho National Laboratory's National and Homeland Security projects on this high def video that the lab just released.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/video/video.php?v=1091178696240&ref=mf

Re: U.S. Army AFFIRMS FMTV Contract AWARD to Oshkosh Corporation — Press Release

By Angel Rosado from Defense Procurement News - Latest Comments. Published on Feb 22, 2010.

Posted by MAJ Angel Rosado, US Army, 22 February 2010

This resolution finally put an end to this protest. A protest is one of the most lengthy and painful procedures especially during war when contracting for any material acquisition, as it can stop production and/or delivery of critical equipment. For the past few years, protests were rarely seen on defense contracts due to fact that most of the protests were never sustained. However, the basis for BAE Systems’ protest was strongly credible and deserving of revision as the Army gave a better technical evaluation score to Oshkosh than BAE. BAE Systems claimed that Oshkosh lacks the capacity, tools, facilities, and equipment to fulfill the production requirement for the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) contract, and that the cab design does not meet the necessary requirements. Based on these accusations, BAE Systems also claimed that the Army discriminated against its proposal while believing that they could provide a superior product, on budget, and on schedule as done in the past. In addition, BAE Systems claimed that the price quote provided by Oshkosh was unrealistic. Oshkosh proposed a price quote on its contract bid that was 30% lower that BAE Systems’ proposal, this translates to about $400 million on savings to the government over the five-year contract.
The following provides a little more information for those that have not been following this contract. BAE system is been the primary manufacturer of the FMTV since 2003. Their contract expired at the end of 2008 and by February 27, 2009, the Army issued a solicitation (an open bid) for a follow-on production proposal. In August 26, 2009, the Army awarded the contract to Oshkosh and in September 8, 2009, BAE Systems submitted a protest to dispute the Army’s decision. In December 14, 2009, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) sustained BAE’s protest on the conclusion that the Army’s evaluation of the technical and price proposal, and selection decision were flawed. The GAO gave the 60 days to re-evaluate the proposal and in February 12, 2010, the Army announced that would retain the contract with Oshkosh. At this point if BAE Systems wants to continue fighting for this contract it will have to go to Federal Court, but this is unlikely since BAE System would have to prove with clear and convicting evidence that the Army acted irrationally for its decision.
Despite arguments that the reasons behind the Oshkosh contract award are plainly political, there are no politicians involve in the source selection process for defense acquisition contracts. It is a fact that BAE System has its main FMTV production plant in Texas (predominately a Republican State) and Oshkosh has its main production plant in Wisconsin (voted Democratic on 2008 elections). However, I hardly believe that this is the reason why Oshkosh received the contract. Therefore, it is important to clarify the defense acquisition contracting process for contract involving such a large amount of money like this one ($3 billion over five years). The FMTV is an acquisition category IC (ACAT IC) level program and because of its classification and the large amount of money, its progress needs to be reported to Congress. However, personnel from the Acquisition, Logistics & Technology workforce (AL&T), do the contract initiation and execution rather than politicians from Congress. I understand that it is the responsibility of each congressional representative to seek economic growth for their respective states but is erroneous to assume that they can leverage defense contracts.
In addition, since the government owns the technical data package (TDP) for the FMTV that includes the technical designs (except for the vehicles cab, which is a BAE Systems’ proprietary design), once a contract expires, it has the liberty to give the next contract to the contractor that offers the best value. The Army can seek savings on the FMTV production by implementing short-term (5 years) firm-fixed price contracts. This type of contract allows open competition among the industry and allows it to be innovative and creative. Simultaneously, this type of contract provides the government with savings as it places the risk onto the contractor. In other words, the contractor will have to deliver at the contracted price and the contractor absorbs any cost overruns.
Oshkosh had proved to be a reliable manufacturer of military vehicles, but I am concerned that the company is not fully resourced to produce the FMTV, however they will not start full production until 2011, providing them with time to expand their facilities and procure the equipment necessary. An additional issue is that since the FMTV cab is a proprietary right of BAE, Oshkosh will have to provide its own cab design and this could cause production delays. The last issue is the production price offered by Oshkosh. A unit price below production cost will cause cost overruns; although, it is Oshkosh’s strategy to get its profits from expected modifications and future improvements to the vehicles. Since most of the time modifications and upgrades are generally unilateral decisions made by the government that are outside the scope of the contract, under these circumstances the contractor has the liberty to price whatever they what to carry out the task.
I am optimistic that Oshkosh will do well on this contract to provide the logistics force the high quality and reliable vehicles needed to enable them to continue being successful on their war-time missions.

Re: First Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Commissioned

By Matthew Potter from Defense Procurement News - Latest Comments. Published on Feb 08, 2010.

Thank you. I updated the post to correct my error.

Re: First Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Commissioned

By garel from Defense Procurement News - Latest Comments. Published on Feb 08, 2010.

NG is not building an LCS ship. Lockheed Martin is.

Re: Competition For Boeing On Missile Defense Support Contract

By wyoming from Defense Procurement News - Latest Comments. Published on Aug 07, 2009.

The government may own the data rights, but from what they themselves have stated, they don't have the data.

Re: More on the Alaskan Missile Range Corruption Case

By KRLIG from Defense Procurement News - Latest Comments. Published on Dec 03, 2008.

We've been following the Kodiak Launch Complex since 1995. It is pure Space Pork Kodiak. The community didn't want it and the military didn't want it.
Check our blog:
http://kodiaklaunchcomplex.blogspot.com/

Kodiak Rocket Launch Information Group (KRLIG)

Re: Russia defies U.S. on new Abkhaz, S. Ossetia bases

By Truth for Ossetia from Defense Procurement News - Latest Comments. Published on Nov 07, 2008.

The New York Times has an exhaustive story today on the Georgian government's assault on South Ossetia, and the conclusion is unequivocal: "Georgia’s inexperienced military attacked the isolated separatist capital of Tskhinvali on Aug. 7 with indiscriminate artillery and rocket fire, exposing civilians, Russian peacekeepers and unarmed monitors to harm."

In response, the U.S. State Department now concedes that the Georgian government was wrong to attack South Ossetia.

This report follows new revelations about Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili's sneak attack on Tskhinvali, the BBC's report on Georgian abuses, Human Rights Watch's disclosure of Georgian use of cluster bombs, and our own growing compilation of eyewitness accounts of Georgian abuses before, during, and after the five-day war.

So now the question is: Why is the United States still giving billions of taxpayer dollars in unconditional aid to Saakashvili, rewarding him for what the NYT is now reporting was an indiscriminate attack on civilians?

While it's good that the media are beginning to take a look at what really happened during the Georgian government's assault on South Ossetia, it is time for the American government and people to find out what Georgia’s U.S. trained and equipped military really did.

Sen. Hillary Clinton needs to push her bill S.3567. This bill, which is currently referred to the Foreign Affairs Committee, seeks to examine the causes of the conflict and make recommendations about U.S. policy. Sen. Clinton must ensure that the American people get a full and fair hearing on what happened in August.

Re: Missiles sour U.S. Navy on DDG-1000 warships

By Dagpotter from Defense Procurement News - Latest Comments. Published on Oct 02, 2008.

Long range NGFS has always been an issue since the retirement of the WW II cruisers and BB. Missiles have been proposed to replace them, or extended range 5" rounds. Of course, some will argue the aircraft is the NGFS of the current Navy.

Re: Missiles sour U.S. Navy on DDG-1000 warships

By James Refalo PhD from Defense Procurement News - Latest Comments. Published on Oct 02, 2008.

If the navy is only going to build only 2-3 of these, they ought to replace the helo deck with a couple of extra 155mm guns. With the cancellation of EGRM and BTERM, the navy will have virtually no extended range NGFS capability. Turning these into dedicated 4-gun platforms could make them quite valuable. Leave the helo and seal team capabilities to the LCS.

Re: Neurotechnology launches new iris scanner

By Irmantas from Defense Procurement News - Latest Comments. Published on Jun 19, 2008.

Sorry, I have wrote old name. Correct name is "Neurotechnology".

Best regards,
Irmantas Naujikas
Business Development Director

Neurotechnology
Ateities 10
Vilnius LT-08303, Lithuania
Phone: +370 5 277 33 14
Fax: +370 5 277 33 16
Mobile: +370 652 42043
Email: irmantas@neurotechnology.com

Re: Neurotechnology launches new iris scanner

By Irmantas from Defense Procurement News - Latest Comments. Published on Jun 19, 2008.

Our company name is "Neurotechnologija", not "Nuerotechnology".

Best regards,
Irmantas Naujikas
Business Development Director

Neurotechnology
Ateities 10
Vilnius LT-08303, Lithuania
Phone: +370 5 277 33 14
Fax: +370 5 277 33 16
Mobile: +370 652 42043
Email: irmantas@neurotechnology.com

Re: Neurotechnology launches new iris scanner

By Irmantas from Defense Procurement News - Latest Comments. Published on Jun 13, 2008.

We have released iris recognition technology, not a scanner or scanning technology. More information about this - on our website.

Best regards,
Irmantas Naujikas
Business Development Director

Neurotechnology
Ateities 10
Vilnius LT-08303, Lithuania
Phone: +370 5 277 33 14
Fax: +370 5 277 33 16
Mobile: +370 652 42043
Email: irmantas@neurotechnology.com