The Obama Administration in their 2013 budget has proposed ending production of the Block 30 and mothballing the entire existing fleet of such systems and relying on the manned U-2/TR-1 platform. This proposal, though, has not been well received by the Congress and the plan may not be accepted. Even with this proposal the newer blocks would continue to be used and be produced. The Navy is also buying the Global Hawk as part of their Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) program.

Northrop also received two recent contracts for the program that indicate it will continue for several more years.

First, NATO ordered 5 of the systems to provide ground surveillance. This contract is estimated at close to $1.7 billion. NATO already jointly operates Boeing (BA) E-3 AWACS aircraft and C-17 transports so the Global Hawks would be a similar proposition. The mission would be similar to that of the E-8 Joint STARS manned system which tracks enemy vehicle and troop movements and positions.

The Air Force also continues its program to make progressive improvements to the Global Hawk with a contract to develop new radars and sensors. This is worth $51 million but if new sensors are developed has the potential for much more revenue as they are produced and integrated into the aircraft.

The UAV will become increasingly more ubiquitous in use performing many missions currently done by manned aircraft. The U.S. is investing in long range, persistent reconnaissance UAV’s. The Global Hawk despite budget proposals will continue to perform its missions for the next few decades.

The Becancour Waterfront Industrial Park, located in Becancour, Quebec and operated by the Province of Quebec, is situated on a major highway on the southern shore of the St. Lawrence River. Approximately halfway between Montreal and Quebec City, the location was chosen as the result of a comprehensive site-selection process, managed by engineering consultants GENIVAR Inc.

“Becancour is an outstanding location for our future plant,” commented Patrick Wong, CEO of IMC. “The industrial park has direct access to multiple hydroelectric power sources, through a modern electricity distribution network. It also hosts extensive deep-water port facilities with full year-round access, a bulk-liquid terminal and a railway line connected to the CN railway network.”

A shortlist of five candidates in Ontario and Quebec was reviewed during the site-selection process. Each site was visited and their characteristics evaluated with the assistance of the GENIVAR team.

“What clinched the Becancour site for IMC was the presence of a leading industrial producer of hydrochloric acid and caustic soda, already located in the industrial park,” said Gareth Hatch, President of IMC. “These bulk chemicals are an essential part of the rare-earth separation process, and could be inexpensively piped directly to our future facilities.”

IMC has taken out an option on a specific site within the industrial park, near to the chemical producer, with the choice of converting this option to a long-term lease or purchase agreement. The next steps will be the environmental assessment and permitting for the chosen location, followed by a pre-feasibility study on the design and construction of a 15,000 t / year rare-earth separation plant to be built on the site.

“Our business model is built on the provision of low-cost tolling facilities for rare-earth separation, with some of the lowest operating costs in the world,” added Mr. Wong. “Siting our facility at Becancour will further enhance our ability to deliver on this vision.”

IMC has also recently commenced discussions with sovereign governments and other entities that have an interest in the processing of rare-earth-bearing mineral sands. IMC would provide assistance in the design and construction of appropriate local facilities for initial rare-earth processing, with heavy-rare-earth concentrates being shipped to Quebec for subsequent separation and purification.

About Innovation Metals Corp.

Innovation Metals Corp. (“IMC”) is a private Canadian-based company founded in 2011. IMC’s goal is to alleviate the bottleneck that has formed in the rare-earth supply chain, through the creation of the world’s first independent, centralized rare-earth separation facilities. The company intends to bridge the gap between producers and end users via the creation of a Consortium, through which it will provide low-cost material tolling programs to producers, and assuring security of supply for end users and sovereign governments. IMC is also developing innovative trading platforms, to further increase the opportunities within the rare-earth sector for traders.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains projections and statements that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States laws. Forward-looking statements in this release may include, among others, statements regarding the future plans, costs, objectives or performance of Innovation Metals Corp. (“IMC”), or the assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. In this news release, words such as “may,” “could,” “would,” “will,” “likely,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “estimate” and similar words and the negative forms thereof are used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are beyond IMC’s control, and which may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of IMC to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties could cause actual results and IMC’s plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information. IMC can offer no assurance that its plans will be completed. These and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking information are based on estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Except as required by law, IMC assumes no obligation to update forward-looking information should circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions change.

Currently the Navy is building two major amphibious ship classes. The LSD-17 class San Antonio ships and the bigger, more capable LHA class. The America and Tripoli are numbered sequentially with the Tarawa class built in the Seventies. Due to the need to support the bigger tilt rotor V-22 aircraft the America and Tripoli are designed for maximum aircraft capability and do not have a well deck for landing craft. That has been corrected in future ships of the class.

The LHA provide the ability to support large number of helicopters and V/TOL aircraft as well as carry Marines and their support equipment. The ones with a well deck allows landing craft to be loaded and deployed. They also offer hospital and C2 capabilities for operations.

The LHA and LHD ships followed the LPH class of helicopter carriers that went into service in the Sixties and saw extensive use in Vietnam. The new Tripoli name comes from one of those class ships although the Navy has operated several other ships in honor of the Marine service in North Africa against the Barbary Pirates.

HII is the ship building division of Northrop Grumman (NOC) that was spun off into a separate company. It builds amphibious warfare ships, destroyers as well as nuclear submarines at yards in Mississippi and Virginia.

AM General, whose Engineering and Product Development Center is based in Livonia, announced in March it is backing two separate proposals for the Engineering, Manufacturing and Development (EMD) phase of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program. BRV-O is based on more than a decade of the company’s own investments in research, development and testing for the next-generation light tactical military vehicle.

BRV-O features a crew capsule and modular armor already proven effective in government-supervised blast testing. This AM General design can be readily adapted to future changes in U.S. military missions, enemy threats and new protection technologies as they emerge. BRV-O also features a self-leveling suspension system, a C4ISR backbone with open-standard networked architecture and clustered super-computing power, and other advanced components. These and other mature subsystems make BRV-O a highly mobile and versatile platform that meets or exceeds 100 percent of JLTV EMD phase evaluation criteria including protection, performance, payload, transportability, reliability and affordability.

The lightweight, fuel efficient and high performance Optimizer 3200 engine powering BRV-O also will be exhibited at the expo, along with other products of General Engine Products and General Transmission Products, subsidiaries of AM General. The six-cylinder, 3.2 liter, sequentially-turbocharged engine is rated at 300 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. GEP will also introduce its proposed solution for the Next Generation Combat Engine based on Optimizer 3200 technology.

More information on AM General, General Engine Products and BRV-O is at www.amgeneral.com. More information on the expo is at http://www.ndia-mich.org/Base_expo.aspx. The annual show is open to U.S. military personnel, government employees and NDIA members.

AM General designs, engineers, manufactures, supplies and supports specialized vehicles for commercial and military customers with more than six decades of experience meeting the changing needs of the defense and automotive industries. The AM General business units include two wholly-owned subsidiaries, General Engine Products, a diesel engine manufacturer, and General Transmission Products, an automatic transmission manufacturer. AM General is supported by approximately 1,500 employees at major facilities in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, and a strong supplier base that stretches across 43 states.

The original contract called for all 17 aircraft to be delivered by the end of 2012. The first CC-130J was accepted in June 2010 and today’s acceptance demonstrates the success of the program and the completion of deliveries ahead of schedule.

“The delivery of the final CC-130J Hercules to the RCAF represents a significant milestone in the history of the RCAF,” said Lt. Col. Colin Keiver, Commanding Officer, 436 (T) Squadron. “The aircraft has already proven its worth around the world in places like Afghanistan and Libya, as well as here at home in Canada. Our partners at Lockheed Martin have delivered us an aircraft that more than lives up to the motto of 436 Squadron, Onus Portamus or ‘We Carry the Load.’”

“The C‑130 Hercules has acquired many nicknames and affectionate titles over the years, but it is in Canada that the aircraft has earned a name that I think summarizes the true meaning of this aircraft – Workhorse,” said George Shultz, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager, C-130 Programs. “Today recognizes another great chapter in Canadian airlift history and in the continuation and expansion of the long and strong relationships with our industrial partners in Canada.”

To date, Lockheed Martin has delivered more than $350 million in Industrial and Regional Benefits (IRB) to Canadian industry as a result of the Government of Canada’s procurement of the CC-130J aircraft and In-Service Support.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 123,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2011 were $46.5 billion.

For additional information, visit our website: http://www.lockheedmartin.com

TUCSON, Ariz., May 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has fired four Excalibur 155mm precision-guided artillery projectiles from the Denel-manufactured G6 self-propelled howitzer as part of a field trial demonstration.

Multiple rounds of the combat-proven Excalibur successfully fired from the G6 155mm wheeled howitzer out to a range of 38 kilometers (23.6 statute miles), with all rounds landing within 5 meters (16.4 feet) of the target.

“These trials demonstrated Excalibur can give a true precision capability to G6 howitzers that can enhance the warfighter’s defensive posture,” said Kevin Matthies, Excalibur program director for Raytheon Missile Systems. “Excalibur improves tactical war fighting capability by providing precision that is essential to close-combat operations.”

The U.S. Army has demonstrated Excalibur in scenarios designed to defeat specific point targets while avoiding damage to structures, non-combatants and friendly forces. This targeting capability provides flexibility to engage at the tactical level, avoiding unintended consequences. Significantly fewer Excalibur rounds are required to defeat a target, lessening the burden of logistics.

About Excalibur

Successfully fielded in 2007, the Excalibur 155mm precision-guided, extended-range projectile is the revolutionary artillery round used in theater today by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps. Using GPS precision guidance technology, Excalibur provides accurate, first round, fire-for-effect capability in an urban setting. Excalibur is considered a true precision weapon, impacting at a radial miss distance of 6 meters from the target.

About Raytheon

Raytheon Company, with 2011 sales of $25 billion and 71,000 employees worldwide, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 90 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. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. For more about Raytheon, visit us at www.raytheon.com and follow us on Twitter at @raytheon.

This means situations like this where aircraft already delivered or on the production line will be retrofitted with changes that have come out of the test program or experience flying the system. This concurrency is one of the reasons the program has suffered cost and schedule problems. At the same time it allows Lockheed to deliver aircraft to support training and testing and ultimately deployment.

Originally the contracts for production had been cost plus where the government was responsible for any increases in cost related to changing requirements or specifications. The most recent production one due to pressure to control cost has a cap above which Lockheed will be responsible for any additional costs.

Despite the fact that their line workers remain on strike for what is now approaching three weeks the company continues to work on the aircraft.

The F-35 program continues to be the most expensive defense acquisition program in history and recent moves to stretch out deliveries by several years will only add to that total cost.

Maurer joined UTC in 1989 at the corporation’s Otis Elevator Co. unit, where he worked in positions of increasing responsibility until 2000, when he joined Sikorsky as Vice President, Enterprise Planning & Development. Most recently, Maurer served as President of the Sikorsky Military Systems unit, responsible for U.S. and International Military program and product line management, customer relationships and military aircraft delivery. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and holds a master’s degree in engineering from Johns Hopkins University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Stanford University.

“I am confident that under Mick’s leadership, Sikorsky will continue to deliver unmatched value to customers and UTC shareholders,” Chenevert said. “Mick is exceptionally well qualified to lead Sikorsky, given his demonstrated leadership capabilities, strong customer relationships and deep industry knowledge.”

Pino is completing a career in aerospace that spans nearly four decades. He is a retired Master Army Aviator and served in the U.S. Army for 26 years in the active duty, Guard and Reserve components. Prior to joining Sikorsky in 2002, he spent 17 years with Textron’s Bell Helicopter unit.

Pino became Sikorsky’s president in 2006 after previously serving as the company’s Senior Vice President for corporate strategy, marketing and commercial programs. During his years at Sikorsky, the company achieved significant growth, increased productivity and expanded margins, while continuing to invest in game-changing technology.

“Jeff Pino has done a remarkable job leading Sikorsky,” Chenevert said. “Under his leadership, Sikorsky has become more competitive while doubling its production rates to become the world’s largest helicopter manufacturer, and has expanded into new markets with the S-70i international version of the iconic BLACK HAWK helicopter.

“Jeff has positioned Sikorsky well for the future, overseeing the successful development of the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter and Sikorsky’s X2 technology, which was recognized with the 2010 Collier Trophy and is now being incorporated into the S-97 RAIDER,” Chenevert said. “We congratulate Jeff on an outstanding career and wish him all the best in retirement.”

United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries. For more information, visit www.utc.com.

These are both aluminum, trimarans based on ferry designs manufactured by Austal. The LCS is a small combatant also being built by Lockheed Martin (LMT) and Marinette Marine at a yard in Wisconsin that uses a more traditional design. Austal has so far received orders for 9 JHSV from the U.S. Navy. Last week they laid the keel for JHSV 3 while construction on JHSV 2, USNS Choctaw County, continues.

JHSV 1 is close to delivery and recently conducted builder trials.

The company also has orders for five LCS and has delivered their first, USS Independence (LCS 2). LCS 4, USS Coronado, is close to delivery and LCS 6 and 8 are under construction.

Austal has been quite successful in winning orders based on their trimaran fast ferries. Ultimately up to 10 JHSV and 20-25 LCS could be built by the company.

Photo taken by Author.

The Operational Test Agency Evaluation Report (OTN-1-RR), dated April 10th, 2012 was signed by Rear Admiral David A. Dunaway, Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Forces.

The SRWNM software creates JTRS communications plans for Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW) capable JTRS radios based on user input and importing data files from other DoD communications planning systems. These communication plans are then converted into radio configuration files by SRWNM and exported directly to the radio or to external media such as compact disc (CD) or USB memory devices.

The SRW Network Manager plans, configures, and monitors JTRS radio networks that use the SRW waveform. These networks have the ability to transmit both voice and data, including video, pictures and graphic images, and are intended for use by the individual Warfighter, small units and unmanned sensors.

SRWNM is a precursor network management system to the JTRS Enterprise Network Manger (JENM) which is currently under development. JENM manages both SRW and the Wideband Networking Waveform (WNW) used on the Ground Mobile Radio (GMR). SRW is also employed on the HMS Manpack Radio, GMR, and four Non-Developmental Initiative (NDI) radio systems under evaluation at NIE, with SRWNM managing SRW on all of these radios.

The JTRS NED Program is one of four major Acquisition Category (ACAT) 1D programs within JPEO JTRS. JTRS NED developed software provides interoperable, affordable and secure tactical networking technologies and capabilities for Joint, Coalition and International Warfighters. SRWNM provides the ability for SRW based radios, developed by Program of Record (POR) and commercial vendors, to interoperate within the same Infantry squad, platoon, or company. SRWNM has been incorporated into the JENM and is currently undergoing testing at NIE 12.2 at White Sands Missile Range, NM, supporting mounted and dismounted Warfighters in an operationally relevant environment.

About JPEO JTRS

The JPEO JTRS program, headquartered in San Diego, California, has evolved from separate radio replacement programs to an integrated effort to network multiple weapon system platforms and forward combat units where it matters most – the last tactical mile. JTRS will link the power of the Global Information Grid to the Warfighter in applying fire effects and achieving overall battlefield superiority.

JTRS is developing an open architecture of cutting edge radio waveform technology that allows multiple radio types (e.g., handheld, aircraft, maritime) to communicate with each other. The goal is to produce a family of interoperable, modular software-defined radios which operate as nodes in a network to ensure secure wireless communication and networking services for mobile and fixed forces. These goals extend to U.S. allies, coalition partners and disaster response personnel.

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TAUNTON, Mass., May 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — General Dynamics C4 Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Coast Guard to provide ongoing sustainment services for the national Rescue 21 search and rescue system. General Dynamics, the prime contractor for the system’s design, development and deployment, will continue to provide field service personnel, technical support and maintenance of the system. Rescue 21 currently comprises 232 fixed towers and related facilities that enable the Coast Guard to monitor the nation’s coastline and inland waterways; it also serves as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s first nationwide command, control and communications network. The four-year contract has a total potential value of $176 million if all options are exercised.

“The Rescue 21 system’s 232 fixed towers have enabled life-saving assistance for countless boaters from Seattle to Key West to Massachusetts and many points in between,” said Chris Marzilli, president of General Dynamics C4 Systems. “With this award we will continue our collaboration and support of the Coast Guard’s Rescue 21 system and its expanding role within the Department of Homeland Security.”

The Rescue 21 system will be a network of 32 Coast Guard sector command centers, 167 stations and more than 260 fixed towers located along U.S. waterways and the shores of the Great Lakes, Hawaii, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Using advanced direction-finding technologies and digital communications, the Coast Guard rapidly and efficiently responds to emergency calls from mariners while coordinating with federal, state and local law enforcement and first responders. The system also supports the Coast Guard’s homeland security missions that include drug interdiction, defense readiness, marine environmental protection and law enforcement.

More information on the Rescue 21 system and border security solutions by General Dynamics C4 Systems is available online at www.gdc4s.com/Rescue21.

Additional information is available online about General Dynamics C4 Systems at www.gdc4s.com.

More information about General Dynamics is available at www.generaldynamics.com.

SOURCE General Dynamics C4 Systems

These countries planned to buy different amounts of the three types of the F-35. Britain to operate from their new carriers and replace the Harrier Jump Jet, Canada to retire their CF-18 fleet and the other two to upgrade from the aging F-16. In fact the F-35 would be similar to the F-16 program with parts and components made by the buying countries. Norway, Japan and Israel have also decided to buy the F-35 over other potential aircraft.

The F-35 has seen serious delays and cost growth due to testing and development issues. It is currently in Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) as well as continuing testing. The U.S. in their latest budget proposal have decided to stretch production out to save money in the near term. Australia has now decided to do the same thing.

That country’s budget plans now call for delays of accepting the majority of their aircraft to mirror current U.S. plans. The goal is to save over $1.6 billion in the next few eyars. The first two Australian aircraft are in production and should be delivered in 2014-15 to start training but their first squadron will not stand up now for a few years after that.

The problem with stretching out production buys is that while it does save money in the near term the same number of systems will have to be bought over a longer time. Due to inflation alone as well as the loss of production efficiencies the average price per aircraft will increase causing the whole program to get more expensive. One potential problem that may arise is that the total number to be bought will be reduced.

Canada is also re-considering their F-35 buy due to issues with how the contract was awarded last year. These decisions will be a blow to Lockheed Martin (LMT) as they reduce near term revenue and earnings.

“There is no longer any nation that wishes us ill or any adversary who wishes us harm that has any doubt that their actions will have consequences – that they will be held to account and that our response will be undeterred,” said Robert J. Stevens, Lockheed Martin’s chairman and CEO. “The very existence of this airplane – your airplane – has altered the strategic landscape forever.”

A host of distinguished officials participated in this monumental event, including senior leaders from Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force; local, state and national elected officials; and Lockheed Martin employees who helped build the F-22 Raptor fleet.

This final Raptor joins a U.S. Air Force fleet of 187 operational F-22s and will join other F-22s in the Air Force’s 3rd Wing at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. In all, Lockheed Martin delivered 195 F-22s to the Air Force beginning in 1997, with eight Raptors used as test aircraft.

F-22s are assigned to seven U.S. bases. Flight testing takes place at Edwards AFB, Calif. Operational tactics development continues at Nellis AFB, Nev. Pilot training takes place at Tyndall AFB, Fla. Operational F-22 aircraft are assigned to Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.; Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; Holloman AFB, N. M.; and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

The F-22 Raptor is the world’s only operational 5th generation fighter, making it an unmatched national security asset. The Raptor is designed to defeat denied-access threats, enable joint and coalition operations in contested areas, and globally promote deterrence and security. For more information on the F-22, visit www.lockheedmartin.com/products/f22/.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 123,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2011 were $46.5 billion.

For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com

Washington DC, USA (PRWEB) May 01, 2012

NowForce announced today it has joined the EDGE® Innovation Network, a collaborative, open-environment initiative enabling industry and academia, with government input, to work together to enhance the delivery cycle of new technologies and innovative capabilities to warfighters and first responders.

Assaf Shafran, CEO of Nowforce said, “We are thrilled to become a member of the EDGE Innovation Network and expect this collaboration will expedite integration of the NowForce system into many more wireless communication platforms and devices.”

The NowForce C4i Mobile Command and Control Smartphone System converts GPS-enabled mobile phone into emergency response networks for military, Emergency Medical Teams, fire, law enforcement and security organizations. NowForce gives users the ability to create and run missions from smartphones and operates over the “cloud.” This eliminates the need to purchase additional expensive hardware and ensures that \ responders are always connected. NowForce solutions run on Android, IPhone, Windows Mobile and BlackBerry platforms.

Pete Palmer, EDGE Innovation Network director, said, “The EDGE provides a new paradigm by using both physical and virtual environments where members and users can collaborate and innovate together to deliver new technologies and capabilities in months rather than years.”

Sponsored by General Dynamics C4 Systems, there are eleven EDGE Innovation Centers worldwide and over 250 EDGE members. Recent new members include Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), Alexandria, Va.; NSM Surveillance, Inc., Spring Valley, Calif.; Aurizon Ultrasonics, LLC, Kimberly, Wis.; Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pa.; and Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Phoenix, Ariz. More information can be found online at http://www.edge-innovation.com.

About NowForce
NowForce is a global leader in on-demand emergency response mobile applications, transforming standard mobile phones into life-saving networks. NowForce’s user friendly and cost-effective solutions ensure optimum quality and rapid response for every type of agency regardless of size or scope, including EMS, fire, military, police and security. With its state-of-the-art SaaS (software-as-a-service) model plugging into responders’ existing GPS-enabled mobile phones, responders – whether in-vehicle, on-foot or off-duty – are always connected to their network. Founded in 2008, NowForce is privately funded and its expanding presence currently includes representatives in EMEA, APAC and North America. For more information, please visit:
http://www.nowforce.com.

The HASC is just one of four different committees in both parts of Congress that can rewrite the budget. After the markups are complete the House and Senate vote their own versions of the bill and a Conference Committee irons out the final version that goes to the President. There is no guarantee that any changes made by any of the committees will stick but it is clear that there are a lot in Congress not willing to reduce spending the way that is being proposed.

Earlier we wrote of how they added back in a submarine the Navy had delayed until 2018. Now the committee is changing some proposals with other systems.

These include the retirement of several Northrop Grumman (NOC) Global Hawk strategic Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). The Air Force had proposed mothballing the Block 30 version of the system and continuing to use the manned U-2/TR-1 aircraft instead. They also would not buy more of that block. The bill the HASC is writing would prevent the retirement before 2014.

The committee has also reduced or eliminated some of the troop cuts and increased co-pays and fee for TRICARE, the military medical plan. Another area they are exploring is increasing funding for some of the Army’s vehicle programs which was cut.

These reductions and the troop cuts are based on the fact that the U.S. is withdrawing from Afghanistan and the Obama administration is predicting less deployments and action in the near future.

This is just the first round of mark ups and the ending bill will be some sort of compromise where some cuts are kept and others aren’t. It does show though that there are many in Congress not ready for large reductions in defense spending and investment.

Mission Confirms Robustness of ATK’s Quick-to-Launch Spacecraft Bus and Components

ARLINGTON, Va., May 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — ATK (NYSE: ATK) announces the conclusion of the Tactical Satellite-3 (TacSat-3) mission. The Air Force announced on April 30th, 2012, that the satellite deorbited into and burned up in the Earth’s atmosphere nearly three years after its May 2009 launch. TacSat-3 was designed for six months of operation, with a goal of one year. Not only did it outlive its design life, it also surpassed its original mission requirements and goals as an experimental spacecraft, and was successfully transitioned to operational status in 2010.

The satellite was removed from operational status and transferred to the Space and Missile Systems Center in February 2012. Once transitioned, ATK provided the Air Force Research Laboratory with updated flight software, which allowed the vehicle to conduct on-orbit collection testing.

TacSat-3′s mission demonstrated the capability to conduct hyperspectral imaging to support the needs of U.S. warfighters.

“TacSat-3 served America well. We were proud to be part of the team that provided reconnaissance data from space to warfighters in the field and to intelligence analysts at home,” said Tom Wilson, vice president and general manager, Space Systems Division, ATK Aerospace Group. “Our innovative bus technology was a key factor in successfully extending the TacSat-3 demonstration to a longer-term operational mission. The mission enabled us to apply and enhance our flexible, modular bus platforms for future small satellite missions that included the ORS-1 spacecraft.”

The spacecraft is a pioneer of the emerging Operationally Responsive Space program, which was designed to meet the growing need of U.S. forces for flexible, affordable and responsive satellite systems.

ATK, as the spacecraft bus prime contractor, provided the complete bus system, which included the onboard command and data handling system, electrical power system, spacecraft bus primary structure, and interfaces to the launch vehicle and payload. Built and designed in just 15 months, ATK’s spacecraft bus met the TacSat-3 program goals of being operationally responsive, low-cost and with expected performance. The spacecraft also featured first-generation modular bus technology designed to provide flexibility for future small satellite missions. As a rapid, affordable experimental mission, the specification did not include a propulsion system to sustain long-term low-Earth orbit.

The TacSat-3 program was managed by the Air Force Space Command with collaboration from the Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate and the Army Space and Missile Defense Command.

ATK is an aerospace, defense and commercial products company with operations in 22 states, Puerto Rico and internationally. News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.

First, Lockheed Martin (LMT) received an option on an existing contract to procure more TPQ-53 counterfire radars. These provide detection and warning of mortars and rockets and allow defensive and counter measures to take place. This contract has a value of almost $400 million and will procure 33 sets of equipment. Earlier the Army had issued a contract for 12. These radars have been in development since 2007 and use since last year.

The Army also placed an Indefinite Delivery/Indoctrinate Quantity (ID/IQ) contract with NIITEK, a subsidiary of Chemring Group PLC, for their Husky Ground Penetrating Radar. This contract has a total value of close to $600 million if all options are exercised. The initial contract is worth $161 million. With all ID/IQ contracts the government does not have to spend anything or just a part of the total value.

The NIITEK Husky is a radar mounted on a vehicle used to detect mines and other threats buried in the ground. It also includes a metal detector if desired. The system supports route clearing and checking as part of a convoy or on separate missions.

These two contracts demonstrate that the U.S. still meets significant threats in Afghanistan and that the U.S. is being innovative in meeting them. It also shows that the U.S. will invest in systems for these missions despite budget and deficit issues.

Wirral, UK, April 30, 2012. LDRA Certification Services (LCS), a division of LDRA committed to providing safety-critical software verification tools and certification services, celebrates RTCA’s decision to honor LCS team lead Todd R. White for his role in advancing the newly ratified DO-178C software certification standard. RTCA wishes to publicly recognize White’s contribution to both DO-178C Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification and DO-330 Software Tool Qualification Considerations on June 5th by presenting him with a Certificate of Appreciation at its Annual Symposium in Washington, D.C.

White’s expertise in avionics standards rises out of his 30 years of experience as a consultant and FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER). White has been delegated full Level A authority for all aircraft systems and equipment for both software and airborne electronic hardware. This strong background in development, verification, and avionics certification enabled him to guide the evolution of the avionics standard so that it reliably addressed current software development and design practices of avionics systems.

With White as leader of the team, LCS provides comprehensive support, oversight and guidance for certification applicants through a wide range of aviation standards:

• Aircraft & Systems Development (ARP-4754A)
• Safety Assessment (ARP-4761)
• Integrated Modular Avionics (DO-297)
• Flight Electronic Hardware (DO-254)
• Flight Software (DO-178B/C)
• Ground Systems (DO-278/A)

“For nearly 40 years, LDRA has helped avionics customers address certification concerns and achieve compliance,” noted Ian Hennell, LDRA Operations Director. “With Todd leading the LCS team, our customers can rest assured that their certification plan will map out the most efficient and effective way for them to achieve certification. We are very proud to see Todd honored for the extensive contribution he has made to move the DO-178 standard forward.”

As a DER and certification consultant, White has worked with the largest and best known suppliers of avionics. He is an executive committee member of the DO-178C/DO-278A committee, an executive committee member of the NextGen Task Force, and holds a leadership role in the U.S. DO-254 users group. White is recognized for outstanding DER leadership by key individuals at FAA headquarters in Washington, D.C. and the Atlanta, Chicago, Seattle, Denver and Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Offices (ACOs). He has also provided DER oversight on projects through the Fort Worth and Wichita ACOs. With appointments as Organization Designation Authorization administrator, unit member at key OEMs, and Supplier Airworthiness Specialist DER at Airbus, White has become well-known at Transport Canada and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), as well as with US Army and US Air Force facilities.

Joining White and the LCS team is Steve Morton, co-chair of the DO-178C Tools Group. Morton will support the tool qualification and validation efforts of suppliers to avionics, automotive, industrial control, rail, medical and other industries. Morton’s capabilities are complemented by Marty Gasiorowski, a systems, safety, software and complex electronic hardware FAA DER, and Dr. Holly Hildreth, a safety engineer with expertise in a wide range of US and international standards. Together they will provide certification expertise in DO-178/DO-278, DO-254, DO-297, IEC 61508, IEC 62304, ISO 26262, IEEE 1012:2004 and CENELEC EN 50128.

Proficient in both commercial and military airworthiness, LCS addresses critical project requirements that relate to certification, including management, planning, staff training, development, verification and production. While analyzing certification and safety needs from a total aircraft system perspective, LCS ensures that the individual and exacting aviation standards can be met at a fixed price.

White’s Certificate of Appreciation will be awarded at the Awards Luncheon during RTCA’s Annual Symposium on June 5, 2012 in Washington, D.C.

The AN/APS-153 radar performs surface search functions to locate and identify submarine periscopes. The total value of the contract for 160 radars is about $330 million.

The MH-60R is designed to perform a variety of missions and be based on carriers, destroyers and other U.S. and Allied ships. It replaces the previously used SH-60, SH-2 and SH-3 helicopters previously used for ship based Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW).

The contract also illustrates how expensive not only the base aircraft is but also the sub-systems hat go into it. Capability and performance is expensive.

Not only do different companies lobby Congress for inclusion of their products and projects but sometimes the Services will indirectly. There exist lists of “unfunded priorities” and needs that Congress may address even though they are not part of the budget request.

The House Armed Services Committee as part of its review has reportedly increased the Navy’s buy of U.S.S. Virginia class attack submarines by 1 more then requested. The Navy had originally planned to buy two a year but in order to meet budget cut goals and reduce spending only 1 was asked for in 2014. The HASC has bumped that back up to 2.

Congress also wants the Navy to consider signing a multi-year contract for 10 submarines. Multi-year contracts are normally for five years and done for systems, especially aircraft, in steady state production. This allows efficiencies and better pricing due to stable quantities and funding. Virginia submarines are currently built by two companies – Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) in Virgina and General Dynamics (GD) Electric Boat in Connecticut and Rhode Island.

One of the problems that the Pentagon will face as it tries to cut money required to meet budget goals is that Congress is loathe to reduce programs. There are 435 House members and 100 Senators who see defense spending as a way to bring money and jobs into their districts. The idea of keeping one more submarine in the current budget will do so. It will also require the Navy to cut less money or take it from other budget priorities.

The U.S. Army and most of the rest of the U.S. military and allied nations have been using the M16 rifle since its introduction almost 50 years ago during Vietnam. During the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan the M4 carbine version of the rifle came into heavy use due to its shorter length and lighter weight. The M4 has been primarily produced by Colt.

The U.S. has tried to develop multiple times a new rifle to replace the M16 but no new weapon has gone into production. The most recent try was the XM8 system that saw only the 25mm “Punisher” variant go into use. Dissatisfaction with the M4′s range and accuracy has also led to Special Forces and other select troops using weapons like Hechler-Koch’s SCAR system. Even so the M4 has soldiered on for the last decade in the dust and heat of South West Asia.

Now the U.S. Army has awarded a production contract to Remington Arms for up to 120,000 M4/M4Aq carbines. There were rumors of this contract award earlier this week and yesterday the company issued a press release confirming it.

The initial buy is for 24,000 of the rifle with another 96,000 if all options are exercised. The contract is an Indefinite Quantity/Indefinite Delivery (ID/IQ) one which allows the Army to pick-and-choose how much and when.

The Army is carrying out trials for a new standard rifle with a potential new contest in the future.

The decision to expand production to include Remington is interesting as Colt has made the M4 for many years.