Defense Daily articles from January 2003

Defense Daily archives from January 2003

Lockheed Martin Credits Offset Package, Loan For F-16 Win in Poland.
January 3, 2003... By Neil Baumgardner Lockheed Martin's [LMT] $8 billion offset package and the U.S. government's $3.8 billion Foreign Military Financing (FMF) loan were critical factors in Poland's selection last week of the company's F-16 fighter for a...

Lockheed Martin Awarded $922 Million In F/A-22 Contracts.
January 3, 2003... Lockheed Martin [LMT] last week was awarded $922 million in contracts for its F/A-22 fighter program by the Air Force, covering the Lot 4 buy of aircraft in the low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase, an extension of the Lot 3 authorization,...

Dynamics Research Completes Acquisition of Andrulis.(Brief Article)
January 3, 2003... Dynamics Research [DRCO] said yesterday it has completed its $26 million acquisition of Andrulis, significantly expanding its market presence with the U.S. Navy and in the homeland security area by adding new federal customers. "The...

Preliminary Investigation Finds Upper-Stage Trouble Caused Proton Failure.
January 3, 2003... Preliminary investigation by a Russian Failure Commission into the Proton rocket's failure in November to place the ASTRA 1K satellite into proper orbit found fault with the Block DM upper stage, according to information released by...

DoD, SBA Simplify Contracting Practices For Small Businesses.(Department of Defense, Small Business Administration )
January 3, 2003... By Calvin Biesecker The Small Business Administration (SBA) and DoD have completed the integration of two contractor databases that will make it easier for small companies to do business with the federal government, the SBA said last...

AMP-Modified C-5 Makes First Flight.(Brief Article)
January 3, 2003... Lockheed Martin [LMT] said last week the first C-5B transport aircraft upgraded through the C-5 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) successfully made its first flight on Dec. 21 at its Marietta, Ga., facility, two months before the originally...

Proton Rocket Boosts Nimiq 2 Satellite Into Orbit.(Brief Article)
January 3, 2003... A Proton launch vehicle carried the Nimiq 2 satellite into orbit, International Launch Services (ILS) reported on Dec. 30. This was the first commercial mission for the Russian-built Proton M/Breeze M rocket configuration. The vehicle...

Navy, GD, Northrop Grumman Move Forward On DDG Production.(General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman to build new destroyers)
January 3, 2003... By Hunter Keeter The Navy in December awarded General Dynamics [GD] and Northrop Grumman [NOC] two contracts worth a total of more than $800 million to produce the next two USS Arleigh Burke-class (DDG-51) Aegis destroyers. "This...

Financial Onus On Hughes In Alleged Export Violations To China, Boeing Says.(Hughes Electronics )
January 3, 2003... Potential financial penalties arising from charges brought against two U.S. companies by the U.S. State Department stemming from alleged arms control violations committed by a former business unit of Hughes Electronics [GMH], since acquired by...

Raytheon Awarded $443 Million To Provide Aegis Components, Missiles.
January 3, 2003... Raytheon [RTN] on Monday was awarded $443 million in contracts to provide components for the sale of Lockheed Martin [LMT] Aegis weapon system sales to the U.S., South Korean and Japanese navies and SM-2 and Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) for...

DEFENSE WATCH.(multiple defense industry news briefs)
January 6, 2003... The Latest Word on Trends and Developments in Defense and Aerospace A-12 Appeal To Get Underway. General Dynamics and Boeing present their oral arguments to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on Thursday in an attempt to...

Spectrum Astro Forms Industry Team To Bid For Targets and Countermeasures Work.
January 6, 2003... By Kerry Gildea Spectrum Astro is forming and plans to lead a industry team to compete for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Targets and Countermeasures prime contractor program. Under the current plan, MDA plans to award a four-year...

Druyun Joins Boeing Missile Defense Business Team.(Darleen Druyun)
January 6, 2003... Boeing [BA] said last week former Air Force acquisition official Darleen Druyun has joined the company to help lead the missile defense business headquartered in Washington, D.C. Druyun, who recently served as the principal deputy assistant...

Lula Suspends F-X Purchase, Future In Jeopardy.(F-X fighter competition )
January 6, 2003... By Lorenzo Cortes In the first major decision of his administration, Brazilian President Luiz Lula has suspended the $700 million F-X fighter competition to address socioeconomic concerns in the country, Jose Viegas, the new Brazilian...

MBDA Signs $1.9 Billion Meteor Missile Contract.(Air-to-air missile for air forces of Britain, France, Germany, Spain and Sweden)
January 6, 2003... MBDA last month signed a $1.9 billion contract for the development and production of its Meteor beyond visual-range air-to-air missile for the air forces of Britain, France, Germany, Spain and Sweden. "MBDA is proud to be entrusted with a...

Navy Works Tomahawk Penetrator Variant, Outlines Plan For Year Ahead.
January 6, 2003... By Hunter Keeter The Navy is working with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) to develop a penetrator variant of Raytheon's [RTN] Tomahawk cruise missile, according to the program manager. "DTRA came to us and asked us to...

Air Force Seeks Solutions To Reduce Space Based Radar Development Risks.
January 6, 2003... The Air Force Research Laboratory, in cooperation with Air Force Electronic Systems Center, is seeking solutions to reduce the risk associated with development, deployment and operation of a Space Based Radar (SBR) system. This SBR System...

United Defense Unit Gets $4.5 Million Contract To Repair Frigate.(Southwest Marine Inc., USS McClusky (FFG-41) guided missile frigate)(Brief Article)
January 6, 2003... United Defense [UDI] last week said its Southwest Marine subsidiary has received a $4.45 million fixed-price Navy contract for dry docking on the USS McClusky (FFG-41) guided missile frigate. The work package includes dry docking,...

U.S. Firm Gets Subcontract On European Military Satellite.(Brief Article)
January 6, 2003... EMS Technologies [ELMG] has received a contract worth over $2.5 million from a unit of France's Alcatel to supply ferrite switch technology for the SAR-Lupe imaging satellite mission, the Atlanta-based company said last week. Under the...

Air Force Launches $30 Million Air Defense System Modernization Effort.
January 7, 2003... By Hunter Keeter The Air Force yesterday issued a request for proposals launching a $30 million competition to replace legacy elements of the air defense battle control system-fixed (BCS-F), according to a service and industry officials....

Israel Tests Arrow Weapon System In New Flight Test Series.
January 7, 2003... The Israeli Ministry of Defense (MoD) yesterday reported a successful test of the Arrow Weapon System, the first in the latest series of tests against new expanded targets. The flight test, conducted on Jan. 5, was the first of a series...

MDA To Release RFP Kicking Off New Boost Phase Interceptor Effort.(Missile Defense Agency )
January 7, 2003... By Kerry Gildea The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) today is expected to release a draft request for proposals (RFP) for a new kinetic energy boost phase interceptor (KE BPI) program, with the final RFP slated for a Feb. 4 release, according...

Raytheon Awarded $265.8 Million To Merge Excalibur, TCM Technologies.(Excalibur 155mm precision artillery round, Trajectory Corrected Munition)
January 7, 2003... Raytheon [RTN] last month was awarded a $265.8 million contract modification to incorporate elements of the Trajectory Corrected Munition (TCM) developed by the Bofors Defence subsidiary in Sweden of United Defense [UDI] with the XM982...

Talent Named To Senate Armed Services Committee.(Sen. Jim Talent )
January 7, 2003... By Kerry Gildea Sen. Jim Talent (R-Mo.) had been named to the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Talent's office reported last week. Talent, who served on the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), was expected to get one of the...

Giant Shadow To Spotlight New Joint Capabilities.(Navy atomic submarines to experiment with cruise missiles, special forces)
January 7, 2003... By Hunter Keeter The Navy's Giant Shadow experiment, which is to take place this month in the Caribbean, could validate a variety of new joint military force capabilities in communications, sensors and system networking, according to the...

MDA Awarded $128 Million Contract To Supply New Radar For Canada's P-3s.(MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates, P-3 maritime patrol aircraft )(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... Canada's MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) yesterday said it has been awarded a $128 million contract to supply new imaging and surveillance radars for Canada's fleet of Lockheed Martin [LMT] P-3 maritime patrol aircraft. "This...

Boeing Selects Telephonics To Provide Intercoms For 767 Tanker.(Audio Intercom System, Boeing 767 tanker aircraft )(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... Boeing [BA] said yesterday it awarded Telephonics, a subsidiary of Griffon [GFF], a $5 million contract to provide the Audio Intercom System (AIS) for its 767 tanker aircraft. "Telephonics is a strong addition to our pre-eminent team of...

Northrop Grumman Tests Datalink Between LITENING ER and Pioneer.(LITENING Extended Range targeting and navigation pod, Pioneer unmanned aerial vehicle)
January 7, 2003... Northrop Grumman [NOC] said yesterday it successfully created a datalink between a LITENING Extended Range targeting and navigation pod mounted on a Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier built by Boeing [BA] and an AAI [UIC] Pioneer unmanned aerial...

Pentagon May Accelerate CV-22 Acquisition.(tiltrotor aircraft)
January 8, 2003... By Hunter Keeter The Pentagon and Special Operations Command (SOCOM) may accelerate acquisition of the CV-22 tiltrotor should the aircraft prove itself during testing this spring with the Marine Corps, according to officials. "After...

Hoon Promotes Missile Defense Radar Site Upgrade To Yorkshire Community.(Geoff Hoon, British Secretary of State for Defence)
January 8, 2003... By Kerry Gildea British Secretary of State for Defence Geoff Hoon this week met with residents in the communities near the Fylingdales radar site to discuss the potential for inclusion of the site in the U.S. ballistic missile defense...

Esterline Technologies Acquires BVR Aero Precision.
January 8, 2003... Esterline Technologies [ESL] has acquired privately owned BVR Aero Precision, giving it a new niche in its defense and commercial aerospace markets, the company said on Monday. Esterline, based in Bellevue, Wash., paid about $10 million in...

Lockheed Martin Sees Long-Term Market In South America.
January 8, 2003... By Lorenzo Cortes Lockheed Martin [LMT] envisions a long-term strategic market for both its maritime and aviation systems in South America, according to a company official. "On the defense side, I tend to look at least on the air and...

Congressional Committee Seat Assignments Still Under Deliberation.
January 8, 2003... By Kerry Gildea The House GOP Conference before the end of this week is expected to approve the selection of Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) as chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, with remaining membership assignments soon to...

Army Looking To Accelerate Netfires Program.
January 8, 2003... The Army wants to award risk reduction contracts to Lockheed Martin [LMT] and Raytheon [RTN] to accelerate the transition of the Netfires to system development and demonstration (SDD), according to notices released recently by the Army Aviation...

Navy, Boeing Move Ahead With Minehunting Robot Submarine Development.
January 8, 2003... By Hunter Keeter The Navy and Boeing [BA] have begun negotiations on a plan to increase the capability of the BLQ-11 Long-term Mine Reconnaissance System (LMRS), according to government and industry statements. The four-year, $82...

First F/A-22 Delivered To Air Warfare Center.(Brief Article)
January 8, 2003... Lockheed Martin [LMT] said yesterday it has delivered its first F/A-22 fighter to the Air Force's Air Warfare Center (AWFC) near Nellis AFB, Nev. "Lockheed Martin is proud to deliver the first of several F/A-22 Raptors for use by the Air...

Trek Aerospace Shutting Down Operations As DARPA Funding Runs Out.(Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency)
January 8, 2003... Sunnyvale, Calif.-based Trek Aerospace last month said it is closing down its operations as funding from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is running out for the development and demonstration of its SoloTrek XFV one-man...

Lockheed Martin Awarded Second LRIP Contract For Predator Worth $30.9 Million.(low-rate initial production)(Brief Article)
January 8, 2003... Lockheed Martin [LMT] said Monday it was awarded a $30.9 million contract for the second round of low-rate initial production (LRIP) of its Predator antitank weapon. "Predator provides the warfighter with a lightweight, simple-to-operate...

Lockheed Martin Gets $341 Million To Produce 88 PAC-3s.(Brief Article)
January 8, 2003... Lockheed Martin [LMT] yesterday said has been awarded a $341 million contract by the Army Aviation and Missile Command to produce 88 Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missiles. "The PAC-3 Missile is the world's most effective...

RADA To Upgrade Recorders for Netherlands' F-16s.(Brief Article)
January 8, 2003... Israel's RADA Electronics [RADIF] said Monday it has received an order to upgrade the its FACE flight data recorders used in the Netherlands' Lockheed Martin [LMT] F-16 fighters. The FACE upgrade provides the capacity for the transfer of...

Bolton Forwards GD-United Defense FCS Design Team Proposal To DARPA.(Claude Bolton; General Dynamics-United Defense Future Combat Systems proposal sent to Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency)
January 9, 2003... By Neil Baumgardner Army acquisition chief Claude Bolton last month sent his recommendation to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to form an "integrated design team" between General Dynamics [GD] and United Defense [UDI]...

Marine Corps Mulls VSTOL Space Plane For Future Small Unit Transport.
January 9, 2003... By Kerry Gildea The Marine Corps plans to start analysis work that would eventually lead to development of a vertical short take-off and landing (VSTOL) space transport plane, according to documents obtained by Defense Daily. While...

Anteon Projects Strong Organic Sales, Earnings Growth In 2003.(Brief Article)
January 9, 2003... Anteon International [ANT] yesterday said it expects its organic revenues to grow between 13 and 15 percent this year and organic earnings per share (EPS) to rise at least 20 percent due to continued strong government demand for its services in...

Signal Technology Expects Flat First Quarter But Strong Annual Growth.(Brief Article)
January 9, 2003... Solid bookings last year should help Signal Technology [STCO] achieve strong annual sales growth this year although first quarter sales are expected to remain level with a year ago at between $17 million and $19 million, the defense electronics...

EADS, Rockwell Collins Move To Strengthen Customer-Supplier Relationship.
January 9, 2003... The European Aeronautic Space and Defense Co. (EADS) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with one of its key U.S. suppliers, Rockwell Collins [COL], as part of an ongoing effort to offer the opportunity of more business for its key...

Boeing: Apache Block III Would Be Enabling System For FCS.(military helicopter considered good platform for Future Combat System)
January 9, 2003... By Neil Baumgardner The proposed Block III series of upgrades for Boeing's [BA] AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter, which would include new digital communications and systems, connectivity with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and...

SRA To Acquire Adroit Systems For $40 Million; Add Surveillance And Recon Offerings.(SRA International )
January 9, 2003... By Calvin Biesecker Information technology services provider SRA International [SRX] said late Friday it plans to acquire Adroit Systems for $38.9 million in cash, significantly boosting the Fairfax, Va.-based company's capabilities in...

CBO Projects DoD Needs $426 Billion Annually For Defense Plan.(Congressional Budget Office estimates funds needed by Department of Defense)(Brief Article)
January 9, 2003... The Congressional Budget Office (CBO), in a report released yesterday, said the Pentagon will have to spend an average of $426 billion a year between 2008-14 to carry out its 2003 future years defense plan. The Senate Appropriations...

Army Plans To Award Contract To General Dynamics For AVLB Improvements.(Armored Vehicle Launched Bridges )
January 9, 2003... The Army plans to award a sole-source research and development (R&D) contract to General Dynamics [GD] to provide improvements for the service's aging fleet of M60-based Armored Vehicle Launched Bridges (AVLB), according to a notice released...

Hunter Says HASC Will Focus On Beefing Up Modernization, PGM Accounts.(House Armed Services Committee Chairman Duncan Hunter; precision guided munitions program)
January 10, 2003... By Kerry Gildea New House Armed Services Committee Chairman Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) told reporters yesterday that in his new post he will continue his push to get $90 billion a year more for weapons system modernization and work to...

Program Manager: LV100 Engine For Abrams Meeting Performance Milestones.(Abrams System Enhancement Program )
January 10, 2003... By Neil Baumgardner The LV100-5 turbine engine being developed by Honeywell [HON] and General Electric [GE] to replace the current AGT1500 engine in the Army's General Dynamics [GD] M1A2 Abrams System Enhancement Program (SEP) tanks is...

Lockheed Martin, Subcontractor Settle Dispute On Software Rights.(Brief Article)
January 10, 2003... A months-old dispute over ownership of data link software developed by Tactical Communication Group that Lockheed Martin [LMT] made ownership claims has been resolved with TCG retaining sole ownerships of all rights, title and interest, TCG...

Thales, Honeywell, L-3 Submit To Non-Binding Arbitration To Settle Patent Disputes.(L-3 Communications )
January 10, 2003... Three companies involved in disputes over infringements related to terrain awareness warning system patents owned by each have agreed to nonbinding arbitration in an effort to settle the matter, France's Thales, one of the companies involved,...

Titan II Boosts Coriolis Mission Payloads.(Brief Article)
January 10, 2003... A Lockheed Martin [LMT] Titan II launched Coriolis mission payloads into orbit on Jan. 6 for the Air Force and Navy, the company reported. The Titan II lifted off at 9:19 a.m. (EST) from Launch Complex 4W at Vandenberg AFB, Calif. The...

Alliant Techsystems Bolsters Composite Business With Acquisition.(of Composite Optics)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2003... In a deal aimed at expanding its position in composites, Alliant Techsystems [ATK] said yesterday it has acquired Composite Optics (COI), a maker of telescope structures, optical benches, mirrors, instrument housings, satellite structures and...

Stevens, Inouye Object To Move To Hold SBCT Funds.(Ted Stevens, Daniel Inouye object to lack of Stryker Brigade Combat Teams funding)
January 10, 2003... Sens. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Committee (SAC), on Monday wrote to Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz, objecting to his move to hold funding for...

Lockheed Martin Awarded Swiss Contract For Portable Radars.
January 10, 2003... Lockheed Martin [LMT] said yesterday it signed a contract with Switzerland to provide 24 Portable Search and Target Acquisition Radars (PSTAR) for its short-range air defense requirements. The contract's value was not disclosed. However, in...

Army To Align UAV Programs With FCS Development.
January 10, 2003... By Hunter Keeter The Army will align its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programs in association with the schedule for the Future Combat System (FCS), according to a service official. "The next five years should be a very exciting time...

Boeing Demonstrates WSOA Connectivity, Broader Applications Possible.
January 10, 2003... By Lorenzo Cortes Boeing [BA] said yesterday it demonstrated collaborative capability among airborne platforms as part of its Weapon System Open Architecture (WSOA), a development that could lead to extending the architecture to other...

ESSM Launcher Competition Draws Closer To Decision Point.(Evolved SeaSparrow Missile )
January 10, 2003... By Hunter Keeter As the Navy moves closer to selecting a launcher contractor for the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) Launching System (ELS), competitors Lockheed Martin [LMT] and Raytheon [RTN] are banking on scalable launcher designs to...

AH-1Z Wraps Up Envelope Expansion Tests.(military helicopter completes first round of Navy testing)
January 10, 2003... The Navy said Monday the Bell Helicopter Textron [TXT] AH-1Z attack helicopter completed its envelope expansion testing, logging over 400 flight hours and finishing the first major round of testing for the aircraft. "In envelope expansion,...

DEFENSE WATCH.(aeorspace and defense industry trends and developments)
January 13, 2003... The Latest Word on Trends and Developments in Defense and Aerospace Monitoring Missile Defense. New HASC Chairman Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) says he intends to establish a closer working relationship between lawmakers and the Missile Defense...

Murphey: Expanded V-22 Mission Profile, Widebody and Stop-Fold Tiltrotors Possible.(Bell Helicopter Textron researchs "stopfold" attack and widebody tiltrotor systems)
January 13, 2003... By Lorenzo Cortes Bell Helicopter Textron [TXT] has conducted studies into potential "stopfold" attack and widebody tiltrotor systems, as well as expanded missions for the V-22 in development with Boeing [BA], that could be used by the...

Small Firms Unsure of Benefit From Bush Economic Plan; Hope For General Stimulus.
January 13, 2003... By Calvin Biesecker President Bush's $670 billion plan to spur growth in the U.S. economy is welcomed by owners of small firms who serve the defense and other industries but they said a provision for additional write-offs for capital...

Northrop Grumman To Provide IRCM For C-17.
January 13, 2003... Northrop Grumman [NOC] was awarded a $7.2 million contract to fulfill a Combat Mission Need Statement issued by the Air Force to add an infrared countermeasures (IRCM) system for the Boeing [BA] C-17 military transport aircraft. "The...

GD Awarded $18.9 Million Contract To Supply F-15K Gun Systems.
January 13, 2003... Boeing [BA] last week said it has awarded an $18.9 million contract to General Dynamics [GD] to produce 40 M61A2 Vulcan 20mm gating cannons for South Korea's new F-15K strike fighters. Under the contract, GD's Burlington, Vt.-based Armament...

Orbital Sciences Gets Another $50 Million For GMD Interceptor Work.(Ground-based Midcourse Defense )
January 13, 2003... Orbital Sciences Corporation [ORB] said last week that it has received about $50 million in incremental modifications to its contract from Boeing [BA] to develop, test and produce interceptor boost vehicles for the Ground-based Midcourse...

Navy Awards Textron $61 Million LCAC Service Life Extension Contract.(Landing Craft, Air Cushion)
January 13, 2003... Textron [TXT] said last week it was awarded a Navy contract in excess of $61 million for Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) upgrades for five Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) by the last quarter of 2005. "The enhancements that we are...

Australia's Austal To Build Patrol Craft For Kuwait Coast Guard.
January 13, 2003... Australia's Austal last week said it has received an order to build three 72-foot patrol craft for the Kuwait Coast Guard. "Securing this contract with the Kuwait Coast Guard, together with our short-listing for the Royal Australian Navy...

Correction.(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... An article in the Jan. 9 edition of Defense Daily incorrectly stated the nationality of AAI [UIC], an American-owned firm that produces the Army's Shadow tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (TUAV). AAI last fall selected L-3 Communications [LLL]...

Boeing To Acquire Firm That Serves U.S. Intelligence Agencies.(Conquest)
January 13, 2003... By Calvin Biesecker Boeing [BA] said on Friday it plans to acquire a small Maryland-based firm that provides services to the U.S. intelligence agencies to fill in gaps in its intelligence portfolio and to help advance its strategy of being...

Defense Contracts.
January 13, 2003... Parsons-UXB Joint Venture, Honolulu is being awarded a modification to increase the ceiling limit $50 million under a cost-plus-award-fee, indefinitedelivery and indefinite-quantity contract for unexploded ordinance clearance and environmental...

Air Force To Compete $1.5 Billion 'Combat Talon III' Conversion.(C-130H transport aircraft conversion contract)
January 14, 2003... By Lorenzo Cortes The Air Force will hold a competition worth nearly $1.5 billion to select a contractor to convert 10 Lockheed Martin [LMT] C-130H transport aircraft to a new MC-130H "Combat Talon III" standard to meet near-term...

Mahan: Upgrades, Reliability Need To Be Designed Into New Systems.(Charles Mahan)
January 14, 2003... By Neil Baumgardner The Army and industry need to incorporate the ability to accept upgrades and reliability into future systems to reduce operations and support (O&S) costs, according to the Army's top logistics official. "It's...

Tanker, Transporter Wins Position Oshkosh For British Support Vehicle Program.
January 14, 2003... By Neil Baumgardner Oshkosh Truck's [OSK] win last week to supply wheeled tankers to Britain under a $250 million deal and its selection in 2001 to supply tank transporters to the British army positions the company well to win future...

Delta II Boosts Dual Satellites For NASA.(Brief Article)
January 14, 2003... Boeing [BA] said its Delta II rocket successfully launched the Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) and the Cosmic Hot Interstellar Plasma Spectrometer Satellite (CHIPSat) on Sunday in a dual primary payload mission for NASA. ...

Army Wants To Use Crusader Breech-Mounted Laser For NLOS Cannon.(Non Line-of-Sight Cannon)(Brief Article)
January 14, 2003... The Army plans to reconfigure the breech-mounted laser ignition system originally developed for United Defense's [UDI] Crusader self-propelled howitzer for use in the new Non Line-of-Sight Cannon (NLOS-C), according to a Dec. 23 notice recently...

Navy Takes Aim At 0-8,000-Yard Surface Warship Security Zone Requirement.
January 14, 2003... By Hunter Keeter The Navy is increasingly interested in equipping its ships to defeat threats within a security zone to 8,000 yards in a new program called "Task Force Hip Pocket," according to service officials. Under Task Force Hip...

Army Releases BAA For Next-Generation Vehicle Technologies.(broad agency announcement )
January 14, 2003... The Army's Tank-automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) last month released a broad agency announcement (BAA) for various nextgeneration vehicle technologies, including the demonstration of prototype tactical wheeled...

France Plans To Transform DCN Into State-Owned Company By May.(Brief Article)
January 14, 2003... France's Ministry of Defense last week said it plans to transform DCN from its current status as a ministry-run shipyard agency into a state-owned company by May. "Components of the industrial activity of the national company over the...

Rolls-Royce Awards F136 Fan Cases Contract To Philips Aerospace.
January 14, 2003... Britain's Rolls-Royce last week said it has awarded a contract, worth an unspecified amount, to the Netherlands' Philips Aerospace to supply fan cases for the F136 engine Rolls-Royce is developing in cooperation with General Electric [GE] for...

JFCOM Continues 'Swarm' Study Effort.(Joint Forces Command studies research efforts for remote weaponry)
January 14, 2003... By Hunter Keeter Joint Forces Command (JFCOM) expects this year to continue its studies into the military benefits of "swarming" unmanned systems with growing laboratory support from the Army, Air Force and academia. JFCOM's Project...

Defense Brief.(Goodrich names new CEO)(Brief Article)
January 14, 2003... Goodrich [GR] said last week that Marshall Larsen, president and chief operating officer of the company since last February, would be named CEO in April completing the succession plan of the Board of Directors. Larsen will succeed David Burner,...

Army Awards AAI $86 Million Contract For Shadow Production.(unmanned air vehicles and support systems)(Brief Article)
January 14, 2003... The Army said recently it awarded AAI [UIC] an $86 million contract to produce nine RQ-7A Shadow 200 Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (TUAV), six attrition air vehicles, ground control maintenance equipment and accompanying spares. "The...