F-35 Engine Certified for First Flight

Pratt & Whitney announced today the certification of its F135 engine to power the Lightning II's first flight later this year after successfully completing all tests scheduled to date. The F135 has achieved Initial Flight Release from the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO). Robert Burnes, JPO F-35 propulsion director, has declared all F135 tests and verification reports complete, clearing the F-35 Lightning II to fly.

DHS to Test Raytheon's Directed Energy for Airport Protection

Raytheon Company will demonstrate the ability of its Vigilant Eagle airport protection system to protect aircraft from the threat of shoulder-fired missiles. The demonstration is funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), under a recently awarded US$4.1 million contract, with a priced option for an additional $1.2 million. The test should validate the system's capability to defeat MANPADS, as an initial step to implement counter-MANPADS to protect flights at airports. DHS plans to perform a parallel evaluation of the Skyguard high energy laser system, to be provided by Northrop Grumman.

RAF To Get 28 New Hawk-128 Trainers

The RAF will get 28 new BAE Systems Hawk 128 Advanced Jet Trainers, to be built by BAE Systems under a £450m contract awarded by the British MOD. Hawk 128 will form a key part of the UK's Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) program which will modernize, and provide coherent flying training for the RAF and Royal Navy next generation fighters, such as typhoon and Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. It is anticipated that the first of the aircraft will be delivered to the RAF in 2008. Integrating complex simulated avionics typical of modern fighters, the advanced trainer will provide a cost effective platform for advanced training, prior to converting to frontline aircraft.

MBDA refutes reports about Missile Cooperation with India

MBDA spokesman publicly refuted today a report published last week in defense News, claiming MBDA will be supporting a series of Indian missile programs, specifically the Sagarika cruise missile as well as the Prithvi and Agni theatre missile systems. "MBDA categorically refutes these totally erroneous claims which were neither checked nor verified with MBDA by either of the two journalists responsible for the article." Said the company's announcement. " The quotes attributed to Indian and French diplomatic sources in the article are highly misleading in that they do not specifically mention the programs involved." MBDA Claimed. The company's cooperation with India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will be supporting anti-tank and air defense programs.

Russia Offers Naval Stealth technology

Russia is incorporating stealth technologies to its modern ship designs. Such technologies enable vessels to reduce its radar signature, and evading other means of detection and targeting by radar and infrared guided missiles. According to Rosoboronexport First Deputy Director, General Vladimir Pakhomov, Russia has been demonstrating stealth technologies in its domestic exhibitions, particularly in St. Petersburg. Pakhomov said these technologies will be presented for the first time out of Russia, at the Euronaval 2006 exhibition taking place in Paris this week.

BAE Sys. Supply Additional 20 Vehicles to Iraq

BAE Systems announced an award by the US Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM), for the supply of 20 additional Iraqi Light Armored Vehicles, an armored troop carrier based on the Force Protection Cougar platform. The contract modification follows an initial order for 378 vehicles issued in May 2006. The total value of the indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract could reach $445.4 million and 1,050 vehicles, if all options are exercised.

LAST Armor Selected for British Mastiff PPV

85 British Mastiff Protected Patrol Vehicles (PPVs), currently under production at Force protection inc. will use removable spall liners using the LAST armor system. Foster-Miller's Light-appliqué Armor Systems Technology (LAST Armor) will supply the kits under a contract worth US$10 million. The internally installed armor utilizes unique attachment system, similar to the Velcro hook-and-loop fasteners but five times stronger than conventional Velcro, enabling rapid application, removal and replacement of armor protection in the field. LAST has already been used with Force Protection's vehicles produced for US forces. and they will be delivered over the next six months.

General Dynamics C4 Systems has deployed more than 500 Command Post of the Future (CPOF) systems in support of the U.S. Army in Operation Iraqi Freedom. CPOF enables commanders and their staffs - more than 200 simultaneous users - to collaboratively develop operational plans, then monitor plan rehearsal and execution from geographically dispersed headquarters. CPOF is part of a program to insert technology into the Army's Battle Command System (ABCS), a suite of networked digital systems that enable interoperability at all levels across the battlespace.