News Alert!

Department of Justice

Released: May 22, 2008

OCCURED TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2008

UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR AND TENNESSEE COMPANY INDICTED FOR ARMS EXPORT CONTROL ACT VIOLATIONS

KNOXVILLE, TN — A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Tennessee returned an 18-count indictment today charging J. Reece Roth, a Professor Emeritus at The University of Tennessee, and Atmospheric Glow Technologies Inc. (AGT), a Knoxville-based technology company, with conspiring to defraud the U.S. Air Force and disclose restricted U.S. military data about Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), or “drones,” to foreign nationals without first obtaining the required U.S. government license or approval.

The indictment was announced today by James R. Dedrick, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee, and Patrick Rowan, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security. Roth, age 70, currently resides in Knoxville, Tennessee. He is anticipated to make his initial court appearance next week before a U.S. Magistrate Judge.

Roth is charged in the indictment with one count of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. Air Force and violate the Arms Export Control Act; 15 counts of violating the Arms Export Control Act, and one count of wire fraud for defrauding the University of Tennessee. AGT is charged in the indictment with one count of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. Air Force and violate the Arms Export Control Act and 10 counts of violating the Arms Export Control Act.

According to the indictment, between January 2004 and May 2006, Roth and AGT engaged in a conspiracy to transmit export-controlled technical data related to a restricted U.S. Air Force contract to develop plasma actuators for a munitions-type UAV, or “drone,” to one of more foreign nationals, including a citizen from the People’s Republic of China. The Chinese national was a graduate research assistant at the University of Tennessee. The University of Tennessee was victimized by the conspirators and cooperated throughout with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) led federal investigation.

Further, according to the indictment, Roth departed for the People’s Republic of China in May 2006 and carried multiple documents, which were subject to export controls, containing technical data controlled by the International Trafficking in Arms Regulations and related to the above U.S. Air Force contract.

The indictment also alleges that, in May 2006, Roth directed the wire transmission to an individual in China of a document containing restricted technical data controlled by the International Trafficking in Arms Regulations and related to the above contract.

Violations of the Arms Export Control Act carry a maximum possible penalty of ten years imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine. Wire fraud carries a maximum possible penalty of 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine, while conspiracy carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a 250,000 fine.

United States Attorney Russ Dedrick said, “The protection of United States technology is a continuing priority of the Department of Justice and this District.”

“Whenever restricted U.S. military data is illegally disclosed to foreign nationals, America’s security is put at risk. Today’s indictment demonstrates just how seriously we view such violations,” said Assistant Attorney General Rowan

These investigations were jointly conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Department of Commerce Office of Export Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey Theodore and Will Mackie of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee.

Front Page ~ Boeing In-house Editorial

Boeing KC-767 Tanker: Capability Where it Counts

ST. LOUIS, May 22, 2008 -- With advantages identified by the U.S. Air Force in the areas of mission capability, survivability, aerial refueling technology, operational utility and ability to respond to real-world mission scenarios, the Boeing [NYSE: BA] KC-767 is the best tanker for the future conflicts anticipated by the U.S. Defense Department.

"U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates recently stated that the wars of the future will resemble the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Mark McGraw, vice president, Boeing Tanker Programs. "Therefore it follows that the KC-767 tanker is the ideal plane for future conflicts. It has the ability to operate out of smaller forward airfields to efficiently and effectively serve our warfighters, take advantage of existing infrastructure close to expected hot spots and do it all with a more capable, lower-cost, lower-risk, more survivable tanker."

Secretary Gates said in a speech earlier this month that, "the kind of capabilities we will most likely need in the years ahead will often resemble the kinds of capabilities we need today." He added that, "any major weapons program, in order to remain viable, will have to show some utility and relevance to the kind of irregular campaigns that...are most likely to engage America's military in the coming decades."

A costlier, riskier tanker put forth by the team of Northrop Grumman and the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) was chosen by the Air Force Feb. 29 as the replacement for the aging fleet of medium-sized KC-135s that met U.S. military requirements through the Cold War, Vietnam and Desert Storm. The same aircraft are providing aerial refueling to American and allied forces today in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Air Force Request for Proposals seemed to call for a medium-sized tanker designed to meet the unique needs of today's expeditionary Air Force. During the evaluation of the two offerings, 98 positive discriminators, or strengths, were identified for the KC-767 compared to 30 for the Airbus A330-based plane.

"The Boeing KC-767 offered much more in terms of capability for bringing the right number of right-sized planes and the right amount of fuel to the fight," McGraw said. "The top strengths of the KC-767 drive home the superiority of the Boeing plane for this mission."

According to the KC-X evaluation, top discriminators in the areas of capability, aerial refueling technology, real-world operations, survivability, operational utility and secondary mission capability include:

The ability to refuel multiple types of aircraft, including the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft
Ability to isolate, transport and off-load multiple fuel types
Less fuel burned, less foreign bases required and less sensitive to geo-political base denials in operational scenarios

Fuel tank and ballistic threat protection
Aerial refueling operator station
Ability to carry higher weight cargo on the main deck
Ability to carry hazardous material on the main deck
Aeromedical crew displays and the ability to generate therapeutic patient oxygen
Advanced communication and navigation capabilities and future growth potential

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.1 billion business with 71,000 employees worldwide.

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Front Page

Boeing Highlights Increased Environment Focus in 2008 Report

CHICAGO, May 22, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today released its 2008 Environment Report, detailing its performance, strategy and actions to reduce its environmental footprint and lead the aerospace industry with environmentally progressive products and services.

"Climate change and pollution are serious global concerns," said Jim McNerney, Boeing chairman, president and CEO. "Recognizing that, Boeing has set a clear strategy to help protect our eco-system. Our greatest contributions will continue to come from innovation--delivering improved environmental performance for customers while relentlessly reducing our own footprint."

Boeing has a record of integrating environmental performance improvements through technology advancements. Over the last 40 years, airplane emissions of carbon dioxide have been reduced by around 70 percent and the noise footprints have been reduced by approximately 90 percent. Boeing targets improving fuel efficiency of each new generation of commercial airplane by 15 percent compared to the airplanes they replace.

"It's a good record, but it's clear we need to accelerate our efforts," said McNerney. "Because of the tremendous benefits aerospace brings to the world, our industry--and our company with it--is growing, and we are focused on achieving carbon-neutral growth and then continued reductions."

The 2008 Environment Report states that Boeing's manufacturing operations have achieved significant improvements between 2002 and 2007. On a revenue-adjusted basis, Boeing has reduced energy use and carbon dioxide emissions at its major facilities by 24 percent and hazardous waste by 30 percent. On an absolute basis the reductions are 5 percent for energy use, 4.8 percent for carbon dioxide emissions and 12 percent for hazardous waste.

Some highlights of Boeing's work with environmentally progressive technologies include:

The world's first flight of a commercial airplane powered in part by biofuels, in collaboration with Virgin Atlantic Airways and GE Aviation. Boeing is focused on research for advanced generations of sustainable biofuels using biomass that do not compete with food crops or water resources.

The world's first straight-and-level flight of a manned airplane powered only by a fuel-cell. The research may benefit secondary aircraft system power use.

Delivery of world-record holding solar cells by Boeing subsidiary Spectrolab Inc., to an Australian customer to power a 154MW power station.

Available online at http://www.boeing.com/aboutus/environment , the 2008 Environment Report highlights that Boeing is now targeting a further 25-percent revenue-adjusted reduction of energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by 2012, with similar goals for recycling and hazardous waste.

Boeing is the world's leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined. Additionally, Boeing designs and manufactures rotorcraft, electronic and defense systems, missiles, satellites, launch vehicles and advanced information and communication systems. As a major service provider to NASA, Boeing operates the Space Shuttle and International Space Station. The company also provides numerous military and commercial airline support services. Boeing has customers in more than 90 countries around the world and is one of the largest U.S. exporters in terms of sales.

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Front Page

Boeing Flies A160T Hummingbird Unmanned Rotorcraft for 18 Hours

Company claims world record for UAV endurance in specific weight class

ST. LOUIS, May 21, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] successfully flew its A160T Hummingbird unmanned rotorcraft for 18.7 hours May 14-15, claiming an unofficial world endurance record for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) weighing between 1,102 and 5,511 pounds (500 to 2,500 kilograms).

"We didn't set out to establish a world record, but it was a great accomplishment," said Jim Martin, Boeing Advanced Systems A160T program manager. "This 18-hour endurance flight is the culmination of thousands of hours of systems, ground and flight testing. The aircraft performed flawlessly, flying un-refueled longer than any other current unmanned rotorcraft. Our customers are excited about this important flight, the needs the A160T fills and the many options it gives warfighters."

During the flight at the U.S. Army's Yuma Proving Ground in southwestern Arizona, the turbine-powered aircraft carried a 300-pound internal payload at altitudes up to 15,000 feet, landing with better than 90 minutes of fuel in reserve. The flight began May 14 at 8:55 p.m. (Pacific time) and ended May 15 at 3:36 p.m.

Boeing has submitted an application to the National Aeronautic Association, the U.S. sanctioning body for the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), to officially claim the world record. FAI establishes rules for the control and certification of world aeronautical and astronautical records.

"With its ability to operate autonomously for extremely long durations while carrying heavy payloads, the A160T is perfectly designed for a variety of military missions," said Grady Eakin, Boeing Advanced Systems director of Business Development. "The A160T's large internal bays can accommodate multiple sensor payloads, allowing it to simultaneously perform persistent intelligence, reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition, communications relay, direct attack and other missions all in the same sortie. An externally mounted payload module can deliver heavy supplies or recover high-value assets with great precision."

The aircraft used in the 18-hour test was one of the A160Ts Boeing Advanced Systems is building for customers including the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the U.S. Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate and U.S. Naval Air Systems Command. The same aircraft achieved another flight milestone May 9 by successfully completing hover-out-of-ground-effect (HOGE) demonstrations at altitudes of 15,000 and 20,000 feet.

"The HOGE was an important flight because it showcased a highly desirable capability that other unmanned rotorcraft can't deliver," said Martin. "Being able to hover at high altitudes puts the A160T above certain mountainous areas and out of range of some ground defenses, while maintaining persistent intelligence, reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition, and performing other missions for troops on the ground. The 15,000-foot HOGE met the DARPA goal. We exceeded that goal with the 20,000-foot test point."

The HOGE demonstration flight lasted 2.9 hours, including hovering for more than seven minutes. The HOGE and 18-hour endurance flights completed all planned Phase I flight test demonstrations for DARPA. Since 2007, the A160T has reached a speed of 142 knots, recorded an eight-hour flight carrying more than 1,000 pounds of payload and recorded a 12-hour flight carrying more than 500 pounds, all using a fraction of its maximum fuel capacity.

The Hummingbird features a unique optimum-speed-rotor technology that significantly improves overall performance efficiency by adjusting the rotor's speed at different altitudes, gross weights and cruise speeds. The autonomous unmanned aircraft, measuring 35 feet long with a 36-foot rotor diameter, eventually will fly more than 140 knots with a ceiling of 20,000 to 30,000 feet (high hover capability up to 15,000 feet) for more than 20 hours.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.1 billion business with 71,000 employees worldwide.

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Front Page France ~ EADS Diversity

EADS Defence & Security chosen by Korea Electric Power Corporation for nationwide radio communicationsFirst nationwide digital TETRA network in South Korea

Will empower all KEPCO professionals caring for the power distribution and transformation network

22 May 2008

EADS Defence & Security (DS) will expand Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) TETRA network. KEPCO has awarded Nuri Telecom, EADS Secure Networks' Value Added Reseller for PMR solutions, the project to set up an advanced digital radio communication network in South Korea. The implementation of the turnkey project is expanded on top of an already operational trial network, an EADS TETRA System delivered by Nuri Telecom.

The new radio communications network is replacing the existing analogue system, and it will be used for controlling and monitoring KEPCO's power distribution and transformation network.

Nuri Telecom is the main contractor of this turnkey project, and EADS Secure Networks, an integrated activity of EADS DS, will provide the complete solution, including the EADS TETRA system and radio terminals. The already operational trial network with its 13 TB3 base stations together with the now contracted 108 additional TB3 base stations will form a backbone network that covers the seven main regions of South Korea. The network operates on a 380-MHz frequency.

“The network will benefit from the most future-proof solutions,” states Mr SongMan Cho, CEO, Nuri Telecom. “The data radio is based on the newest innovations, and the network itself will be built to take advantage of Fortecor® solutions for high speed data".

"KEPCO's energy supply service reaches everywhere in Korea. It's essential to build up a truly seamless radio communications network that will surely lead KEPCO to achieve the efficiency and reliability of the Power IT applications such as Power Distribution Automation, Auto Meter Reading, Wind Speed Monitoring, and Quick Repair & Maintenance Mobile Service among others" says Mr. MyungJong Lee, Manager, KEPCO.

"The selection process including the trial was very thorough, and we are proud to have been selected,” says Jean-Marc Nasr, President, EADS Secure Networks. “KEPCO has its sights in the future, and we are looking forward to working with them in building a system that suits their very specific needs. This is a very important case for EADS Secure Networks, further strengthening our position in the mission critical markets”.

EADS Secure Networks is an integrated activity of EADS Defence & Security (DS). DS is a systems solutions provider for armed forces and civil security worldwide. Its portfolio ranges from sensors and secure networks through missiles to aircraft and UAVs as well as global security, service and support solutions. In 2007, DS – with around 22,000 employees – achieved revenues of € 5.5 billion. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of € 39.1 billion and employs a workforce of about 116,000.

Front Page France

EADS to support disaster relief efforts in China with donations, information, hardware and technical assistanceAirbus and Eurocopter make financial donations

Astrium provides detailed satellite imagery of the affected area to aid emergency relief on the ground

Defence & Security Division to provide tents for Sichuan

Eurocopter establishes crisis management cell for helicopters in rescue operations

Beijing, 21 May 2008

EADS, a global leader in aerospace and defence, is supporting the global emergency relief efforts in the province of Sichuan following the Earthquake on May 12.
Louis Gallois, CEO of EADS, said: “Our employees all around the world are eager to offer help to the victims of the earthquake, their relatives and the professionals and volunteers on the ground.”

Dominique Barbier, CEO of EADS China, added: "The EADS teams based in China have been extremely moved by the suffering of those affected by this disaster. We are already engaged in supporting the relief efforts in any way we can, by mobilizing our expertise in satellite imagery and geo-information, helicopter support, as well as through donations.”

Tom Enders, CEO of Airbus, has arrived in China for discussions with the local authorities, and will make a significant donation to the relief effort. He is assessing, with the Airbus China management as well as the EADS team, how to best employ the donations coming from EADS employees.

Astrium, the space venture of EADS, is a major provider of satellite imagery to the international community during times of natural disaster. For the earthquake in China, Astrium’s 100 percent subsidiary, the geo-information service provider Infoterra GmbH, and Spot Image SA, (in which Astrium holds a significant share), is acquiring data of the affected areas using their respective satellites, the German radar satellite TerraSAR-X and the French optical satellite SPOT 5 and distributing them to the emergency response teams.

Within seven hours after reception at the ground station, the first TerraSAR-X imagery was delivered to the users. At the same time, Infoterra and Spot Image experts in Europe and Beijing began evaluating and interpreting the data sets – enabling a delivery of detailed maps the following day. The data and maps are provided free of charge.

Since the 15th of May, over ten Eurocopter helicopters from Chinese Ministry Of Transport (1 EC225) and Citic Offshore Helicopter Co. (5 Super Puma, 5 Dauphin/EC155) have taken part in daily disaster relief operations from Guanghan airport. These helicopters have dispatched several tons of supplies and ensured casualty evacuation from remote villages located in the earthquake area.

Eurocopter has set up a special task force in China, which operates around the clock to support the main Chinese helicopter operators, Minister of Transport (MOT) and Citic Offshore Helicopter Co. Ltd. (COHC) with technical assistance, provision of spare parts and logistics needs. In order to support helicopter operations for its customers and as a gesture to the relief effort, Eurocopter is very proud to offer a significant donation to MOT and COHC to be converted into a special spare parts credit line or additional technical and logistics support.
Eurocopter and its subsidiary Eurocopter China are fully committed to contribute along with Chinese rescue teams to the best support of victims and disaster relief.

The Defence & Security Division (DS) of EADS will directly address one of the most urgent needs that the population of Sichuan is currently facing: Many people in the epicentre of the earthquake have become homeless now seeking protection. As the Chinese authorities have repeatedly stated that shelter facilities are one of the primary necessities DS supports the emergency relief efforts by sending a large number of tents.

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of € 39.1 billion and employed a workforce of about 116,000. The Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and EADS Astrium, the European leader in space programmes from Ariane to Galileo. Its Defence & Security Division is a provider of comprehensive systems solutions and makes EADS the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium as well as a stakeholder in the missile systems provider MBDA. EADS also develops the A400M through its Military Transport Aircraft Division.

Front Page France

TBM 850 model year 2008 at EBACE

Geneva, Switzerland, 19 May 2008

The 2008 TBM 850 is making its first appearance at the annual European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2008), which is being held May 20-22 at Geneva’s Palexpo.

For the 2008 model year, EADS Socata’s popular TBM850 includes an all-glass flight deck based on the Garmin G1000 integrated flight instrument system. It replaces traditional instruments with large liquid crystal display (LCD) screens, while also integrating primary flight, navigation, weather, traffic, ground proximity and technical information – fully associated with a digital autopilot. This reduces pilot workload and eases maintenance. As a result, the TBM 850 is one of the world’s most advanced light business aircraft available today.

In addition, the TBM 850’s environmental and vapor control system has been replaced by the Global Air Control System from Liebherr Aerospace, which is more efficient and offers a true dual-zone temperature control – a first for an aircraft in the TBM category.

The aircraft’s cabin interior has been entirely redesigned to offer more space, elegance and comfort, with a 2-inch (5-cm.) width increase and a 1-inch (2-cm.) ceiling rise, along with superb leather finishing.

The aircraft displayed at EBACE, registration N851GC, has the new standard – and very streamlined – paint scheme, which highlights the TBM 850’s sleek lines and underscores its high performance.

“After a successful launch, we are convinced that the model year 2008 TBM 850 will strengthen our market position in Europe,” explained Jean-Michel Léonard, Chairman and CEO of EADS Socata. “We already have received an increased level of orders in Europe, and we look forward to supplying more aircraft to the corporate market. EBACE is an important air show for us.”

Nicolas Chabbert, EADS Socata’s Vice President – Sales and Marketing, said an increasing number of leading European companies are realizing the benefit of using corporate aircraft, especially in optimizing their time to help efficiently grow their business.

“The TBM850 is the perfect aircraft for Europe, and it clearly addresses the concerns over increasing costs of operation – especially with high fuel prices.” Chabbert added. “The TBM850 is an eco-efficient and flexible way of transportation. Our presence at the 2008 EBACE is the perfect way for us to meet customers and demonstrate that the TBM850 is a great alternative to commercial travel in Europe.”

After EBACE, the model 2008 TBM 850 will travel to Germany for the ILA Berlin Air Show, which runs from May 27 to June 1. This European TBM 850 demonstration tour for is supported by record sales – with the 2008 production of 60 aircraft already sold out. Sales remain strong for 2009, with orders now being taken for the remaining production line slots in the latter part of the year.

The TBM 850 is world’s fastest single turboprop aircraft, with a maximum cruising speed of 320 KTAS at Flight Level 260 (in ISA conditions). It combines cruising speed and trip times of a light jet with the economic direct operating costs, range and moderate environmental signature of a turboprop engine. The maximum range and useful load – which are enhanced on the new model – and the ability to land at small airports are some of its customers’ favorite features.

About EADS Socata

EADS Socata is one of the world’s leading general aviation manufacturers, with more than 17,000 aircraft built since its creation as Morane-Saulnier in 1911. Current products include the TBM family of high-speed turboprops, TB GT piston aircraft, aerostructures for Airbus civil airliners, the A400M military transporter, Dassault Falcon jets, Eurocopter helicopters and Embraer regional jets. EADS Socata is expanding its customer service activities, to support its growing fleet of TBM and offer its light aviation expertise for aircraft below 5.7 metric tons through avionics modernization, maintenance, repair and overall package offers. Headquartered in Tarbes, France, with North American operations in Pembroke Pines, Florida, EADS Socata is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS group.

About EADS

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of € 39.1 billion and employed a workforce of about 116,000. The Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and EADS Astrium, the European leader in space programs from Ariane to Galileo. EADS is the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium, develops the A400M through its Military Transport Aircraft Division, and holds a stake in the joint venture MBDA, the international leader in missile systems.

TBM Program Milestones

1987: Launch of the TBM 700, first pressurized business single turboprop in partnership with Mooney Aircraft Corporation (USA) and Valmet (Finland)
1990: Certification and first customer delivery of the TBM 700
1991: TBM 700 ordered by the French Air Force for liaison duties, 20 aircraft are purchased
1992: A TBM 700 is selected as the shuttle for the International Olympics Committee at the Courchevel Mountain airport during Winter Olympics Games
1993: “Around the world in less than 80 hours” by a TBM 700 – With the crew of Jacques Lemaigre du Breuil, Nicolas Gorodiche and Olivier Waisblat
1994: Lindbergh Trophy, New York – Paris direct flight in a TBM 700 in 10 hr 54 min 41 seconds pilot: J. Lemaigre du Breuil
- French Army Aviation (ALAT) orders 5 TBM 700
- TBM 700 is the first single-engine turboprop approved for Public Transport in Canada
1997: Launch of the TBM 700B, with large door and optional pilot door
1999: TBM 700B Freighter version go-ahead; ALAT (French Army Aviation) orders 3 TBM 700Bs
2000: First civilian fleet order from Jetfly, fractional ownership operator
2001: Quest Diagnostics orders a fleet of 6 TBM 700B Freighter for medical sample transport
2003: TBM 700C2 increased maximum takeoff weight version introduced
2005: TBM 850 Launch announcement,
2006: First deliveries of the TBM 850
2007: Garmin selected to design an integrated all-glass flight deck for the TBM 850
2008: Introduction of the TBM 850 with the G1000 integrated all-glass flight deck

TBM 850 mod. 2008 New Features

Avionics:

New Garmin avionics G1000, tailored for the TBM 850, true integration of technology, now replaces conventional instruments, gauges and annunciators. It reduces drastically pilot’s workload and simplifies maintenance tasks.

The G1000 features two 10-inch wide Primary Flight Displays and one 15-inch Multifunction display (MFD), the largest currently fitted in a light business aircraft. The MFD screen integrates navigation, weather, traffic and terrain information as well as engine monitoring, aircraft status, and airport charts and check-lists.

Traditional gyros instruments are also replaced by two RVSM compliant Air Data Computers and two Air Horizontal Reference System (AHRS), together with a magnetic sensor. The system is completed by the GMC 710 autopilot, the industries first entirely digital autopilot.

Global Air System:

The existing environmental and pressurization system of the TBM has been replaced by the Global Air System (GAS) produced by Liebherr Aerospace. It provides digital regulation of the pressurization and cabin temperature providing two independent temperate zones.

An engine driven compressor provides efficient cooling at engine start, with a 50% performance improvement over previous systems. Maintenance is eased by the use of airline industry standard components and by a built-in diagnostic system.

New cabin:

The cabin of the TBM Model 2008 has been redesigned by the Catherineau company and provides a new look for the TBM while retaining its distinctly “European Flavor”. New cushions and backrest shapes have been designed after intensive testing after extensive user trials.

The four main cabin side panels have been designed for quick removal and replacement to reduce maintenance costs. The new interior includes new storage compartments and large arm-rests. The passenger table folds entirely into the structure of the aircraft allowing a 2-inch increase of “elbow room”. Cockpit access is easier because of seat new shape and due to a 1-inch head room increase.

SOCATA TBM 850 in figures

Powerplant

Powerplant	PWC PT6A-66D turboprop
Thermodynamic power	1825 eshp
Nominal power:	850 shp
Usable fuel capacity:	291.6 gal	1,100 liters

Dimensions

Overall length	34.92 ft	10.645 m
Wingspan	41.60 ft	12.680 m

Internal

Maximum freight volume in cabin

123.6 cu. ft.

3.5 cu.m

Loading

Basic empty weight	4,589 lbs	2,081 kg
Maximum ramp weight (MRW)	7,430 lbs	3,370 kg
Maximum Takeoff weight	7,394 lbs	3,353 kg
Maximum Zero Fuel Weight	6,032 lbs	2,735 kg
Basic maximum payload	1,443 lbs	659 kg
Maximum payload with maximum fuel	849 lbs	385 kg
Maximum luggage in storage areas	297 lbs	135 kg

Performance (ISA conditions, MTOW, No wind,)

Maximum Cruising Speed At long-range settings	252 KTAS	467 Km/h
Maximum cruise speed At 26,000 ft	320 KTAS	593 km/h
Time to climb to 26,000 ft	15 min
Time to climb to 31,000 ft	20 min
Certified ceiling	31,000 ft	9,449 m

Performance (ISA conditions, MTOW, No wind,)

Maximum Cruising Speed At long-range settings	252 KTAS	467 Km/h
Maximum cruise speed At 26,000 ft	320 KTAS	593 km/h
Time to climb to 26,000 ft	15 min
Time to climb to 31,000 ft	20 min
Certified ceiling	31,000 ft	9,449 m

Distances (ISA conditions, MTOW, No wind, 50 ft obstacle clearance)

Takeoff	2,840 ft	866 m
Landing	2,430 ft	741 m
Maximum range (ISA conditions, MTOW, No wind, 45 min fuel reserve) At long-range settings

With maximum fuel	1,585Nm	2,935 km
At maximum cruise speed
With maximum fuel	1,410 Nm	2,611 km

Price (for 2009 delivery)

Standard equipped aircraft:	2 919 850 USD
Average equipped aircraft	3 082 710 USD

Front Page France

JETFLY will take delivery of two new TBM 850s in 2008

The European aircraft fractional ownership specialist is adding the Garmin G1000-equipped TBM 850 to its aircraft fleet

Geneva, Switzerland, 19 May 2008

JETFLY and EADS Socata announced today that two new TBM 850 very fast turboprop aircraft will be introduced this year in the fractional ownership program of JETFLY.

The announcement was made during a news conference at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE 2008) in Geneva. As with all of the other aircraft in JETFLY’s fleet, these glass-cockpit-equipped TBM 850s will be configured with a paint scheme and cabin interior designed by the architect, town-planner and designer Jean-Michel Wilmotte.

“With its completely integrated all-glass avionics, the new TBM 850 version will help us to optimize our operations – easing the flight management for our pilots, and providing the greatest satisfaction for our customers,” stated Jean-Marc Sassetti, Managing Partner and Chief Operating Officer of JETFLY. “Our clients will enjoy the TBM 850’s comfort improvements – especially the cabin air conditioning system and cabin outfitting. In the current context of increasingly expensive oil, we think the TBM 850 in our fractional ownership program is a true asset to attract new business.”

“We are pleased to see JETFLY increasing its TBM aircraft fleet, which will grow this year with the introduction of our Garmin G1000-equipped TBM 850 model 2008,” commented Jean-Michel Léonard, EADS Socata’s Chairman and CEO. “JETFLY’s customer base of leading companies is extremely demanding, and passengers will appreciate the improvements incorporated in this latest TBM 850 version. We definitely believe the fractional ownership market in Europe is growing, and that the TBM is the right aircraft for the market’s needs.”

About JETFLY JETFLY is the only European company dedicated to the management of aircraft under fractional ownership. Created in Luxembourg in 1999, JETFLY operates latest generation business turboprop aircraft for more than 90 co-owners. For their business or their private travel needs, JETFLY’s customers chose the safety, comfort and the exceptional cost-efficiency ratio of JETFLY’s exclusive transportation system.
JETFLY

www.jetfly.net

About EADS Socata EADS Socata is one of the world’s leading general aviation manufacturers, with more than 17,000 aircraft built since its creation as Morane-Saulnier in 1911. Current products include the TBM family of high-speed turboprops, TB GT piston aircraft, aerostructures for Airbus civil airliners, the A400M military transporter, Dassault Falcon jets, Eurocopter helicopters and Embraer regional jets. EADS Socata is expanding its customer service activities, to support its growing fleet of TBM and offer its light aviation expertise for aircraft below 5.7 metric tons through avionics modernization, maintenance, repair and overall package offers. Headquartered in Tarbes, France, with North American operations in Pembroke Pines, Florida, EADS Socata is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS group.
EADS Socata

www.socata.eads.net

About EADS EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of €39.1 billion and employed a workforce of about 116,000. The Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and EADS Astrium, the European leader in space programmes from Ariane to Galileo. EADS is the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium, develops the A400M through its Military Transport Aircraft Division, and holds a stake in the joint venture MBDA, the international leader in missile systems.

Front Page

LOCKHEED MARTIN RECEIVES $2.2 BILLION FOR F-35 LOT 2 PRODUCTION, $197 MILLION FOR LOT 3 LONG-LEAD FUNDING

FORT WORTH, Texas, May 22nd, 2008 -- The United States Department of Defense has authorized the release of funds to buy six conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) F-35A Lightning IIs for the U.S. Air Force, with provisional approval to purchase six short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) F-35Bs for the U.S. Marine Corps following a senior leadership review and the inaugural flight of that variant. The 12 aircraft will be built in the second phase of F-35 low-rate initial production (LRIP 2).

The $2.2 billion contract authorization comes after the Defense Acquisition Board’s recommendation to release the funds and proceed with production. “We welcome the board’s decision and their vote of confidence in the F-35 program,” said Dan Crowley, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and F-35 program general manager. “We’re seeing excellent progress on our production line, with 17 preproduction aircraft in assembly flow, the first two production-model F-35s already under way and unprecedented assembly quality across the board.”

Long-lead funds of $197 million for LRIP 3 were released on May 14 for at least 18 additional F-35s. The LRIP I contract for the first two F-35A production aircraft was finalized and issued in July 2007.

The first F-35A test aircraft has completed 40 flights and has exceeded performance and reliability expectations. The inaugural flight of the first F-35B is on schedule for late spring/early summer.

The F-35 is a supersonic, multi-role, 5th generation stealth fighter. Three F-35 variants derived from a common design, developed together and using the same sustainment infrastructure worldwide will replace at least 13 types of aircraft for 11 nations initially, making the Lightning II the most economical fighter program in history.

Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 with its principal industrial partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. Two separate, interchangeable F-35 engines are under development: the Pratt & Whitney F135 and the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team F136.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

F-35 and Lightning II are trademarks of Lockheed Martin Corporation.

Front Page

Lockheed Martin Wins Navy Information Assurance Technical Support Services Contract

One Year $36.8 million Award May Reach $189 million Over Five Years

Gaithersburg, Md., May 22nd, 2008 -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) has been selected by the Space and Naval Warfare (SPAWAR) Systems Center - Charleston to provide information assurance technical support services for the Joint Medical Information System. The one year, $36.8 million contract includes network security engineering, certification, test and evaluation, systems engineering and integration, independent verification and validation, integration and maintenance/repair services, and information assurance support.

"The Lockheed Martin approach is to deliver these services with a proven team that will provide the most experienced people and right solutions at a competitive price," said Carey Smith, Vice President Technical Services at Lockheed Martin's Information Systems & Global Services. "Our team's strong performance on similar information assurance jobs will be leveraged, as well as Lockheed Martin's Center for Innovation and Information Assurance Centers of Practice. Through our commitment to cyber security, we are focused on securing our nation's most critical assets and eliminating vulnerabilities."

As part of the contract, Lockheed Martin will assist the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Charleston and the Naval Network Warfare Command with work in cryptographic repair and modernization, network operations and security, computer network defense, security life cycle management, identity management, public key infrastructure, and secure network infrastructure for SPAWAR. The work will be performed in Charleston, S.C. and other locations worldwide.

"We are committed to a full partnership with SPAWAR and ensuring mission success for this critical program," Smith said.

If all options are exercised over a five-year period the contract may be worth up to $189.8 million.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

The Corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

Front Page

Polish Ministry of Defense Deploys Savi's Wireless Supply Chain Network Solution

Savi’s RFID-Based Solution Supports Delivery of Military Supplies into Afghanistan for NATO Peace Efforts

Mountain View, Calif., May 21st, 2008 -- To support NATO peace keeping objectives in Afghanistan and elsewhere, the Polish Ministry of Defense (PMD) is deploying a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-based solution provided by Savi, a Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] company, to automate tracking and management of military supplies. This marks the second largest NATO-related installation of Savi’s RFID networked solution and the eighth separate defense force deployment of it worldwide.

Savi’s networked solutions are actively operational with defense forces at NATO headquarters, and in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Denmark, Sweden, and Spain.

“Savi’s innovative solution has been battle-tested for more than a decade, and we anticipate that it will help us to collaborate more closely with our allies, while creating a more reliable and efficient supply chain in support of the soldier,” said Colonel Artur Malinowski, PMD’s Generalny Zarad Logistyki, P-4 “The Savi solution will be used to track and manage consignments in the Polish Ministry of Defense’s extended supply chain through depots, bases, airfields and other military installations.”

“Poland has an important role in NATO to support peace keeping efforts in Afghanistan, and Savi’s tracking solution enhances supply chain visibility and accuracy to ensure that the right supplies get to the right place at the right time,” said Bruce Jacquemard, managing director-International, for Savi Technology.

PMD’s Military Property Agency contracted with the Netline Group to procure the Savi Consignment Management Solution, which provides near real-time information on the location of supplies through a network of RFID readers linked to enterprise-level, decision-support software. The Netline Group has partnered with Hertz Systems for services to help install hardware and software.

The Savi Consignment Management Solution is based on NATO asset tracking standards that enable it to be interoperable with NATO-allied defense forces. As a result, both national and multi-national consignments can be tracked and managed through tracking networks operated by multiple defense forces when using the same NATO standards-based solution.

Consignments tagged with active, battery-powered RFID devices are monitored by fixed and mobile readers, while the Savi CMS software platform enables users to manage the consignments while in-transit throughout their supply chain journey. CMS also processes real-time data transmissions from other types of Automatic Identification and Data Collection technologies, such as bar codes, passive RFID and GPS satellite location systems. CMS also provides built in capability to integrate with other mission systems thus enabling a tight linkage of consignment management processes to other critical processes such as material inventory management, supply procurement, deployment planning, etc.

With over 17 years’ experience, Savi is a proven leader in RFID and related wireless solutions for the management and security of supply chain assets, shipments and consignments. Savi’s integrated RFID hardware and software solutions drive business value, such as reducing supply chain assets, inventory and operational costs. Founded in 1989, Savi is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, with headquarters in Mountain View, Calif., and offices in Johannesburg, London, Melbourne, Singapore and Washington D.C. For more information, visit www.savi.com .

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion. For additional information, visit www.lockheedmartin.com

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Northrop Grumman and the University of Central Florida Join Forces to Develop Next-Generation Optic and Photonic Technologies

LINTHICUM, Md., May 22, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has further strengthened its long-standing relationship with the University of Central Florida by forming a strategic research partnership aimed at facilitating the co-development of advanced optic and photonic technologies.

Under the five-year Master Sponsored Research and License Agreement, Northrop Grumman will provide financial support and engineering expertise to the Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers (CREOL) and the Florida Photonics Center of Excellence (FPCE), two research centers within the College of Optics & Photonics. In exchange, Northrop Grumman will receive preferential rights to any resulting technology developed through the partnership.

"The College of Optics & Photonics is recognized as one of the top three independent optics academic departments in the nation," says Jim Armitage, chief technology officer and vice president and deputy of Advanced Concepts and Technologies Division for Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector. "Through this partnership, Northrop Grumman will continue its tradition of developing breakthrough technologies that provide discriminating capabilities for our military and government customers."

"Northrop Grumman's leadership in optic and photonic technologies will be a tremendous asset to our students," says Dr. M.J. Soileau, vice president for Research and Commercialization at the University of Central Florida. "We're looking forward to leveraging their expertise in this field in order to develop new technologies that have military, intelligence, homeland defense and civil applications."

The company has long-established operations in Central Florida, where it conducts work in airborne ground-surveillance and battle management systems and also manufactures military laser systems such as ground-based laser rangefinders for target location. Northrop Grumman has enjoyed a strong relationship with the university both in funding research and by hiring its graduates.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

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F. Suzanne Jenniches Receives Chair Award From the American Association of Engineering Societies for Advancing the Engineering Profession

BALTIMORE, May 22, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) F. Suzanne Jenniches, sector vice president and general manager of the company's Government Systems Division, has received the Chair's Award from the American Association of Engineering Societies (AAES) for her "continued advancement of the engineering profession."

Established in 1980, the AAES Chair's Award recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the welfare of our nation. As 2005 AAES chair, Jenniches led the organization's successful transition to a member- and program-focused engineering organization.

"I appreciate the recognition and support of this award as it validates all the hard work and commitment for our causes at AAES," said Jenniches. "I have a passion for spreading the word about engineering - making a world of difference to young men and women."

At Northrop Grumman, Jenniches oversees the company's Baltimore-based businesses of postal automation systems; international air defense and infrastructure systems; and homeland defense. She is also responsible for operational sites in Belgium, France, the Middle East and North Africa.

She has served on numerous committees and professional organizations. She was the past president of the national Society of Women Engineers, a past member to the United States Army Science Board, and a member of the National Research Council Committee on Commercial/Military Integration. She currently serves on the Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering National Advisory Council and chairs the National Academy of Engineering "EngineerGirl!" Web site.

Jenniches joined the company in 1974 as an engineer responsible for computerized test. She earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from Clarion State College and her master's degree in environmental engineering from Johns Hopkins University. She has also completed extensive post-graduate work in international affairs at The Catholic University of America and has attended the Harvard Business School Program for Management Development.

AAES is a federation of engineering societies dedicated to advancing the knowledge, understanding and practice of engineering. AAES' membership represents more than a half million engineers in the United States. www.aaes.org

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Front Page

Southwest Airlines Announces More New Service in Denver

Southwest Airlines Adding Six New Nonstop Flights and Two New Destinations

DALLAS, May 20, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Southwest Airlines announced today an expansion of its Denver service with six new nonstop flights and two new destinations. The additional service includes new nonstop flights between Denver and San Francisco and Denver and Omaha. Flights are available for booking today for travel beginning on Sept. 2, 2008. To take advantage of these new Southwest Airlines flights, visit: http://www.southwest.com/?src=PR_NSDEN_052008 .

"We will continue to grow in Denver as it is a major focal point for us, and the market is responding exceptionally well to our service," said Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly.

The Company will be accommodating this new service with two aircraft that it previously planned to retire, bringing this year's net aircraft growth to 13. With today's announcement, Southwest's 2008 year-over-year available seat mile capacity growth is expected to be in the four percent range.

BEGINNING SEPT. 2, 2008:

-- Three new daily nonstop roundtrips between Denver and San Francisco.
-- Three new daily nonstop roundtrips between Denver and Omaha.

To celebrate the new nonstop service, Southwest is offering a $59 one-way advance purchase fare between Denver and Omaha and a $79 one-way advance purchase fare between Denver and San Francisco. These 14-day advance purchase fares are available for purchase today at southwest.com for travel beginning on Sept. 2, 2008, through the end of the schedule, currently Oct. 30, 2008.

Southwest Airlines began service to Denver on Jan. 3, 2006, with 13 daily nonstop departures to three destinations. The airline currently operates 79 daily nonstop flights from the Mile High city, making Denver the fastest growing city in the Company's history. With previously announced service, Southwest will operate 95 nonstop flights from Denver to 30 cities when these flights commence on Sept. 2, 2008. More than 150 Southwest Airlines Employees call Denver home.

NEW SERVICE FARE RULES

Fares are available for purchase today through June 4, 2008. Fares are for nonstop flights only. All tickets must be purchased 14-days in advance. When combining fares, all ticketing restrictions apply. Seats are limited. Fares may vary by destination and day of travel and will not be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods. Fares do not include a federal segment tax of $3.40 per takeoff and landing. Fares do not include airport-assessed passenger facility charges (PFC) of up to $9.00 one-way and U.S. government-imposed September 11th Security Fees of $5.00 one-way. Fares are subject to change until ticketed. Tickets are nonrefundable but, if unused, may be applied toward the purchase of future travel on Southwest Airlines. Fares are valid on Southwest-operated published, scheduled service only and are not available through the Group Desk.

After 37 years of service, Southwest Airlines, the nation's leading low-fare carrier, continues to differentiate itself from other airlines -- offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the most productive airline in the sky and offers Customers a comfortable traveling experience. Southwest offers a very comfortable ride with all premium leather seats and plenty of legroom with a young, all-Boeing 737 fleet. Southwest recently updated its gate areas and improved its boarding procedure to make flying Southwest even more convenient and simple. Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), the nation's largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers enplaned, currently serves 64 cities in 32 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,400 flights a day and has more than 34,000 Employees systemwide.

Front Page Canada

Comlux The Aviation Group Purchases Pair of Bombardier Global Express XRS Jets

Geneva, Switzerland, May 21, 2008

Aircraft will feature the new Global Vision flight deck

Comlux Aviation the VIP Charter division of Comlux The Aviation Group, today signed a firm order for two ultra long-range Global Express XRS jets.

The aircraft will increase Comlux Aviation’s young and modern fleet to a total of nine Bombardier business jets – including two widebody Challenger 605, two Challenger 850, two Global Express XRS jets – now available for private, business and group charter – and a high-speed Global 5000 jet.

“The superior comfort and state of the art features of the luxurious cabin combined with the advanced technology and comfort of the new flight deck, with particular attention to detail and functionality, underline why the new Global Express XRS is the definitive business jet,” said Ettore Rodaro, chief operating officer and head of the VIP charter division, Comlux Aviation. “Being an industry leader means offering your clientele the very best products and services, and this aircraft goes beyond the profile. I am confident that our discerning clientele will look forward with high anticipation to experiencing this impressive new jet.”

“These new aircraft are part of our strategic development plan to become the leading long-haul charter services provider in Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East, and will be a complement to our Airbus corporate jet fleet,” continued Mr. Rodaro.

The firm order for two Global Express XRS jets – featuring an unsurpassed high-speed range capability and cabin size combination – is a reflection of the strong market interest in Bombardier business aircraft products across both traditional and growth markets in Europe.

“Global aircraft feature a proven and reliable platform, resulting in unprecedented performance and reliability. There are over 230 Global aircraft in service now worldwide, an impressive fleet with significant potential for growth,” observed Bob Horner, senior vice-president, sales, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “This repeat order underlines Comlux’s confidence in Bombardier and in particular the Global Express XRS.”

Global Express XRS:

The pioneering Global Express XRS business jet features the largest cabin of any purpose-built corporate aircraft – offering more cabin volume and more floor space than its closest competitor. No other business jet in the ultra long-range segment matches the high-speed range capability delivered by this aircraft. Offering the ultimate in cabin comfort, this impressive jet can link Geneva-Jakarta non-stop with eight passengers and three-to-four crew*.

Global Vision flight deck

The Global Vision flight deck delivers leading edge design, merged with advanced technology to deliver a completely new flight deck experience. The latest in technological advancements from Rockwell Collins – the new Pro Line Fusion avionics suite – is paired with superior design aesthetics from world-renowned design consultancy firm Design Q, to create the ultimate flight control environment, providing Global aircraft pilots with an unprecedented level of situational awareness and comfort.

About Bombardier

A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2008, were $17.5 billion US, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. News and information are available at www.bombardier.com

Front Page

S-76® Helicopter Fleet Achieves 5 Million Flight Hours

May. 22, 2008

STRATFORD, Conn., May 22, 2008 – The S-76® helicopter fleet has topped the 5 million flight hour milestone, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. announced today. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

The milestone follows two other highlights for the S-76 helicopter in 2008: the 30th anniversary of the first delivery and the 700th aircraft delivery. The program is on track to mark another major event later this year: first flight of the next production model, the S76-D™ helicopter.

“Outstanding safety, quality, reliability and mission flexibility are the hallmarks of the S-76 helicopter program,” said Marc Poland, Vice President, Commercial Programs. “We had expected this aircraft fleet to reach the 5 million flight-hour mark during the third quarter of this year, so reaching this milestone now offers more validation of this fine aircraft.”

An intermediate class, twin-engine commercial aircraft, the S-76 helicopter originally was intended for the offshore and executive transportation segments. The S-76 helicopter program was announced in February 1975 as the first strictly commercial production program in Sikorsky's history. It was certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in 1978, and the first production aircraft was delivered in February 1979.

Today, more than 200 operators in 37 countries are flying S-76 helicopters, serving many missions that include offshore oil crew transport, civil defense , emergency medical service, search and rescue, and corporate and VIP travel including heads of state.

The latest and most advanced model, the S-76D helicopter, will offer significant increase in useful load and extended range performance versus the S-76C+™ and S-76C++™ aircraft currently fielded. In addition, the S-76D helicopter model will feature all-composite, flaw-tolerant main rotor blades; an advanced Thales avionics system and autopilot; dual speed rotor with active vibration control; and Pratt & Whitney 210S engines. The S-76D helicopter is scheduled to enter production with certification in 2009, followed by customer deliveries in 2010.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. The company’s long commitment to safety and innovation is reflected in its mission statement: “We pioneer flight solutions that bring people home everywhere … every time™.“ United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.

Front Page Australia

22 May 2008

Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter

Greg Combet, the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement, announced today that significant progress had been made on the remediation of Project Air 87 – the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters.

Mr Combet, speaking at a Defence function announced the signing of a Deed of Agreement that resolves contractual issues between the Commonwealth and the contractor, Australian Aerospace Ltd.

The Agreement also includes an initiative by the contractor to base two EC135 helicopters in Darwin for two years for lead-in skills training for pilots prior to conversion onto the ARH Tiger.

Eleven ARH Tiger aircraft have been accepted, 2400 hours now flown and 20 aircrew qualified.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thursday, 22 May 2008 019/2008

Greg Combet, the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement,
announced today that significant progress has been made on the remediation
of Project AIR 87 – the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters (ARH).

Mr Combet, speaking at a Defence function, announced the signing of a
Deed of Agreement that resolves contractual issues between the
Commonwealth and the contractor, Australian Aerospace Ltd.

“The signing of the Deed is a major positive development in
progressing Project AIR 87 and getting the helicopters delivered to the Army as
fast as we can,” he said.

“Project AIR 87’s aim is to acquire 22 ARH Tiger helicopters for
the Army, a software support facility, electronic warfare and ground
management systems and training facilities.”

Unfortunately the project has been hampered with problems relating to
delays in the training of pilots, which resulted from the Franco/German
Tiger program itself experiencing delays. There were also some major
issues associated with the Through Life Support contract as noted in the
Australian National Audit Office report on this project in 2006.

The Stop Payment provision in the ARH acquisition contract was executed
by the Defence Materiel Organisation on 1 June 2007. This has resulted
in the need to reprogram project funds within the Defence Budget.

“Following a period of negotiations between the Commonwealth and the
contractor to resolve a dispute initiated in October 2007 over the
contract provisions for Through Life Support as well as the Stop Payment,
an agreement has been reached that will enable the project to deliver an
operational capability to Army in the shortest practical time.”

“I am pleased with the cooperative approach between Australian
Aerospace and the Commonwealth to resolve the issues for this complex
project,” Mr Combet said.

“Work continued on the project despite the Stop Payment, but it was
important that it be addressed quickly. Payment has resumed and the
project is focussed on delivery of the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter
capability to Army,” he added.

“The Deed of Agreement contains the basis for a Contract Change
Proposal that transitions the current support contract to a performance
based structure, to reduce cost of ownership to the Commonwealth over time.
This will help achieve the government’s aim for greater efficiencies
in the sustainment of our major capital equipment.”

The Agreement also includes an initiative by the contractor to base two
EC135 helicopters in Darwin for two years for lead-in skills training
for pilots prior to conversion onto the ARH Tiger.

Mr Combet said, “Eleven ARH Tiger aircraft have been accepted, 2400
hours now flown and 20 aircrew qualified.”

“This remains a complex project but I am increasingly confident that
this development builds a strong foundation and momentum for the
introduction of this very important capability for the Army,” he said.

Front Page

May 22, 2008

J.D. Harrington
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-5241
j.d.harrington@nasa.gov

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468
george.h.diller@nasa.gov

Rob Gutro
Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
301-286-4044
robert.j.gutro@nasa.gov

MEDIA ADVISORY: M08-106

NASA'S GLAST SPACE TELESCOPE TO LAUNCH ABOARD DELTA II ON JUNE 3

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Launch of NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space
Telescope, or GLAST, is targeted for Tuesday, June 3, from Pad 17-B
at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The launch window extends
from 11:45 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. EDT and remains unchanged through Aug.
7. The June 3 launch date is dependent on space shuttle Discovery's
May 31 liftoff, and will move if the shuttle launch is delayed.

NASA's new gamma-ray observatory will open a wide window on the
universe through the study of Gamma rays, the highest-energy form of
light. GLAST data will enable scientists to answer persistent
questions across a broad range of topics, including supermassive
black-hole systems, pulsars, the origin of cosmic rays, and searches
for signals of new physics.

NASA will hold a pre-launch news conference at NASA's Kennedy Space
Center news center at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 1. The briefing will be
carried live on NASA Television.

Participating in the briefing will be:

- Dr. Jon Morse, director, Astrophysics Division, NASA Headquarters,
Washington
- Omar Baez, NASA launch director/launch manager, Kennedy Space Center
- Kris Walsh, director of Delta NASA and Commercial Programs, United
Launch Alliance, Cape Canaveral, Fla.
- Albert Vernacchio, GLAST deputy project manager, NASA's Goddard
Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
- Dr. Steven Ritz, GLAST Project scientist/astrophysicist, Goddard
Space Flight Center
- Joel Tumbiolo, U.S. Air Force Delta II launch weather officer, 45th
Weather Squadron, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

A prelaunch webcast will take place on Monday, June 2 at noon on NASA
Direct, Kennedy's Internet broadcasting network. GLAST's launch
director will explain how the countdown will unfold on launch day,
discuss how the spacecraft and Delta II launch vehicle were prepared
for liftoff, and viewers will hear GLAST's project scientist explain
the mission's goals. To view the webcast, and for more information
about the GLAST mission, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/glast

NASA TELEVISION COVERAGE
On Sunday, June 1, NASA TV coverage of the GLAST pre-launch news
conference at Kennedy will begin at 1 p.m. Two-way question and
answer capability will be available from participating NASA
locations. On Tuesday, June 3, NASA TV coverage of the launch will
begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude after spacecraft separation from the
Delta II rocket, which occurs 75 minutes after launch. Coverage will
be carried on the NASA TV Media Channel (Channel 103). The broadcast
network HDNet also will carry the launch in high-definition
television format from 11:30 a.m. until noon. For complete NASA TV
downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

Audio of the pre-launch news conference will be carried on Kennedy's
monitor-only phone lines and can be heard by dialing 321-867-1260 or
321-867-7135. On launch day, mission audio countdown activities
without NASA launch commentary will be carried on 321-867-7135,
beginning at 8:30 a.m. NASA launch commentary will begin at 9:30 a.m.
and will be available at 321-867-1260. Launch commentary also will be
available on amateur radio frequency 146.940 Mhz (VHF), heard within
Brevard County, Fla.

ACCREDITATION AND MEDIA ACCESS BADGES FOR THE GLAST LAUNCH
All reporters, including those who are permanently badged for Kennedy,
must complete the accreditation process for the activities associated
with the GLAST launch. The media accreditation process may be done
via the Web by going to:

https://media.ksc.nasa.gov

Accreditation requests for the GLAST pre-launch, launch and
post-launch activities at Kennedy and Cape Canaveral Air Force
Station must be received by the close of business Tuesday, May 27. On
Friday, May 30, media without permanent credentials may obtain NASA
access badges at the Pass and Identification building between 6 a.m.
and 4 p.m. The building is located on State Road 405 south of
Titusville, east of U.S. 1 after passing the Astronaut Hall of Fame.
Two forms of government-issued identification are required, including
one with photo. To arrange for badging over the weekend, contact
Laurel Lichtenberger in the news media accreditation office at
321-867-4036.

REMOTE CAMERA PLACEMENT AT COMPLEX 17
On Monday, June 2, photographers who wish to set up remote cameras at
the Delta launch complex will be escorted to Pad 17-B. Departure by
vehicle convoy will be at 1 p.m. from the Space Florida parking lot
located on Poseidon Avenue, adjacent to Gate 1 of Cape Canaveral Air
Force Station.

LAUNCH DAY PRESS SITE ACCESS AT CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION
On Tuesday, June 3, sign-in of badged reporters will begin at 10:30
a.m. at the Space Florida parking lot. Media will be required to show
their permanent KSC credentials or temporary KSC machine badge before
being allowed access to the media viewing site. Following the launch,
media will be escorted via caravan back to Gate 1. Media requiring
access to the Kennedy Press Site after launch must proceed through
Gate 2 on State Road 3. Media requiring remote camera retrieval
should remain at the viewing site until escorted to the launch pad.
After camera retrieval, photographers will be escorted back to Gate
1.

Because this launch is a Delta II Heavy configuration with larger
solid rocket boosters, the media viewing site will be atop the
Trident Bluff on south Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. There is no
infrastructure at this location, so news media should plan on being
fully self-contained. A wireless Internet capability will be
available.

POST-LAUNCH ACTIVITIES
No post-launch news conference is planned. A post-launch news release
will be issued once first contact has been made with GLAST and the
state of health of the spacecraft can be determined. This should
occur within one hour after spacecraft separation from the Delta II.

NEWS CENTER HOURS FOR LAUNCH
Kennedy's News Center will be open for GLAST news operations beginning
on Sunday, June 1, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., continuing through
launch. Starting at that time, status reports on the launch of GLAST
and any media updates will be recorded on the news center update line
at 321-867-2525.

Front Page

Access the World with Just a Click:

delta.com Adds Online Award Ticketing for Air France Flights

Now SkyMiles members can use online calendar to shop 97 percent of available Award Seats on Delta and five airline partners

ATLANTA, May 22, 2008 – Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) SkyMiles members now have access to more of the world when shopping at delta.com for Award Travel on Air France, Continental, Northwest, Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines using the SkyMiles Award Calendar. Customers can easily search for Award seats by lowest mileage amount or schedule and view availability on both outbound and return flights.

Now, 97 percent of Delta’s Award Seats are available on delta.com. As part of Delta’s continued effort to expand online Award redemption experiences, Delta customers can also:

Redeem miles for a previously reserved Award Ticket that contains flight segments on partner airlines – without having to call Reservations;

Search for Award availability without logging in to a SkyMiles® account;

Cancel unused Award Tickets for past and future travel;

Avoid direct ticketing fees;

Enjoy the same access to Award availability as Delta Reservation agents; and

Place an Award Ticket on hold for up to 48 hours before confirming their reservation.

"Delta is making online Award redemption as accessible and straightforward as possible so customers can easily use their hard-earned miles," said Jeff Robertson, managing director of the SkyMiles Program. "Award Travel on our partners accounts for nearly 15 percent of our redemptions, so the ability to search for partner Award Travel on delta.com streamlines the booking process and allows SkyMiles members to use their miles for travel to additional destinations.”

The award-winning Delta SkyMiles program offers members multiple mileage-earning opportunities when flying Delta, Delta Shuttle®, the Delta Connection® carriers, Delta AirElite® and other SkyTeam® airlines. Additional mileage-building opportunities are offered through more than 100 partners such as the Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express, SkyMilesShopping.com, participating hotels, car rental companies, telecommunication services, restaurants, retailers and more. Now in its 27th year, SkyMiles is one of the longest-running and most successful loyalty programs in the travel industry. It was named “Best Frequent Flyer Program” for 2006 and 2007 by Business Traveler magazine and received top honors for “Best Bonus Promotion” from InsideFlyer magazine at the 2007 Freddie Awards.

Delta Air Lines operates service to more worldwide destinations than any airline with Delta and Delta Connection flights to 305 destinations in 58 countries. Delta has added more international capacity than any major U.S. airline during the last two years and is the leader across the Atlantic with flights to 38 trans-Atlantic markets. To Latin America and the Caribbean, Delta offers more than 478 weekly flights to 58 destinations. Delta's marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and redeem SkyMiles on nearly 16,409 flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. Including its SkyTeam and worldwide codeshare partners, Delta offers flights to 474 worldwide destinations in 104 countries. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes and check flight status at www.delta.com

Terms & Conditions:

All SkyMiles program rules apply to SkyMiles program membership, miles, offers, mile accrual, mile redemption and travel benefits. To review the rules, please visit delta.com/memberguide. Taxes and fees for award travel are the responsibility of the passenger and must be paid at the time the ticket is booked. Award travel seats are limited and may not be available on all flights or in all markets. Partner airline benefits subject to change and subject to the terms and conditions of each partner. Offers void where prohibited by law. Offers and benefits subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply.

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URGENT UPGRADES GIVE BRITISH BULLDOG SHARPER TEETH

21 May 2008 | Ref. 168

Celebrate Delivery of the 500th Bulldog with BAE Systems & Major Alan Macklin
BAE Systems’ Jim Imrie, managing director of its Weapons & Vehicles business, commented: "Bulldog typifies the responsive service we are seeking to provide to UK forces. The programme, delivered early, has resulted in a much more reliable and capable vehicle for the front line at the same time as cutting the cost of support for the taxpayer. In the last two years we have responded to more than 90 urgent operational requirements for UK armoured vehicles, most to provide better protection for UK troops."

Soldiers from the first battalion of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment just back from Basra were at DSG’s facilities at Bovington in Dorset on 21 May to thank workers as the 500th Bulldog vehicle came off the line.

Under the core upgrade programme British Army FV430s receive a new engine and drive train, which greatly increases reliability and significantly reduces support costs. Vehicles destined for Iraq also receive a package of armour, a remotely-operated machine gun and other improvements which provide enhanced personnel protection.

Major General Alan Macklin, leader of Defence Equipment and Support organisation’s Armoured Fighting Vehicles Group, said “people from my team have worked alongside DSG and industry to successfully deliver to the front line, in record time, effectively and efficiently and with great commitment. We aim to deliver the best to our armed forces and in Bulldog we have a great example of that.”

BAE Systems’ Jim Imrie, managing director of its Weapons & Vehicles business, commented: "Bulldog typifies the responsive service we are seeking to provide to UK forces. The programme, delivered early, has resulted in a much more reliable and capable vehicle for the front line at the same time as cutting the cost of support for the taxpayer. In the last two years we have responded to more than 90 urgent operational requirements for UK armoured vehicles, most to provide better protection for UK troops."

The £155m programme began with an original £85m contract placed with BAE Systems by the UK MoD in October 2005. This covered the upgrade of the engine, transmission and other systems to 500 FV430 series vehicles. A £70 million contract amendment in September 2007 added the upgrade of a further 400 vehicles.

The conversion programme is scheduled for completion in March 2011. Some 20 vehicles are converted each month at the same time as they receive a major overhaul at DSG’s Bovington facility.

Further upgrades, mostly to provide extra crew protection, have been covered separately under a series of individual contracts.

About BAE Systems
:
BAE Systems is the premier global defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 97,500 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15.7 billion (US $31.4 billion) in 2007.

About DSG
:
DSG was launched on 1 April 2008 and brought together the ABRO and DARA businesses into a single new defence Trading Fund. DSG’s primary focus is in providing expert in-house maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade services for the through life support of the key land and air based platforms and equipment for the UK Armed Forces. The combined businesses will turnover in excess of £270m, with a workforce of around 3500 strategically located throughout the UK.

Front Page

May 20, 2008

General Dynamics Awarded $26 Million Contract to Support the Army National Guard Distributed Learning Program

FAIRFAX, Va. – General Dynamics Information Technology, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has been awarded a contract by the General Services Administration's Assisted Acquisitions Service to support the Army National Guard’s distributed learning information technology (IT) program. Under this contract, General Dynamics will provide information technology (IT) technical support and professional services for its Distributed Learning Branch, Army Training Division. The contract has a total potential value of $26.1 million over five years if all options are exercised.

The support services to be provided by General Dynamics include strategic planning, assessment and management solutions to expand distributed learning training opportunities for Army National Guard Soldiers and units throughout the 54 states and territories and for those who are currently deployed internationally. General Dynamics will work with the Army National Guard to expand access to distributed learning resources, increase the number of course offerings and enhance synchronization of distributed learning with other Army National Guard training methods.

“The Army National Guard is transitioning to an Operational Force, and we must develop and maintain capabilities that support full-spectrum operations throughout the world while always being ready to perform our traditional roles at home,” said LTC Douglas C. Rose, Jr., Chief of the Distributed Learning Branch. “Our Distributed Learning Program provides Soldiers and leaders with the capability to obtain professional development, functional training, mobilization training, and sustainment training anywhere they have a connection to the Internet. The Distributed Learning Program also allows us to share operational best practices with our Soldiers deployed around the globe.”

Core mission support services include strategic planning and program management, project assessment and collaboration initiatives, courseware quality assurance evaluations and IT infrastructure support. Additionally, General Dynamics Information Technology will provide training database services to support the Army National Guard Learning Management System (LMS), the Army National Guard implementation of the Army Digital Training Management System (DTMS) and the Army National Guard participation in the Army Training Requirements and Resources System (ATRRS).

“Distributed learning methods enable individual and collaborative training for Army National Guard Soldiers, giving them practical training no matter their location,” said Zannie Smith, senior vice president and general manager of Army Solutions for General Dynamics Information Technology. “General Dynamics understands the vital role that distributed learning plays in improving training methods and increasing Soldier readiness and safety during their operations.”

General Dynamics Information Technology will partner with PROSOFT to provide quality assurance (QA) assessments, Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) and related support for distributed learning courseware development.

General Dynamics Information Technology has provided other key training services to the Collective Training Branch, Army National Guard Training Division, under its Distributed Battle Simulation Program (DBSP) and Battle Command Training Capability (BCTC) work.

As a trusted systems integrator for more than 50 years, General Dynamics Information Technology provides information technology (IT), systems engineering and professional services to customers in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, federal civil, international and commercial sectors. With 15,000 professionals worldwide, the company manages large-scale, mission-critical IT programs delivering IT services and enterprise solutions. More information about General Dynamics Information Technology is available at www.gdit.com.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 84,000 people worldwide and reported 2007 revenues of $27.2 billion. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about the company is available on the Internet at www.generaldynamics.com.

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May 22, 2008

General Dynamics Selects PacStar™ to Sell Sectéra® vIPer™ Secure Phones

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – General Dynamics C4 Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has selected PacStar™, a technology-based provider of communications solutions to the military and government, to resell the Sectéra® vIPer™ Universal Secure Phone. The Sectéra vIPer Phone is the only secure desktop phone to be National Security Agency-certified to protect information classified Top Secret and below over commercial Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) networks for authorized U.S. military and government users.

The result of this agreement is a one-stop, total solution for government users of secure VoIP. The agreement allows PacStar to include Sectéra vIPer phones in the integration and implementation of Cisco Unified Communications networks or to sell the secure phones to users with established Cisco Internet protocol (IP) networks.

“PacStar’s ability to architect and implement Cisco IP solutions to the classified communications community made them an obvious choice to deploy the Sectéra vIPer phone,” said John Cole, vice president of Information Assurance for General Dynamics C4 Systems.

“We are pleased to have been selected by General Dynamics to resell the Sectéra vIPer phone,” said Bob Dunn, senior vice president of sales and marketing at PacStar. “Our customers in the military and government demand the most secure and reliable communications solutions. The Sectéra vIPer meets that requirement as the next generation secure IP desktop phone.”

The reseller agreement was signed on March 4, 2008. Orders may be placed directly with PacStar Communications.

General Dynamics C4 Systems is a leading integrator of secure communication and information systems and technology. The company specializes in command and control, communications networking, space systems, computing and information assurance for defense, government and select commercial customers in the United States and abroad.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 84,000 people worldwide and reported 2007 revenues of $27.2 billion. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about the company is available online at www.generaldynamics.com.

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Front Page

TAROM SIGNS AN AGREEMENT WITH SKYTEAM TO JOIN THE ALLIANCE AS ASSOCIATE AIRLINE

BUCHAREST, Romania, May 7, 2008 – SkyTeam, the global airline alliance, today signed a SkyTeam Alliance Associate Adherence Agreement (SAAAA) agreement with the Romanian airline TAROM, indicating the airline is on the track to join the alliance as an Associate airline. As part of the process, TAROM must meet a set of predetermined requirements, in areas such as operations, technologies and products, in order to ensure that its quality of service standards and operating performance are in line with those of SkyTeam member airlines.

Once these conditions have been met, TAROM will receive formal approval from the SkyTeam Governing Board, becoming the fourth SkyTeam Associate airline, after Air Europa, Copa Airlines and Kenya Airways which joined the Alliance in September 2007.

The agreement was signed today at a ceremony at Snagov Palace in Bucharest in the presence of Ludovic Orban, Minister of Transport of Romania, Gheorghe Birla, President and CEO of TAROM and Jean-Cyril Spinetta, Chairman and CEO of AIR FRANCE KLM.

"Our Associate Programme illustrates the Alliance's global network strategy. It enables us to extend and deepen our offer on buoyant regional markets", declared Jean-Cyril Spinetta. "SkyTeam has long viewed TAROM as a key partner as the alliance further develops its global network offerings. With its hub at Bucharest, already served by some of SkyTeam member airlines, the Romanian airline will give SkyTeam passengers access to 130 additional daily flights to Eastern Europe and the Middle East".

Passengers travelling on TAROM flights will have access to the same benefits offered by the eleven SkyTeam member airlines and three current associate airlines. These benefits include coordinated frequent flyer programmes on TAROM operated flights and greater access to airport lounges.

"TAROM's association with SkyTeam will be an important stage in the history of our airline," declared Gheorghe Birla. "As we look the future, this will serve as a new step in TAROM's development, since we know that alliances have a great impact on the creation of new customer services."

The SkyTeam Associate Program applies to carriers wishing to take advantage of the benefits of a major alliance, without necessarily having to meet all of the governing and organizational criteria required from fully-fledged member airlines.

Each Associate Airline is assigned a current Member to act as its Sponsor and help in the joining and integration processes, as well as represent the interests of the Associate Airline in all decision-making situations with Member Airlines. TAROM will be represented in the alliance governance by Air France.

The Associate Program is part of SkyTeam's strategy to develop a global network to provide its 428 million annual customers with enhanced services.

About TAROM

With a fleet of 21 aircraft, TAROM carries over 1.8 million passengers annually to 40 destinations in 25 countries in Europe, but also in the Middle East and North America. www.tarom.ro .

About SkyTeam

SkyTeam is the global airline alliance partnering eleven members, including Aeroflot, Aeroméxico, Air France, Alitalia, China Southern Airlines, Continental Airlines, Czech Airlines, Delta AirLines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air and Northwest Airlines, and three Associate Airlines: Air Europa (Spain), Copa Airlines (Panama) and Kenya Airways. Through one of the world’s most extensive hub networks, SkyTeam offers its 428 million annual passengers a worldwide system of 16,400 daily flights covering 841 destinations in 162 countries. www.skyteam.com

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www.hawkerbeechcraft.com

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Announces New $14 Million HBS Facility in Mesa, Arizona

WICHITA, Kan. (May 21, 2008) – Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) today announced a new Hawker Beechcraft Services (HBS) aircraft maintenance and service facility in Mesa, Ariz. at the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. The planned $14 million investment will enable HBS to offer superior customer support in the southwestern region of the United States with a state-of-the-art maintenance center. This facility is expected to generate up to 110 new jobs over five years.

Headquartered in Wichita, HBS is leasing 5.1 acres on the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport with an option to expand to 10.7 acres in the future. HBS acquired a newly constructed 26,000 sq. ft. hangar, and plans to build another 20,000 sq. ft. hangar and a 22,000 sq. ft. administrative building with associated customer offices and back shops on the 5.1 acres. The facility will serve as a factory service center for the company’s entire aircraft line.

“Hawker Beechcraft Services is pleased to announce our Mesa location, which will grow our capabilities and services for our customers worldwide and further enhance our existing commitment to provide the best services and support to our customers,” said Bill Brown, president, Global Customer Service and Support at Hawker Beechcraft Corporation. “We appreciate the partnership and support that has developed between us and the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, Arizona Department of Commerce, the City of Mesa, Greater Phoenix Economic Council and the Mesa Chamber of Commerce.”

Mesa is one of eight U.S. locations where HBS is planning to significantly expand its customer service and maintenance offerings. HBC announced in February that it was making a $14 million investment at its existing Indianapolis facility.

“Hawker Beechcraft will be a significant business partner at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport,” said Lynn Kusy, Executive Director of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. “We’re pleased to have been selected for this new development, which will greatly improve the customer experience for corporate and other general aviation users.”

With 10 existing service centers located across the U.S., Mexico and the United Kingdom, HBS’ network of factory owned world-class service centers provides professional aircraft maintenance and repair with readily available access to its knowledge base of factory expertise and engineering data.

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special-mission and trainer aircraft – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; and Chester, England, U.K. The company leads the industry with a global network of over 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. For more information, visit
www.hawkerbeechcraft.com .

###

This release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements that address activities, events or developments that we or our management intend, expect, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s assumptions and assessments in light of past experience and trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other relevant factors. They are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ significantly from those envisaged by our forward-looking statements.

Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described or implied in the forward-looking statements are general business and economic conditions, production delays resulting from lack of regulatory certifications and other factors, competition in our existing and future markets, lack of market acceptance of our products and services, the substantial leverage and debt service resulting from our indebtedness, loss or retirement of key executives and other risks disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Front Page

EBACE Exhibit #7462
www.hawkerbeechcraft.com

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Receives Order for 10 Hawker 4000s from BJETS

GENEVA, Switzerland (May 20, 2008) – Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) announces a significant order from BJETS, an emerging fractional and block charter company based in India, for 10 Hawker 4000s—the world’s most advanced super-midsize business jet—with options for an additional five. The total value of the contract with options is in excess of $330 million.

This new order compliments the previously announced existing BJETS order for the purchase of 11 Hawker 900XP and nine 850XP business jets, a total of 20 new Hawkers for their fractional fleet throughout India and Southeast Asia. The Hawker 900XP and 850XP were derived from the world’s most popular midsized business jet lineage, the Hawker 800 series.

“BJETS’ new service is forging the way in fractional ownership in the Indian and Southeast Asia region. We’re delighted to once again provide them the best aircraft in the industry for their private jet travel services,” said Brad Hatt, president, Commercial Aircraft at Hawker Beechcraft. “The fact that BJETS has chosen the Hawker 4000 for their customers is a significant endorsement for the aircraft.”

BJETS is a private company that provides innovative business aviation services to corporations and high net-worth individuals in Asia. Offering their services in India and Southeast Asia, the emerging fractional and block charter company is based in Mumbai, India and Singapore, with a flight operations center based in Hyderabad, India.

“There were several key factors that led to BJETS choosing the Hawker 4000,” said Mark Baier, CEO, BJETS. “Its advanced design, first-class performance and exceptional cabin surpassed the standards we expect for our customers. HBC’s unmatched commitment to customer service and support makes them an outstanding partner as well.”

In 2007 India grew to become the third largest geographic region for sales of HBC products behind the United States and Brazil. Hawker aircraft are supported in the region by the recently-opened InterGlobe Hawker Beechcraft Authorized Service Center in Delhi.

The Hawker 4000, a super-midsized aircraft with long-range features and benefits, has enhanced situational awareness and flight management systems backed by real-time system monitoring and status. The airplane comes standard with dual IRS (Inertial Reference System) and auto-throttle that are ideally suited for trans-continental operations. Avionics and utility systems are fully integrated, and advanced composite material construction provides for lower part count, enhanced reliability and lower life-cycle costs.

With best-in-class field performance in the super-midsize category, take-off field length (ISA, SL, MGTOW) is just 5,169 feet (1,576 m). Climb rate is exhilarating, going from sea level to 37,000 feet in just over 14 minutes. Once at altitude, the Hawker 4000 accelerates very quickly to its maximum cruise speed of Mach .84 (896 km/hr). The Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308A engines deliver 6,900 pounds of thrust each flat rated at ISA +22° Celsius and, combined with the Hawker 4000’s advanced wing design, provide stunning high/hot and short field performance.

The composite fuselage of the Hawker 4000 features a 6-foot (1.83 m) stand-up cabin with a 6 ft. 5.5 in. (1.97 m) width. The baggage compartment is accessible on the ground through an exterior door or during flight through the cabin and accommodates 88.5 cubic feet/900 lb. of baggage. An eight-place interior configuration is standard with fully-articulating executive seats in double club format. The interior can be completely customized with a wide variety of materials and cabin finishes available.

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special-mission and trainer aircraft – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; and Chester, England, U.K. The company leads the industry with a global network of over 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. For more information, visit

www.hawkerbeechcraft.com .

###

This release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements that address activities, events or developments that we or our management intend, expect, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s assumptions and assessments in light of past experience and trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other relevant factors. They are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ significantly from those envisaged by our forward-looking statements.

Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described or implied in the forward-looking statements are general business and economic conditions, production delays resulting from lack of regulatory certifications and other factors, competition in our existing and future markets, lack of market acceptance of our products and services, the substantial leverage and debt service resulting from our indebtedness, loss or retirement of key executives and other risks disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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EBACE Exhibit #7462
www.hawkerbeechcraft.com

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Announces First EASA-Certified Piston Order in Poland

GENEVA, Switzerland (May 20, 2008) – Hawker Beechcraft Corporation’s (HBC) solid international growth continues as the company announces the first Beechcraft Baron G58 order from a European customer who will register the aircraft in Europe with European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) certification. HBC expects to receive validation by EASA in the near future, allowing customer Artur Przygoda of Poland to receive the Baron G58 on his delivery date in October of this year.

There has been an incredible interest in Europe for the Beechcraft Baron G58 and Beechcraft Bonanza G36, fully IFR equipped with Garmin G1000® avionics and GFC700™ integrated flight control systems. The piston twin also features the new GWX 68 color weather radar and offers optional Jeppesen chart coverage for Europe and other worldwide regions. The combined package provides improved situational awareness, increased functionality, and reduced pilot workload.

“We’re pleased to have Mr. Przygoda as our first EASA-certified Baron customer in Poland,” said Sean McGeough, vice president, International Sales. “As the owner of several other Hawker Beechcraft products, including the third Beechcraft King Air B200GT we delivered, he is a true Beechcraft enthusiast.”

A Baron G58 is on display at this year’s European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE); a new demo aircraft to be used exclusively in Europe. To support the anticipated increase in European piston sales, Hawker Beechcraft has added a dedicated piston sales person, Chris Hancock, to the European region sales team. He is based in Chester, U.K.

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special-mission and trainer aircraft – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; and Chester, England, U.K. The company leads the industry with a global network of over 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. For more information, visit

www.hawkerbeechcraft.com .

###

This release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements that address activities, events or developments that we or our management intend, expect, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s assumptions and assessments in light of past experience and trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other relevant factors. They are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ significantly from those envisaged by our forward-looking statements.

Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described or implied in the forward-looking statements are general business and economic conditions, production delays resulting from lack of regulatory certifications and other factors, competition in our existing and future markets, lack of market acceptance of our products and services, the substantial leverage and debt service resulting from our indebtedness, loss or retirement of key executives and other risks disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Front Page

Cessna Announces Citation Mustang Order from Russia’s Dexter

Geneva, May 20, 2008 – Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) an order for 20 Citation Mustangs from Russian air taxi operator Dexter.

“Dexter’s order is a strong sign of the strength of the business jet market in Eastern Europe, particularly within Russia,” said Roger Whyte, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing for Cessna. “It is also a sign of the strength of the Mustang program – great economics, great performance and great production. We designed the Mustang to be every bit as reliable and robust as any other Citation in the stable, and that makes it quite suitable for the high utilization operations it will see at Dexter.”

Cessna expects certification for the Citation Mustang by Russian authorities in early 2010. The Mustang, still the only aircraft in a new class of entry-level business jets to be fully operational, is already certified in more than 47 countries.

“Since our first flight in 2006, our Moscow-based operation is the first air taxi in the country offering the intelligent alternative for business travelers,” said Dexter Chief Executive Officer Eugene Andrachnikov. “The company created an entirely new ‘low cost business aviation’ mode of transportation that complements travel by car, train and traditional air carriers in Russia.”

Dexter plans to expand its fleet of new Swiss Pilatus PC-12 aircraft with the Citation Mustang to create a national air taxi network. Dexter is funded by two Russian private equity groups, Industrial Investors and Kaskol, both with strong expertise in the transportation sector.

Based on unit sales, Cessna Aircraft Company is the world's largest manufacturer of general aviation airplanes. In 2007, Cessna delivered 1,272 aircraft, including 387 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of about $5 billion. Cessna has a current backlog of $14.5 billion. Since the company was originally established in 1927, some 190,000 Cessna airplanes have been delivered to nearly every country in the world. The global fleet of more than 5,100 Citations is the largest fleet of business jets in the world. More information about Cessna Aircraft Company is available at http://www.cessna.com .

Textron Inc. is a $13.2 billion multi-industry company operating in 34 countries with approximately 44,000 employees. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, defense and intelligence, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Fluid & Power, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at www.textron.com .

Forward-looking Information: Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements and speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including but not limited to the following: [a] changes in worldwide economic and political conditions that impact demand for our products, interest rates and foreign exchange rates; [b] the interruption of production at our facilities or at our suppliers’ facilities; [c] the timing of new product launches and certifications of new aircraft products; [d] the occurrence of slowdowns or downturns in customer markets in which our products are sold or supplied; [e] changes in aircraft delivery schedules or cancellation of orders; [f] the launching of significant new products or programs which could result in unanticipated expenses; [g] changes in national or international government policies on the export and import of commercial products; and [h] bankruptcy or other financial problems at major suppliers that could cause disruptions in our supply chain.

Front Page

Cessna Receives 24 Citation Orders from JETALLIANCE at EBACE;

Brings Year-to-Date JETALLIANCE Orders to 50

Geneva, May 20, 2008 – Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) it has taken 24 business jet orders from Austrian charter giant JETALLIANCE. With orders placed during the first quarter, it brings year-to-date Citation orders from JETALLIANCE to 50.

The orders span virtually the entire Cessna Citation product range, from the Citation Mustang to the newly announced Citation Columbus. Deliveries start in 2010.

“We are pleased to announce JETALLIANCE’s 2008 total orders today at EBACE. JETALLIANCE has done a remarkable job with its growth strategy since its beginning in 1996, and we are excited to be a part of the story,” said Roger Whyte, Cessna senior vice president, Sales & Marketing.

The 2008 orders consist of four Citation Mustangs, seven Citation CJ2+s, 11 Citation CJ3s, three Citation CJ4s, 10 Citation XLS+s, seven Citation Sovereigns, four Citation Xs, and four Citation Columbus aircraft.

JETALLIANCE Group is one of the world’s leading business jet enterprises, offering a unique turnkey solution for business jet customers. With Jetalliance, the customer can purchase, finance, operate and maintain an aircraft. The Group’s subsidiary, JETALLIANCE Flugbetriebs GmbH, operates a fleet of 35 aircraft with an average age of only three years – one of the youngest fleets in Europe. It operates under JAR OPS 1 in Europe, but is also FAA part 129 certificated allowing it to fly commercially in the United States and Canada.

“We find Cessna Citations to be perfect for most of our operations given their performance, low cost of operation and global support network,” said Lukas Lichtner-Hoyer, managing director of the JETALLIANCE Flugbetriebs GmbH. “As a result of our turnkey operation, and working together with Cessna and BTV, our financiers, we have seen a considerable expansion in our sales and operations in Eastern Europe and Russia in the last few years. This order is a confirmation of this success, as well as our view of the future potential of those markets.”

Based on unit sales, Cessna Aircraft Company is the world's largest manufacturer of general aviation airplanes. In 2007, Cessna delivered 1,272 aircraft, including 387 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of about $5 billion. Cessna has a current backlog of $14.5 billion. Since the company was originally established in 1927, some 190,000 Cessna airplanes have been delivered to nearly every country in the world. The global fleet of more than 5,100 Citations is the largest fleet of business jets in the world. More information about Cessna Aircraft Company is available at http://www.cessna.com .

Textron Inc. is a $13.2 billion multi-industry company operating in 34 countries with approximately 44,000 employees. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, defense and intelligence, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Fluid & Power, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at www.textron.com .

Forward-looking Information: Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements and speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including but not limited to the following: [a] changes in worldwide economic and political conditions that impact demand for our products, interest rates and foreign exchange rates; [b] the interruption of production at our facilities or at our suppliers’ facilities; [c] the timing of new product launches and certifications of new aircraft products; [d] the occurrence of slowdowns or downturns in customer markets in which our products are sold or supplied; [e] changes in aircraft delivery schedules or cancellation of orders; [f] the launching of significant new products or programs which could result in unanticipated expenses; [g] changes in national or international government policies on the export and import of commercial products; and [h] bankruptcy or other financial problems at major suppliers that could cause disruptions in our supply chain.

Front Page

Army & Air Force Exchange Service Corporate Communications

NEWS RELEASE: 08-031 May 21, 2008

AAFES Marks Five Years of Service and Support to Troops in Iraq

DALLAS – Flying into Iraq five years ago on a C-130 400 feet above ground to avoid enemy fire, Dennis Hatcher knew that he and fellow American Craig Sewell faced a daunting task upon landing, as their mission was to set up the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s (AAFES) first mobile exchange in the war zone. When their boots hit the ground, they were led to their accommodations for the night – a tattered building with no doors or windows.

With the sounds of artillery echoing in the not-so-distant horizon and sand, dust and heat beating down on them, the two men instantly realized this was no ordinary assignment.

“The initial feeling upon first arriving could be summed up in one word – surreal,” said Hatcher. “But we knew we had a job to do and that the troops were counting on us so we were anxious to get to work.”

After meeting with local command, it was determined that Hatcher and Sewell would “set up shop” in what was previously an Iraqi airfield south of Baghdad. Armed with five duffel bags of merchandise consisting of baby wipes, protein bars and energy drinks, the pair set out to provide retail services on the tailgate of an old Toyota Landcruiser pickup parked along a dusty road.

“Despite the limited stock assortment, the troops were quite excited to have us there,” said Hatcher. “When we saw the looks on their faces, it was priceless. The hard, war-torn looks of disparity turned to smiles as soon as they saw the AAFES t-shirts. We were treated like heroes.”

Five years later, that lone tailgate has been replaced by 56 BX/PX facilities, 19 unit-run exchange operations, 98 name brand fast food restaurants, including Taco Bell, Subway and Burger King, and hundreds of services including laundry, barber and beauty operations throughout the Iraqi theater.

Overseeing the day-to-day operations of the myriad of AAFES operations downrange is a force of approximately 450 American civilians voluntarily deployed to Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom at any given time. To date, 3,305 AAFES associates have deployed to dangerous places around the world since September 2001. These associates, and the facilities they operate, often provide the only source of comfort items and necessities in combat locations.

From his home in Charleston, IN, just across the Ohio River from Louisville, KY, the retired Hatcher is grateful for the once in a lifetime experience and is mindful of those who selflessly leave friends and family to serve their country far from home.

“Although I knew it was dangerous and unpredictable, for some reason I did not feel scared,” said Hatcher. “Being surrounded by our country’s finest warriors gives one a feeling of security. And it was a true pleasure to serve these heroes.”

Front Page

Former Air Force pilot, NFL star touts opportunities for veterans

by Annette Crawford
AF Small Business Solutions Center

5/22/2008 - SAN ANTONIO (AFPN) -- Chad Hennings has been known by many titles in his life: U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, Gulf War veteran, Dallas Cowboy.

The three-time Super Bowl champion now can go by one more title: small-business advocate.

"Small business is the lifeblood of America," Mr. Hennings said. "The importance of this nation is in the grassroots; it's in the local. It's not the major or federal or corporate, it's the individual who has the small business that feeds the local community, provides jobs, pays the taxes for the community programs.

"To me, that's the essence and the lifeblood of our nation. It's the small-business person, the entrepreneur, somebody who wants to go out and create something, to build something. That's what our country is built upon."

Growing up in Elberon, Iowa, Mr. Hennings learned lessons from his family that have served him throughout his life, lessons that were reinforced when he attended the Air Force Academy. He now puts those lessons into action as president of Hennings Management Corp., a marketing and consulting company. He also is a principal in TRW, a rock-retaining-wall business.

"First and foremost is the integrity I learned from my parents," he said. "At the academy, I learned the importance of strategic planning, the importance of tactics, the importance of communication as an individual and as a member of a team, whether that be an athletic team, cadet squadron, fighter squadron or in an office.

"You have to be able to trust those you're working with and (also to understand) the importance of service before self, of giving back by giving your best, not necessarily to achieve any personal accolade, but to make the team successful. Those personal things are all byproducts of the team's success," Mr. Hennings said.

Sixteen years after climbing out of the cockpit for the last time and nearly 20 years after graduating from the Academy, Mr. Hennings still continues to be a spokesman for the Air Force. He also speaks to corporate gatherings, stressing the importance of commitment and leadership.

"But I also want to be able to give back, and I want to be a part of a successful business, thus my association with service-disabled veteran-owned businesses that I'm an advocate for," Mr. Hennings said.

He said he was moved to action after getting the opportunity through the Fort Worth Airpower Society to visit Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. There, he visited with wounded vets at the Center for the Intrepid as well as the BAMC burn unit.

"(I was able to) talk to these young soldiers who have given their all in their service to their country, and to look them in the eye and have them tell me how they wish they could go back and continue to serve, that they still have a lot in them, that they want to continue to be productive citizens.

"That drive has been instilled in them through the service of wanting to give back, of wanting to be productive, not wanting a handout," he stressed. "That's what sparked the light in me to be able to be a part of something, to give these individuals a chance, an opportunity."

Mr. Hennings said small businesses have the capability of helping warfighters and making an impact on their local communities.

"You take that veteran who has such service, integrity and commitment that they gave to their branch of service and to our country, and that ethic can translate into grassroots effort. People are inspired by these individuals. People can look at that individual and say, 'He's paid his price. He has earned the opportunity and can sit back and get his disability paycheck from the government and do nothing, but look, he's starting his own business.' They're an inspiration to me to want to continue to go out and make a difference," Mr. Hennings said.

Americans can help in this effort, not only by supporting active-duty troops but by supporting veterans, Mr. Hennings said.

"They're not asking for any kind of special compensation," he said. "They're asking to have the opportunity to prove that they can do it. That's how we can support them, by encouraging them, by providing them the opportunities for skills training."

One such opportunity is a program that began at the University of Syracuse's Whitman School of Management in 2007 -- the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities. Mr. Hennings spoke to the first class last summer. Mike Haynie, assistant professor of entrepreneurship and emerging enterprise at Whitman, said Mr. Hennings was the perfect person to address the class.

"Chad Hennings kicked off the whole thing and really got everybody fired up," Mr. Haynie said.

This summer the free program will expand to the business schools at Florida State University, the University of California at Los Angeles, and Texas A&M University. More information can be found at http://whitman.syr.edu/ebv.

The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities is an example of innovative thinking in the education arena, and Mr. Hennings said it will take forward thinkers at many levels in all walks of life to make an impact on the lives of service-disabled veterans.

"When you ask about ways to help veterans, I don't believe that it's all government, all public sector, all military," he said. "It's a holistic approach."

Front Page

48-year-old KC-135 retires

by Master Sgt. Burke Baker
151st Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

5/22/2008 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFPN) -- One of only two remaining KC-135 E model Stratotankers of the Utah Air National Guard was delivered to its final resting place April 24 to officials of the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.

The aircraft touched down onto the Arizona flightline, its maintenance and service records were signed over to a 309th AMARG official, and the aircraft was prepped for induction into what has to be considered aircraft heaven, otherwise known as the "boneyard."

The "boneyard" is a 2,600 acre facility that got its start in 1946 storing World War II bombers and cargo planes, and has since grown into a modern, high-tech industrial organization managing an inventory of more than 4,460 aircraft, 29 aerospace vehicles and 350,000 line items of aircraft production tooling. The group's services include aircraft storage and disposition, parts reclamation and restoration to flight-level maintenance.

However, the fact that these aircraft will be stored provides little solace for those who flew them.

"This day may not mean much to some, but I have personally been flying that aircraft since 1983," said Col. Kelvin Findlay, the Utah Air National Guard's 151st Air Refueling Wing commander. "You become attached to an aircraft with such an impressive track record. It literally becomes a friend."

Tail number 60-0327 rolled off the Boeing assembly plant in 1960, originally serving the active Air Force and then the 191st Air Refueling Squadron of the Utah Air National Guard.

"The E-model modification was a far-sighted and cost-effective decision by the Air National Guard," said Col. Ron Blunck, the 151st Maintenance Group commander who served as both an enlisted crew chief and later a master navigator aboard the KC-135. "The E-model's performance was a vast leap forward from the A-model, and was a workhorse for the ANG for over 20 years. We could carry heavier fuel loads, and could stop on very short runways with the reverse thrust. The E-model was a very capable aircraft and would still be viable today, but the engines are no longer supportable."

It was this configuration that the Utah Air National Guard flew for more than 20 years, supporting the Cold War, operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, operations Deny Flight, Decisive Endeavor and Joint Forge in the Balkans, Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

After long service with the Guard and Reserve, the E-model variants of the
KC-135 aircraft's days have come to a close. In October of 2005, officials of the 151st ARW received the first of its eight KC-135R aircraft . The re-engined aircraft uses the same airframe as it's A-model predecessors, but can offload more fuel, is more fuel efficient and much quieter than the KC-135E.

"Our maintainers received our R-models with mixed feelings, having to say good-bye to some good old friends," Colonel Blunck said. "I have nearly 4,000 hours in the E-model and I will always have many fond memories of the aircraft."

Though a contract has just recently been awarded to produce the KC-45A, the Air Force's newest long-range refueling and cargo platform, the KC-135R may soar into the wild blue yonder through the year 2025.

Front Page

Military better prepared than ever for disaster relief

by John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

5/22/2008 - WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The Defense Department and U.S. military are better prepared than ever to aid disaster-relief efforts, and have improved measures for tracking military families affected by catastrophe, a top Pentagon official here said May 21.

Among other services, department entities are poised to assist with evacuations, emergency transportation and search-and-rescue missions as the nation braces for the hurricane season that starts June 1, said Paul McHale, the assistant secretary of defense for Homeland Defense and Americas' security affairs.

"Today, the Department of Defense -- active, Reserve and National Guard -- is better prepared to assist civil authorities than at any other time in our nation's history," Mr. McHale said at a Hurricane Awareness Day news conference at the Federal Emergency Management Agency here.

The department understands its role in catastrophic relief and has worked with FEMA to put in place a wide range of missions to support a national response, Mr. McHale said. In the event of disaster, the Pentagon is prepared to coordinate FEMA logistics on military bases, to deploy emergency communications rapidly, and to deliver ready-made meals, water and power generators.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff praised the increased role the Defense Department has assumed over recent years.

"(The people of the Defense Department) have been phenomenal partners over the last couple of years and have become really fully integrated with our planning system and our approach in a way that was not the case previously," he said.

Pentagon officials have more closely integrated its planning with the National Guard Bureau, U.S. Northern Command, and state adjutants general, Mr. McHale said. Guardsmen are ready to deploy to Gulf Coast and East Coast states -- where hurricanes are most likely to hit -- and military forces are prepared to protect constitutional rights and provide law enforcement if either system breaks down in the wake of a disaster.

"Our men and women in military uniform are well prepared to provide substantial life-saving assistance to FEMA," Mr. McHale said. "And with a sense of urgency, we will do so if called upon during the 2008 hurricane season."

DOD officials also are working with the U.S. Northern Command staff to implement a system to track and account for troops and military families evacuated or displaced as a result of natural or man-made calamity. The effort has been spurred on by the chaos that occurred in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, Mr. McHale said.

"A number of days passed before we had full accountability for all military personnel and their family members," Mr. McHale said of the post-Katrina confusion. "(With the new system,) we will know who's safe and perhaps who is in jeopardy."

Front Page

Jetalliance Group orders more Airbus ACJ family aircraft
20 May 2008

The Jetalliance Group of Vienna has placed a repeat order for one Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ) and two A318 Elites, adding to the orders that it has previously placed for the family.

Like its other aircraft the new Airbus ACJ will feature a VIP cabin and be powered by CFM International CFM56-5 engines.

Jetalliance Group is one of the world's leading business-jet enterprises, offering a unique turn-key solution for business jet customers. With Jetalliance, the customer can purchase, finance, operate and maintain his aircraft. The daughter company, Jetalliance Flugbetrieb GmbH is operating a fleet of 35 aircraft with an average age of only three years - one of the youngest in Europe. It operates under JAR OPS 1 in Europe, but is also FAA part 129 certificated, allowing it to fly commercially in the USA and Canada.

"Airbus' ACJ Family has won a well deserved reputation among private customers as being the new top-of-the-line corporate jet of its size, offering the best cabin as well as an all-modern design," says Jetalliance Holding Chief Executive Officer Lukas Lichtner-Hoyer. "We manage aircraft for many customers and, for those that want the best, the Airbus ACJ Family is the natural choice".

Airbus' ACJ Family has sold well worldwide - firm orders stand at more than 100 - and is in service on every continent, including Antarctica.

"It's always good to be associated with success, so an increased Airbus ACJ Family presence in Jetalliance's young and growing fleet of managed aircraft is another welcome milestone" says Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers, John Leahy.

Airbus's ACJ Family, which comprises the A318 Elite, ACJ and A320 Prestige, is the first in business aviation with fly-by-wire controls. It is also the only corporate jet in its class with extensive weight-saving carbonfibre composites, cost-saving centralised maintenance for all of its systems, and an advanced fuel-saving aerodynamic design that includes wingtip fences as standard.

The Airbus A320 Family, from which the Airbus ACJ Family evolved, has long been the industry benchmark, with more than 6,100 orders and around 275 customers and operators to its credit - and the figure is growing all the time.

Airbus is an EADS company.

Francais:

Jetalliance Group commande des appareils supplémentaires de la famille ACJ d’Airbus
20 May 2008

Jetalliance Group, basé à Vienne, a commandé un Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ) et deux A318 Elite supplémentaires, qui viennent s’ajouter aux commandes précédentes du groupe pour cette famille d’appareils.

A l’instar des autres appareils de Jetalliance, ces nouveaux ACJ, dotés d’une cabine VIP, seront équipés des réacteurs CFM56-5 de CFM International.

Jetalliance Group, l’une des principales sociétés d’aviation d’affaires dans le monde, offre des solutions clés en mains à ses clients de jets d’affaires. Avec Jetalliance, les clients peuvent acheter, financer, exploiter et assurer la maintenance de leurs appareils. Jetalliance Flugbetrieb GmbH, filiale de Jetalliance, exploite l’une des plus jeunes flottes d’Europe, qui se compose de 35 appareils dont la moyenne d’âge est de seulement trois ans. La société a obtenu la certification JAR OPS 1 en Europe, ainsi que Part 129 de la FAA, qui lui permet d’effectuer des vols commerciaux aux Etats-Unis et au Canada.

“Les appareils de la famille ACJ d’Airbus jouissent d’une réputation bien méritée auprès des clients privés. Nouveaux jets d’affaires haut de gamme de leur catégorie, ces appareils offrent la meilleure cabine, ainsi qu’un design entièrement nouveau”, a déclaré Lukas Lichtner-Hoyer, Chief Executive Officer de Jetalliance Holding. “Nous gérons les avions de nombreux clients, et, pour ceux qui veulent ce qui se fait de mieux, la famille ACJ d’Airbus est la solution idéale.”

Les appareils de la famille ACJ d’Airbus, qui ont déjà enregistré un chiffre de ventes excellent dans le monde (plus de 100 commandes fermes), sont exploités sur tous les continents, dont l’Antarctique.

“C’est toujours gratifiant de participer à un succès, et la présence accrue d’appareils de la famille ACJ d’Airbus au sein de la jeune flotte de Jetalliance en expansion est particulièrement importante pour nous”, a pour sa part ajouté John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customers d’Airbus.

Les appareils de la famille ACJ d’Airbus, qui comprend l’A318 Elite, l’ACJ et l’A320 Prestige, sont les leaders des appareils dotés de commandes de vol électriques de l’aviation d’affaires. Ce sont les seuls jets d’affaires de leur catégorie dotés d’une structure composite en fibres de carbone engendrant un allègement de l’appareil, une maintenance centralisée de l’ensemble de leurs systèmes générant des réductions de coûts. En outre, la famille ACJ établit de nouveaux standards en matière de conception aérodynamique avancée permettant une réduction de la consommation de carburant, grâce à l’utilisation de dispositifs d’extrémité de voilure.

La famille A320 d’Airbus, dont la famille ACJ est dérivée, est depuis longtemps la référence dans l’industrie, avec plus de 6 100 commandes et quelque 275 clients et utilisateurs à son actif, des chiffres en constante augmentation.

Airbus est une société EADS.

Deutsch:

Jetalliance group bestellt weitere Flugzeuge der Airbus ACJ-Familie
20 May 2008

Die Jetalliance Gruppe mit Sitz in Wien hat bei Airbus einen weiteren Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ) sowie zwei A318 Elite nachbestellt.

Der neue Airbus ACJ erhält wie die anderen Flugzeuge für Jetalliance eine VIP-Kabine und CFM56-5-Triebwerke von CFM International.

Die Jetalliance Group bietet als eines der weltweit führenden Bedarfsflugunternehmen einzigartige schlüsselfertige Lösungen für Business Jet-Kunden an, vom Kauf über die Finanzierung bis hin zum Betrieb und zur Wartung von Flugzeugen. Die Tochtergesellschaft Jetalliance Flugbetrieb GmbH betreibt eine Flotte von 35 Flugzeugen mit einem Durchschnittsalter von nur drei Jahren – eine der jüngsten in Europa. Das Unternehmen operiert nicht nur unter JAR OPS 1-Richtlinien in Europa, sondern ist als FAA Part 129-Operator auch für gewerbliche Flüge in den USA und Kanada zugelassen.

„Die Airbus ACJ-Familie hat sich bei Privatkunden einen wohl verdienten Ruf als das Spitzenprodukt in ihrer Größenkategorie erworben. Die Airbus Corporate Jets bieten die beste Kabine und ein rundum modernes Design“, sagte Lukas Lichtner-Hoyer, Chief Executive Officer der Jetalliance Holding. „Wir managen Flugzeuge für viele Kunden. Für diejenigen, die das Beste wünschen, liegt die Entscheidung für die Airbus ACJ-Familie auf der Hand.“

Mehr als 100 Flugzeuge der Airbus ACJ-Familie wurden bisher an Kunden in aller Welt verkauft. Sie fliegen heute auf allen Kontinenten – auch in der Antarktis.

„Es ist immer gut, mit Erfolg verbunden zu sein. Die verstärkte Präsenz der Airbus ACJ-Familie in der jungen und wachsenden Flotte von Jetalliance ist für uns also ein weiterer willkommener Meilenstein“, sagte John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customers von Airbus.

Die Airbus ACJ-Familie besteht aus den Modellen A318 Elite, Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ) und A320 Prestige, den ersten Geschäfts- und VIP-Flugzeugen mit Fly-by-Wire-Steuerung. Weitere Alleinstellungsmerkmale der ACJ-Familie im Corporate Jet-Segment sind der extensive Einsatz von gewichtssparenden Kohlefaserverbundwerkstoffen, die kostensparende zentralisierte Wartung aller Systeme und die hochentwickelte aerodynamische Konstruktion mit Winglets als Standardausrüstung.

Die Flugzeuge der Airbus ACJ-Familie sind aus der Airbus A320-Familie abgeleitet, die seit langem als Referenzklasse in ihrem Segment gilt. Airbus hat für diese Single-Aisle-Jets bisher mehr als 6 100 Bestellungen von über 275 Kunden und Betreibern verbucht, und die Zahl steigt ständig weiter.

Airbus ist ein EADS-Unternehmen.

Espanol:

El Grupo Jetalliance adquiere más Airbus de la familia ACJ
20 May 2008

El Grupo Jetalliance de Viena ha colocado un nuevo pedido de un Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ) y dos A318 Elite, que se añaden a los pedidos que había realizado anteriormente para esta familia.

Al igual que sus otros aviones, los nuevos Airbus ACJ incorporan una cabina VIP y estarán propulsados por motores CFM International CFM56-5.

El Grupo Jetalliance es una de las compañías líderes en el mundo de los reactores de negocios, ofreciendo soluciones únicas para los clientes de este tipo de aviones. Con Jetalliance, el cliente puede comprar, financiar, operar y mantener su avión. Su subsidiaria Jetalliance Flugbetrieb GmbH opera una flota de 35 aviones con una edad media de sólo tres años – una de las más jóvenes de Europa. Opera bajo las JAR OPS 1 en Europa, pero también cuenta con la certificación FAA part 129, que la permite volar comercialmente en Estados Unidos y Canadá.

“La Familia Airbus ACJ ha conseguido la merecida reputación entre los clientes privados de ser la nueva referencia entre los reactores corporativos de su tamaño, al ofrecer la mejor cabina además de un moderno diseño”, dijo Lukas Lichtner-Hoyer, Consejero Delegado de Jetalliance Holding. “Gestionamos aviones para muchos clientes y, para los que quieren lo mejor, la Familia Airbus ACJ es la elección natural”.

La Familia ACJ de Airbus se ha vendido bien en todo el mundo – los pedidos en firme superan las 100 unidades – y está en servicio en todos los continentes, incluyendo el Antártico.

“Siempre es bueno estar asociados con el éxito, por lo que una mayor presencia de la Familia Airbus ACJ en la creciente y joven flota de aviones gestionados por Jetalliance es otro esperado hito”, dijo John Leahy, Director del Área de Clientes de Airbus.

La Familia ACJ de Airbus, que incluye el A318 Elite, ACJ y A320 Prestige, es la primera en la aviación de negocios con controles “fly-by-wire”. También es el único reactor de negocios en su clase con gran contenido de materiales compuestos en fibra de carbono, que ahorran peso, un mantenimiento centralizado para todos sus sistemas que ahorra costes, y un diseño aerodinámico avanzado que incluye “wintips” para ahorrar combustible.

La Familia A320, de la que ha evolucionado la Familia Airbus ACJ, ha sido desde hace tiempo el referente en la industria, con más de 6.100 pedidos y alrededor de 275 clientes y operadores – y esta cifra continúa aumentando.

Airbus es una compañía de EADS.

Front Page

MAZ Aviation commits to six Airbus A350 XWB Prestiges
20 May 2008

First Corporate Order from the Middle East; Largest Single Deal for
Airbus Corporate Jetliners

MAZ Aviation has placed a commitment for six Airbus A350 XWB Prestiges to serve its customers, in what is the first deal for the type in the Middle East. The deal is also the largest single deal ever for Airbus corporate jetliners, and comprises one A350-800 and five A350-900s.

All six Airbus A350 XWBs will feature VIP cabins, and be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. The choice of cabin outfitters has yet to be announced.

The Airbus A350 XWB Prestige is the world's newest airliner and, in its VIP version, offers unmatched widebody space and comfort - as well as the range to fly non-stop to the world. It has the widest cabin, greatest floorspace and longest range of any aircraft in its class.

"The kind of private customer that buys a VIP widebody wants the very best, and that's exactly what they get with the Airbus A350 XWB Prestige," says MAZ Aviation Chairman Mohammed Al Zeer. "With more cabin space, more range and a more modern design, the Airbus A350 XWB is the VIP widebody of the future."

The Airbus A350 XWB features an advanced and efficient aerodynamic design, more than 50 per cent of its airframe is made of weight-saving carbonfibre composites, and has all of the new features customers expect in a new design from an innovative company such as Airbus.

"We have used the evolution of its design to make it the best aircraft in its class, as more and more customers are realising," comments Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers, John Leahy. "And with this commitment from MAZ Aviation, the Airbus A350 XWB Prestige is certainly off to a racing start in the important Middle East VIP market", he adds.

Airbus has won more than 360 firm orders for its Airbus A350 XWB Family, which comprises three versions - the A350-800, A350-900 and A350-1000.

Airbus is an EADS company.

Francais:

MAZ Aviation s’engage a acquerir six A350 XWB Prestige d’Airbus
20 May 2008

MAZ Aviation a signé un accord portant sur l’acquisition de six A350 XWB Prestige d’Airbus (un A350-800 et cinq A350-900) pour répondre à la demande de ses clients. Première transaction pour ce type d’appareil au Moyen-Orient, c’est également le plus gros contrat jamais signé pour les jets d’affaires d’Airbus.

Ces six A350 XWB d’Airbus, tous dotés de cabines VIP, seront équipés des réacteurs Trent XWB de Rolls-Royce. Le choix des sociétés chargées de l’aménagement intérieur n’a pas encore été arrêté.

L’A350 XWB Prestige d’Airbus, appareil le plus récent sur le marché, offre dans sa version VIP un espace et un confort hors pair de gros-porteur, ainsi que l’autonomie pour desservir sans escale n’importe quelle ligne dans le monde. Cet appareil affiche une surface plancher et un rayon d’action supérieurs à ceux de tout autre appareil de sa catégorie, ainsi qu’une cabine plus large.

“Les clients privés qui font l’acquisition de gros-porteurs VIP veulent ce qui se fait de mieux, et c’est exactement ce qu’ils ont avec l’A350 XWB Prestige d’Airbus”, a déclaré Mohammed Al Zeer, Chairman de MAZ Aviation. “Avec sa cabine plus spacieuse, son rayon d’action plus étendu et sa conception plus moderne, l’A350 XWB d’Airbus est le gros-porteur VIP du futur.”

L’A350 XWB d’Airbus présente une conception aérodynamique avancée et efficace. Avec plus de 50 pour cent de sa cellule en composites à base de fibres de carbone entraînant un allègement de l’appareil, l’A350 XWB a tous les nouveaux atouts auxquels les clients peuvent s’attendre lorsqu’un appareil de nouvelle conception est proposé par une société aussi innovante qu’Airbus.

“Nous avons utilisé l’évolution de sa conception pour faire de cet appareil le meilleur de sa catégorie, plébiscité par de plus en plus de clients”, a pour sa part souligné John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customers d’Airbus. “Avec cet engagement de MAZ Aviation, l’A350 XWB Prestige d’Airbus signe des débuts prometteurs sur l’important marché VIP du Moyen-Orient” a-t-il ajouté.

Airbus totalise plus de 360 commandes fermes pour sa famille A350 XWB, qui comprend trois versions, l’A350-800, l’A350-900 et l’A350-1000.

Airbus est une société EADS.

Deutsch:

MAZ Aviation unterzeichnet Kaufabsichtserklärung für sechs Airbus A350 XWB Prestige
20 May 2008

MAZ Aviation hat eine Kaufabsichtserklärung für sechs Airbus A350 XWB Prestige für seine Kunden unterzeichnet. Dies ist das erste Geschäft betreffend diesen Airbus-Typ im Nahen Osten und gleichzeitig das größte Einzelgeschäft, das bisher für Geschäfts- und VIP-Flugzeuge von Airbus getätigt wurde. Es umfasst eine A350-800 sowie fünf A350-900.

Alle sechs Airbus A350 XWB erhalten VIP-Kabinen und Trent XWB-Triebwerke von Rolls-Royce. Die Kabinenausstatter werden noch bekannt gegeben.

Die A350 XWB, das neuestes Passagierflugzeug der Welt, übertrifft mit ihrer Reichweite, Kabinenbreite und Grundfläche jedes andere Flugzeug ihrer Klasse. Die VIP-Version „Prestige“ bietet damit unübertroffenen Großraumkomfort und die Reichweite für Nonstop-Flüge in alle Welt.

„Privatkunden, die ein VIP-Großraumflugzeug kaufen, wünschen das Beste vom Besten. Und genau das bekommen sie mit der A350 XWB Prestige von Airbus“, sagte Mohammed Al Zeer, Chairman von MAZ Aviation. „Die A350 XWB bietet eine geräumigere Kabine, größere Reichweite und ein moderneres Design. Sie ist deshalb das VIP-Großraumflugzeug der Zukunft.“

Die A350 XWB zeichnet sich durch ihre fortschrittliche und effiziente aerodynamische Konstruktion aus. Die Zelle besteht zu mehr als 50 Prozent aus gewichtssparenden Kohlefaserverbundwerkstoffen. Darüber hinaus bietet das Flugzeug alle Merkmale, die Kunden von einem innovativen Unternehmen wie Airbus erwarten.

„Wir haben die Entwicklung dieses Designs genutzt, um aus der A350 XWB das beste Flugzeug ihrer Klasse zu machen, was immer mehr Kunden anerkennen“, sagte John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customers von Airbus. „Und nach dieser Kaufabsichtserklärung von MAZ Aviation wird die A350 XWB Prestige mit Sicherheit einen blendenden Start auf dem wichtigen VIP-Markt des Nahen Ostens hinlegen.“

Airbus hat für die A350 XWB-Familie mit den drei Versionen A350-800, A350-900 und A350 1000 bisher mehr als 360 Festaufträge erhalten.

Airbus ist ein EADS-Unternehmen.

Espanol:

MAZ Aviation se compromete a adquirir seis Airbus A350 XWB Prestige
20 May 2008

MAZ Aviation se ha comprometido a la adquisición de seis Airbus A350 XWB Prestige para dar servicio a sus clientes, en lo que es el primer acuerdo para este modelo en Oriente Medio. El acuerdo es también el mayor hasta el momento para los reactores corporativos de Airbus, e incluye un A350-800 y cinco A350-900.

Los seis Airbus A350 XWB estarán equipados con cabinas VIP, y serán propulsados por motores Rolls-Royce Trent XWB. Todavía deben anunciarse los suministradores del interior de la cabina.

El Airbus A350 XWB Prestige es el avión comercial más moderno y en su versión VIP, ofrece una comodidad y espacio sin igual – además del alcance para volar sin escalas a todo el mundo. Cuenta con la cabina más amplia, el mayor espacio en planta y el mayor alcance entre los aviones en su clase.

“El tipo de cliente privado que compra un avión VIP de fuselaje ancho quiere lo mejor, y esto es exactamente lo que obtiene con el Airbus A350 XWB Prestige”, dijo Mohammed Al Zeer, Presidente de MAZ Aviation. “Con más espacio en cabina y un diseño más moderno, el Airbus A350 XWB es el fuselaje ancho VIP del futuro”.

El Airbus A350 XWB incorpora un diseño aerodinámico avanzado y eficiente, más del 50 por ciento de su célula está fabricada en materiales compuestos de fibra de carbono que ahorran peso, y tiene todas las nuevas características que esperan los clientes de un nuevo diseño de una compañía innovadora como Airbus.

“Hemos utilizado la evolución de este diseño para convertirlo en el mejor avión en su clase, tal como se están dando cuenta cada vez más clientes”, comenta John Leahy, Director del Área de Clientes de Airbus. “Y con este compromiso de MAZ Aviation, el Airbus A350 XWB Prestige comienza ciertamente una fulgurante carrera en el importante mercado VIP de Oriente Medio”, añadió.

Airbus ha conseguido más de 350 pedidos en firme para su Familia Airbus A350 XWB, que incluye tres versiones - A350-800, A350-900 y A350-1000.

Airbus es una compañía de EADS.

Front Page

Airbus contributes to Chinese earthquake stricken areas and commits to further long-term support
20 May 2008

Airbus has donated RMB five million in cash to help the refugees affected by the severe earthquake, which occurred in south western China last week. The donation was made through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China at a meeting in Beijing between Airbus CEO Tom Enders and officials of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China on 20th May.

"On behalf of Airbus and all our employees, I would like to express our sincere condolences and our deepest sympathy to those who have lost loved ones or their homes and possessions. Our thoughts are with the Chinese people", said Tom Enders. "We will continue to work together with the Chinese government to do our best to support those in need", he added.

The donation includes RMB 120,000 of personal contributions by Airbus employees. "The cash donation of RMB five million is an immediate step and is designed to assist the emergency rescue efforts underway in the affected areas", said Tom Enders.

In addition, Airbus China and its partner China Aviation Supplies Holding Company will jointly donate 10 emergency mobile stretcher units for transport aircraft to Chinese life saving teams in Sichuan. The stretchers are very useful and efficient in transporting traumatized victims by air to other hospitals. The total value of the stretchers is US$ 300,000 (about RMB 2,100,000).

"In the medium term, once the rescue efforts are over and we enter the rebuilding phase, we will also be looking for a rebuilding project to support over time", said Tom Enders.

"At Airbus China, many of us have seen TV pictures of distressed children, which moved us greatly, and I think we will try to identify a project involving children, such as the rebuilding of a school or an orphanage, as children are the future for all of us", said Laurence Barron, President of Airbus China.

Airbus is a leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive family of airliners on the market, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats. Over 8,700 Airbus aircraft have been sold to more than 290 customers worldwide and more than 5,000 of these have been delivered since the company first entered the market in the early seventies. With annual revenues of over 25 billion euros in 2007, Airbus is a global company, employing around 57,000 people of some 80 different nationalities in design and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK, and Spain, as well as subsidiaries in the U.S., China, Japan, and in the Middle East.

Sensitive to its position as an industry leader, Airbus strives to be a truly eco-efficient enterprise. To that end Airbus is the first aeronautics company in the world to have earned the ISO 14001 environmental certification for all production sites and products for the entire life cycle. Airbus seeks to ensure that air transport continues to be an eco-efficient means of transport, delivering value while minimizing its environmental impact.

Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is an EADS company.

Front Page

Boeing to Reduce Work Force at Satellite Engineering Facilities in Southern California

More Hard Times for Southern California's Aerosapce Workers

ST. LOUIS, May 21, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] announced today that it plans to lay off approximately 750 employees in Southern California because of a downturn in its satellite assembly and integration business.

The reductions are primarily in the area of engineering, although all skills will be affected, and will affect workers mostly in El Segundo and Seal Beach, Calif. Boeing expects to issue 60-day notices in May for an initial group of 100 employees, with layoffs to occur in July. Another group of employees will be notified at the end of June with redeployment occurring in July and August. Boeing is trying to redeploy many of the affected workers in California and at other sites where the company has suitable job openings.

Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems (S&IS), said the division has made substantial progress in decreasing costs and operating more efficiently, but the delay in the award of several large government programs, coupled with other market conditions, are forcing the work force reduction.

"The stretching out of government contract awards, along with a continuing lighter demand in the commercial marketplace for large, high-power satellites, has created a surplus in the work force that must be addressed now so that we are competitive," Cooning said. "The loss of any Boeing employee is truly a loss, so we will do as much as possible to help our employees locate other opportunities within Boeing."

The company will help affected employees find positions at other Boeing locations and provide career-counseling and outplacement services, such as résumé writing and interviewing skills development.

"This is a difficult time for employees in our space systems organization, but we are committed to strengthening the business," said Cooning. "These reductions in force are necessary to accomplish that goal."

S&IS plans to have a work force of approximately 6,450 employees at the end of 2008, compared with its current count of 7,200.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.1 billion business with 71,000 employees worldwide.

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Front Page

Boeing Begins P-8A Moving Assembly Line

ST. LOUIS, May 20, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] last week began using a moving assembly line for final assembly of the P-8A Poseidon in Renton, Wash. This military derivative of the Next-Generation 737-800 is expected to move through the final assembly process at a continuous pace similar to commercial 737s.

"This is another important step toward delivering the first P-8A to the U.S. Navy on schedule," said Bob Feldmann, Boeing vice president and P-8 program manager for Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. "The entire team is working extremely hard to meet our commitment to the customer."

Boeing uses the moving assembly line during final assembly positions for the airplane. The P-8s will be positioned in a straight-line configuration on the factory floor and stay at a production station for a period of time before advancing to the next station. Standard processes, visual control systems and point-of-use staging are in place, allowing work to flow continuously and quickly.

"Moving lines are proven to enhance the quality and efficiency of production processes," said Mo Yahyavi, Boeing vice president and P-8 program manager for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Boeing has found that moving lines drive out waste and make it easier for employees to solve emergent issues. Problems are more visible, and any employee can stop the line at any time, mustering the help of engineers and other support personnel."

To make the assembly line move during final assembly, Boeing uses a tug that attaches around the front landing gear of the airplane and pulls it to the next position. The tug has an optical sensor that follows a white line along the floor.

The Boeing-led Poseidon industry team is currently under a System Development and Demonstration contract, which includes building five test vehicles: three flight-test and two ground-test aircraft. The first test aircraft will be delivered to the Navy and fly in 2009.

The Navy plans to purchase 108 P-8As to replace its fleet of P-3C aircraft. Initial operational capability is slated for 2013. The Boeing-led Poseidon industry team includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems and GE Aviation.

The P-8A is a long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft capable of broad-area, maritime and littoral operations. The P-8A combines superior performance and reliability with an advanced mission system designed for maximum interoperability in the future battle space.

Boeing is the world's leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined. Headquartered in Chicago, Boeing employs more than 150,000 people across the United States and in 70 countries.

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Front Page

Work Begins on First Boeing Business Jet 3

GENEVA, May 20, 2008 -- Boeing has begun work on the first Boeing Business Jet 3 (BBJ 3). The BBJ 3 is a new, larger business jet based on the Boeing Next-Generation 737-900ER (extended range), which entered commercial service and was certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in April 2007. Certification by the European Aviation Safety Agency occurred in April 2008.

The BBJ 3 was launched in October 2006, and will enter service in 2009 with an unidentified customer. The jet is 138 feet, 2 inches long (42.1 meters) and has 1,120 square feet (104 square meters) of floor space.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes provides airplanes to Boeing Business Jets. Boeing Business Jets delivers them to customers in "green" configuration (no paint or interior) and arranges for the installation of a long-range, auxiliary fuel system. The BBJ is then sent to a completion center of the customer's choosing for interior completion.

The same CFM56-7 engines used on Next-Generation 737 commercial airplanes power the BBJ. Owners benefit from the recent addition of CFM's Tech Insertion program, which lowers fuel burn and reduces NOx emissions to meet 2008 CAEP 6 regulations.

All BBJs are equipped with Aviation Partners Boeing Blended Winglets. The winglets reduce community noise by 0.5 to 2.1 EPNdb on takeoff with a slight improvement on approach; lower emissions through lower cruise thrust; lower operating costs by reducing block fuel burn 5.8 percent on a 5,800-nautical-mile trip (approximately 540 U.S. gallons); reduce engine maintenance costs and increase the airplane's range up to 270 nautical miles with a typical eight-passenger payload.

The BBJ program focuses on features that help owners fly safely, efficiently, reliably and comfortably. Boeing currently is delivering Lower Cabin Altitude and Future Air Navigation System. Lower Cabin Altitude allows the cabin pressurization control system to regulate the cabin environment to equal a maximum cabin altitude of 6,500 feet so that passengers travel in greater comfort. Future Air Navigation System streamlines communication between flight crews and air-traffic controllers. FANS adds another layer of safety and efficiency to the global air transportation system, and allows BBJ owners to take more direct routes, shortening flight times and saving fuel.

Boeing recently announced that weight-saving, emissions-reducing carbon brakes soon will be available both in production and retrofit for all BBJ operators. Owners opting for carbon brakes will realize a 320 kg (700 lb.) weight savings versus the current-technology steel brakes. Also in work is the Enhanced Vision System, which presents an infrared image of the external environment on the head-up and head-down displays. The system enhances pilot situational awareness of terrain and airport environments in low visibility situations. EVS is a tool of particular value to BBJ owners who fly into airports that don't support autoland operations.

The BBJ, BBJ 2 and BBJ 3 provide unsurpassed levels of space, comfort and utility and are backed by a top-notch product-support program with dedicated field service representatives around the world.

In addition to the eight BBJ 3 orders, Boeing Business Jets has secured a total of 177 orders for BBJs and wide-body VIP versions of the 747, 767, 777 and 787. One hundred four BBJ and VIP airplanes are currently in service around the world, in addition to approximately 30 wide-body Boeing jets that are in service to governments and heads of state, sold through other means.

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Front Page

LOCKHEED MARTIN-BUILT TRIDENT II D5 MISSILE ACHIEVES RECORD 122 SUCCESSFUL TEST LAUNCHES IN A ROW

Two D5 Fleet Ballistic Missiles Launched in Navy Test in the Pacific

SUNNYVALE, Calif., May 21st, 2008 -- The U.S. Navy conducted a successful test launch this month of two Trident II D5 Fleet Ballistic Missiles (FBMs) built by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT). The Navy launched the unarmed missiles from the submerged submarine USS Nebraska (SSBN 739) in the Pacific Ocean.

The Trident II D5 missile now has achieved 122 consecutive successful test launches since 1989 – a record unmatched by any other large ballistic missile or space launch vehicle.

“The exceptional partnership with our Navy Strategic Systems Programs customer accounts for the unmatched record of success of the D5 missile,” said Melanie A. Sloane, vice president of Fleet Ballistic Missile programs, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, the Navy’s Trident missile prime contractor. “Disciplined performance by the entire Navy and industry team helps to ensure the reliability and credibility of the Fleet Ballistic Missile as demonstrated in test after test.”

The Navy launched the missiles as part of a Follow-on Commander Evaluation Test. The Navy conducts a continuing series of operational system evaluation tests to assure the safety, reliability, readiness and performance of the Trident II D5 Strategic Weapon System, as required by the Department of Defense’s National Command Authority. The tests are conducted under the testing guidelines of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

For the tests, operational missiles are converted into inert configurations using test missile kits produced by Lockheed Martin that contain range safety devices and flight telemetry instrumentation.

First deployed in 1990, the D5 missile is currently aboard Trident II Ohio-class submarines and British Trident II Vanguard-class submarines. The three-stage, solid-propellant, inertial-guided ballistic missile can travel a nominal range of 4,000 nautical miles and carries multiple independently targeted reentry vehicles.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., is the prime contractor and program manager for the U.S. Navy’s Trident missile. Lockheed Martin Space Systems employees, principally in California, Georgia, Florida, Washington and Utah, support the design, development, production, test and operation of the Trident strategic weapon system. Lockheed Martin Space Systems has been the Navy’s prime strategic missile contractor since the inception of the program more than 50 years ago.

The test also involved the Lockheed Martin-integrated Navigation Subsystem that provides the highly-accurate and reliable navigation data required to support today’s stringent Trident Weapon System performance requirements. Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors Undersea Systems business unit, Mitchel Field, N.Y., has been the Navy’s prime contractor for the Navigation Subsystem aboard FBM submarines since 1955.

Altogether, nearly 3,000 employees throughout the Lockheed Martin Corporation support the Navy’s Fleet Ballistic Missile program.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

Front Page

Lockheed Martin Supports Smithsonian's National Postal Museum as Founding Sponsor of New "Mail Call" Exhibit

Grant Enables Permanent Exhibit Focused on Dramatic History of Mail Communications During America’s Conflicts

Anaheim, Calif., May 20th, 2008 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] announced today that it has provided a grant to the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum for "Mail Call," a new permanent exhibit devoted to the history of mail during times of conflict. The exhibit is part of a major renovation of the museum's history-themed galleries and is expected to open in 2010 - 2011.

"On the battlefront and at home, mail helps sustain vital connections between military service members, their families and friends," said National Postal Museum Director Allen Kane. "Now, with this very generous gift from Lockheed Martin, National Postal Museum visitors can explore 'Mail Call' to learn about the extraordinary efforts to move mail to and within war zones and view poignant letters of military personnel and their loved ones."

Since opening in 1993, the National Postal Museum has consistently devoted exhibition space to highlight the dramatic history of mail communications during America's conflicts. "Mail Call" will offer a first-hand look at the American experience - from the Colonial era to current events - as seen through vivid personal letters and mail operations in times of conflict.

"We understand the tremendous effort both the U.S. Postal Service and our armed forces undertake to keep American service members connected with their loved ones, and we are honored to help the National Postal Museum share that with the public," said Lockheed Martin Global Delivery Services Vice President Carla Powe. "From logistics and technology to timeliness and security, delivering mail during times of conflict is an intricate and challenging process."

Lockheed Martin is also a sponsor of the "Systems At Work" exhibit, another one of the seven new exhibits planned by the museum to showcase the history and future of the postal museum. "Systems At Work" will showcase technological advances from the colonial past to the present day and explain the workings of a complex network of mail processing and distribution.

About Smithsonian's National Postal Museum
The National Postal Museum is devoted to presenting the colorful and engaging history of the nation's mail service and showcasing the largest and most comprehensive collection of stamps and philatelic material in the world. It is located at 2 Massachusetts Ave. N.E., across from Union Station. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information visit the museum's Web site at www.postalmuseum.si.edu.

About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

Front Page

Lockheed Martin Team Completes Calibration Of Key Component For MDA’s Multiple Kill Vehicle-L

Sunnyvale, Calif, May 20th, 2008 -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) announced today that its team has completed an important milestone for a key element of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s Multiple Kill Vehicle-L (MKV-L) payload by successfully calibrating an operational pathfinder seeker for the carrier vehicle at the Space Dynamics Laboratory in North Logan, Utah.

During an engagement with the enemy, the carrier vehicle with its cargo of kill vehicles is designed to maneuver into the threat complex to intercept the targets. With tracking data from the Ballistic Missile Defense System and its own seeker, the carrier vehicle dispenses and guides the kill vehicles to destroy targets in the complex. Based on a lightweight reflective telescope, the carrier vehicle seeker uses infrared heat-detecting technology to locate threat objects.

“Completion of this milestone validates the design and core technology required for tracking and discriminating targets,” said Rick Reginato, Multiple Kill Vehicle program director, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company. “This effort involved the development of telescopes, structures, electronics and software to meet the challenging requirements of mid-course threat sensing.”

Successfully calibrating the pathfinder seeker enables the team to proceed with building two operational prototype seekers, each with a state-of-the-art infrared, large-format focal plane array. In a series of “captive carry” flight tests planned for 2009, the team will mount one of the new seekers on an aircraft to sense missile targets of opportunity in a true flight environment. Lockheed Martin will integrate the other seeker into a hardware-in-the-loop laboratory to demonstrate the ability to engage multiple targets with multiple kill vehicles.

The MKV-L seeker development team for the Missile Defense Agency includes: Lockheed Martin Space Systems, the prime integrator; BAE Systems, seeker integration; Utah State University, calibration agent; and the Naval Research Lab and MIT Lincoln Labs, who are providing a pathfinder seeker focal plane and supporting electronics. Raytheon Vision Systems and DRS Technologies will each provide 512x512 HgCdTe focal planes for the prototype seekers that BAE will build this summer.

The Missile Defense Agency’s Multiple Kill Vehicle is a force multiplier for all of the land- and sea-based weapons of the integrated midcourse missile defense system. In the event of an enemy launch, a single interceptor equipped with this payload destroys not only the re-entry vehicle but also all credible threat objects, including countermeasures the enemy deploys to try to spoof our defenses. This many-on-many strategy eliminates the need for extensive pre-launch intelligence while leveraging the Ballistic Missile Defense System’s discrimination capability, ensuring a robust and affordable solution to emerging threats. Developing, testing and deploying a layered Ballistic Missile Defense System for the U.S. homeland, its deployed forces, friends and allies is essential for protecting against ballistic missiles of all ranges in all phases of flight.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., is the prime contractor for the Multiple Kill Vehicle-L payload system.

Lockheed Martin is a world leader in systems integration and the development of air and missile defense systems and technologies, including the first operational hit-to-kill missile. It also has considerable experience in missile design and production, infrared seekers, command and control/battle management, and communications, precision pointing and tracking optics, as well as radar and signal processing. The company makes significant contributions to nearly all major U.S. missile defense systems and participates in several global missile defense partnerships.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

Front Page

GULFSTREAM SIGNS ADAM SCOTT TO PROMOTE COMPANY’S BUSINESS JETS

Pro-Golfer’s Endorsement Efforts Will Focus on Asia-Pacific Region; To Appear at EBACE 2008, in Geneva

SAVANNAH, Ga., May 21, 2008 – Gulfstream Aerospace has signed an agreement with Australian-born professional golfer Adam Scott to promote the company’s business jets in the Asia-Pacific region. As of Dec. 31, 2007, 74 Gulfstream aircraft were operating in the Asia-Pacific region, up from 37 in 2005.

“Gulfstream aircraft are a vital business tool for today’s professional golfers who face demanding international travel schedules,” said Joe Lombardo, president, Gulfstream. “As one of the top golf professionals in the world, Adam Scott is the ideal person to spread the word about our dependable and reliable business jets. He knows what it takes to be the best. It’s the perfect partnership.”

Scott, one of the world’s top-10 ranked golfers, will make promotional appearances on behalf of Gulfstream. He will also appear in advertisements that celebrate the Gulfstream brand. His first official Gulfstream appearance is May 21 at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE 2008) in Geneva.

Scott has six PGA titles to his credit and has twice won the Singapore Open. His most recent PGA win came on April 27, when he sank a 48-foot birdie putt on the third playoff hole to win the 2008 EDS Byron Nelson Championship in Irving, Texas.

“My association with Gulfstream is a fantastic opportunity to be aligned with an organization that produces such a world-class product,” Scott said. “Both Gulfstream and I share a desire to succeed and to be the best we can be – it’s a great partnership.”

NOTE TO EDITORS

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world’s most technologically advanced business-jet aircraft. Gulfstream has produced some 1,600 aircraft for customers around the world since 1958. To meet the diverse transportation needs of the future, Gulfstream offers a comprehensive fleet of aircraft, comprising the wide-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G150®; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G200®; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G350®; the large-cabin, long-range G450®; the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G500®; the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550® and the ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range G650®. Gulfstream also offers aircraft ownership services via Gulfstream Financial Services Division and Gulfstream Pre-Owned Aircraft Sales®. The company employs more than 9,100 people at seven major locations. We invite you to visit our Web site for more information and photos of Gulfstream aircraft at www.gulfstream.com .

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 84,000 people worldwide and reported 2007 revenues of $27.2 billion. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about the company is available on the Internet at www.generaldynamics.com

Front Page

First ‘Blades-On’ Ground Runs Conducted Successfully For Sikorsky’s X2 TECHNOLOGY™ Demonstrator

May. 21, 2008
HORSEHEADS, N.Y. May 21, 2008 – Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. achieved a major milestone on its X2 TECHNOLOGY™ Demonstrator program by successfully ground testing the aircraft with rotor blades installed and spinning for the first time. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). The initial “blades-on” ground test was conducted May 13 and went according to plan. The ground tests are continuing at Sikorsky’s Schweizer Aircraft Corp. rapid-prototyping facility in Horseheads, N.Y., in preparation for the X2 TECHNOLOGY Demonstrator’s first flight.

"The entire X2 TECHNOLOGY Demonstrator Program Team is extremely pleased that we continue to move our experimental program closer and closer to first flight,” said James Kagdis, Program Manager, Advanced Programs. ”We anticipate that reaching this particular milestone, as with those yet to come, will continue to pique the interest of our military, commercial and international customers regarding the potential that X2 TECHNOLOGY could have on their diverse missions around the globe."

The X2 TECHNOLOGY Demonstrator combines an integrated suite of technologies intended to advance the state-of-the-art, counter-rotating coaxial rotor helicopter. It is designed to demonstrate a helicopter can cruise comfortably at 250 knots, while retaining such desirable helicopter attributes as excellent low speed handling, efficient hovering and autorotation safety, and a seamless and simple transition to high speed. Among the innovative technologies the X2 TECHNOLOGY Demonstrator employs are:

Fly-by-wire flight controls
Counter-rotating rigid rotor blades
Hub drag reduction
Active vibration control
Integrated auxiliary propulsion system

Sikorsky Aircraft first announced the initiative to develop an integrated suite of technologies called X2 TECHNOLOGY in June 2005. The project is funded solely by Sikorsky.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. The company’s long commitment to safety and innovation is reflected in its mission statement: “We pioneer flight solutions that bring people home everywhere … every time™.“ United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.

Front Page

Sikorsky Aircraft signs contract to develop enhanced rotor blades

May. 20, 2008
STRATFORD, Conn., May 20, 2008 - Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. today announced an agreement with the U.S. Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate to develop a new, integrated solution for enhanced helicopter rotor durability and capability. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

Under the $11.4 million, 42-month program, Sikorsky will research and provide a solution that increases rotor blade life in erosive environments, provides a reliable and maintainable ice protection system, and includes an improved methodology for assessing and repairing battle damage. The program could yield significant cost savings as well.

The contract was signed late in the first quarter 2008, and Sikorsky has teamed with the United Technologies Research Center (UTRC) to investigate potential solutions for increasing blade erosion resistance. Other team members include SANOVA, Ross Technology Corp., South West Research Institute, BAE Systems, Integran, Engineering Consulting Services, and the Army Research Laboratory. Most of the work will occur at Sikorsky's headquarters with support at UTRC's test facility in East Hartford, Conn.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. The company's long commitment to safety and innovation is reflected in its mission statement: "We pioneer flight solutions that bring people home everywhere... every time. "™

Founded in 1929, United Technologies Research Center provides advanced technologies, innovative thinking and disciplined research for industry leading customers in aerospace propulsion, building infrastructure and services, heating and air conditioning, fire and security systems and power generation. UTRC's customers include all UTC business units, as well as government agencies and independent organizations. Among its key research goals are sustainable technologies that positively impact the marketplace while conserving resources. UTRC is based in East Hartford, Conn.

United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.

Front Page

VA Secretary Appoints Panel of National Suicide Experts

Goal Is Reducing Veterans' Suicides

WASHINGTON (May 21, 2008) -Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B.
Peake today announced the names of members appointed to two special
panels that will make recommendations on ways the Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) can improve its programs in suicide prevention, suicide
research and suicide education.

"There is nothing more tragic than the death by suicide of even one of
the great men or women who have served this nation," Peake said. "VA is
committed to doing all we can to improve our understanding of a
complicated issue that is also a national concern."

Membership in the first group, the "Blue Ribbon Work Group on Suicide
Prevention in the Veterans Population," will be comprised of government
experts in various suicide prevention and education programs. Those
experts will come from agencies including the Department of Defense,
the Centers for Disease Control, the National Institute of Health, and the
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

The five-member work group is expected to meet from June 11-13, and
will develop a report with recommendations for the Secretary within 15 days
of meeting.

The second group is a nine-member expert panel, made up of nationally
renowned experts in public health suicide programs, suicide research
and clinical treatment programs, that will provide professional opinion,
interpretation, and conclusions on information and data to the work
group. It will also make recommendations to the work group on
opportunities for improvement in VA's programs.

Secretary Peake initially announced the formation of the work group
during testimony to the House Veterans Affairs Committee on May 6.

Members of the "Blue Ribbon Work Group on Suicide Prevention in the
Veterans Population" include:

* Cmdr. Alex E. Crosby, M.D., medical epidemiologist with the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;

* Colonel Charles W. Hoge, M.D., director of the division of
psychiatry and behavior services at Walter Reed Army Institute of
Research;

* Colonel Robert Roy Ireland, M.D., program director for mental
health policy, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health
Affairs;

* Richard McKeon, Ph.D., special advisor for suicide prevention
with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; and

* Jane Pearson, Ph.D., associate director for preventive
interventions, National Institute of Mental Health.

Appointees to the expert panel include:

* Dr. Dan Blazer II, professor of psychology at Catholic
University of America;

* Greg Brown, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania;

* Martha Livingston Bruce, Ph.D., professor in clinical
epidemiology and health services research at Weill Medical College of
Cornell University;

* Dr. Eric D. Caine, chair of the department of psychiatry at the
University of Rochester;

* Dr. Jan Fawcett, professor of psychiatry at the University of
New Mexico School of Medicine;

* Robert D. Gibbons, director of the Center for Health Statistics,
University of Illinois at Chicago;

* David Alan Jobes, Ph.D., professor of psychology at Catholic
University of America;

* Mark S. Kaplan, Ph.D., from Portland State University. Member
of the Suicide Prevention Action Network-USA National Scientific
Advisory Council; and

* Thomas R. Ten Have, director of the Biostatistics Analysis
Center at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

Front Page U.K. ~ England

The Red Arrows are on the move - Wednesday 21 May 2008

The World Famous RAF Aerobatic Team, more commonly known as the Red Arrows, are going to move from RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire to nearby RAF Waddington. The decision to move the Red Arrows comes after completion of a Royal Air Force Study that considered basing options for them. The study found that moving to RAF Waddington was the most suitable option in terms of the team's operational effectiveness and value for money. The relocation will be completed by July 2011.

RAF Waddington is home to the RAFs Intelligence, Surveillance, Target and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) aircraft. Waddington will provide the legendary Red Arrows display team with improved facilities while being only 5 minutes flying time from RAF Scampton. Local people will still be able to enjoy thrilling displays as the Red Arrows continue to use the dedicated airspace above RAF Scampton to practice their routines.

Defence Minister Bob Ainsworth said:

"The Red Arrows are known around the World as ambassadors for the RAF and the UK as a whole. Today's announcement is testament to the importance of their continued contribution.

"We are working closely with the Trade Unions to relocate all 100 service personnel and two civilian staff who support the Red Arrows to RAF Waddington by 2011."

Wing Commander Jas Hawker, commanding officer of the Red Arrows said:

"RAF Scampton has been our home for many years and I thank the local people for their support during our time here. We will continue to have a strong association with the area as we will still be practicing our displays there.

The move to RAF Waddington is a new chapter in our history. We are delighted to be staying in Lincolnshire and we look forward to maintaining our close relationships with local communities."

Station Commander at RAF Waddington, Group Captain Andy Fryer said:

"Obviously we're delighted with the news. Year after year, the Red Arrows' unique and colourful aerial displays continue to entertain and wow the crowds. RAF Waddington is home to some of the Air Force's finest assets and has a reputation built on commitment and professionalism. The Red Arrows are most definitely a welcome addition."

Front Page U.K. ~ England

Dambusters - Monday 19 May 2008

Front Page U.K. ~ England

Les Munro, the last surviving pilot of the Dambuster raids.

Photograph: MOD, Sgt Graham Spark

The last surviving pilot of the famous “Dambuster” raids, and the sole flying Lancaster bomber in Britain, have marked the 65th anniversary of the mission by flying over the dam used by RAF crews to train for the raid that helped knock the heart out of the Nazi industrial powerhouse.

The mighty four-engined bomber from the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, flew over the Derwent Reservoir in the Peak District as a memorial to the crews that were lost over the night of the raids on three Ruhr Valley dams in May 1943.

At a memorial service held on the Derwent Dam to commemorate the bravery of the crews of 617 Sqn, actor Richard Todd, who played squadron boss Wing Commander Guy Gibson in the 1950’s film “The Dambusters”, scattered into the reservoir poppies representing the 53 crew who failed to return from the raids on the Mohne, Sorpe, Eder and other dams in Germany’s wartime industrial heartland.

The Lancaster was joined by the BBMF’s Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota as well as a pair of Tornado GR4s from today’s 617 Sqn, now based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland.

Guest of honour at the Service was Les Munro, the last surviving Dambuster pilot, who flew from his home in Tauranga, New Zealand to attend the event and remember his fallen colleagues. A guard of honour was provided by 2517 (Buxton) Sqn Air Training Corps.

The mission – codenamed Operation Chastise – was to breach in one night as many dams in the Ruhr Valley and send millions of tonnes of water flooding down the valleys and engulf the industries below. The new bomb was called “Upkeep”- a cylindrical mine with more than 6,000lbs of high explosive that had been designed by Barnes Wallis. He was Assistant Chief Designer (structures) at Vickers Armstrong and his idea was to “bounce” a mine to the wall of each dam and detonate it below the waterline, causing a massive breach.

To be effective Upkeep had to be dropped at exactly the right height and distance from the target and at a set speed. Too deep and the thicker base of the dam would absorb the pressure wave of the mine, too shallow and the bomb would blast upwards and cause only a minor breach. It had to detonate at a depth that would maximise the advantage of higher water pressure, and against the wall, not away from it.

The answer was 30ft when the dam was at full flood – highly likely after the winter meltwater and spring rain.

However, there was an ever-present danger that the spherical bomb - which had to be set spinning rapidly while on board top ensure it bounced cleanly - would bounce up and hit its host. This had happened in training.

The Mohne Dam was attacked by 5 of the 19 Lancasters that left Lincolnshire that night, arriving at the target just after midnight. The dams lay in the Sauerland, a region of hills and deeply incised valleys of Rheinland, Westphalia. The RAF was hoping to destroy up to six dams, but the prize was the Mohne, which held more water than all the other reservoirs in the area. The first bomb released - dropped by Gibson - failed to reach the dam wall and the second Lancaster was hit by flak, causing it to be released late and bounce over the dam, the bomber crashing. The third bomb bounced away and hit the shore. With just two in reserve, the fourth Lancaster hit the wall and detonated, but there was no apparent breach.

All hope was then in the fifth Lancaster piloted by Sqn Ldr David Maltby. With two of the Lancasters that had dropped their bombs either side of him to take flak away, Maltby lined up two searchlight beams which when merged indicated the correct height for release. He was at about 60ft when he dropped his bomb. It bounced four times, jumping over two lines of torpedo nets, hit the dam wall and sank.

The detonation caused two breaches which with the weight of water became one that eventually extended 76 metres. In total an estimated 300 million tonnes of water were released from the breached Mohne and Eder dams, creating havoc in their paths. The parapet of the Sorpe Dam was damaged but no breach took place

The flooding that followed covered nearly 60 square miles and inundated German industry and valuable arable land with damage to bridges, railways, viaducts, mines, factories and thousands of homes.

Bomber Command suffered enormous casualties during the Second World War. It is estimated 10% of the entire military casualties among British and Commonwealth forces belonged to the Command and many thousands of airmen still have no known grave. Of 7377 built, only two Lancasters remain in airworthy condition, the other being in Canada. PA 474 wears the markings of an earlier Lancaster, EE139 – the “Phantom of the Ruhr.”

The Service of Remembrance was conducted by Rev Sqn Ldr John Ellis, Station Chaplain of RAF Coningsby, who said: “As we gather here at this notable location in the life of the Lancaster, of 617 Sqn and of the Royal Air Force, we do so to remember the 65th anniversary of a most courageous act undertaken by a number of very brave souls – the Dambusters.”

Front Page

Board of Inquiry announces findings - Friday 16 May 2008

The findings of the Royal Air Force Board of Inquiry (BOI) into the accident involving two Puma helicopters in Iraq in the early hours of 15 April 2007 have been announced to Parliament today, Thursday 15 May 2008, by Armed Forces Minister Bob Ainsworth.

The accident resulted in the deaths of Colour Sergeant Mark Powell, of the Parachute Regiment, and Sergeant Mark McLaren, RAF, and serious injuries to a number of other personnel.

Mr Ainsworth told Parliament in a written ministerial statement:

"XW211 and XW218 were part of a Puma helicopter formation in support of coalition operations. The accident occurred when the lead aircraft, XW211, had landed and its passengers had disembarked. XW218 then tried to land next to XW211 but its main rotor blades hit those of XW211. Sadly, two personnel lost their lives and several received serious injuries. Our deepest sympathies remain with the families of those Servicemen.

"A BOI was convened that same day to establish the circumstances of the loss and to learn lessons from it; a BOI does not seek to apportion blame. The Board concluded the accident was caused by XW218 being positioned too close to XW211. A contributory factor was the difficulty of judging distances accurately to another rotating disc (i.e. the main rotor blades) at close range.

"The BOI and the Chain of Command made 17 recommendations that are now being studied closely, and some have already been implemented.

"The BOI into the accident involving Pumas XW211 and XW218 is now complete. I express my gratitude to the President of the Board and her team for their painstaking work.

"A redacted version of the main body of the BOI report, and the Military Aircraft Accident Summary (MAAS), will be available on the MOD internet site. A copy of the MAAS is also being placed in the Library of the House. As you will appreciate, the safety of our people is a principal consideration and we have therefore removed from the BOI report information that might endanger the security or capability of UK and Coalition personnel, or be of use to an enemy. We have, however, tried to be as open as possible and have carefully considered the public interest arguments both for and against disclosure of the information in the report. We have ensured that each redaction is fully justified by an appropriate exemption in the Freedom of Information Act.

"The Ministry of Defence is co-operating fully with the Wiltshire Coroner who will hold an inquest in due course."

The purpose of a Board of Inquiry is to examine the facts and circumstances surrounding an incident, to learn lessons and to make recommendations to the Chain of Command for the improvement of working practices, procedures or equipment, which could help to reduce the likelihood of a similar incident happening again.

In this case the Board and Chain of Command made 17 recommendations including that a full investigation be undertaken to determine what distance can safely be used between aircraft when landing at an unmarked landing site. Further recommendations were made which included modifications to safety equipment and working practices for crewmen and troops.

The Board of Inquiry report has been redacted to remove information that might endanger the security or capability of UK and Coalition personnel or be of use to an enemy. Each redaction can be justified by an appropriate exemption in the Freedom of Information Act.

Front Page

Odiham Personnel Receive Royal Presentation - Thursday 15 May 2008

His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales has awarded campaign medals and commendations to personnel from RAF Odiham who have recently returned from operations.

The Prince – in his capacity as Air Chief Marshal – presented awards to around 80 RAF and Army personnel, from Operational Service Medals to those recognising long service and good conduct, and even presented wings to three pilots of Chinook helicopters.

2,000 personnel serve at RAF Odiham in Hampshire – the home of the Chinook – of whom 400 are army. Three operational squadrons of Chinooks operate there – 7, 18, 27 as well as the Operational Conversion Flight and also two Army Squadrons – 651 and 657 that fly the Defender 4000 fixed wing aircraft and Lynx helicopters.

The Prince also planted a tree at the Base to commemorate the start of the RAF’s 90th year and watched as a flypast of Chinooks over flew the presentation.

Commendations were awarded to three personnel who have worked “incessantly to exceptionally high standards to achieve and attain tasks that are above and beyond their normal duties.”

Three were awarded the Royal Warrant, given to personnel displaying outstanding ability, and Operational Service Medals for Afghanistan and Iraq were awarded to more than 70 personnel.

After the ceremony the Prince met the families of the recipients. Commanding Officer of 27 Sqn, Wg Cdr Dom Toriati; “The RAF has been supporting operations in Iraq and Afghanistan for many years, and many of the personnel honoured today have done many tours. Invariably the work is arduous – with winter temperatures those of Norway and summer often in the 50s C, both theatres are challenging and at times dangerous.”

In recent years the Chinook squadrons have seen a number of tours, notably the Balkans, Afghanistan and Iraq. They are also used in the humanitarian role and assisted with the Pakistan earthquake and the evacuation of UK personnel from Lebanon during the recent crisis.

The twin rotor helicopters are the UK’s biggest military helicopter and are the backbone of tactical mobility for land forces. The RAF operates the largest fleet of Chinooks after the US Army, with more than 30 in service. They can carry up to 55 troops or 10 tonnes of freight. The cabin is large enough to take two Land Rovers and because it is twin rotor, up to three separate cargo loads can be underslung below the fuselage.

One Chinook - Bravo November – was the sole survivor of the sinking by an Argentine missile of the Atlantic Conveyor as she headed towards the Falklands in the wake of enemy forces invading the British dependency. She was in the air are the time of the sinking and was able to land on the carrier HMS Hermes. She has recently undergone a major upgrade that should see her service continue for many more years and a programme on BBC Radio 4 was devoted to her and broadcast last week.

Said Station Commander, Gp Capt Andy Turner; “I was delighted that His Royal Highness was able to visit RAF Odiham and present these operational medals and awards to our personnel and for him to meet their families. It is important that we properly recognise the hard work, bravery and courage of what they have done both on operations and at home."

Front Page

Retired Admiral Thomas B. Fargo Joins Northrop Grumman Board of Directors

LOS ANGELES - May 21, 2008 - Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) announced today that retired U.S. Navy Admiral Thomas B. Fargo has been elected to the company's board of directors.

With the retirement of board member Philip A. Odeen, Northrop Grumman's board totals 11 members, 10 of whom are non-employee directors.

"Tom Fargo's 35 years of naval leadership and his subsequent private sector experience give him a global perspective that makes him an outstanding addition to our company's board," said Ronald D. Sugar, chairman and chief executive officer of Northrop Grumman.

Fargo served as commander of the U.S. Pacific Command leading the largest unified command while directing the joint operations of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force from May 2002 until his retirement from the United States Navy in March 2005. He was responsible to the President and the Secretary of Defense through the chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff and was the U.S. military representative for collective defense arrangements in the Pacific.

His naval career included six tours in Washington, D.C., in addition to five commands in the Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Middle East, which included serving as Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and Commander of the Naval Forces of the Central Command.

Fargo is president and chief executive officer of Hawaii Superferry as part of his duties as managing director of J.F. Lehman & Company. Previously, he served as president of Trex Enterprises Corporation.

He serves on the boards of directors for Hawaiian Electric Industries, Hawaiian Airlines and USAA. He also serves on the board of directors of the Japan-America Society of Hawaii, the I'olani School Board of Governors, and the Hawaii Pacific University Board of Trustees. Fargo is the national vice chairman of the Pearl Harbor Memorial Fund.

He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Front Page

Northrop Grumman Showcases UAV Capabilities At Berlin ILA Air Show 2008

LONDON -- May 21, 2008 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) will display a wide range of its key capabilities and programmes at the Berlin International Aerospace Exhibition, including unmanned aerial vehicles, aerial tanker refueling and aircraft navigation systems.

The air show will take place at the southern section of Berlin-Schonefeld Airport from 27 May to 1 June. More than 1,000 exhibitors from some 40 countries will participate in the show, which will also commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift.

"We are strongly positioned to grow our business in Germany and across Europe where we have considerable capabilities to offer," said John Brooks, president of Northrop Grumman International Inc. and vice-president of international business development for Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector. "We look forward to serving the needs of our customers by building on the success of our industry partnerships to leverage our core capabilities and provide tailored solutions."

The Northrop Grumman exhibit pavilion will feature the company's industry-leading capability in unmanned aerial vehicles including Euro Hawk, Fire Scout, the recently-awarded Broad Area Maritime Surveillance and the Global Hawk-based solution for the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) requirement.

In 2007, the German Ministry of Defence awarded a contract to Euro Hawk GmbH, a joint-venture company formed by Northrop Grumman and EADS, for the development, test and support of the Euro Hawk(r) unmanned signals intelligence (SIGINT) surveillance and reconnaissance system. With a wing span larger than a commercial airliner's, the Euro Hawk(r) UAS will serve as the German Air Force's high altitude, long endurance SIGINT system.

NATO has also chosen Global Hawk to meet its AGS requirement. Demonstrating its commitment to trans-Atlantic cooperation, Northrop Grumman leads an industry team representing 19 participating nations to develop and produce an Alliance-owned and operated ground surveillance capability.

Also on display will be the KC-45A aerial refuelling tanker. Earlier this year, the U.S. Air Force selected a Northrop Grumman-led team to provide the new tanker, which will be based on the highly-successful Airbus A330 commercial airframe. The KC-45A will be built by a world-class industrial team that includes EADS North America as the primary sub-contractor.

The MQ-8B Fire Scout vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle will also be featured. The Navy recently announced that it intends to conduct the Fire Scout Operational Evaluation aboard a FFG-7, Oliver Hazard Perry class ship. This will provide the fleet with unmanned aerial system support as soon as possible.

Northrop Grumman's German and Italian subsidiaries will also be represented at the air show. LITEF will display its navigation systems for land vehicles, sensors for weapon stabilisation, inertial guidance systems for missiles and attitude heading reference system / navigation systems for fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Northrop Grumman Italia will display a full range of its state-of-the-art fibre-optic navigation systems including the LISA-200, the Navex family of attitude heading reference systems and LN-251 / LN-270 high accuracy inertial navigation systems. These systems are in service on aircraft platforms in the U.S., Europe and Asia and are fitted to the Eurofighter Typhoon, the Tornado and BAE Systems Hawk.

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

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defence and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Front Page

EBACE Exhibit #7462
www.hawkerbeechcraft.com

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Goes Higher, Farther and Faster with the New Premier II

Announces the world’s largest, best performing and most technologically advanced single-pilot business jet

GENEVA, Switzerland (May 19, 2008) – Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) today launched the newest member of its legendary family of capable, comfortable, reliable and efficient jets—the new Beechcraft Premier II light business jet. Evolving from the highly successful Premier IA, the Premier II will feature higher cruise speeds, a 20 percent longer range with four passengers and an increased payload while still offering the largest cabin and most technologically advanced single-pilot business jet in the world.
“For 75 years, our company has been on the forefront of private and business jet aviation,” said Jim Schuster, Hawker Beechcraft chairman and CEO. “The Beechcraft Premier II will redefine the light jet market and take it to a new level in meeting customer expectations. With its unmatched performance and efficiency, impressively spacious cabin and advanced technology, the Premier II is a natural choice for business and private travelers who want to travel in comfort and get to their destination quickly.”

The Premier II will be a twin turbofan, swept wing, light jet aircraft featuring a high-strength, state-of-the-art all-composite fuselage that allows for a medium-jet sized cabin at light jet costs. Featuring luxurious and comfortable standard seating for up to six passengers and their baggage, the Premier II will deliver more people to more locations, more efficiently and in more comfort than any other light jet.

Enhanced Performance

At the heart of these major aircraft advancements will be a pair of FJ44-3AP turbofan engines, the newest member of the Williams International engine family. These highly efficient, ultra powerful engines will produce 6,000 pounds of combined thrust—an increase of more than 23 percent from the Premier IA. Combined with new elliptical winglets, the new-generation engines will allow the Premier II to climb higher to an unrestricted, chart-topping maximum cruising altitude of 45,000 feet (13,716 m) and fly farther—a 1,500 nm (2,778 km) mission with one pilot and four passengers. The 4,000-foot operating ceiling boost also puts passengers well above most traffic and weather, allowing them to enjoy the smoothest ride and arrive at their destination faster. Simply put, the Premier II will save owners and operators time and money.

The higher thrust engines will also improve high/hot take-off operations and increase maximum cruise speed to 465 knots (861 km/hr) at typical cruise altitudes. The time to climb to FL370 will improve from 17 minutes to 14 minutes, ensuring more efficient ATC operations and direct routing. The maximum gross take-off weight (MGTOW) will also increase from the 12,500 pound (5,670 kg) limit found on the Premier IA to 13,800 pounds (6,260 kg), allowing operators to carry more than 900 pounds of payload with full fuel. More payload and range mean more flexibility and capability for owners without the higher acquisition and operating costs of a larger jet.

“The Beechcraft Premier IA is the fastest large-cabin, single-pilot business jet in production today, and the Premier II will be even better. Our program objective was all about improving the performance of our exceptionally successful Premier IA,” said Brad Hatt, president, Commercial Aircraft. “The Premier II takes everything that operators love about the Premier IA and improves upon it to create an aircraft that will deliver the performance and capabilities of a much larger jet while providing the economy and efficiency of a light jet. The result is an aircraft that can fly further, faster and higher than ever before.”

Cockpit Changes

While the Premier II’s cabin will pamper passengers with luxury and comfort, its cockpit will deliver an advanced level of operational sophistication and situational awareness—just what one would expect in a jet designed to be flown single-pilot. The Premier II’s flight deck will be fine-tuned to accommodate a new 3-in-1 Electronic Standby Instrument System (ESIS), FADEC control switches, VHF Comm ground switch and avionics integration of the standby COMM/NAV controller.

Manufacturing and Certification

Elliptical shaped winglets, crafted of lightweight, ultra strong composites, will be installed to enhance aerodynamic performance. The Premier II’s winglets contribute to the aircraft’s long list of performance advantages. The winglets offer reduced drag and an increased effective wingspan without actually lengthening the wings, enabling the Premier II to fly farther than its predecessor. The custom designed winglets were sized to provide distinct performance improvements while not impacting airframe inspection schedules.

The improved capability is also largely due to the Premier II’s certification in accordance with 14 CFR Part 23 Commuter Category thru Amendment 23-57, which will include new engines specified in compliance with the environmental aircraft pollution standards. First flight of the aircraft is scheduled for April 2009 with FAA Certification planned for Q2 2010. European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) certification is expected in Q4 2010.

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special-mission and trainer aircraft – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; and Chester, England, U.K. The company leads the industry with a global network of over 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. For more information, visit

www.hawkerbeechcraft.com

###

This release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements that address activities, events or developments that we or our management intend, expect, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s assumptions and assessments in light of past experience and trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other relevant factors. They are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ significantly from those envisaged by our forward-looking statements.

Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described or implied in the forward-looking statements are general business and economic conditions, production delays resulting from lack of regulatory certifications and other factors, competition in our existing and future markets, lack of market acceptance of our products and services, the substantial leverage and debt service resulting from our indebtedness, loss or retirement of key executives and other risks disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Front Page

EBACE Exhibit #7462
www.hawkerbeechcraft.com

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation International Orders Lead to Record Backlog

Company to display leading aircraft at EBACE

WICHITA, Kan. (May 15, 2008) – Hawker Beechcraft Corporation’s (HBC) strong international sales have bolstered the company’s backlog to a record $6.8 billion – led by the Europe/Africa region. A number of factors contributed to the building momentum in Europe, including increased sales, the strengthening of the company’s international sales team, new European-exclusive demonstration aircraft and recent EASA and other international certifications. In an effort to show its robust product line to European customers, HBC is increasing its presence at this year’s European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE).

“The strong global demand for our products elevated our backlog to the highest level in the history of our company. Our added focus in this market is strengthening our position going forward,” said Sean McGeough, vice president, International Sales. “We look forward to showing our remarkable aircraft at this year’s EBACE and anticipate a very busy show.”

With the many new product upgrades recently announced, HBC is working diligently with appropriate international bodies to secure additional aircraft certifications worldwide. In the last year, the following new aircraft have been certified through the listed agencies or countries.

• Hawker® 900XP – FAA, EASA, Australia, Aruba, Canada, Czech Republic, Isle of Man, Macau, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey and UAE

• Hawker 750 – FAA, EASA, India, Mexico and Saudi Arabia

• Beechcraft King Air B200GT – FAA, EASA, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Guatemala, India, Mexico and Venezuela

• Beechcraft King Air C90GTi – FAA, EASA, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Mexico, South Africa and Venezuela.

Hawker Beechcraft plans to display an impressive exhibit at EBACE 2008. The company will showcase eight of its aircraft, including:

• Hawker 4000 – The flagship of the Hawker line, the composite-fuselage Hawker 4000 is the most advanced super-midsize business jet in the world. It truly sets the standard for quality, performance and value in the super-midsize business jet class of aircraft.

•Hawker 900XP – From the world’s most popular midsized business jet lineage (the Hawker 800 series), the Hawker 900XP has combined new Honeywell engines with enhanced winglets and a large cabin for increased performance, range, efficiency, comfort and unprecedented value.

• Hawker 400XP – With the largest cabin of any comparable aircraft, this aircraft is the preferred light jet for the fractional market and corporations worldwide. The Hawker 400XP is the fastest light business jet of its class.

• Beechcraft Premier IA – Truly an advanced technology light jet, the Premier IA offers customers an industry-leading combination of speed, cabin size and efficiency with a new interior, upgraded avionics and five-year warranty.

• Beechcraft King Air 350 – The King Air series is the #1 turboprop lineup in the world. The flagship Beechcraft King Air model, the next-generation King Air 350, offers the utmost in versatility and capability and features a class leading heated, pressurized, and in-flight-accessible baggage area – the largest in its class. This aircraft can operate on runways as short as 3,300 feet with exceptional short-field performance.

• Beechcraft King Air C90GTi – Advanced Collins Pro Line 21™ fully-integrated avionics take the new Beechcraft King Air C90GTi cockpit to that of our other King Airs and larger jets, while retaining the same operational flexibility, a private lavatory, and a 50-percent larger cabin than most VLJs.

• Beechcraft Baron G58 – The piston twin that pilots aspire to own, the aircraft features fully integrated Garmin G1000® avionics with the new GFC 700 flight control system and new GWX 68 color weather radar.

• Beechcraft Bonanza G36 – The most prestigious high-performance single-engine piston in the market with the longest continual production line in the industry – 60 years in 2007. It features Garmin G1000® avionics and the new GFC 700 flight control system.

The Beechcraft® Bonanza G36 and Baron G58 on display are new demo aircraft to be used exclusively in Europe. Validation by the European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) for the Bonanza G36 and Baron G58 is expected soon. They include Garmin G1000 avionics with WAAS and LPV approach capability and offer optional Jeppesen chart coverage for Europe and other worldwide regions. To support the anticipated increase in European piston sales, Hawker Beechcraft has added a dedicated piston sales person, Chris Hancock, to the European region sales team. He will be based in Chester, U.K.

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special-mission and trainer aircraft – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; and Chester, England, U.K. The company leads the industry with a global network of over 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. For more information, visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com

###

This release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements that address activities, events or developments that we or our management intend, expect, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s assumptions and assessments in light of past experience and trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other relevant factors. They are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ significantly from those envisaged by our forward-looking statements.

Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described or implied in the forward-looking statements are general business and economic conditions, production delays resulting from lack of regulatory certifications and other factors, competition in our existing and future markets, lack of market acceptance of our products and services, the substantial leverage and debt service resulting from our indebtedness, loss or retirement of key executives and other risks disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Front Page

www.hawkerbeechcraft.com

Hawker 750 Achieves EASA and Other International Certifications

WICHITA, Kan. (May 13, 2008) – Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) received European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification for the newest aircraft in the Hawker family, the new light-midsize Hawker 750, on April 30, 2008. In addition to the EASA certification, the Hawker 750 also received type certifications in India, Mexico and Saudi Arabia.

Utilizing the fuselage and wings of the world’s best-selling mid-sized business jet of all time, the Hawker 800-series, the Hawker 750 offers the largest cabin in the light-midsize aircraft segment. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification was completed on February 8, 2008.

“We’re thrilled to receive EASA, Indian, Mexican and Saudi Arabian certifications, as this will allow more of our international customers to own and operate the most preferred airplane in the light mid-sized segment, the Hawker 750,” said Brad Hatt, president, Commercial Sales. “With the perfect combination of reliability and operating efficiency, a large luxurious cabin and internal and external baggage areas, the Hawker 750 is the best choice in the light-midsized marketplace.”

Offering the best range and payload capability in its class, the Hawker 750 has a 2,116 nautical mile (3,919 km) NBAA IFR range, capable of achieving multiple-city visits in one day. With an interior that is generous for flying eight passengers, the Hawker 750’s cabin measures 5’9” (1.75 m) in height and 6’0” (1.83 m) in width. It has the same cabin as the Hawker 800-series but adds a heated external baggage compartment to provide 32 cubic feet (0.91 cu m) of additional baggage capacity. The aircraft also features a new interior designed at HBC’s Little Rock Completion Center specifically for the 750.

The Hawker 750 includes the highly successful Honeywell TFE731-5BR engine, producing 4,660 pounds of thrust. Combined with state-of-the art Collins Pro Line 21TM avionics package with Integrated Flight Information System (IFIS) and enhanced map overlays, the Hawker 750’s operating capabilities satisfy the segment’s unmet need for a high-performance light midsize jet.

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special-mission and trainer aircraft – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; and Chester, England, U.K. The company leads the industry with a global network of over 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. For more information, visit

www.hawkerbeechcraft.com
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This release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements that address activities, events or developments that we or our management intend, expect, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s assumptions and assessments in light of past experience and trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other relevant factors. They are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ significantly from those envisaged by our forward-looking statements.

Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described or implied in the forward-looking statements are general business and economic conditions, production delays resulting from lack of regulatory certifications and other factors, competition in our existing and future markets, lack of market acceptance of our products and services, the substantial leverage and debt service resulting from our indebtedness, loss or retirement of key executives and other risks disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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NEW £43.9M CONTRACT ENSURES RAF VC10 FLEET AVAILABILITY

19 May 2008 | Ref. 159/2008

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded BAE Systems a five year contract worth £43.9 million to ensure the RAF’s VC10 tanking and transport fleet is available on the frontline to meet operational requirements.

Under the incentivised contract, BAE Systems will take responsibility for much of the ‘on-base’ VC10 engineering, logistics and technical support, including engineering bays at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire which are currently managed by Serco.

Carl Loller, BAE Systems’ In Service Support Director, Large Aircraft said, “ This is one of the most advanced availability contracts yet developed as part of the UK Defence Industrial Strategy. It will allow us to improve aircraft availability for front line RAF VC10 crews, while reducing the budget impact for the UK tax-payer”.

This latest contract, part of the successful JAVELIN (Joint Approach to VC10 Engineering and Logistics Integration) signed in 2003, has been developed in partnership the MOD’s Defence Equipment & Support organisation. It see’s both partners share potential benefits and risks within the programme.

BAE Systems will use its supply chain and engineering capabilities to sustain VC10 availability through to the aircraft’s eventual out of service date. The contract includes post-design services, air refuelling equipment, spares and spares inclusive repairs as well as the disposal of airframes at the end of their service life.

This new contract further strengthens BAE Systems support to the UK’s front line and training aircraft. Under the £1.3bn Tornado ATTAC (Availability Transformation: Tornado Aircraft Contract) programme the Company has responsibility for “depth” support at RAF Marham, ensuring that aircraft are provided to the front line when they are needed. The £74m Hawk Integrated Operational Support (HIOS) contract sees BAE Systems boosting maintenance and technical support for the RAF and Royal Navy’s fleet of Hawk TMk1 aircraft, ensuring agreed levels of sorties can be carried out by the UK’s key training aircraft, while saving costs of over £14m.

BAE Systems is currently delivering a number of partnered support programmes to the Joint Force Harrier fleet including the Joint Upgrade & Maintenance Programme (JUMP) at RAF Cottesmore. JUMP combines essential maintenance with the upgrade of the aircraft from GR7 to the GR9 standard. Similarly at RAF Coningsby, BAE Systems has a £11.6m contract to provide a guaranteed repair service for key Typhoon aircraft components, enabling better equipment planning and utilisation and improved availability of key aircraft components.

About BAE Systems

BAE Systems is the premier global defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 97,500 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15.7 billion (US $31.4 billion) in 2007.

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BAE SYSTEMS RECEIVES $21.8 MILLION CONTRACT FOR PALADIN INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT VEHICLES

15 May 2008 | Ref. 158/2008

YORK, Pennsylvania -- BAE Systems has been awarded a $21.8 million contract modification from the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command for the design and development of M109A6 Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) self-propelled howitzer vehicles.

The M109A6-PIM uses the existing Paladin main armament and cab structure, replacing hydraulics with electric gun drives that share commonality with the Future Combat Systems Non-Line-Of-Sight Cannon. Outmoded chassis components are replaced with up-to-date components from the Bradley Combat Systems and integrated into a highly producible, new-design chassis structure to increase sustainability and commonality across the Heavy Brigade Combat Teams (HBCT).

"The M109A6 Paladin Integrated Management vehicle leverages available technology and stresses commonality with fielded platforms," said Andy Hove, vice president of Combat Systems Programs for BAE Systems. "This award represents the initial phase of the long term PIM program efforts to sustain the Paladin fleet into 2050."

This modification, when combined with the previous PIM contract worth $5 million, brings the total value to $26.8 million.

Under the contract, design and engineering analysis work for the vehicle structure, automotive systems and electric and vehicle electronics will be performed at BAE Systems facilities in Pennsylvania, California and Michigan as well as U.S. government facilities at the Army Research and Development Center in Picatinny, New Jersey. This development work will ultimately lead to a remanufacture program for the Paladin fleet. The remanufacture program itself will be performed in partnership with the Anniston Army Depot and at BAE Systems facilities in York, Pennsylvania and Elgin, Oklahoma.

The M109A6-PIM is supported by the Army as a vital technology enhancement program to sustain the M109 Family of Vehicles well into the future, and maintain the combat capability of the HBCT.

About BAE Systems

BAE Systems is the premier global defense and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 97,500 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15.7 billion (US $31.4 billion) in 2007.

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BAE SYSTEMS RECEIVES $9.7 MILLION DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY CONTRACT FOR ADVANCED COMBAT HELMETS

13 May 2008 | Ref. 155/2008

PHOENIX, Arizona? BAE Systems has received a $9.7 million contract from the Defense Logistics Agency for 45,000 Advanced Combat Helmets (ACH).

Issued under a multi-year contract received in August 2005 with a current ceiling of $1.2 billion, this order brings the total accumulated amount awarded to $88.9 million.

"The award will provide a state-of-the-art helmet system for our joint armed forces," said Sean Martin, director, business development of Individual Equipment for BAE Systems. "The helmet provides vital ballistic protection, and also a platform for the integration of technologies critical to the warfighter's situational awareness."

The ACH is the most advanced ballistic helmet being worn by U.S. forces today. BAE Systems' design offers the highest level of protection and flexibility available and incorporates the latest technology in ballistic composite construction.

Production will be completed at facilities located in Jessup, Pennsylvania, will commence in June and is expected to be complete in September 2008.

BAE Systems employs nearly 450 employees at its Jessup facility and has 100,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space at this location. The Individual Equipment business unit is a world leader in the development and manufacture of individual warfighter and tactical systems for militaries and homeland security forces. Operating 12 factories with over 2,300 employees around the U.S., Individual Equipment manufactures head-to-toe integrated survivability products including body armor, vests, hydration systems, assault packs, helmets, flotation collars, parachutes, air crew ensembles and other protective products.

About BAE Systems

BAE Systems is the premier global defense and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 97,500 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15.7 billion (US $31.4 billion) in 2007.

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BAE SYSTEMS TO FIELD-TEST NEXT-GENERATION WIRELESS TACTICAL NETWORKS

13 May 2008 | Ref. 154/2008

BURLINGTON, Massachusetts - BAE Systems will field-test a suite of next-generation wireless tactical network protocols designed to improve communications within and among forward-deployed military units. The Defense Advanced Projects Research Agency (DARPA) selected the company to develop and evaluate new "protocol stacks" - sets of network protocol layers that work together - for military mobile ad-hoc networks, or MANETs.

Under the first phase of the DARPA Control-Based Mobile Ad-Hoc Network program, a BAE Systems-led team developed a new protocol that improves network performance by a factor of five over current practices. The $5 million award for the program's second phase will further develop and field-test these protocols.

"This technology can allow forward-deployed mobile units to stay networked to each other and to command posts, despite connectivity variations due to terrain and other factors," said Dr. Nils R. Sandell, Jr., vice president of advanced information technologies for BAE Systems. "Field trials are the next step in transitioning this technology to our men and women in combat."

In a MANET, each network node operates not only as an end-system, but also as a router capable of forwarding traffic and forming a network free of any fixed infrastructure. Traditional networking approaches have adapted poorly to rapid in-the field network changes, achieving only a fraction of the potential performance. The MANET's flexibility makes it an attractive networking option for tactical operations.

BAE Systems will work with its program teammates, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and CenGen Inc., to develop the next-generation protocols and demonstrate their utility in support of special operations applications. Spring 2009 field demonstrations are planned at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia.

About BAE Systems

BAE Systems is the premier global defense and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 97,500 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15.7 billion (US $31.4 billion) in 2007.

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BAE SYSTEMS PRESENTS INTEGRATED SECURITY SOLUTIONS AT IFSEC

12 May 2008 | Ref. 151/2008

Birmingham, UK - BAE Systems now offers its world-leading systems integration and information security, management and exploitation capabilities in the national security and resilience and civil markets. At IFSEC on stand no 17120 the Company’s expertise in integrated security capabilities will be demonstrated, including products from the recently acquired government and commercial software business of Petards Ltd.

The Universal Video Management System (UVMS) delivers advanced forensic recording and replay functions. Its open architecture makes it an ideal backbone for any new or existing CCTV system. It can be integrated with Advantage.Net+, an integrated security management system designed to simplify security and surveillance operations. Fully scalable, it provides security management from a single facility, to installations monitoring 4,000 buildings.

Complementing these systems, BAE Systems’ advanced technologies include people tracking and wireless ad-hoc networking - creating visual surveillance networks that are able to self-configure ensuring continuity of service.

BAE Systems is also partnering with European organisations under the European Commission sponsored project OASIS – Open Advanced System for disaster and emergency management. This project aims to facilitate the cooperation between civil protection organisations at a local, national and international level by providing a common operating picture.

Jon Wills, BAE Systems National Security and Resilience Programmes Director said “BAE Systems’ approach to solving complex problems uses our systems integration expertise, underpinned by proven products and emerging technologies to deliver end to end solutions.”

About BAE Systems

BAE Systems is the premier global defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 97,500 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15.7 billion (US$31.4 billion) in 2007.

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BAE SYSTEMS RECEIVES 2008 FOUNDER’S AWARD AT FIRST CHAMPIONSHIP

12 May 2008 | Ref. 149/2008

ROCKVILLE, Maryland – BAE Systems was honored with the 2008 Founder’s Award from FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) during the Championship event in Atlanta, Georgia on April 19. The award, presented by FIRST founder Dean Kamen, commemorates the efforts of the recipient for exceptional service in advancing the ideals and mission of FIRST.

"The honor that this award recognizes really belongs to the employees of BAE Systems who served as mentors, coaches, sponsors and judges," said Walt Havenstein president and chief executive officer of BAE Systems, Inc. and a member of FIRST’s board of directors. "We are privileged and remain committed to supporting FIRST not only because it provides the best opportunity to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists, but also because it is a lot of fun."

During the 2008 season, the company supported 71 teams located near company sites in 13 states and the District of Columbia, from which 24 BAE Systems-sponsored teams competed at the Championship. BAE Systems also sponsored seven of the 41 regional competitions culminating in the FIRST Championship.

“As a FIRST Strategic Partner, BAE Systems sets an incredible example of what corporate America can do to inspire the scientists and engineers of tomorrow,” said FIRST founder, Dean Kamen. “We are deeply grateful for BAE Systems’ significant contributions to the growth of FIRST, from sponsoring teams and competitions to employee participation as mentors and event volunteers.”

Past recipients of the Founder’s Award include: FedEx, General Motors, Honeywell, Johnson & Johnson, NASA, The LEGO Group, United Technologies Corporation and Walt Disney Co.

BAE Systems also congratulates three company-sponsored teams that received awards at the FIRST Championship in Atlanta:

Wissahickon High School of Ambler, Pennsylvania, winners of the “Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers Entrepreneurship Award” for developing “the framework for a comprehensive business plan in order to scope, manage and obtain team objectives” while displaying “entrepreneurial enthusiasm and the vital business skills for a self-sustaining program,” according to FIRST.

Waialua High School of Waialua, Hawaii, winners of the “Engineering Inspiration Award” for “outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering and engineers, both within their school as well as their community” and the extent and inventiveness of the team’s efforts to recruit students to engineering, the team’s community outreach efforts and the measurable success of those efforts, FIRST says.

Utica Community Schools of Sterling Heights, Michigan, part of an alliance of three schools, who collaborated for winning both the Galileo Division and the Championship.

In January, BAE Systems increased its contribution to FIRST to more than $1 million annually through donations of money, resources and employees volunteering. By increasing the level of support BAE Systems became a “Strategic Partner” of FIRST and the largest corporate contributor to the FIRST Robotics Competition.

About FIRST

Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With the support of many of the world’s most well-known companies, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST Robotics Competition and FIRST Tech Challenge for high-school students, the FIRST LEGO League for children 9-14 years old, and the Junior FIRST LEGO League for 6 to 9 year-olds. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.usfirst.org .

About BAE Systems

BAE Systems is the premier global defense and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 97,500 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15.7 billion (US $31.4 billion) in 2007.

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