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Most Interviews contained herein are Corporate "In House" production designed to get information out to the Public via Press Release. The majority of the quotes presented in Press Release articles in this ILIPS Group Publication are Corporate, In House. We are concentrating heavily on Press Releases as we expand outward into the World community to acquire the News ourselves.

We will usually identify when quotations or interviews are conducted and reported directly by ILIPS Group personnel. Otherwise, anticipate that the interview was provided courtesy of Public Relations or Media Personnel from Corporate or other sources outside of ILIPS Group International, including other Mainstream and Alternative News Services who have released the materials into Public Domain.

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Front Page

Link Take You Off Site to NY Times

Travelers Shift to Rail as Costs of Fuel Rises

Link Takes You Off Site to MSNBC.Com

Tuskegee Airmen to be Subject of Lucas Film

Link Takes You Off Site To France 24

The European View of The Continuing KC-X Tanker Fiasco

US Air Force to Review Errors in EADS Deal

Editorial:

( Delivered to France 24 )

"Makes you wonder if the GAO included the costs of the Boeing/Air Force scandal involving the lease of 767 tankers into the cost of the new 767 versus the Airbus A330/KC-45.

America and its allies need a new tanker now to replace an already aging fleet. A KC-135 Stratotanker from the late 1950s was retired just last week.

There appears to be a need for both the larger KC-45 and the smaller KC-767.

Why not quit fooling around and order both? Otherwise, hold a fly-off and settle this once and for all.

The economic climmate in the U.S. is no reason to short change Airbus, the folks in Mississippi who'll be running an assembly line, nor the folks in the military needing a new tanker right now.

Continued mistakes by the U.S. Air Force are no reason to punish Airbus. And with both tankers in the inventory, there's plenty of work to go around, both in Europe and the U.S.

We should have been working together a minimum of thirty years ago on joint projects."

~ Ed.

Front Page

Boeing, Shenzhen Airlines and Washington-Sichuan Friendship Association Deliver Humanitarian Aid to China

SEATTLE, June 17, 2008 - The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], Shenzhen Airlines and the Washington-Sichuan Friendship Association gathered with several of Washington state's elected officials and others from Pierce County schools at Boeing Field in Seattle June 7. The group celebrated the humanitarian aid delivered in the airline's new Boeing 737-800. Newly purchased materials were flown to China to benefit the earthquake-stricken area of Sichuan Province.

Boeing Photo

Front Page

Boeing, Shenzhen Airlines and Washington-Sichuan Friendship Association Deliver Humanitarian Aid to Earthquake-Stricken China

SEATTLE, June 19, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] partnered with Shenzhen Airlines and the Washington-Sichuan Friendship Association June 6 to load 5,872 pounds of vented cone masks and coveralls into the airline's new Boeing 737-800.

The newly purchased materials, which will help earthquake relief workers in their recovery efforts, were then flown over the weekend to the Chengdu Shuang Liu Airport to benefit the earthquake-damaged area of Sichuan Province in China. This effort marks the second "Flight of Hope" humanitarian relief initiative in response to the China earthquake.

"The Boeing Company is working with our airline customers and nonprofit partners to bring new materials to China to help rebuild some of the hardest hit areas damaged by the earthquake," said Fred Kiga, vice president, State and Local Government and Global Corporate Citizenship for the Northwest Region, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "It is our greatest hope that our collective efforts will bring comfort to the Chinese people during this tragic and challenging time. This collaborative work and ongoing efforts reflect our company's commitment to improve the communities around the world in which we live, work and support."

On June 7, Boeing employees and several elected Washington state officials, including Lt. Gov. Brad Owen and State Sen. Jim Kastama, joined Jimmy Chen, vice chair of the Washington-Sichuan Friendship Association, and others to celebrate the delivery of the humanitarian-relief materials.

One highlight of the event came when Shenzhen Airlines accepted an additional delivery named the "Bag of Love," a sack containing more than 800 greeting cards and letters written by Pierce County schoolchildren for their counterparts in the earthquake-affected region.

Chen said he hopes the Washington-Sichuan Friendship Association's contribution, which was sponsored by Seattle-based Trident Seafoods and Tacoma-based Chinese Community of Tacoma, will result in an educational and cultural exchange program with China.

"The event was sensational," Chen said. "The citizens of Washington state share the sadness of the Sichuan people and send encouragement and hope for recovery in the coming days."

Jiang Pan, vice general manager of Shenzhen Airlines' Flight Department and captain of the 737-800 delivery airplane, said it was important to him to be able to personally deliver the relief supplies back to China. "We want relief for all the people in the earthquake area," Pan said.

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Front Page

Boeing, Shenzhen Airlines and Washington-Sichuan Friendship Association Deliver Humanitarian Aid to China

SEATTLE, June 17, 2008 ? Jimmy Chen (R-L), vice chair of the Washington-Sichuan Friendship Association; Qing Ai, managing director of China Aviation Supplies Import and Export Group Corp. American Office; James Kwong, sales program manager for China and East Asia Sales, Boeing [NYSE: BA] Commercial Airplanes; and Jiang Pan, vice general manager of Shenzhen Airlines Flight Department, assisted Boeing employees June 6 as they loaded Shenzhen Airlines' new 737-800 with cone masks and coveralls to help people in the earthquake-stricken areas of Sichuan Province in China.

Boeing Photo

Front Page Austrailia

June 20, 2008

Requiem for a General

GENERAL SIR FRANCIS HASSETT ACC, KBE, CB, DSO LVO psc, IDC, FORMER CHIEF OF THE DEFENCE FORCE STAFF

Front Page Australia

18 June 2008
C-130J Hercules dispensing flares

Number 37 Squadron aircraft participating in Exercise Precision Red 2008 held in Townsville.

Photo: Australia DoD

Front Page Australia

Friday, 20 June 2008
079/2008

AUSTRALIAN INNOVATION TO DRIVE DEFENCE CAPABILITY

Australian companies and universities will share $21.5 million in the
latest round of defence capability development funding, the Minister for
Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP announced
today.

“It is widely acknowledged that Australian industry plays a key role
in supporting our Defence operations. So I am pleased to announce today
that 12 innovative proposals have been selected for further
development under the Capability and Technology Demonstrator Program.”

“The CTD program provides opportunities to show how advanced
technology can provide significant enhancement to Defence capability. These 12
projects come from various industry sectors, and include
small-to-medium enterprises, established defence contractors and Australian
universities.

“It is exciting to see that the proposals receiving funding in 2008
cover a very wide spectrum of defence capability – from wearable solar
panels to submarine sonar, from grenade launchers to GPS anti-jam
units.

“The projects are a mix of leading edge technologies and innovative
applications of existing technologies, with the potential to result in
major savings for Defence, spin-offs for civilian use and export
opportunities for Australian industry,” said Mr Snowdon.

The Capability and Technology Demonstrator (CTD) Program supports
priority defence capability development by funding Australian industry to
trial new technology. The work informs Defence of the potential
performance and technical risks associated with future implementation.

The Defence Science and Technology Organisation manages the CTD Program
on behalf of Defence.

For information about the 12 new CTD projects go to:
http://www.dsto.defence.gov.au/collaboration/3743/.

Front Page Australia

THE HON. WARREN SNOWDON MP
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel

SPEECH TO THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LUNCHEON

American Chamber of Commerce, South Australia,

Friday, 20 June 2008


"Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.

I would first like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the
land, the Kaurna (pronounced 'Garna') people.

Thank you Robyn for the opportunity to come here today to speak to such
a diverse cross section of South Australian and United States business
interests.

I would like to congratulate the Chamber of Commerce on the important
role it plays in fostering ties with our most important ally, and a key
trading partner – the United States.

Australia and the United States share many common interests. Our
economies are flexible and competitive, our societies are open and the ties
between our respective communities continue to grow and deepen.

The relationship has grown to the extent that South Australian wines,
which use to carry a Secret label, are now common features on wine lists
in the best US restaurants!

A cornerstone of the Australia – United States relationship is our
close military links where we have a long history of shared defence and
security co-operation. The United States and Australia have served along
side each other in two world wars in Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf Wars and
in many peace keeping operations including Iraq and Afghanistan.

In preparing my address to you today I took pause to recall where our
close relationship began and how it has matured over the last 66 years.
In Australia's darkest hours of the Second World War the United
States and Australia faced a common enemy that threatened the peace and
stability of the Pacific.

In the shadow of the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbour and then Darwin,
The Labor Prime Minister of Australia at the time, the Right Hon John
Curtin, made a memorable address not to the United States Government
but rather to the people of the United States.

In his address he highlighted the pride and courage of the Australian
people and forged their place in a partnership with the United States
that ultimately became the basis of the ANZUS Alliance. He noted that on
a basis of comparative sizes, Australia could not bring equal weight
to the Alliance but it would bring equal enthusiasm, commitment and the
courage of its people.

In these dark hours he stated “I give you the pledge of my country.
There will always be an Australian Government and there will always be
an Australian people. We are too strong in our hearts; and our spirit is
too high; the justice of our cause throbs too deeply in our being for
that high purpose to be overcome.” Little has changed!

Our relationship as allies commenced in the First World War but the
speech of John Curtin, 66 years ago set the parameters upon which our
enduring relationship would be based.

Indeed over the last century, since Australia was federated in 1901,
only two countries participated with United States in all wars within
which the United States was engaged. Those two countries were Australia
and New Zealand. In the early stages of this century this exclusive
club was been reduced to one country: Australia.

Recently, another Labor Prime Minister, the Right Hon Kevin Rudd,
visited the United States and reaffirmed this government's commitment to the
ANZUS Alliance. This confirmation was again made at a time when both
our countries are at war together against a common foe.

We also view many global and regional security concerns in a similar
way.

It is the currency upon which our relationship with the United States
is based and the commitment and courage through which it was formed and
tested that makes the Australian relationship with the United States
both special and unique.

It is this sort of special relationship that has prompted both
countries to improve the ease of transfer of technology between us by agreeing
to pursue a Defence Trade Treaty.

A less well known fact about the defence relationship is our similar
views about the important role innovation plays in ensuring that our
respective defence forces have that winning edge.

History clearly shows that technological innovations have periodically
shaped and reshaped the battlefield.

And while John Curtin was right about the different sizes of our
countries, and while that difference remains, it is interesting to note that
because size does not dictate intellect or discovery, Australia’s
defence science element arguably comes closest to bringing equal weight to
the alliance.

An ongoing priority for this Government is to maintain our defence
science and technology capacity. We need to ensure that the Australian
Defence Force has the capabilities that technologically leapfrog current
and foreseen future threats.

It was no accident that one of the early decisions taken by this
Government was to announce the development of a Defence White Paper, which
will form the foundation of Australia’s future Defence capabilities.

The White Paper process will result in comprehensive policy guidance
across the entire Defence portfolio, delivering on the Government’s
election undertaking to re-examine Australia’s strategic environment.

It will align defence strategic guidance, force structure, capability
priorities, and resource strategies, by taking a comprehensive view of
the Defence enterprise and shape where and what the Government will
purchase in the future.

An important element of the White Paper is the Government’s
announcement that a series of accompanying reviews (Companion Reviews) to
underpin the White Paper. These are:

* Defence Capability Plan Review

* Preparedness, Personnel and Operating Costs Review

* Logistics Review

* Estate Review

* Workforce Review

* Industry Capacity Review

* Information and Communications Technology Review

* Science and Technology Review

These critical studies will be a key input to developing Defence
business and budget priorities out to 2030.

Among these companion reviews will be one on Australia’s defence
science and technology.

There are sound strategic reasons for Defence to maintain a substantial
internal science and technology capability. Similar considerations
apply to the United States.

We must back our troops, particularly those troops deployed on
operations, with innovations in science and technology to enhance their
capability.

Both of our nations’ sovereignty and security is dependant upon our
ability to maintain our defence capability which can only be advanced
through technological innovation.

We must both maximise our S&T, research and development capabilities
not only within the Government sector but incorporating industry and
academia as innovation partners.

We must also maximise our capacity, and this is difficult with ageing
demographics, declining workforces and too few science and engineering
graduates. To maximise our capacities we must, in the true spirit of our
alliance, cooperate to reduce costs and optimise the outputs of our
Defence Science & Technology Communities.

We should ensure that within our science and technology relationships,
we are both dealing from a position of strength. By this I mean that
Australia will not come to the table empty-handed. Rather, in the spirit
alluded to by John Curtin we will bring the highest quality science
and technology based upon the highest quality research and development
that we can bring to bear.

Advanced technologies and military systems are proliferating worldwide.
It is big business.

Australia’s future capability edge requires that the ADF continue to
place priority on finding new ways to maintain Australia’s
technological primacy.

Both of our nations Defence Budgets are under pressure and compete with
other portfolios for public money. In this environment the leverage
that both our nations can achieve through enhancing our levels of
collaboration to reduce or remove duplication in Science & Technology effort,
to share results and data are obvious to an audience such as this.

Three good examples are:

Collaborative work to further develop the Mark 48 Heavyweight Torpedo,
whereby DSTO scientists are working with scientists from the United
States Naval Undersea Warfare Centre.

DSTO and the US Air Force are undertaking joint research into
hypersonic flight. The Hypersonic International Flight Research Experimentation
(HIFiRE) project, worth more than $70 million, is one of the largest
collaborative ventures to be undertaken between the two nations.
Recently, I announced the establishment of an Academic Chair at the University
of Queensland to further support this cooperative project.

DSTO and Australian Industry was successful in bidding into the Joint
Strike Fighter (JSF) process in 2004. Among the total of 230 proposals
considered, 21 projects were selected for funding, with seven successful
projects coming from Australia. DSTO and industry were involved in
these 7 successful projects worth US $9 million.

Critical to this is the role played by DSTO in providing trustworthy
advice on how best to apply science and technology to Australia’s
national defence and security needs.

DSTO has a very substantial presence here in South Australia and has
played an important role over the years in helping the State establish a
significant defence industry.

Australia’s defence industry and DSTO are vital partners in
delivering quality, world-class technology to support the operational needs of
the wider Defence organisation and its allies.

DSTO is an essential part of Defence capability and delivers a
significant return on investment for the Government and the Australian
taxpayer.

It delivers highly specialised capability outcomes – outcomes that I
can’t talk about in a forum such as this but believe me when I say
that they help ensure that the Australian Defence Force has that winning
edge.

These specialized outcomes are shared with the US at a classified level
to place both of us in a position to leverage off each others
innovative capabilities.

Australia’s defence industry is a vital partner with DSTO in
delivering many of these outcomes which are often world-class technologies
which support the operational needs of the Australian Defence Force and the
technology needs of the wider Defence organisation.

Many of the innovations that grow and flourish in DSTO are drawn from
the talented scientists and engineers in our Universities who work with
DSTO at a multitude of levels within the national innovation space.

These relationships are not new; they are based on long-held mutual
respect for the capabilities and talents resident in both. In part it is
DSTO’s role to provide the transitional capability that will carry
the innovative efforts of the Universities through to realisation within
Defence Industry.

Another vital partner for DSTO in delivering these outcomes are the
ties the organisation has with the many counterpart organisations that
exist in the United States.

These ties have taken a long time to build up but are extremely deep
and highly valued by both countries.

Last week in Canberra, I met with Al Shaffer, the Director, Plans &
Programs, from the Office of the Director, Defense Research and
Engineering, US Department of Defence.

Our discussions were frank and we identified many similar challenges
and goals.

Later this year I intend to take up Al’s invitation and other
invitations I have received from our US counterparts, and visit Washington to
further strengthen relationships between our Governments and Defence
Departments.

In my role as Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, I have a
personal stake in ensuring that DSTO works wherever possible with industry
in its delivery of Defence capability. I intend that this will be an
enduring characteristic of my time as Minister for Defence Science and
Personnel.

Further, I intend that DSTO engages extensively with other Publicly
Funded Research Organisations, Universities and Privately Funded Research
Organisations to further develop our defence capability.

This broader engagement should in turn provide increased opportunities
for Defence Industry within the national innovation space.

I know that a number of you in this room feel that DSTO does not
provide enough opportunities for industry to benefit from technology
developments.

There may well be the perception among you that DSTO is ‘holding
out’ on technology with potential for commercialisation.

Well, there’s good news and there’s bad news.

The good news is that I am taking a personal interest in ramping up
DSTO’s engagement with industry and universities.

The bad news is that there are no ‘gold nuggets’ waiting to be dug
up.

While it is true that DSTO does do much that is innovative and world
beating, most of DSTO’s technologies and innovations are not ready to
be commercialised or are not even able to be commercialised.

Whilst valuable to the ADF, many DSTO innovations are so particular, so
uniquely required by our services, that they have no export or wider
development value. Indeed their science can even show its best value
in disproving the need for further investment or experimentation.

Or commercialisation would take so much investment from the private
sector to develop it to the point where it could be exported or marketed
that your company bean counters would counsel you that it’s not
viable.

This is a fact that has been independently verified on a number of
occasions by private venture capital investment houses.

That’s not to say that DSTO couldn’t improve the way it does
business with Australian industry.

It could.

Here are a few ways in which the Government is driving this engagement:

DSTO is continually reviewing its programs for technologies that are
potentially market-ready and could be licensed or transferred to
industry.

When it comes to licensing, the ownership of the intellectual property
stays with Defence and DSTO partners with industry to develop potential
technologies for commercial application.

When it comes to the release of Intellectual Property, DSTO is
implementing the whole-of-government IP principles that encourage flexibility
in the ownership of intellectual property and commercialisation.

This flexibility provides industry with greater opportunities to
exploit the intellectual property in a way that benefits both industry and
the Commonwealth.

For example, their may be cases where the Commonwealth is more
interested in ensuring the technology is made available to Defence, by the
commercial sector, rather than in owning the IP.

In which case, IP ownership may be relinquished if the product becomes
available to purchase.

Where possible, we want to push IP out to industry.

DSTO are planning an industry ‘open’ day at Fishermans Bend in
Melbourne for later this year. The day will provide access for industry,
including those not already involved in the defence sector, to senior
researchers and decision makers.

With a focus on small to medium companies, the day is being designed to
provide insights into areas that have the potential for future
collaboration, as well as to educate companies from non-Defence sectors on how
they might be able to work with DSTO.

I would like to personally invite you to get to know DSTO better.
Don’t wait for the Industry Days. Approach the Chiefs who operate in
either the environmental space which your companies are engaged in, Land,
Maritime or Air or the Chiefs who run Divisions that are more
technology focussed who may align with the areas your companies are engaged in,
and six are resident in South Australia.

Don’t approach them on a basis of what can they do for you but rather
on a basis of what you may be able to do together in a meaningful
partnership that will generate benefit for both the United States,
Australia and Defence Industry.

The first step to moving forward is mutual understanding and respect
– a hallmark of the US/Australia relationship.

The Australian defence industry and DSTO have some real success stories
in their shared histories. You only have to look at Nulka –
Australia’s biggest Defence export.

We need more of these success stories.

To assist DSTO and to improve engagement with the rest of Australia’s
innovation sector the government is considering the establishment of
an external board of scientific review for DSTO.

The purpose of the Science Review Board would be to provide external
review of DSTO's efforts to enable better direction, third party
validation and to provide informed advocacy.

Obviously, top level security clearances being a prerequisite for
membership.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts about such a board, and we will
feed this in to the White Paper.

With the Government’s focus on innovation – and watch out for
initiatives coming out of the current national innovation review – there
has never been a better time for Australian industry to engage with
Defence in delivering technology solutions for the not inconsiderable
challenges facing Defence over the next 20-30 years.

The White Paper and its companion piece on science and technology will
go a long way to quantifying what those challenges are, and I expect
that it will provide a lot of direction as to where Australia’s defence
science and technology program should be headed.

To that end, I’d like to hear from you on what your vision is for
Australia’s defence industry in 2030, as well as where you think defence
science and technology needs to be in 2030.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I think that’s enough from me for now. Over to
you."

Front Page Australia

THE HON. JOEL FITZGIBBON MP
Minister for Defence

Friday, 20 June 2008
058/2008

MINISTER TOURS WEDGETAIL FACILITY AT BAE SYSTEMS AUSTRALIA

The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, today inspected
the Wedgetail integration laboratory at BAE Systems Australia’s
Edinburgh facility.

“The Wedgetail capability is critical to Australia’s future Air
Combat Capability and will play a key role in achieving our
network-enabled war fighting capability,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“The Wedgetail project continues to cause a high degree of concern
for me. As the lead customer for the aircraft, we are currently bearing
significant risk in bringing this capability into service. Given the
cost and importance of the Wedgetail project, it is something the
Government is paying very close attention to,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

This visit to the facilities allowed Mr Fitzgibbon to view for himself
the work that BAE Systems Australia, one of the major subcontractors on
the Wedgetail project, is conducting. This included design and
development of the Electronic Support Measures and Electronic Warfare Self
Protection subsystems, Operational Mission Simulator, Missions Support
System and AEW&C (software) Support Facility.

While Mr Fitzgibbon was encouraged by the capabilities displayed by BAE
Systems Australia, he remained firm in his position that all of the
companies involved in the delivery of the Wedgetail project must lift
their game to ensure that there are no further delays to the project.
“I was disappointed to be informed recently by the prime contractor
on the project, Boeing, that there will be a further slippage of 10
months in the delivery of the first fully capable aircraft. This is a total
delay of 38 months against the original contract the former Government
entered into,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

Boeing now proposes adopting an incremental delivery approach and plans
to deliver the first two aircraft, capable of undertaking training
roles and national peacetime tasking, in July 2009, and subsequently
upgrade them to fully mission capable status by January 2010. Boeing plans
to deliver the remaining aircraft as fully mission capable aircraft in
early 2010.

“While I am assured by Defence that this current delay can be managed
without materially impacting Australia’s air combat capability,
industry must continue to make a sustained effort until program completion
in order to meet Australia’s war fighting capability requirements,”
Mr Fitzgibbon said.

Front Page Australia

THE HON. WARREN SNOWDON MP
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel

Friday, 20 June 2008 078/2008

RECONFIRMED AUSTRALIA-US DEFENCE SCIENCE ALLIANCE

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon
MP, today reaffirmed the importance of military research collaboration
between Australia and the United States.

Speaking to representatives of the South Australian chapter of the
American Chamber of Commerce in Australia, Mr Snowdon said the special
relationship between Australia and the US has prompted both
governments to
pursue a Defence Trade Treaty that would improve technology transfer
between the two countries.

“The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) has a strong
presence in South Australia, providing significant opportunities for
local industry to work more closely with Defence, including on
programs
of importance to both Australia and the United States,” said Mr
Snowdon.

“DSTO partners with a number of organisations in the US to deliver
capability outcomes for the Australian Defence Force, as well as
maintaining strong science and technology links with the US through
the
important multilateral organisations, such as The Technical
Cooperation
Program.

“Australia needs the defence industry and DSTO to build on its
collaborations and ensure quality, world-class technology is available
to
support the operational needs of the Australian Defence Force, the
technology needs of the wider Defence organisation and its allies.

He said DSTO licensing and intellectual property will be one area of
focus in the enhancement of engagement with industry.

Mr Snowdon also announced the White Paper will be looking at the value
of an external board of scientific review for DSTO.

“A Science Review Board would enable DSTO to focus its research to
match the challenges in Defence over the next 20-30 years; challenges
that will be set out by the White Paper.”

“Australia already punches well above its weight in defence science
and technology, and we must work hard to keep that cutting edge, for
ourselves and for our allies.”

Front Page Australia

Friday, 20 June 2008
059/2008

MULTI MILLION DOLLAR FACILITIES INVESTMENT
AT RAAF BASE EDINBURGH

The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, visited RAAF
Base Edinburgh today and broke ground to mark the commencement of
approximately $30 million in upgrades to the airfield to accommodate the Boeing
C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.

“RAAF Base Edinburgh has long been an important military base for the
Australian Defence Force and this investment reinforces its
significance,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“More than $30 million will be invested in facilities to support the
operation of the C-17 at RAAF Base Edinburgh.”

Australia’s C-17s provide a responsive global heavy airlift
capability. The giant aircraft can transport large quantities of military
hardware, humanitarian supplies and medical support.

The C-17s conduct a range of tasks, including supporting ADF operations
in the Middle East, exercises around Australia and across the world
and humanitarian missions, such as Operation Nargis Assist, following the
cyclone in Burma.

“The project includes a new air movements terminal and heavy cargo
preparation facility, and upgrade of the airfield pavements,” Mr
Fitzgibbon said.

The pavements will be widened and strengthened and a new aircraft
parking apron will be provided.

Construction of the new facilities to accommodate the C-17 aircraft
will be completed in April 2009.

In addition to the work being undertaken at Edinburgh, facilities at
four other RAAF Bases are being upgraded to accommodate our C-17 fleet.
The total budget for the C-17 Heavy Air Lift Infrastructure Project is
$268.2 million.

Front Page Australia

Friday, 20 June 2008 060/2008

10 SQUADRON’S OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

No 10 Squadron has successfully completed its longest period of
continuous operational service since World War II.

Between April 2003 and April 2008, 10 Squadron committed up to 70
personnel at any one time to the AP-3C Orion Task Group in the Middle East
Area of Operations (MEAO).

Minister for Defence, the Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP and Chief of Air Force
Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd AO attended a ceremony at RAAF Edinburgh
today to recognise this extraordinary period of service.

During its time in the Middle East, 10 SQN conducted maritime
surveillance of the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea, and overland surveillance
of Iraq. These missions supported Australian and Coalition forces.

Overland missions can include escorting friendly road convoys or
searching for militants launching rockets. Crews provide direct support to
coalition ground forces by using the Electro Optics sensor to search for
suspicious activity. The Orion’s data link can provide video footage
in real time to troops on the ground.

“10 Squadron personnel should be proud of what they have achieved.
Their work is an important component of Australia’s contribution to
Coalition operations in the MEAO.” Minister Fitzgibbon said.

“The Orion Task Group personnel are not always given the public
recognition they deserve due to the classified nature of most missions. This
makes today’s ceremony so important.”

Australia’s AP-3C Orions provide a world-class intelligence,
surveillance and reconnaissance capability. Their traditional role is
anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, but 60 per cent of missions in the MEAO
have been conducted overland, where the Orions have also excelled.

The success of the Middle East Orion deployments is due to the efforts
of a wide range of Defence personnel and units. Over the last five
years personnel working capability development, acquisition, intelligence,
training, test and evaluation and administration have all played a role
in achieving the excellent results.

The families and friends of 10 Squadron personnel have also played a
key role over the last five years. The families have provided emotional
support and endured lengthy separations from their loved ones.

RAAF Orions continue to perform vital work in the Middle East, through
11 Squadron’s deployment.

To date in the MEAO, the Orion detachment consisting of Number 10 and
11 Squadron aircraft has flown more than 11,300 hours.

Front Page Australia

Front Page Austrailia

June 19, 2008

Front Page Australia

Boeing Australia Limited Sells Nomad Aircraft Certification Authority to Gippsland Aeronautics

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA, June 18, 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] subsidiary Boeing Australia Limited has sold certification authority for the twin turboprop Nomad aircraft to Australia-based general aviation manufacturer Gippsland Aeronautics.

The sale includes technical and spares sales support and all intellectual property for the Nomad aircraft worldwide. Financial terms are not being disclosed.

"The Nomad has a bright future," said David Withers, president of Boeing Australia Limited. "We're delighted with Gippsland's plan to continue providing outstanding support to existing customers while greatly expanding the market for this remarkably versatile, Australian-designed aircraft."

The Hon. Greg Combet MP, the Commonwealth of Australia Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement, said the government has supported the Nomad program since its beginnings. "Our desire for the Nomad type certificate to remain in Australia has been fully realized through this sale to Gippsland Aeronautics," Combet said.

Gippsland Aeronautics Chairman Gary Wight said Gippsland is pleased to be part of the Nomad's future. "We're committed to continuing the high standard of support Boeing has delivered to existing Nomad operators around the world," he said.

Wight added that Gippsland was looking forward to possibly presenting the aircraft to the world market as the Next-Generation Nomad. "The versatile Nomad will complement Gippsland's rugged GA8 Airvan multirole utility aircraft," he said.

Global demand for the Nomad could exceed 400 aircraft in the next 10 years, according to independent research carried out by Australian firm Connell Wagner and Asia Pacific Air Services on Gippsland's behalf.

The Australian Government Aircraft Factory, later renamed Aerospace Technologies of Australia Ltd. (ASTA), designed the Nomad in 1965. The first prototype flew in 1971, and production concluded in 1984. Fifty-four Nomads remain operational worldwide.

Boeing Australia Limited acquired the Nomad type certificate in 1996 after The Boeing Company purchased the Rockwell group of businesses, including ASTA. Boeing maintained ASTA's close working relationship with the Commonwealth to support and maintain the aircraft's regulatory type requirements.

Gippsland Aeronautics is a leading general aviation aircraft manufacturer with the capability to take an aircraft from concept through development, certification, manufacturing, sales and marketing on a global basis. It exports its GA8 (Airvan) passenger/freight/utility aircraft and GA200 light agricultural aircraft to more than 28 countries around the world. The company employs 115 staff and is based at Latrobe Regional Airport in Morwell, Victoria. Boeing Australia Limited, a wholly owned Boeing subsidiary that reports to Boeing International Support Systems, is a high-technology aerospace company specializing in the installation and support of systems for defense and commercial customers. It is one of the leading aerospace companies in Australia, employing more than 2,500 people across 16 sites. 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.

###

Front Page Australia

Thursday, 19 June 2006 077/2008

NEW DEFENCE HOME OWNERSHIP ASSISTANCE SCHEME LEGISLATION PASSED

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon
MP, today warmly welcomed the passage of the Defence Home Ownership
Assistance Scheme legislation through the Senate.

“The way is clear for the new Defence Home Ownership Assistance
Scheme (DHOAS) to commence on 1 July 2008 now that the Senate has passed the
legislation,” Mr Snowdon said.

“The DHOAS is one of a number of retention initiatives that will
encourage Australian Defence Force (ADF) members to serve longer.

“The Scheme provides progressively higher home loan subsidies to
permanent ADF members who serve beyond the critical departure points of 4,
8 and 12 years, and for Reservists with service past 8, 12 and 16
years.

“The subsidies represent a significant incentive for ADF members to
remain serving and will assist them and their families in the current
competitive housing market.”

Mr Snowdon said that the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) had
been appointed the Scheme Administrator after a competitive tender
process and that a panel of three Home Loan Providers had been selected to
support the DHOAS:

• National Australia Bank Limited,
• Australian Defence Credit Union Limited, and
• Defence Force Credit Union Limited.

After 1 July 2008, the Home Loan Providers will be able to advise ADF
members on the range of loan products available for use with the DHOAS.

The Department of Defence and DVA will be undertaking an extensive
information campaign aimed at informing all personnel of the details of the
DHOAS. ADF members may approach DVA after the scheme commences on 1
July 2008 for information on applying for the DHOAS subsidy.

R

Photo: Australia DoD

Front Page Australia

Thursday, 19 June 2008 076/2008

What:

Announcement by the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel,
the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, of the projects to be funded under Round 12
of Defence’s Capability and Technology Demonstrator Program.

Where:

Basten Room, Level 1 Mitchell Building, North Terrace Campus,
University of Adelaide.

When:

Friday, 20 June 2008.

Time:

2.40pm for 3.00pm. Media is to meet in the foyer of the Mitchell
Building, where they will be escorted to the conference room. Media
must produce photo identification to enter the facility.

Who:

The Honourable Warren Snowdon MP, Minister for Defence Science
and Personnel; Dr Nanda Nandagopal, Deputy Chief Defence Scientist
(Policy & Programs), Defence Science & Technology Organisation; Dr Warren
Harch, Deputy Chief Defence Scientist (Information & Weapons Systems) and
Successful project representatives.

The Capability and Technology Demonstrator (CTD) Program supports
priority defence capability development, by funding Australian industry to
demonstrate new technology. The technology demonstrations inform Defence
of the potential performance and technical risk associated with future
implementation. The Defence Science and Technology Organisation
manages the CTD Program on behalf of Defence.

Media note: All media wishing to attend should register with Adelaide
University by 5pm Thursday 19 June. To register phone David Ellis on 08 8303 5414
or email david.ellis@adelaide.edu.au

Media Contacts:
Kate Sieper (Mr Snowdon):
02 6277 7620 or 0488 484 689
Lorraine Mulholland (DSTO):
02 6128 6385 or 0424 779 498
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664

www.defence.gov.au

Front Page Australia

THE HON. JENNY MACKLIN MP
Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services
and Indigenous Affairs

THE HON. WARREN SNOWDON MP
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel

Wednesday, 18 June 2008
075/2008

AUSTRALIAN ARMY HELPS CLOSE THE GAP IN KALUMBURU

The construction of a health clinic, delivering a community health
training program, and the improvement of dentistry services are central to
the 2008 Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program (AACAP), which
this year is focusing its efforts on the community of Kalumburu in
Western Australia.

Launching the program, the Minister for Families, Housing, Community
Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, and the Minister for
Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon said the program would
deliver on-the-ground, practical measures to bring tangible benefits to
people living in remote Indigenous communities.

“Health promotion, training activities and improving existing
services within the Kalumburu community are key priorities, and will include
sports education, fitness, first aid and healthy living,” Ms Macklin
said.

“The community airstrip and local roads will also be upgraded with
the assistance of civilian construction agencies,” Ms Macklin said.

Mr Snowdon said military personnel would deliver both accredited and
non-accredited vocational skills training to members of the local
community.

“The program aims to make sure the benefits continue after the Army
leaves, by emphasising trade training and skill development for
Indigenous people. These include welding, leadership, drug and alcohol
awareness, first aid, environmental health work, literacy and numeracy
training, computing and multimedia training.”

“The Army, along with Navy and Air Force personnel, will construct a
health clinic, a barge-landing site and a public toilet facility. The
program provides the Australian Defence Force with an effective training
opportunity that will assist in current and future overseas
reconstruction operations. Just as importantly though, AACAP contributes to a
more unified Australia through practical reconciliation by Australians
working together to build better communities,” Mr Snowdon said.

The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous
Affairs is providing $4.15 million for AACAP 2008 in addition to the
Defence Force contribution of personnel and equipment. The Western
Australia Department of Health is contributing $1.7 million for the
construction of the health clinic.

Front Page Australia

FUTURISTIC MATERIALS CENTRE ESTABLISHED

June 17, 2008

The development of futuristic materials for use in ships, aircraft and
combat vehicles is now a reality, with the establishment of the Defence
Materials Technology Centre (DMTC).

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon
MP, the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research,
Senator the Hon. Kim Carr and the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence
Procurement, the Hon. Greg Combet AM MP today announced that the DMTC is
incorporated and ready to start.

“The DMTC is the first centre of its kind, and will bring together
some of Australia’s brightest talents in the field of materials
technology research,” said Mr Snowdon.

“Participants such as Bluescope Steel, BAE Systems, Thales Australia,
GKN Aerospace, Surface Technology Coatings, ANSTO, Wollongong
University and Queensland University have been unstinting in their commitment
and co-operation.”

A board of directors has been elected, and Dr Mark Hodge has been
appointed as Chief Executive Officer, with effect 30 June. The DMTC
officially commenced operations on 10 June on the signing of the Commonwealth
Agreement, and will open its doors at the beginning of July.

Mr Combet said that the Centre will play a vital role in the protection
of Australian troops deployed around the world.

“The DMTC will be headquartered at Swinburne University and will
receive Australian Government funding of $30 million and a further $52
million from the collaborative partners,” said Mr Combet.

“Its program is designed to develop specific future defence
capabilities not currently addressed by Australian defence industry. I look
forward to it delivering improved armour protection for military vehicles
and high-tech materials for use in major Defence acquisitions such as
the Joint Strike Fighter.”

The DMTC is the first to be established under the Defence Future
Capability Technology Centre Program, modelled on the Government’s
successful Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Program.

"The decision to emulate the CRC Program – which is now in its
seventeenth year – in the delivery of this new initiative is testament to
the value of the program," Senator Carr said.

"It is absolutely essential that we have innovation programs and
infrastructure that can solve the widest range of problems – social and
environmental, as well as economic," he said.

The DMTC will be managed by the Innovation portfolio. With 13 partners
from Government, industry and the research sector, the Centre’s
establishment is on schedule, making it the shortest timeframe for an
organisation of this nature to be established.

Front Page Australia

Tuesday, 17 June 2008

RELEASE OF BOARD OF INQUIRY REPORT INTO THE DEATH OF CAPTAIN PAUL LAWTON

The Department of Defence today released the Board of Inquiry report
into the tragic death of Captain Paul Lawton who fell ill and passed away
in August 2006 while escorting Abrams tanks from the United States to
Melbourne on a commercial ship.

The cause of Captain Lawton’s death was an infection of the lungs,
complicated by a pre-existing heart condition known as cardiomyopathy.

The Board found that the steps taken by Captain Lawton’s superiors to
protect his health and welfare whilst onboard the ship were not
unreasonable in the circumstances. At the time of illness, Captain Lawton’s
superiors believed that he was suffering from symptoms of a cold or
the flu, unaware of the seriousness of his heart condition and that he
had ceased to take prescribed medication approximately 6 to 8 weeks
before his death.

Captain Lawton’s condition was subject to classification under the
Australian Defence Force (ADF) Medical Employment Classification (MEC)
System. From the time of first diagnosis in December 2003 until departure
for duty in August 2006, Captain Lawton received periodic medical
examinations and was prescribed medication for his heart condition.

The Board found that despite Captain Lawton’s willingness to carry
out these duties, the decision to allow him to undertake escort was in
breach of his MEC which deemed him medically unfit for ‘deploying or
seagoing service’. This breach was primarily the result of complexity,
ambiguity and duplication in ADF health policy.

The Board’s report made 41 recommendations of which 32 were accepted
by the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston.

The remaining nine recommendations were not accepted for two reasons.
Firstly, Defence is constrained from implementing some of the
recommendations due to privacy implications. Secondly, some of the matters
recommended by the Board have already been addressed by Defence separately.

Captain Lawton’s family have received ongoing support throughout the
course of the inquiry and been informed of the Board’s findings.

A copy of the Lawton Board of Inquiry Report redacted for privacy
reasons can be found at: http://www.defence.gov.au/coi/inquiry_reports.htm

Front Page Australia

Students from the Nowra Hill Public School take part in the Shoalhaven City Schools Art Competition, celebrating the HMAS ALBATROSS Diamond Jubilee at the Fleet Air Arm Museum as Captain Mark Sackley, Commanding Officer HMAS ALBATROSS, helps out with some ideas.

Left - Right (front): Colleen Harwood, Cameron Smyth,
(back): Samantha Wright, Captain Mark Sackley and Jaidyn Payne.

(Date taken: 16 June 2008)

Photo: Australia DoD

Front Page Australia

18 June 2008

Nowra Hill students receive guided tour through Fleet Air Arm Museum

Students from the Nowra Hill Public School (Nowra, NSW) receive a guided tour through the Fleet Air Arm Museum located at the Naval Air Station, HMAS ALBATROSS, to aid in ideas of using an Albatross or a Helicopter in their art work, taking part in the Shoalhaven City Schools Art Competition, as part of celebrations for HMAS ALBATROSS' Diamond Jubilee.

Front Page Australia

Students from the Nowra Hill Public School take part in the Shoalhaven City Schools Art Competition, celebrating the HMAS ALBATROSS Diamond Jubilee at the Fleet Air Arm Museum as Captain Mark Sackley, Commanding Officer HMAS ALBATROSS, helps out with some ideas.

Left - Right: Captain Mark Sackley, Cameron Smyth, Colleen Harwood, Samantha Wright and Jaidyn Payne.

(Date taken: 16 June 2008)

Photo: Australia DoD

Front Page Australia

20080616ran8098578_013
Students from the Nowra Hill Public School get some inspiration as they visit the Fleet Air Arm Museum, taking part in the Shoalhaven City Schools Art Competition, celebrating the HMAS ALBATROSS Diamond Jubilee as Captain Mark Sackley, Commanding Officer HMAS ALBATROSS, (centre back) helps out with some ideas.

(Date taken: 16 June 2008)

Photo: Australia DoD

Front Page Australia

20080616ran8098578_017
Students from the Nowra Hill Public School receive a guided tour from Chief Petty Officer Jim Hill as he offers some inspiration to the students at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, taking part in the Shoalhaven City Schools Art Competition, celebrating the HMAS ALBATROSS Diamond Jubilee.

(Date taken: 16 June 2008)

Photo: Australia DoD

Front Page Australia

Front Page World News

June 20, 2008

Front Page World News

100 CEOS OFFER CLIMATE RECOMMENDATIONS TO G8 LEADERS: MOST COMPREHENSIVE GUIDANCE YET ON POST-KYOTO ARCHITECTURE


Professor Klaus Schwab, Executive Chairman and Founder of the World Economic Forum, today delivers CEO recommendations on climate to Prime Minister Fukuda of Japan ahead of G8 summit

100 international CEOs now endorse climate statement urging action

Endorsing companies represent at least 10% of global equities market

For full details: www.weforum.org/climate. Download: CEO Statement, List of Endorsements

Tokyo, Japan, 20 June 2008 - Professor Klaus Schwab, Executive Chairman and Founder of the World Economic Forum, presented a detailed statement to Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda of Japan on how best to manage climate change after the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012

Professor Schwab made the presentation on behalf of the 100 international CEOs who have endorsed the “CEO Climate Policy Recommendations to G8 Leaders”, which is a groundbreaking statement that has taken 16 months and an international effort to prepare. In collaboration with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the Pew Centre on Global Climate Change as a resource partner, the Forum convened discussions with over 500 business executives and climate experts from around the world during 2006 and 2007 to help the business community develop its ideas.


What is different?

This is the most detailed, global and high-level set of business guidance yet on post-2012 architecture.

The work has been produced through a specific process of public-private dialogue in cooperation with G8/G20 countries. It has created an unprecedented degree of consensus among developed and developing country business leaders.

What are they recommending?

Governments to agree on a long-term goal and support to G8 leaders, both domestically and internationally, if they take the first step toward deep cuts.

“We urge governments to seek consensus on a long-term goal of at least halving global emissions against current levels by 2050.”

“We seek leadership from the G8 to agree to deep cuts by 2050.”

A new geometry of international cooperation for the post-2012 architecture. Instead of just government-to-government, top-down emission reduction commitments (as in Kyoto), the CEO statement recommends a combination of top-down and bottom-up elements consisting of not only Annex 1 country emission reduction commitments but also:


Bottom-up carbon abatement strategy development with the private sector to inform medium targets and strategies

Explicit public-private financing instruments to spur new technology demonstration projects and uptake of low-carbon energy in developing countries

Sector arrangements

Policy and other commitments by major emerging markets that are enabled by each of the three preceding pieces


In short, this is a new, public-private vision of how to proceed on the future policy framework that for the first time places the private sector at the heart of its design and implementation. Although the Bali Road Map contains the seeds of these concepts, this is the most practical vision yet presented by any group (government, business or civil society) of how the Bali vision can be translated into reality.

Who are the 100 CEOs?

They are a diverse and powerful group

Combined, their companies represent over 10% of the total global equities market

80:20 ratio headquartered companies of developed to developing countries

All regions of the world have companies that have endorsed the statement, including Australia, Hong Kong, Europe, India, Latin America, Japan, South-East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and the US.
Represent leading brands from all sectors of the global economy: aviation, travel and tourism; automotives, chemicals; engineering and construction; energy; food and beverage; retail and consumer goods; financial services; IT and telecoms; logistics and transport; media; mining and metals; paper and pulp; and professional services.

CEO quotes

“We all believe that these recommendations, prepared and signed by CEOs from many of the world's largest companies, will serve as guidelines for G8 leaders and help them build a new model to tackle effectively the world's environmental and energy issues.”

Oleg V. Deripaska, Chairman, Supervisory Board, Basic Element Company, Russian Federation


“The Gleneagles CEO statement provides an essential framework for a market-based climate policy.”

Josef Ackermann, Chairman of the Management Board and the Group Executive Committee, Deutsche Bank, Germany


“I fully endorse the Gleneagles CEO statement and look forward to its role in informing an effective global strategy to combat climate change.”

Phirwa Jacob Maroga, Chief Executive, Eskom Holdings, South Africa


“I am very happy to see the recommendations. These are eminently sensible solutions. The document aptly summarizes the issues and at the same time lays down a workable policy prescription.”

Mukesh D. Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director, Reliance Industries, India


“It’s good to see that so many companies have come together to deliver a solid statement to the G-8 leaders and are ready to step up to their responsibilities.”

Peter Bakker, Chief Executive Officer, TNT, Netherlands


“The Gleneagles CEO statement clearly shows how such a framework can send the right signals and allow business and competition to transform the global economy.”

Lars G. Josefsson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Vattenfall, Sweden


“We know we must address climate change. We may not have sorted out every detail, but we are willing to take a leadership position and embrace open dialogue ... that will get us all to our common goals of protecting our world for future generations.”

Alain J.P. Belda, Chairman of the Board, Alcoa, USA

Front Page World News

GLOBAL BUSINESS LEADERS DELIVER PRACTICAL CLIMATE CHANGE PLAN TO G8 LEADERS

99 CEOs of global companies endorse detailed statement, representing all sectors and regions and collectively more than 10 percent of the value of the world's publically quoted firms

“Environmentally effective and economically efficient” framework proposed to succeed Kyoto Accord

Call for both long-term and practical medium-term targets, “such as the aspiration to at least halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.”

New public-private agenda for a combined top-down/bottom-up approach to reducing global emissions

For full details: www.weforum.org/climate . Download: CEO Statement, List of Endorsements, Factsheet and Q&A

Watch an interview with Dominic Waughray, Director, Head of Environmental Initiatives, World Economic Forum

Tokyo, Japan, 20 June 2008 - Detailed climate change recommendations to the Group of Eight leaders, backed by an influential group of CEOs from many of the world’s largest companies, were delivered today to Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda of Japan, who will host the G8’s annual summit next month in Hokkaido, Japan. The document outlines a new, more “environmentally effective and economically efficient” long-term policy framework to succeed the Kyoto Accord. It was presented on behalf of the group of 99 chairmen and CEOs by World Economic Forum Executive Chairman and Founder Klaus Schwab.

In their recommendations, the CEOs urge adoption of a rapid and fundamental strategy by governments to bring about a low-carbon world economy. They call on the G8 and other developed country governments to provide leadership through deep absolute cuts in their greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), as well as direct work with the international business community to develop a pragmatic strategy of cost-effective, medium-term carbon abatement opportunities.

Facilitated by the World Economic Forum and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, the new policy framework recommended by the CEOs represents a significant departure from the structure of the 1997 Kyoto Accord – more flexible and more results-oriented.

The business leaders suggest a combination of top-down international commitments by governments, particularly by developed economies but also including emerging economies, and practical bottom-up efforts within and across industry sectors in the form of a multifaceted agenda of intensified public-private cooperation. These efforts will be aimed at speeding the development and diffusion of low-carbon technologies, mobilizing financial support to help developing countries adopt such technologies, spurring changes in consumer purchasing behaviour, and establishing common metrics to create a positive dynamic of improved corporate benchmarking, disclosure and investment decision-making with respect to GHG mitigation.

At the same time, business leaders urge adoption of both a long-term goal, such as the aspiration to at least halve global GHG emissions by 2050, and a series of clear intermediate targets to be achieved in the least cost-effective manner possible through the use of market mechanisms that create clear economic value from emission reductions, including a deep and liquid international market for carbon.

World Economic Forum Founder and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab said: “The business community has a crucial contribution to make to the design of a more effective global strategy to combat global warming, and these business leaders are sending a clear message to governments that they are willing and able to engage with ideas and other support if invited to do so. Having reached consensus among leading firms from virtually every industry and region, they have given us a concrete vision of how the international community could construct a plan that is both environmentally and economically sound. I congratulate them for the pragmatic, can-do spirit with which they approached this initiative, which ought to be a source of inspiration for everyone, not least the G8 leaders who will meet in two weeks.”

In a hopeful sign for the United Nations negotiating process that is due to culminate in December 2009 in Copenhagen, Denmark, CEOs of major companies endorsed the consensus recommendations in a wide range of developed and developing countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the Middle East, Russia and South Africa, as well as from Europe and the US. The group includes at least one CEO of a major company from each of the G8 and +5 economies, encompassing virtually every industry sector, such as energy, utilities, aviation, automotive, mining and metals, logistics, information and telecommunications, and financial services.

A multi-industry, cross-regional steering committee, including Alcoa, Applied Materials, AIG, Basic Elements, British Airways, Deutsche Bank, Duke Energy, EDF, Eskom, Petrobras, RusHydro, Shell, Telstra, Tepco, TNT and Vattenfall, led the development of the recommendations over the past 16 months.

The Pew Center for Global Climate Change served as a resource partner in the process to develop the recommendations, which involved over 500 participants in discussions in 11 meetings on five continents as part of the business contribution to the G8’s Gleneagles Dialogue on Climate Change, Clean Energy and Sustainable Development. Involving 20 of the world’s leading energy producing and consuming nations, the Gleneagles Dialogue was created as part of the outcome of the G8’s 2005 summit hosted by then United Kingdom Prime Minister Tony Blair in Gleneagles, Scotland.

Front Page

June 21, 2008

Front Page Photo News

787 Dreamliner Fatigue Airframe Departs Factory

EVERETT, Wash., June 20, 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] yesterday moved the 787 Dreamliner designated for fatigue testing from the final assembly factory in Everett, Wash., to another production bay at the facility, where assembly work will continue. The move paves the way for the second flight-test airplane to advance to the next position in the production line today. The first Dreamliner remains in the nose-to-door position and the third flight-test airplane is in the first position. It will remain there until the fourth flight-test airplane is ready for assembly to begin later this month.

Boeing Photo

Front Page

June 20, 2008 05:21 PM Eastern Daylight Time

NetJets Inc. ® Signs $1.9 Billion Deal with Gulfstream; Company to Add Additional G450s and G550s to Its Fleet

WOODBRIDGE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NetJets, the worldwide leader in private aviation, announced today that it will significantly expand its fleet of large-cabin Gulfstream G450s and Gulfstream G550s. In a new agreement signed with Gulfstream valued at $1.9 billion, NetJets will acquire a total of 40 new Gulfstream aircraft - four Gulfstream G450s and four Gulfstream G550s to be delivered each year from 2012 through 2016. This deal also includes a long-term maintenance support agreement.

“NetJets and Gulfstream have been strong and successful partners for more than a decade and this agreement represents a strategic investment in our future,” said Richard T. Santulli, chairman and CEO, NetJets Inc. “We took our first large cabin Gulfstream IV-SP in 1995 and our first Gulfstream V in 2000. These aircraft offer NetJets Owners premiere large-cabin amenities and the flexibility of intercontinental range. Gulfstream products provide our pilots and flight attendants with the best in next-generation technology and their service teams ensure we meet the high standards of performance and reliability NetJets Owners expect.”

The new contract reinforces an already robust relationship between NetJets and Gulfstream, demonstrating NetJets’ continued support of Gulfstream’s cutting-edge aviation products and renowned service programs. Part of the new deal includes more than $250 million in maintenance support. Under its current agreement with Gulfstream, signed in 2006, NetJets receives four Gulfstream 450s and four Gulfstream 550s each year through 2011.

“This contract recognizes the continued success of Gulfstream aircraft in the NetJets fractional ownership program and the strong partnership between the two companies,” said Joe Lombardo, president, Gulfstream Aerospace. “This deal was made possible in large part due to the long-standing relationship and comfort level Gulfstream Aerospace has developed by working so closely with the talented group of experienced professionals at NetJets International, which operates the large cabin fleet. That relationship has contributed an historical business platform in support of Gulfstream’s continually increasing worldwide product-support capabilities.”

Larry Flynn, senior vice president, Marketing and Sales, Gulfstream Aerospace, added: “Jim Jacobs, vice-chairman of NetJets Inc., with whom I have worked very closely with now for many years, as well as Richard Santulli’s support of the overall NetJets/Gulfstream relationship, is highly valued at Gulfstream. This relationship was also a critical part of our decision to enter into this agreement with NetJets International.”

NetJets has over 90% of the long-range cabin fractional market and is the largest operator of Gulfstream aircraft in the world. As of June 2008, NetJets’ worldwide Gulfstream fleet totals 110 and is comprised of 21 Gulfstream G550/V, 55 Gulfstream G450/400/IV-SP and 34 Gulfstream G200s.

NetJets Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company, is the worldwide leader in private aviation and provides the safest and most secure private aviation solutions. NetJets fractional aircraft ownership allows individuals and companies to buy a share of a private business jet at a fraction of the cost of whole aircraft ownership, and guarantees availability 365 days a year with just a few hours’ notice. The NetJets programs worldwide offer the largest and most diversified fleet in private aviation, which includes 15 of the most popular business jets in the world. Access to the NetJets fleet is also available in the form of a short-term lease, sold on an all-inclusive, pre-paid basis in 25-hour increments, through an exclusive alliance with Marquis Jet Partners. NetJets Inc. also offers aircraft management, charter management, and on-demand charter services through its subsidiary, Executive Jet Management. More information on NetJets, the Marquis Jet Program, and Executive Jet Management is available at www.netjets.com .

The Gulfstream Large Cabin Fleet is operated by NetJets International / NJI. The BBJ is operated by NetJets Large Aircraft Company. All other aircraft offered by NetJets in the United States are operated by NetJets Aviation. Each of these operating companies is a wholly owned subsidiary of NetJets Inc. All aircraft offered by NetJets in Europe are operated by NetJets Transportes Aéreos, SA a Portuguese/EU Air Carrier. The Marquis Jet Card Program is operated by NetJets under its FAR Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate. NetJets has an affiliation with the provider of the NetJets Middle East Program.

Front Page

June 20, 2008 04:01 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Halcyon Jets Announces Strategic Initiatives for Fiscal 2009 and Beyond

CEO Outlines Strategic Growth Strategy to Continue Current Revenue Expansion and Become a Leading Provider of Concierge Travel Services

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Halcyon Jets Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB:HJHO), pioneering elite concierge services broker for the private air travel services industry, has announced its Strategic Initiatives for the remainder of fiscal 2009 and beyond. This announcement was made by Mitchell Blatt, the new Chief Executive Officer of Halcyon Jets.

“Over the past few months, Halcyon Jets has accomplished some major achievements as we continue to grow into a position of leadership in the private charter brokerage industry,” said Mr. Blatt. “We are now working on executing our roll up strategy to expand operations and to capitalize on opportunities inherent in our highly-fragmented industry. I wanted to take this opportunity to further define Halcyon’s growth-driven business model and our vision for the future of this exciting company.”

Halcyon Jets has developed an aggressive business strategy to build revenues and shareholder value in luxury travel, the highest-margin and least cost-sensitive segment of the commercial travel industry. The Company’s portfolio of elite concierge travel services includes the Halcyon Jets Dream Card™ travel program, offering some of the industry’s most flexible terms.

The Company’s three-part, highly focused strategic plan consists of:

1. Significantly driving shareholder value through a growth-driven business model that capitalizes on trends in the worldwide private travel market

2. Aggressively expand current customer base and drive organic growth through high-profile marketing using elite sports and entertainment celebrities

3. Acquiring profitable competitors to expand operations, increase the number of high-end clientele and gain access to an ever larger pool of private aircraft

Strategic Initiative 1—Significantly driving shareholder value through a growth-driven business model that capitalizes on trends in the worldwide private travel market.

Halcyon’s business strategy capitalizes on the highest-margin segment of the aviation industry: elite business and luxury travelers who demand the highest levels of service, professionalism and comfort. The Company leverages the same industry drivers that are fueling the sharp growth of fractional aircraft ownership, one of the fastest growing segments of the aviation industry. Through business alliances with aircraft operators, Halcyon is able to focus exclusively on providing the industry’s most exemplary service.

“Our business model has proven to be highly successful with consistent quarterly revenue growth,” said Mr. Blatt. “For the first three calendar months of 2008, we have already announced more than $10 million in revenues. We believe that we can continue to deliver comparable growth well into the future.”

Strategic Initiative 2—Aggressively expand current customer base and drive organic growth through high-profile marketing using elite sports and entertainment celebrities.

Halcyon’s innovative business model and renowned concierge services, has attracted well-known entertainment and sports figures, including Academy Award-nominated Shelton “Spike” Lee, who is a member of the Company’s Board of Directors. In addition, professional basketball’s legendary Shaquille O’Neal and football superstar Reggie Bush have joined the Halcyon team to focus on marketing the Company’s travel services.

To serve this growing market, Halcyon has created a comprehensive White Glove-Red Carpet travel experience, along with a flexible card program and with the industry’s lowest cost of entry. The Company has already seen exceptional success stemming from this focused marketing strategy and plans to further raise its visibility with additional spokespersons and high-profile public relations.

“We believe that a major component of our success thus far has stemmed from the enthusiastic support of our high-profile clientele,” said Mr. Blatt. “We have been truly blessed to have the active involvement of some of the world’s most recognizable people. We also fully expect this trend to continue as a driving force behind our organic growth and eventual profitability.”

Strategic Initiatives 3—Acquiring profitable competitors to expand operations, increase the number of high-end clientele and gain access to an ever larger pool of private aircraft.

Halcyon’s management team and board of directors include executives with a depth of experience in acquisitions and the forging of profitable strategic relationships. As a key component of its high-growth business model, the Company is committed to augmenting core operations and assets by actively seeking strategic alliances and acquisitions. Management believes the anticipated acquisitions will result in significant critical mass with a corresponding market capitalization.

The Company recently announced it has executed a Letter of Intent, subject to due diligence, to acquire a majority interest in A-List Jets, a private aviation company that specializes in the celebrity segment of the private on-demand air travel marketplace. The acquisition would substantially accelerate Halcyon’s strategic growth plans on a number of primary business fronts, immediately providing additional revenue opportunities and increased access to first-quality private jets.

“We are currently in the early stages of due diligence on potential acquisition targets that we believe will enable us to ramp up operations and create long-term value for our shareholders,” said Mr. Blatt. “A-List looks to be an ideal first acquisition as they have established relationships and preferred access to an exceptional fleet of private jet aircraft.”

Conclusion

Halcyon is a growth-driven private travel services company that optimizes the risk/reward profile of its business model by developing multiple revenue streams from organic growth and growth through acquisitions. The Company has experienced exceptional success, both in terms of its ever expanding clientele and in consistent revenue growth, and has plans in place to continue that growth over the long term.

About Halcyon Jets Holdings, Inc.

Halcyon Jets Holdings, Inc. (“Halcyon Jets” or “the Company”), operating through its wholly owned subsidiary Halcyon Jets Inc., is a world-class broker of on-demand aircraft services, serving as agent of its customers in arranging for their transportation needs. Halcyon Jets capitalizes on the highest-margin segment of the aviation industry: elite business and luxury travelers who demand the highest levels of service, professionalism and comfort. The Company is committed to building revenues and shareholder value through organic growth as well as possible acquisitions. To serve this growing market, Halcyon has developed a luxury service unique in its ability to create a comprehensive White Glove-Red Carpet travel experience. Halcyon Jets takes pride in having the most flexible card program in the industry, with the lowest cost of entry, as well as the highest level of service. Halcyon Jets has access to a fleet of aircraft reaching thousands of airports, large and small, nationally and internationally. Halcyon Jets does not own or operate the aircraft on which our customer's fly but through business partnerships with the aircraft operators, Halcyon is able to focus exclusively on providing the industry’s most exemplary service. All Halcyon-arranged flights are operated by Federal Aviation Administration certificated Part 135 air carriers that have the highest independently determined safety ratings.

For more information, please visit http://www.halcyonjets.com .

For investor-specific information and resources, visit http://www.trilogy-capital.com/tcp/hjho .

To view current stock quotes and news, visit http://www.trilogy-capital.com/tcp/hjho/quote.html .

To read the Company’s Investor Fact Sheet, visit http://www.trilogy-capital.com/tcp/hjho/factsheet.html .

Safe Harbor for Forward Looking and Cautionary Statements

Statements included in this release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties such as competitive factors, government regulation, market demand and other factors disclosed in Halcyon’s Form 10-KSP filed on May 15, 2008 with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Front Page

(left to right), ATI Chairman Noel Irwin Hentschel, U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka, China's National Tourism Chairman Shao Qiwei mingle with tourists, who are the first Chinese visitors since the U.S./China ADS (Approved Destination Status) agreement was recently signed lifting restrictions on Chinese travelers visiting the U.S.

Photo: Business Wire

Front Page

June 20, 2008 10:28 PM Eastern Daylight Time

ATI Chairman Noel Irwin Hentschel, Hawaii Senator Daniel Akaka and China’s Chairman Shao Greet Chinese Inaugural Tourist Group at U.S. Senate

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CEO Noel Irwin Hentschel of AmericanTours International (ATI) and Hawaii’s U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka greeted China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) Chairman Shao Qiwei and the VIP delegation from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou at the US Capitol Building Thursday (19). The travelers were the very first of a 240 leisure tourists group from China since the groundbreaking U.S.–China international bilateral ADS (Approved Destination Status) agreement was recently implemented.

Accenting the major significance of the first Chinese tourism visit since the ADS signing, the Honorable Daniel Akaka of the US Senate is of Chinese-American ancestry, which, he said, makes the Aloha-American reception even more meaningful.

“We are so happy to welcome this historic delegation to our nation’s capital,” said the senator from Hawaii. “We thank CNTA and the U.S. Department of Commerce and AmericanTours International (ATI) for making this special event possible.”

Chairman Shao also responded with appreciation for “…the warm hospitality and open arms of the American people.”

Prior to the U.S. Senate reception, the entire inaugural group including the first-time-since-ADS tourists had the rare opportunity to stand in front of the capitol building waiving American and Chinese flags and wearing red, white and blue ATI baseball caps for a keepsake photo of their once in a lifetime experience.

Hentschel declared: “ATI is pleased to be part of this landmark event and to showcase our nation’s capital by rolling out the red carpet all the way to the U.S. Senate for our distinguished guests from China.”

The delegation went on to board a yacht for an elegant dinner and cruise along the Potomac River. Commerce Secretary Gutierrez welcomed Chairman Shao and the inaugural group together with leaders from the U.S. Tourism industry. The visitors arrived in Washington June 17 on a United Airlines non-stop flight from Beijing. They were met by Hentschel, U.S. Department of Commerce William G. “Woody” Sutton, Commerce Director Helen Marano, Deputy Director Julie Heizer and accompanied by The Mountaineers marching band.

Hentschel worked behind the scenes with Secretary Gutierrez and the Department of Commerce in securing the Approved Destination Status (ADS) for the United States. The approval officially opens the floodgates of Chinese group leisure travel demand and since studies show Chinese visitors spend on average $6,000 per person per visit, the new agreement is expected to bring a much needed boost to the U.S. economy.

Prior to attending the tourism inaugural activities, Hentschel joined Wang Qishan, Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China and Madam Ma Xiuhong, Vice Minister of MOFCOM to discuss their experience in St. Louis in promoting economic development. The vice premier and vice minister led a business delegation from China to St. Louis before attending the fourth Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED) in Annapolis at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Hentschel’s ATI is America’s largest American-owned, privately held, inbound/outbound tourism and marketing organization serving one-million visitors annually from more than 70 countries around the globe and is responsible for bringing $3 billion into the U.S. economy, annually. The company is based in Los Angeles with regional offices in New York, San Francisco, Washington DC, Orlando, Honolulu, Maui and Beijing, China.

Front Page

June 20, 2008 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

URS Awarded U.S. Air Force National Radar Cross Section Test Facility Contract

Contract Valued at Up To $76.5 Million to URS

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--URS Corporation (NYSE: URS) today announced that the Company’s EG&G Division has been selected by the U.S. Air Force’s National Radar Cross Section Test Facility (NRTF) to provide operation and maintenance for the 781st Test Squadron at Alamogordo, New Mexico. Under the terms of the re-compete contract, URS will support planning, provisioning, conducting, analyzing and reporting of Radar Cross Section and antenna testing, including associated maintenance of all equipment and property, engineering, security management, configuration management, environmental and safety management, and facility upgrade and technology insertion. The 7-year, 9-month contract has a maximum value of $76.5 million to URS.

Commenting on the award, Randall A. Wotring, President of the EG&G Division, said: “We are very pleased to have been selected by the NRTF for this project which delivers accurate, timely, cost-effective and secure radar and antenna test data to the Department of Defense. We look forward to continuing our long-standing relationship with the NRTF on this important work.”

URS Corporation (NYSE: URS) is a leading provider of engineering, construction and technical services for public agencies and private sector companies around the world. The Company offers a full range of program management; planning, design and engineering; systems engineering and technical assistance; construction and construction management; operations and maintenance; and decommissioning and closure services. URS provides services for power, infrastructure, industrial and commercial, and federal projects and programs. Headquartered in San Francisco, the Company operates through three divisions: the URS Division, the EG&G Division and the Washington Division. URS Corporation has more than 50,000 employees in a network of offices in more than 30 countries www.urscorp.com

Front Page

GULFSTREAM CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY OF LONDON-LUTON SERVICE CENTER

Facility Is the Only Gulfstream-Owned Service Center Outside the United States


SAVANNAH, Ga., June 20, 2008 – Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), recently celebrated the five-year anniversary of its London-Luton Service Center. The facility is the first and only Gulfstream-owned service center to be operated outside the United States.

Gulfstream bought the maintenance center from BBA Aviation in April 2003. After its first year of operation, the U.K. facility doubled its hangar space from 28,000 to 56,000 square feet.

That same year, it became the first Federal Aviation Administration-certificated aircraft maintenance center outside the United States to be awarded the FAA’s Aviation Maintenance Technician Diamond Certificate of Excellence. The award recognizes the highest level of achievement among five levels of technician maintenance training.

The London-Luton Service Center is one of six Gulfstream-owned service centers. It provides maintenance for the Gulfstream G550, G500, G450, G350, G200, G400 and G300 as well as the GV, GIV-SP, GIV, GIII and GII. The facility has received approval to work on a variety of Gulfstream aircraft from the Federal Aviation Administration, the European Aviation Safety Industry, the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department, the United Arab Emirates’ General Civil Aviation Authority, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bahrain and United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority.

In 2007, the center and its nearly 100 employees serviced approximately 1,350 Gulfstream aircraft.



NOTES

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 9,700 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.

Gulfstream Aerospace London-Luton Service Center
Fact Sheet

Purpose: To provide comprehensive service for Gulfstream aircraft – the
Gulfstream G550, G500, G450, G350, G200, G400 and G300 as
well as the GV, GIV-SP, GIV, GIII and GII.

Location: Hangar 63
Percival Way
London Luton Airport
Luton, Bedfordshire
LU2 9NT
United Kingdom

Acquired: April 2003 from BBA Aviation

Size: 56,000 square feet

General Manager: Sumi Fonseka
Operations Manager: Ken Driver
Number of Employees: ~ 100

Aircraft Serviced, 2007: Approximately 1,350
Spare Parts Inventory: Sales value of $25 million as of March 31, 2008
Of Note: London-Luton is the first and only Gulfstream-owned service
center to be operated outside the United States.

In 2004, London-Luton became the first Federal Aviation
Administration-certificated aircraft maintenance center outside the
United States to be awarded the FAA’s Aviation Maintenance
Technician Diamond Certificate of Excellence, which recognizes
the highest level of achievement among five levels of technician
maintenance training.


Significant Events:

2006 Spare-parts inventory increases by a value of $4.5 million to support the growing
fleet of Gulfstream business jets operating in Europe and the Middle East.

Receives approval from European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to provide
comprehensive maintenance services for the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream
G200 business jet.

Gets the nod from EASA to perform maintenance work on Gulfstream G450
aircraft.

Receives approval from the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department (HKCAD) to
perform maintenance on Hong Kong-registered Gulfstream G550 business-jet
aircraft.

2004 Earns Part 145 approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Gets a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from EASA, enabling it to install the
Honeywell AIRSAT 1 satellite telephone on GIV and GIV-SP business-jet aircraft.

Increases hangar space from 28,000 to 56,000 square feet.

Receives approval from the United Arab Emirates’ General Civil Aviation
Authority to perform maintenance on GIV and G300 business-jet aircraft.

Becomes an authorized service center for Honeywell TFE-series engines.

Garners approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bahrain to perform
maintenance on GII and GIV aircraft registered in Bahrain.

Becomes first service center outside the United States to receive Diamond
Certificate of Excellence from the FAA for maintenance training.

2003 Receives approval from the FAA and United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority to
perform service and maintenance on the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream
V (GV) business jets.

###

June 20, 2008

Front Page Photo News

Gripen and Red Bull F1 Team in Hungary.

Photo: Gripen International

Front Page

GULFSTREAM CELEBRATES ROLL-OUT OF 200TH GULFSTREAM G550/G500

Commemoration Comes Less Than Five Years After Aircraft Entered Service


SAVANNAH, Ga., June 17, 2008 –Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, recently rolled out the 200th Gulfstream G550/G500 at its manufacturing plant in Savannah. The business jet will now be outfitted and painted at the company’s completion facility in Long Beach, Calif. Gulfstream also has completion facilities for large-cabin aircraft in Appleton, Wis., Brunswick, Ga., and Savannah.

“The roll-out of this aircraft represents a significant milestone,” said Joe Lombardo, president, Gulfstream. “In less than five years, our work force has assembled 200 aircraft of the G550/G500 family. This roll-out reflects the hard work, dedication, and innovation of Gulfstream’s employees, as well as the popularity of the aircraft in the business-aviation industry.”

The G550/G500 was officially introduced on Sept. 9, 2002, in Orlando, Fla. In a first for Gulfstream, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued the Type and Production certificates for the G550 on the same day, Aug. 14, 2003. A Type Certificate indicates the FAA has approved the design of an aircraft, while a Production Certificate confirms a manufacturer’s production processes comply with FAA regulations.

The first G550 was subsequently delivered on Sept. 17, 2003, while its sister ship, the G500, was certified by the FAA on Dec. 8, 2003, and delivered to its first customer on May 20, 2004. In the 100th anniversary year of powered flight, the G550/G500 Development Team was honored with the 2003 Robert J. Collier Trophy by the National Aeronautic Association for its technological break-through in aviation. The trophy is the most prestigious aviation award in the United States.

The current in-service G550/G500 fleet of 172 aircraft has a 12-month dispatch reliability rate of 99.87 percent. In addition, the G550 has established close to 40 city-pair speed records. The most notable is a 14.5-hour, 7,301-nautical-mile nonstop flight from Seoul, South Korea, to Orlando, Fla., on Oct. 3, 2003. That flight took place less than two weeks after the aircraft entered service. The Gulfstream G550 and G500 business-jet fleet recently surpassed 200,000 flight hours.

The G550 is the first civil aircraft to receive a Type Certificate issued by the FAA that includes an Enhanced Vision System (EVS) as standard equipment on an aircraft. The Gulfstream EVS provides actual, real-time images detected by an infrared camera mounted to the nose of the aircraft and viewed by the pilot on the Head-Up Display (HUD).

The aircraft’s cockpit was the first to feature PlaneView®, an integrated avionics suite incorporating the Honeywell Primus Epic architecture and display system. The PlaneView® flight deck was designed by pilots and engineers to improve safety by reducing pilot workload and improving pilot situational awareness. Its four 14-inch liquid crystal displays provide flight-critical information in an easy-to-see format.

In January 2008, Gulfstream became the first Part 25 Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to have a synthetic vision system certified by the FAA. The Gulfstream Synthetic Vision-Primary Flight Display (SV-PFD) displays three-dimensional, color terrain images that are derived from data stored in the Honeywell Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS). At the same time, the FAA also certified Gulfstream’s second-generation EVS.
The certifications for both SV-PFD and EVS II are approved for applications on Gulfstream G550, G500, G450 and G350 aircraft.

Both the G550 and the G500 feature twin Rolls-Royce BR710 engines, each of which provide 15,385 pounds of thrust. The G550 has a range of 6,750 nautical miles, while the G500 can fly up to 5,800 nautical miles nonstop.

Front Page ~ Notable Speeches

The Current State of Transatlantic Defense Industrial Relations

Remarks By Robert J. Stevens
Chairman, President, and CEO of Lockheed Martin,
Lockheed Martin Corporation


Security and Defence Agenda Conference on NATO in the Next Decade
Brussels - 06/03/2008


"It is a pleasure for me to be at this conference sponsored by the Security and Defence Agenda. Although this is my first opportunity to attend this annual conference, I have had the opportunity to be at other SDA events in the past, and Lockheed Martin has been a supporter of this organization since its very beginning. I believe the SDA is fulfilling a crucial role in Brussels in stimulating discussion and debate on defense and security issues, and I applaud Giles Merritt and the entire SDA team for doing this job so well.

The topic of our conference today is the future of NATO. I am sure the next panel will have an interesting debate about the present state of US-European relations and what it means for the future of the Alliance. Of course, I'm a businessman so, for my part, I want to share with you a perspective from American

industry, from a company that has been at the heart of NATO programs and US-European cooperation for a very long time - and a company that intends to maintain a leadership position in sponsoring and supporting transatlantic cooperation for decades to come.

In my view, the role of the defense "industry" is to enable the freedom of action of our governments. We do this by providing our government customers with the technology and equipment they need to carry out their most critical missions. We are the designers, developers, producers and maintainers of vital capabilities for security and defense. At Lockheed Martin, we take those responsibilities very seriously. We understand that well beyond the boundaries of ordinary business transactions, in our case, lives are on the line . . . not only the lives of those who use our products, but the lives of those who are protected by them as well. All are dependent on the performance of our systems. We cannot fail.

We also understand that public resources are being applied to obtain these systems, and that quite naturally leads to the expectation of higher standards of transparency and ethical business conduct. We commit ourselves daily to meeting those higher expectations.

We recognize that in an increasingly globalized world, where security challenges grow only more complex and demanding with each passing day, partnerships remain indispensable. For us, this is not a new revelation.

We are a company with a long, proud history of providing the members of NATO with equipment that can be seen as "NATO standard," and we've been providing that equipment since the very beginning of the Alliance. Products like the iconic F-16 and C-130 aircraft have been mainstays of NATO air forces for decades and will continue to be for many years to come.

The partnerships we have developed along the way with governments and industry alike, those built on trust and dating back generations, are among our most valued treasures. At every turn, they have reinforced in us the bedrock principles of mutual respect, full and fair value, and exceptional performance. We remain committed to continuing this tradition of partnership.

So, as we look to the future, we believe that, for NATO to be effective in discharging its military responsibilities in the 21st Century, further transatlantic collaboration is critical. Companies on both sides of the Atlantic must be able to meaningfully contribute the technology and equipment needed to carry out essential missions. This requires industry health, and long-term vitality is only possible with adequate levels of investment kept lean and efficient through the discipline of an open and competitive marketplace.

Some trends today in the transatlantic environment appear to be very positive.

In Europe, we see a greater focus on the need for open markets and transparency and the benefits of competition, both from the Commission and from the European Defense Agency. The Commission's recent work, including the draft directive on defense procurement, is a positive step in this regard, as the Commission seeks to achieve greater openness in the European market. But it will be extremely important, as the Commission's directive is reviewed and ultimately implemented by the European Parliament and the Council, that the focus on openness and competitiveness is retained. I believe the notion that European markets should first be "protected in order to be strengthened" is misguided. Protectionism is not now, and has never been, a substitute for competitive strength. With each passing opportunity, those companies who linger under this veil will only grow weaker - until they will be quite literally "protected to death."

A second positive trend is the increasing number of transatlantic programs. The decision by the USAF to purchase Airbus tankers reinforces the openness of U.S. markets and is the most recent example of the growing willingness of the United States to look to global sources of supply for vital equipment. While our company is not involved in the Tanker program, Lockheed Martin is involved in a number of significant transatlantic programs today: the MEADS with Italy and Germany; the Presidential helicopter program in the US, where the helicopter platform is designed and manufactured in Europe; and the provision of AEGIS combat systems for naval frigates built in Spain for both Spain and Norway. The purchase by the United States Army of C-27J transport aircraft and UH-145 helicopters are additional examples of growing transatlantic partnership. We are also seeing the formation of international industrial teams to pursue opportunities to support NATO directly, as we see in the Air Command & Control System program or the ongoing ballistic missile defense initiatives.

All these efforts require some amount of technology transfer and, while slower and less extensive than some partners would like, progress continues to be made toward creating a more rational technology control regime which is an essential element of continued growing collaboration.

In our eyes, the flagship program for international cooperation is the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. In this program, we are breaking important new ground in the number of international partners on the program, and in the global composition of the technological and industrial base that will support the program throughout its lifecycle. And a very significant segment of that technological and industrial base is with our European partners, partners who will fully participate in this global product for the global market.

I should also note that the U.S. market remains open to the acquisition of defense companies as evidenced by initiatives previously undertaken by BAES, Rolls Royce, Thales, Smiths, EADS and, most recently, Finmeccanica's offer to acquire DRS Technologies.

Those are positive trends, and their substance should put an end to well-worn laments that the US market is closed to European products or interests, or that US industry is unwilling to partner for the long term with industry in NATO countries.

But the trends on today's horizon are not all positive. Most worrying is the continued gap in resources devoted to defense investment between the United States and our NATO allies.

At a time when the demands for real capabilities are increasing, when NATO forces are deployed on operational missions around the world and the need to sustain and support those deployed forces is constant, the amount of resources devoted to obtaining capabilities is declining in real terms. Six countries provide 80% of Europe's defense spending. Very few European members of NATO meet the nominal requirement of spending 2% of GDP on defense. Growth in defense spending does not match the growth in the overall economy, and I believe the amount of spending devoted to investment, rather than to personnel and infrastructure, remains inadequate.

In contrast, in the United States, spending continues at rates approaching 4% of GDP, devoting twice as much as the Europeans to procurement and approximately six times as much to defense R&D. US spending, being concentrated in one market, has the additional benefit of being more efficient than European spending which is more diffused across multiple countries and interests.

This is, as you know, an often-cited, long-discussed, recurring theme of concern. I'm sure I've heard it placed at the forefront of discussions for well more than a decade. But there is a new implication: the cumulative effect of this differential, repeated year after year, is creating a capabilities gap across the Atlantic that threatens to become unbridgeable. Without investment, business cannot maintain and advance state-of-the-art tools, processes and systems. We cannot create new and exciting emergent technologies and applications. And we cannot hire, retain, and develop the best and brightest talent in our workforce.

With insufficient resources, if there is not a common body of technological knowledge and practice among us, if there is a continuing disparity among the community of industrial partners such that one continues to advance and one does not, there can be no meaningful collaboration. If that were to occur, the prospect for a viable transatlantic defense industrial base would be lost.

There is no substitute for real expenditures on tangible programs if the health of European industry is to be improved and if further transatlantic cooperation is to be possible. The very best way for European governments to protect European industry is to invest in it.

Our recent progress gives us some cause for optimism, but we will not be able to achieve our collective, long-term objective of a healthy transatlantic industrial relationship unless we have a continued and strengthened commitment from governments and international institutions. They must:


assure open markets supporting transatlantic cooperation

invest in programs with transatlantic partnerships and industrial content

use international competitions to provide needed military capabilities

and work to remove legal, bureaucratic, and political obstacles to true industrial collaboration


As champions of transatlantic collaboration, we at Lockheed Martin will continue to work with our European partners to develop global products and address global markets. We will continue to invest in technology, work to streamline the regulatory framework through which that technology can appropriately be shared, and seek to provide needed capability to our customers. And we will continue to advocate for an open and integrated transatlantic marketplace.

We believe our industrial colleagues on both sides of the Atlantic will join us in this effort, because increased and sustained collaboration is the best way to ensure that the industrial base remains viable -- and that's the best way to ensure that NATO retains the capabilities it will need in the 21st Century. Thanks for your attention and support."

Front Page

Northrop Grumman vice president John Casko presents a $25,000 check to Rob Rains, president of United Way of Brevard, at the company's Melbourne facility.

Northrop Grumman Photo

Front Page

Northrop Grumman Donates $25,000 to United Way of
Brevard Fire Fund

MELBOURNE, Fla., June 19, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) today presented a check for $25,000 to Rob Rains, president of United Way of Brevard, as part of a larger corporate disaster relief effort.

The funds will help sustain the United Way's effort to support those who lost homes and property during the devastating wild fires last month in Brevard County.

"We have employees who were directly affected by the wild fires but are very fortunate that none lost their homes," said Tom Vice, Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems regional vice president. "We are committed in our support to the Space Coast community and recognize the important role United Way of Brevard plays for those who lost much more."

Rains thanked the company for their help saying, "The outpouring of support we have seen from the community has been wonderful. These funds will go a long way in helping those most heavily affected by last month's fires get back on their feet."

The funds are part of a larger disaster relief donation announced by Northrop Grumman for those affected by disasters, including recent U.S. tornadoes, the 7.9-magnitude earthquake that devastated Sichuan Province in China, the Myanmar cyclone and the Brevard County fires.

"Northrop Grumman and its employees are saddened by the impact of the storms on our employees here at home, and we are deeply concerned about the devastation suffered by so many people abroad," said chairman and chief executive officer Ron Sugar. "As a company, and as individuals, we hope our contributions will provide a measure of support to those who need it now and in the future."

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

June 20, 2008 10:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Brush Wellman Inc. Signs Technology Investment Agreement with U.S. Department of Defense for Construction and Start Up of Primary Beryllium Facility

CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Brush Wellman Inc. announced today that it has signed a Phase II Technology Investment Agreement (TIA) with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) for the construction and start up of the $90.4 million primary beryllium facility at the Company’s Elmore, Ohio production facility. The Phase I TIA previously provided for $14 million in engineering and design for the facility.

The primary beryllium facility is being funded by an innovative public-private partnership between Brush Wellman and the U.S. government through the DOD’s Defense Production Act, Title III Program. Under the Program, Brush Wellman contributes technology, land, buildings and an ongoing operation for the facility, while the government funds engineering, design and equipment. The new facility will produce primary beryllium, the feedstock material used to produce beryllium metal products.

In total, Brush Wellman’s contribution, including the research and development, technology, land, buildings and ongoing operations, is valued at $23.2 million. The building will be financed through taxable revenue bonds issued by the Cleveland-Cuyahoga Port Authority and a research and development loan from the Ohio Department of Development. These total approximately $10.5 million. Additionally, Ottawa County, Ohio provided tax abatement on new real property improvements and a contribution toward workforce development.

Ground breaking is expected this summer. Construction is expected to be completed in April 2010. Approximately 25 additional jobs are expected to be created to operate and maintain the facility. A significant number of construction and support positions related to the project will be created outside of Brush Wellman.

The awarding of the contract represents a key step toward maintaining a sustainable domestic supply of primary beryllium, a material critical to the nation’s strategic interests.

The Defense Production Act is the primary legislation for ensuring domestic availability of industrial resources and critical technology items essential for national defense. The Title III Program provides a vehicle to create, maintain, modernize or expand domestic production capability for technology items, components and resources essential for national defense and for which there is insufficient production capacity to meet those needs. Title III stimulates investments in key production resources to increase the supply, improve the quality and reduce the cost of advanced technology and reduces U.S. dependency on foreign sources of supply for critical materials.

BACKGROUND:

Since 2000, most of Brush Wellman’s metallic beryllium requirements have been supplied from cast beryllium ingot acquired under long-term contract from the National Defense Stockpile and small quantities of beryllium feedstock material purchased internationally.

Beryllium is a strategic material and has no viable substitute in a number of DOD and Department of Energy applications ranging from weapons systems and missile defense to surveillance satellites and jet fighter optical targeting devices. The material offers the best technical solution in a number of other critical applications from high resolution X-ray imaging for mammography to particle physics research, electronic countermeasures and avionics for combat helicopters and fighter aircraft, and commercial telecommunications.

Brush Wellman Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Brush Engineered Materials Inc. (NYSE-BW). Through its subsidiaries, Brush Engineered Materials supplies worldwide markets with beryllium products, alloy products, electronic products, precious metal products, and engineered material systems. Around the world, the Company's engineered materials can be found in technically demanding end-use products with the telecommunications and computer, data storage, aerospace and defense, industrial components, medical and appliance markets.

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June 20, 2008 09:14 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Corning Continues to See Strength in LCD TV Sales

CORNING, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW) today said that strong U.S. liquid crystal display (LCD) TV sales reported through the first five months of the year reinforces the company’s belief that the 2008 global LCD glass market will grow at the upper end of its original 25% to 30% year-over-year estimate.

“So far this year, we are not seeing evidence of the economic downturn impacting our forecasted growth,” said James B. Flaws, vice chairman and chief financial officer. “In fact, the evidence we have shows that May LCD TV sales in the U.S. increased nearly 50% over a year ago. This view is consistent with outside, third-party sources such as The NPD, an independent consumer market research firm. We cannot guarantee that retail sales will remain resistant to economic pressures. However, the strength of TV sales to date is consistent with consumers’ behavior during the last three recessions.”

“We have seen LCD TV sales grow significantly year over year every month this year. The strength of reported LCD TV sales through the first five months of this year leads us to believe that the worldwide market will reach the 105 million units that we originally forecasted,” Flaws said.

Remarking on supply chain concerns, Flaws said, “Our conversations with our customers, the panel manufacturers, indicate that their inventories are at very reasonable levels as the supply chain prepares for seasonally robust second-half demand.” Flaws added that Corning’s display facilities continue to operate at full capacity, “and our customers are also running at high utilization rates.”

About Corning Incorporated

Corning Incorporated (www.corning.com) is the world leader in specialty glass and ceramics. Drawing on more than 150 years of materials science and process engineering knowledge, Corning creates and makes keystone components that enable high-technology systems for consumer electronics, mobile emissions control, telecommunications and life sciences. Our products include glass substrates for LCD televisions, computer monitors and laptops; ceramic substrates and filters for mobile emission control systems; optical fiber, cable, hardware & equipment for telecommunications networks; optical biosensors for drug discovery; and other advanced optics and specialty glass solutions for a number of industries including semiconductor, aerospace, defense, astronomy and metrology.

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a variety of business risks and other uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include the possibility of changes in global economic and political conditions; currency fluctuations; product demand and industry capacity; competition; manufacturing efficiencies; cost reductions; availability of critical components and materials; new product commercialization; changes in the mix of sales between premium and non-premium products; new plant start-up costs; possible disruption in commercial activities due to terrorist activity, armed conflict, political instability or major health concerns; adequacy of insurance; equity company activities; acquisition and divestiture activities; the level of excess or obsolete inventory; the rate of technology change; the ability to enforce patents; product and components performance issues; stock price fluctuations; and adverse litigation or regulatory developments. Additional risk factors are identified in Corning’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the day that they are made, and Corning undertakes no obligation to update them in light of new information or future events.

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June 20, 2008 08:10 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Research and Markets: This Comprehensive and In-Depth Analysis of Boeing Is Available Now

DUBLIN, Ireland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets

http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/8de32d/analysis_of_boeing

...has announced the addition of the "Analysis of Boeing" company profile to their offering.

The product Company Analysis is a highly comprehensive research analysis on the particular company and its competitors. A company analysis includes a complete and comprehensive analysis of the selected company, an overview of the industry the company operates in, a PEST Framework Analysis of the industry, and then moves on to analyzing the company itself.

Company analysis includes a history of the company chosen, a business segment analysis of the segments that particular company operates through, a look at the organization structure of the company, a geographical operating segments analysis, an analysis of the company’s major competitors. In general, every company profile includes two to three competitors of that company. If the customer is looking for a specific competitor, we can very easily customize the report to meet such a requirement.

A financial analysis of the selected organization is also presented in the report which includes a ratio analysis, basic profit and loss analysis, presentation of the company balance sheet, and much more.

Any extra request for data on a company can further be incorporated in this profile at no extra charge to our customers.

A SWOT Framework Analysis of that company as well as its competitors completes this in-depth product - Company Analysis Research.

CONTENTS:
A. Executive Summary

B. Looking at the Industry
B.1 Industry Definition
B.2 Brief Profile of the Industry
B.3 Impacts on the Industry
B.4 Challenges Facing the Industry
B.5 Future Perspective

C. Industry PEST Framework Analysis
C.1 Political Aspects
C.2 Economic Aspects
C.3 Social Aspects
C.4 Technological Aspects

D. Looking at the Company
D.1 Company Profile
D.2 History of the Company
D.3 Ownership Pattern in the Company
D.4 Corporate Hierarchy
D.5 Organizational Divisions
D.6 Profiling the Key Executives
D.7 Products & Services
D.8 Recently in the News

E. Looking at Business
E.1 Business Segments
E.2 Geographical Segments
E.3 Company Subsidiaries

F. SWOT Framework Analysis
F.1 Strengths to Build Upon
F.2 Weaknesses to Overcome
F.3 Opportunities to Exploit
F.4 Threats to Overcome

G. Profiling the Competition (Includes SWOT Analysis of Competitor Companies)
G.1 Competitor Company 1
G.2 Competitor Company 2

H. Financial Analysis of the Company
H.1 Current Financials
H.2 Balance Sheet
H.3 Profit & Loss Statement
H.4 Ratio Analysis

I. Future Perspective

J. Appendix

K. Glossary of Terms

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/8de32d/analysis_of_boeing

An Air Racing Sponsor

Front Page

June 19, 2008 03:42 PM Eastern Daylight Time

PPG Honors Eight Excellent Suppliers

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PPG Industries (NYSE: PPG) has presented eight Excellent Supplier Awards for superior performance in 2007.

Award criteria included product quality, delivery, documentation, innovation, responsiveness, continuous improvement and participation in PPG’s Supplier Added Value Effort ($AVE) program.

Kathleen McGuire, PPG vice president, purchasing and distribution, praised the performance of the award-winning suppliers. “Their products, services, reliability, innovation and overall value in 2007 were outstanding,” she said. “We consider them invaluable business partners who provide a significant competitive advantage to PPG.”

On an annual basis, PPG purchases nearly $7 billion in materials and services from thousands of suppliers.

Companies earning the 2007 Excellent Supplier Award, and the products and services they provide, are:


A. Duie Pyle Companies, a highway motor carrier headquartered in West Chester, Pa., that provides transportation services to PPG's architectural, automotive refinish, automotive OEM and industrial coatings businesses as well as its performance glazings unit in the United States.

APN Starfirst LP, owned by the management of American PowerNet and based in Wyomissing, Pa., which provides consulting, technical and administrative services relating to wholesale and retail electricity sourcing to PPG's chlor-alkali and derivatives, architectural coatings and performance glazings businesses in the United States.

Chamberlain Marketing Group, Taylor, Mich., a supplier of promotional products to PPG's architectural, refinish and industrial coatings businesses as well as its automotive replacement glass unit in the United States.

Degussa, based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, which provides colorants, pigments and resins to PPG's coatings businesses in South America.

General Motors Fleet & Commercial of Detroit, which provides fleet automobiles to all PPG’s businesses in the United States and Canada.

GHX Industrial LLC, a Houston, Texas-based provider of industrial gaskets and hoses to PPG's chlor-alkali and derivatives, optical and specialty products and silicas manufacturing operations in Lake Charles.

Intercontinental Quimica S.A., with headquarters in Madrid, Spain, which provides purified isophthalic and terephthalic acids to PPG's automotive coatings, automotive refinish, and industrial and packaging coatings businesses in Europe.

Sartorius AG, based in Goettingen, Germany, which provides electronic scales to PPG's automotive refinish business on a worldwide basis.


About PPG

Pittsburgh-based PPG is a global supplier of paints, coatings, chemicals, optical products, specialty materials, glass and fiber glass. The company has more than 150 manufacturing facilities and equity affiliates and operates in more than 60 countries. PPG’s sales in 2007 were $11.2 billion. SigmaKalon, a worldwide coatings producer based in Uithoorn, Netherlands, that PPG acquired Jan. 2, 2008, had 2007 sales of $2.9 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com

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Textron's Executive Vice President Mary L. Howell has been honored by the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation with the prestigious Charles Ruch Semper Fidelis Award. Howell received the award at the 14th Annual Atlantic City Gala in New Jersey to benefit the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation.

Photo: Business Wire

Front Page

June 19, 2008 12:49 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Textron’s Mary Howell Receives Marine Corps Foundation Award

PROVIDENCE, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) today announced that Executive Vice President Mary L. Howell has been honored by the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation with the prestigious Charles Ruch Semper Fidelis Award. Howell received the award at the 14th Annual Atlantic City Gala in New Jersey to benefit the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation.

Howell was honored for her long-standing commitment to the U.S. Marines Corps and her leadership in various programs that have supported the Marine Corps mission.

“On behalf of the men and women of Textron, I am honored to receive this award,” Howell said. “The Foundation’s work to ensure a brighter future for the children of the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us and our country and for those children with special needs is truly remarkable. I thank them for what they continue to do.”

Howell is the first woman to receive the Charles Ruch Semper Fidelis Award. Previous honorees include Gen. Peter Pace, former Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Gen. James L. Jones, former Commandant of the Marines Corps and former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO; and Donald Trump.

“Mary Howell is a true patriot and a great American,” said Michael diFrancesco, the chair of the Gala and a member of the Foundation’s Executive Committee. “Her tenacity and perseverance, her work on behalf of the Marine Corps and her continuing efforts to make sure that our men and women in the armed services have the best possible equipment that they can have to fight made her well-deserving of this honor.”

In its 14-year history, the Foundation has distributed more than $34 million to the children of Marines or federal law enforcement personnel who were killed in the line of duty or who died under extraordinary circumstances while serving the United States at home or abroad. The Foundation also provides financial aid to mentally and physically disabled children of Marines for tutoring or medical equipment.

“It has been my distinct privilege to work with the U.S. Marines Corps and the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation,” Howell continued. “They represent the best of what America has to offer: an unwavering commitment to freedom and an abundance of compassion to help those who are in need.”

Howell leads Textron’s government, strategy development and international, investor relations and corporate communications functions. She also directs the Washington, D.C.-based marketing and government affairs activities for Textron and its business units.

Also honored at the event was Frank M. McDonough, Esq (Major, USMC Retired), President of the New York Shipping Association, who received the Patrick T. McGahm, Jr. Most Distinguished American Award. General James T. Conway, the 34th Commandant of the Marine Corps was the Gala’s Military Guest of Honor.

About Textron Inc.

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

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June 19, 2008 10:34 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Textron to Release Second Quarter Results on July 17, 2008

PROVIDENCE, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) will release its second quarter 2008 financial results on Thursday, July 17, 2008.

The company will also host a conference call at 9:00 a.m. Eastern time to discuss the results and the company’s outlook. The call will be available via webcast at www.textron.com or by direct dial at (800) 288-8975 in the U.S. or (612) 332-0418 outside of the U.S. (request the Textron Earnings Call).

In addition, the call will be recorded and available for playback beginning at 12:30 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday, July 17, 2008 by dialing (320) 365-3844 Access Code: 896297.

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

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June 19, 2008 10:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

EMRISE Corporation Comments on Possible Accelerated Closing of ACC Acquisition

New Jersey Environmental Regulators Approve ACC for Fast-track “Cleanup Star” Program; Could Reduce Time for Clearance Needed to Close EMRISE Acquisition of ACC


RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--EMRISE CORPORATION (NYSE Arca:ERI), a multi-national designer, manufacturer and marketer of proprietary electronic devices and communications equipment for aerospace, defense, industrial, and communications applications, today announced that its pending acquisition of Advanced Control Components (ACC) could close sooner than the original estimated date of August 15th based on a “fast-track” environmental approval by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).

When EMRISE announced in late May that it had signed a definitive stock purchase agreement to acquire Eatontown, NJ-based ACC, the estimated closing date of August 15, 2008 was due primarily to the anticipated time needed to comply with the New Jersey Industrial Site Recovery Act, which is administered by NJDEP. Since that time however, it has recently been determined that ACC qualifies for the NJDEP’s “Cleanup Star” program, which could potentially reduce the time needed for environmental clearance.

Following notice that it qualified for the Cleanup Star program, ACC engaged a NJDEP-approved Cleanup Star consultant. Subsequently, ACC obtained a Cleanup Star Certification and a Negative Declaration Affidavit from the consultant. Both documents will be submitted along with supporting documentation to the NJDEP for final approval.

“Obtaining environmental clearance from NJDEP would clear the way for us to complete the ACC acquisition,” Oliva said. “If ACC is able to obtain the clearance under the ‘Cleanup Star’ program earlier than we originally estimated, we are ready to act quickly to close the transaction. The sooner we close, the sooner EMRISE and its shareholders can begin to realize the financial and strategic benefits we believe the acquisition of ACC brings to the Company.”

ACC qualifies to seek environmental clearance for the acquisition under the Cleanup Star program due to the simplicity of its case and the relative minimal environmental issues involved. Even though similar cases processed under the program have been approved by the NJDEP within approximately 30 days from receipt of the necessary documentation, final processing and approval is subject to review and resource availability of the NJDEP; therefore, no assurance can be made as to whether participation in the Cleanup Star program will result in a more timely review and environmental clearance of the acquisition by the NJDEP. Consequently, EMRISE can give no assurances that processing the ACC case under the Cleanup Star program will actually result in an earlier closing of the pending acquisition of ACC by EMRISE.

NJDEP's Cleanup Star Program

The Cleanup Star program was designed to foster and expedite the investigation, remediation, and closure of low-priority sites by NJDEP pre-approved, Cleanup Star-certified consultants.

Under this innovative program, NJDEP pre-qualifies environmental consultants meeting rigorous education, experience and professional requirements as "Cleanup Stars." These "Cleanup Stars" will be permitted to investigate and remediate certain low-priority sites and areas of concern with limited NJDEP oversight. NJDEP will strictly audit Cleanup Stars' work to ensure regulatory compliance and protection of public health and the environment.

About EMRISE Corporation

EMRISE designs, manufactures and markets electronic devices, sub-systems and equipment for aerospace, defense, industrial and communications markets. EMRISE products perform key functions such as power supply and power conversion; RF and microwave transmission; digital and rotary switching; network access and timing and synchronization of communications networks. Primary growth driver applications for EMRISE products include commercial avionic “In-Flight Entertainment and Communications” products and communications “Network Timing and Synchronization” equipment. EMRISE serves customers in North America, Europe and Asia through operations in the United States, England, France and Japan. The Company has built a worldwide base of customers including all of the Fortune 100 in the U.S. that do business in markets served by EMRISE and many similar-size companies in Europe and Asia. For more information go to www.emrise.com .

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

With the exception of historical information, the matters discussed in this press release, including without limitation EMRISE’s ability to close the ACC acquisition sooner than the original estimated date of August 15th, ability to reduce the time need for environmental clearance, ability to submit documents with supporting documentation to the NJDEP for final approval, ability for such clearance to clear the way for us to complete the ACC acquisition, ability of EMRISE to act quickly and close the transaction, ability for EMRISE to realize the financial and strategic benefits of the acquisition, and the ability for the NJDEP to approve this case within 30 days from receipt of necessary documentation, are all forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The actual future results of EMRISE CORPORATION could differ from those statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, complications that may arise regarding this or any other condition of closing to the ACC acquisition, unforeseen complications or delays in the NJDEP’s review of this case, unforeseen delays by environmental consultants and/or ACC in providing the necessary information to the NJDEP, and those factors contained in the “Risk Factors” Section of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, and other Company filings.

Front Page

June 19, 2008 09:49 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Archstone Consulting Study Discovers Manufacturing Executives Will Use Supply Chain to Drive Growth and Control Costs

Supply Chain Capabilities Factors Prominently into Executive Agendas for 2008

STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Archstone Consulting, a fast growing management consulting firm, revealed in a recent survey that manufacturing executives plan to use supply chain as a key mechanism to improve both top- and bottom-line performance, despite challenges of the current economic environment.

Nearly three-quarters of the 265 manufacturing executives surveyed in Archstone’s Manufacturing Executive Agenda for 2008 felt that the current market pressures, including sharply rising commodity prices, a sluggish economy, and foreign competition, may be triggering significant transformational changes within manufacturing organizations. “Over 80% of manufacturers have responded to the current economic climate by devising aggressive agendas to boost sales and cut costs,” commented Todd Lavieri, president and CEO of Archstone Consulting.

Two of the four most common ways that executives plan to bolster performance in 2008 depended upon the capabilities of supply chain.

“An interesting pattern emerged, in that manufacturers across the board have high expectations for their supply chains to both boost revenues and reduce costs,” explained John Ferreira, industrial manufacturing practice leader at Archstone Consulting. “In the past manufacturers simply used their supply chains as a means to control costs by improving efficiencies. Now, they are using their supply chains as a mechanism to boost revenue and improve customer satisfaction through capabilities like better management of highly customized products, quicker delivery times, and more integrated services.”


The four executive agenda items shared by manufacturers in all industries include:

Increasing revenue growth by leveraging supply chain capabilities to add value to products and services.

Reducing costs with supply chain efficiency improvements.

Improving product innovation.

Controlling direct material costs.


Industry Trends

Archstone also identified several major industry trends in its Manufacturing Executives Agenda for 2008 surveys, including:

Aerospace & Defense: Nearly 70% plan to simultaneously increase revenues and reduce costs by 3% or more.

Consumer Packaged Goods: Nearly 90% anticipate cost reductions of 3% or greater. CPG executives cited managing direct material and commodity costs as the most important to achieving cost targets.

Electrical & Electronic Equipment: Over 90% consider the sluggish economy to be a major constraint, and less than half expect revenue growth of 3% or more.

Pharmaceuticals: Nearly 70% expect to reduce costs by 3% or higher, and 72% anticipate revenue growth of 3% or more.


About the Survey

In April 2008, Archstone Consulting launched the Manufacturing Executive Agenda for 2008 survey to examine what macroeconomic constraints are most significantly impacting manufacturing executives, what cost and revenue targets have been established, and what strategies or areas of focus executives are evaluating to achieve those targets. Over 265 respondents participated in this survey.

Respondents included the following:


Role in Organization:

The research sample included respondents with the following roles:

Senior management (CEO, COO, President) (17%); Vice President, General Manager (36%); Director (27%); Manager and Other (20%)

Industry:

The research sample included respondents from the following different industry segments:

Aerospace & Defense (11%); Automotive & Transportation Equipment (15%); Chemical & Process (13%); Consumer Packaged Goods (17%); Electrical & Electronic Equipment (10%); Industrial Products (22%); Pharmaceutical (9%); Other (3%)

Size:

The research sample included organizations of the following sizes:

More than $5B (20%); Between $5B and $1B in annual revenues (15%); Between $1B and $500MM in annual revenues (40%); Less than $500MM in annual revenues (25%)

Type of Company: 52% of the research sample were privately held companies; 48% of the research were publicly traded companies


About Archstone Consulting

Archstone Consulting is a leading Strategy and Change, Operations and CFO Advisory management consulting firm, specializing in the consumer products, retail, life sciences and general manufacturing industries. Archstone Consulting offers experienced support, efficient execution and measurable results. Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, Archstone Consulting has offices in Amsterdam, Chicago, New York, San Francisco and Toronto. For additional information, please visit the company's newly-designed website at www.archstoneconsulting.com.

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June 19, 2008 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Sun Supercomputer Created for 'Flight and Flow' Simulation in Germany

Center for Computer Applications in Aerospace Science and Engineering Chooses Sun's Petascale Computing Architecture

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sun Microsystems (NASDAQ:JAVA) has won the first contract in Germany for the installation of a high performance computing (HPC) cluster for commercial applications based on Sun's Petascale architecture. The Petascale architecture was developed in-house at Sun under the name "Sun(TM) Constellation System," and was presented to the public for the first time at the International Supercomputing Conference in Dresden, Germany last year. The Center for Computer Applications in Aerospace Science and Engineering (C²A²S²E), supported by Airbus, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the state of Lower Saxony, is investing EUR 5.2 million in the new supercomputer that has a compute capacity of 46.6 TFlops.

With the support of its partner T-Systems, DLR searched for a platform that could perform complex numerical flow simulations necessary for the C²A²S²E project. Christian Schweitzer, Head of T-Systems Service Center Nord, explained the process: "We created a list of specifications and issued them to three well-known suppliers. The key requirements included the highest possible number of processors and an efficient technological update after three years. Sun impressed DLR in both areas."

The European Union (EU) has stipulated that for all commercial aircrafts exhaust emissions must be reduced by 50 percent and noise by 10-20 decibels by the year 2020. This means that researching new aircraft concepts is becoming increasingly important. By improving software modeling, the accuracy of the simulations should continue to improve. The aim of C²A²S²E is to establish a globally-recognized, interdisciplinary center of excellence in numerical aircraft simulations.

High-performance computing with over 6000 processor cores.

Sun's Petascale architecture is the world's first architecture cluster system that can reach a computing capacity of more than 2 PFlops. The Petascale architecture blade servers use SPARC(R), AMD Opteron(TM) and Intel(R) Xeon(R) processors as computer nodes, which are operated using the Sun Blade(TM) 6048 modular system chassis. Solaris (TM), Linux and Windows are supported as the operating system platforms for Sun Constellation System.

An Infiniband network enables the communication between the blades. The Sun Datacenter Switch 3456—the globally exclusive Infiniband switch with its 3456 ports — forms the central component. The high-density packaging in the switch enables data throughput with minimal latency; this is essential for HPC cluster systems. This maximum data throughput enables simultaneous calculation of highly complex simulations and generates the additional data the science requires. This high-performance computer system is therefore able to calculate several highly complex simulations at once.

"It was important to us to significantly increase the number of processor cores in use," explained Dr. Norbert Kroll, Head of C²A²S²E. "To date, we have been using 100 to 500 cores at a time on average, but we intend to gradually increase this figure to 6000 cores."

As a result of deploying 768 Sun Blade 6220 server modules, 6144 cores have been made available. Each module uses two AMD Opteron 2347HE Quadcore processors and is supported in the storage area by Sun Fire(TM) X4500 servers and at the front-end by Sun Fire X4200 M2 servers. To help ensure the server technology remains virtually state-of-the-art, the blades will be replaced in 2010 as part of Sun(TM) Refresh Service using the most cutting-edge technology available at the time.

C²A²S²E is a center of excellence that comprehensively specializes in numerical aircraft simulation. This simulation center is an innovation partnership between Airbus, the state of Lower Saxony and the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The core of the simulation center is Europe's fastest, high-performance computer for aeronautical research. Responsibility for the design, construction, and operation of the computer lies in the hands of T-Systems.

About Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Sun Microsystems develops the technologies that power the global marketplace. Guided by a singular vision -- "The Network Is The Computer(TM)" -- Sun drives network participation through shared innovation, community development and open source leadership. Sun can be found in more than 100 countries an on the Web at http://sun.com.

Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, Java, “The Network is the Computer,” Solaris, SPARC, Sun Blade, and Sun Fire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. All SPARC trademarks are used under license and are trademarks or registered trademarks of SPARC International, Inc. in the US and other countries. Products bearing SPARC trademarks are based upon an architecture developed by Sun Microsystems, Inc. AMD is a trademark or registered trademark of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. AMD, Opteron, the AMD logo, and the AMD Opteron logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices. Intel and Xeon are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

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June 19, 2008 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

UOP and Rentech Form Alliance to Offer Solution for Clean Fuels Production

Alliance brings Rentech process for synthesis gas conversion together with UOP hydroprocessing technologies for ultra-clean fuels and chemicals

DES PLAINES, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--UOP LLC, a Honeywell (NYSE: HON) company, announced today that it has formed an alliance with Rentech, Inc. to jointly offer technology for the production of clean fuels, specialty waxes and chemicals.

The non-exclusive agreement between UOP and Rentech will provide a one-stop solution for refiners, petrochemicals and synthetic fuel producers to convert synthesis gas to ultra-clean fuels, specialty waxes and chemicals. The offering aligns Rentech’s process to convert synthesis gas from biomass and fossil resources and hydrocarbons with UOP’s hydrocracking and hydrotreating processes that process and upgrade hydrocarbons to fuels and chemicals.

“As the need for increasingly cleaner fuels continues to grow, we look forward to working with Rentech to offer better solutions worldwide,” said UOP Business Director for Refining Ashis Banerji. “Together we can offer a solution that is well suited to the production of high-quality, ultra-clean transportation fuels and high-value chemicals.”

“This alliance between Rentech and UOP provides a one-stop solution to developers of commercial synthetic fuels facilities worldwide for synthesis gas conversion and product upgrading,” said Rentech Executive Vice President of Commercial Affairs Richard Penning.

Rentech, Inc. developed and patented the Rentech Process that transforms under-utilized domestic energy resources into high value clean fuels, specialty waxes and chemicals. The Rentech Process utilizes an iron-based catalyst to convert synthesis gas into ultra-clean hydrocarbons.

UOP’s hydrotreating technology refines liquid hydrocarbons to produce ultra-clean fuels and chemicals. UOP’s hydrocracking technology converts the liquid hydrocarbon to high-value naphtha or distillate products that can be used to produce ultra-clean gasoline and diesel.

UOP LLC, headquartered in Des Plaines, Illinois, USA, is a leading international supplier and licensor of process technology, catalysts, adsorbents, process plants, and consulting services to the petroleum refining, petrochemical, and gas processing industries. UOP is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Honeywell International, Inc. and is part of Honeywell’s Specialty Materials strategic business group. For more information, go to www.uop.com.

Honeywell International is a $37 billion diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell’s shares are traded on the New York, London and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For additional information, please visit www.honeywell.com.

This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of fact, 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, developments and business decisions may differ from those envisaged by our forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements are also subject to risks and uncertainties, which can affect our performance in both the near- and long-term. We identify the principal risks and uncertainties that affect our performance in our Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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June 19, 2008 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Neah Power Systems and Sanmina-SCI Enter into Strategic Relationship

Sanmina-SCI to provide engineering and manufacturing expertise

BOTHELL, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Neah Power Systems, Inc., (OTCBB: NPWS), a leading developer of fuel cells for military, industrial and consumer portable electronic devices, announced today that it has selected Sanmina-SCI Corporation (NASDAQ: SANM) for its engineering development and manufacturing support in commercializing its silicon based fuel cell systems. Sanmina-SCI is a leading systems solutions provider serving the fastest-growing segments of the global electronics manufacturing services (EMS) market.

Joe Bronson, President and COO of Sanmina-SCI said, “We are pleased that Neah Power has engaged us for our engineering expertise and manufacturing capabilities. Our customer base ranges from small startups to global companies. We can get a product to market expeditiously, in the most cost effective manner. We look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship and in enabling Neah Power Systems commercialize its proprietary fuel cell technology.”

Dr. Chris D’Couto, President and CEO of Neah Power said, “We are enthusiastic about using Sanmina-SCI for our low run initial production. One of the key differentiators of our product is the ability to use the design and manufacturing prowess of a company like Sanmina-SCI in bringing the product to market. Sanmina-SCI has the industry-leading experience and expertise in the EMS space. We look forward to leveraging their knowledge and skills in the design and manufacturing areas with our core competencies and proprietary technology around the silicon based fuel cell to provide portable power solutions to our target markets. Neah Power is transitioning into commercialization, and Sanmina-SCI will further accelerate the achievement of our goals and fulfillment of the vision for the company.”

About Neah Power

Neah Power Systems, Inc. (NPWS) is developing long-lasting, efficient and safe power solutions for portable electronic devices, including notebook PCs, military radios and other power-hungry products. The market size for portable power is estimated in the multi-billion dollar range by the research group Frost and Sullivan. Neah Power uses a unique, patented, silicon-based design for its micro fuel cells that enable higher power densities. This enables lighter-weight, smaller form-factors and lower cost products, as well as an outsourced manufacturing model.

The company’s working micro fuel cell prototype, which was demonstrated on September 28, 2007, runs as a closed-loop system without requiring air as an oxidant. As Neah Power pursues the broader military market for fuel cells, it plans to leverage this characteristic unique to its porous silicon technology to pursue these anaerobic applications, addressing a market whose needs are currently not being met.

Further company information can be found at www.neahpower.com.

About Sanmina-SCI Corp.

Sanmina-SCI Corporation is a leading electronics contract manufacturer serving the fastest-growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. Recognized as a technology leader, Sanmina-SCI provides end-to-end manufacturing solutions, delivering unsurpassed quality and support to OEMs primarily in the communications, defense and aerospace, industrial and medical instrumentation, multimedia, computing and storage, and automotive technology sectors. Sanmina-SCI has facilities strategically located in key regions throughout the world. More information regarding the company is available at http://www.sanmina-sci.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward looking statements and made pursuant to the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect numerous assumptions and involve a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company's control that may cause actual results to differ materially from stated expectations. Factors that might cause such material difference include, among others, our limited operating history, potential research and prototype delays, difficulties in developing and commercializing new technologies.

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June 19, 2008 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

USGIF Awards Program Recognizes Outstanding Defense and Intelligence Community Achievement

HERNDON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) is now accepting nominations for the 2008 Awards Program. Applications can be found at www.USGIF.org. All submissions are due no later than 5 p.m. EST on Friday Aug. 15.

Members of the community at-large are encouraged to nominate colleagues as well as their own work for recognition of outstanding efforts in advancing the tradecraft and supporting the mission. Each year, the USGIF Awards Program acknowledges the accomplishments of industry, academia, government and military with multiple awards in its three awards categories.

The Geospatial Intelligence Achievement Award recognizes outstanding achievement in the tradecraft by an individual or team from the military, government and industry sectors.

The Geospatial Academic Achievement Award commends the achievements of a top graduate of a nationally recognized geospatial intelligence academic program as well as an organization that demonstrates the top geospatial intelligence program or project.

The USGIF Lifetime Achievement Award is presented, upon selection by the USGIF Board of Directors, to someone who has dedicated much of his or her work to the tradecraft.

Last year’s winners include the Honorable James R. Clapper Jr. (Lifetime Achievement); Gabriella Farris of the Geospatial-Intelligence Training Program (Academic Achievement); Dr. Swen Johnson of Socio-Cultural Intelligence Analysis Inc. (Academic Research); the Space and Naval Systems Warfare Command C4I Support Team (Military Achievement Award); the Defense Intelligence Agency’s Missile and Space Intelligence Center (Government Achievement); and Matt O’Connell (Industry Achievement).

USGIF is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) educational foundation dedicated to promoting the tradecraft and developing a stronger community of interest between government, industry, academia, professional organizations and individuals whose mission focus is the development and application of geospatial intelligence data to address national security objectives.

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June 18, 2008 08:37 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Sun Country Meets with State Legislators to Discuss Status of Airline Launches ''Hometown Airline'' Campaign at Terminal Event

MINNEAPOLIS & ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Executives of Sun Country Airlines and Union members today met with a group of Minnesota legislators and staffers to provide them an update on Sun Country’s status and initiate discussions about financial relief due to record fuel prices in the form of fee abatements, loans or other non-cash support initiatives. Sun Country officials presented an economic impact study highlighting a $225 million annual savings the airline provided to Minnesota in 2007.

“As the second largest carrier in the market, Sun Country has positively impacted Minnesota’s economy through our $63 million in local vendor support, by providing 1000 jobs to the state and by offering lower fares that force pricing discipline in the marketplace,” said Stan Gadek, Chief Executive Officer of Sun Country. “Long-range, we expect to build on our base here even more, especially through expansion of our scheduled service. Our vision is to provide Minnesotans with additional jobs, expanded travel options and continue to provide the great hometown service Sun Country is famous for.”

During Wednesday’s meeting, Sun Country also previewed their new “Hometown Airline” marketing campaign launching tomorrow, June 19, with an “Ice Cream Social” at the Humphrey terminal for incoming and outbound passengers. The campaign highlights the airline’s new positioning and will be communicated through a grassroots presence at high profile Minnesota events throughout the summer as well as billboards and radio.

Sun Country, owned by Minnesota-based Petters Group Worldwide, carried 1.6 million passengers in 2007 to 30 year round and seasonal destinations in the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. The airline has earned numerous honors for its service quality and is renowned for low fares that help temper pricing on key routes.

The current fuel price crisis, however, has stressed the airline despite company wide wage reductions, layoffs, vendor savings and development of new sources of revenue. Sun Country expects fuel costs to exceed forecast by $33 million or 37%. Every $5 increase in the price of oil increases Sun Country’s annual fuel bill by $4 million.

“This is a situation that we have managed creatively so far with cutbacks, additional charter flying and capital infusions from our ownership, but we can’t do it indefinitely,” said Stan Gadek, Chief Executive Officer of Sun Country. We believe it is in the best interest of Minnesota to help us sustain operations through this turbulent time and maintain a locally owned and operated airline. Customers tell us every day – both verbally and by buying our tickets – that they understand and appreciate the savings and quality service we bring them. We can continue doing that into the future – with some relief over the next 24 months.”


About Sun Country

Sun Country Airlines, privately held by Petters Group Worldwide, is based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Sun Country, which has earned a reputation for offering world class service at an affordable price, recently was named to the top 10 lists of domestic airlines in both Travel+Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler. The airline flies to popular destinations in the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean including Orlando, Los Angeles, Cancun, Phoenix and Orlando . For a complete list of destinations and more information, please visit www.SunCountry.com.

About Petters Group Worldwide

Petters Group Worldwide is a privately held company with investments in a dynamic collection of over 60 companies around the world. As an active manager, Petters Group supports these organizations by achieving investment synergies with services, financing and leveraging resources to support growth. The core areas of focus for Petters Group are merchandising/sourcing/brand management, emerging technologies, media and marketing, hospitality and entertainment, aviation, real estate and investment capital.

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June 18, 2008 06:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Research and Markets: China Aviation Company Research for Xi'an Aircraft International Corporation (XAIC) Now Available

DUBLIN, Ireland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets

http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/71be6e/china_aviation_com

...has announced the addition of the "China Aviation Company Research - Xi'an Aircraft International Corporation (XAIC)" report to their offering.

Global and China's aviation industry is in a rapid booming period, therefore, the demands of aircraft have been increasing significantly. In 2006, China's civil aircrafts were 952. According to China Aviation Research and Development centre’s report, by 2026 the total number of civil aircraft will reach 3,731 in China.

In February 2008, Xi'an Aircraft International Corporation (XAIC) completed their non-public offering. The company's business architecture has changed fundamentally, from aircraft parts-maker to an aircraft manufacturer for civil and military aircrafts, also, as a key base for domestic subcontractors and aircraft parts manufactory.

Military aircraft is the main contributor for the company’s business, which took more than 70 per cent of total income. In terms of the rapid growth of other business sections, the military aircraft section is expected to keep stability and, the portion of the total income will decline gradually between 2008 and 2010.

Civil aircraft business, the “Xinzhou60” aircraft has been recognized by the market and contracted 126 orders; the development of “Xinzhou60” series is on the company agenda, which is based on the current “Xinzhou60” technology. The ”Xinzhou60” series will help company to develop the turboprop aircraft for the high-end market of feederliners.

In the parts business, there are 181 ARJ21 existing orders, 90 per cent of ARJ21’s parts are produced by XAIC. After the increasing issue in stock in 2007, XAIC integrated the international subcontracting and civil craft’s parts from Chengdu Air company and Shenyang Air Company. After the integration, XAIC transformed not the only scale effect of the international subcontracting, but also for the technique and resources to support the massive production of ARJ21, another important point is to lay the foundation for the collaboration of large aircraft for China aviation industry in the future. There will be a 30 per cent growth of subcontracting expected from 2008 to 2010.

Key Topics Covered:

Introduction

- Brief of XAIC

- Brief of XAC (Xi'an Aircraft Industry(group) Company Limited)

A historic opportunity for China's aviation industry

- The growth of civil aviation’s demand

- The outlook of Global civil aircraft market

- The development of China's civil transportation

- China is the major source for the growth of the world aviation transportation

- Forecast of China's future aircraft demand

- The competition of the world aviation industry

- Trunkliner: Boeing and Airbus

- Feederliner: more competitors

- China's aviation industry policy

- Large aircraft project is on the national development’s agenda

- The impact of goverment policy on China’s aviation industry

- China’s aviation industry securitization

Products and competitiveness of XAIC

- Transformation from aircraft parts manufacturers into whole aircraft manufacturers

- Promoting the technology competitiveness from Large aircraft

- Military aircraft

- Civil aircraft

- “Xinzhou 60” series aircraft

- “Xiangfeng ARJ21”

- Subcontracting

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/71be6e/china_aviation_com

Front Page

June 18, 2008 04:25 PM Eastern Daylight Time

CAGW Calls for Full Review of Air Force Acquisition Process After Tanker Ruling

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) today called for a no-holds-barred congressional investigation of the procurement process at the U.S. Air Force following the decision by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to uphold the Boeing Company’s protest of the $35 billion refueling tanker contract awarded to Northrop Grumman. The GAO decision fulfills the process that CAGW called for – allowing the GAO to do its work without interference by members of Congress.

The GAO took the Air Force to task for numerous errors in its initial award, including the failure to “assess the relative merits of the proposals in accordance with the evaluation criteria identified in the solicitation,” which is the most basic function of a contract review. The GAO also noted that the evaluation of the “most probable life cycle costs … was unreasonable.” Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition Sue Payton said her team had “followed a ‘carefully structured’ procurement process designed to ‘provide transparency, maintain integrity and ensure fair competition.’”

“Air Force officials didn’t miss it by a little; they apparently missed it by a mile. Since the days of the $436 hammer and $640 toilet seat, * CAGW has called for reforms of the procurement process at the Pentagon. If this is the best the Air Force can do on its most critical contract award, the system remains dysfunctional. One wonders what might be occurring with other defense procurements,” said CAGW President Tom Schatz.

“After the initial tanker lease to Boeing was rightfully rejected in 2003, the Air Force had to conduct a very clean and fair review so that there would be no delay in the construction of the tankers once the award was made. Instead, our war fighters are facing more delays to replace 50 year-old equipment that is critical to national security. The Air Force now has 60 days to respond, and we continue to urge Congress to allow the process to run its course. The best outcome for taxpayers depends on the integrity of the procurement process, which must move forward transparently and without politicization,” Schatz concluded.

Citizens Against Government Waste is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government.

* Editor's Note: The "$640.00 toilet seat" was in actuality, a shroud that covered the toilet installation in the Lockheed Martin P-3 Orion, upon which the approximately "$19.00 toilet seat" (Nineteen Dollars and Zero Cents) was attached and sat.

Lockheed will likely never hear the "end" of this, however, if the Citizens Against Government Waste can't get their facts straight on a "Toilet Shround" versus a "Toilet Seat," then how are they qualified to hold the U.S. Air Force to task on a complex, Multi-billion dollar Aerial Refueling Tanker program!?

Food for thought...Ed.

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June 20, 2008

Front Page

Boeing Completes 787 Dreamliner Power On

EVERETT, Wash., June 20, 2008 - Boeing [NYSE: BA] has completed Power On for the first 787 Dreamliner. The test sequence lasted for just over a week and proved the functionality and installation of the airplane?s electric systems.
Running tests in the flight deck are (from left) James Townsend, aviation manufacturing technician inspector; Allen Smith, test technician; Jon Stephenson, production test manufacturing engineer; and Riger Vazquez Jr., production test team leader.

Boeing Photo

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Boeing Achieves 787 Power On

EVERETT, Wash., June 20, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE:BA] has completed the Power On sequence for the first 787 Dreamliner, marking the completion of the next major milestone on the path to first flight later this year.

Power On is a complex series of tasks and tests that bring electrical power onto the airplane and begin to exercise the use of the electrical systems. The 787 is a more-electric airplane with the pneumatic, or bleed air, system being totally replaced by electronics.

"The team has made great progress in bringing the bold innovation of the 787 to reality," said Pat Shanahan, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. "There is plenty of work to be done between now and first flight, but with every step forward we grow more and more confident."

The Power On sequence began in early June with a series of pretest continuity checks to verify that the wiring installed in the airplane had been connected properly. Upon completion of those checks, the Boeing team plugged in an external power cart and slowly began to bring full power into each segment of the system, beginning with the flight deck displays. From that point forward, the pilot's controls were used to direct the addition of new systems to the power grid.

At each step of the testing, power is allowed to flow into one additional area and gauges are used to verify that the right level of electrical power reached the intended area. "We are very methodical in ensuring the integrity of the airplane's systems," said Shanahan. "In completing the Power On sequence, we have verified both that the electrical power distribution system is installed as designed and that it functions as intended."

An inside look at the Power On testing sequence will be featured on www.boeing.com and newairplane.com beginning Monday at 5 a.m. PDT.

Work will continue to finish building the first 787 and further test its readiness for operations. First flight is expected in the fourth quarter.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a more fuel-efficient mid-sized jetliner capable of serving on long-distance routes. The 787 is expected to enter revenue service in 2009 after an extensive flight test program.

Fifty-eight customers around the world have ordered nearly 900 787s since the program was launched in April 2004, making the Dreamliner the fastest-selling new commercial jetliner in history.

###

Front Page

Power On Complete for Boeing 787 Dreamliner

EVERETT, Wash., June 20, 2008 - Dave Haskell, Boeing [NYSE: BA] test technician, plugs an external power cart into the first 787 Dreamliner as part of the Power- On testing sequence. Testing lasted just over one week and demonstrated the distribution, conversion, control and consumption of electric power on board the airplane. Completion also verifies the accuracy of the installation of systems on the first 787 and is an important step toward preparing for first flight later this year.

Boeing Photo

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U.S. AIR FORCE/LOCKHEED MARTIN SBIRS TEAM COMPLETES ON-ORBIT CHECKOUT OF SECOND HEO PAYLOAD

Nation's newest high-performance space-based sensor will deliver
revolutionary new global surveillance capabilities to the warfighter

SUNNYVALE, Calif., June 20, 2008 -- A joint U.S. Air Force/Lockheed
Martin [NYSE: LMT] team announced today that it has successessfully
completed on-orbit checkout of the second Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO-2)
payload in the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) constellation.

SBIRS is designed to provide early warning of missile launches, and
simultaneously support other missions including missile defense, technical
intelligence and battlespace characterization.

The SBIRS team is led by the Space Based Infrared Systems Wing at the
U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force
Base, Calif. Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif.,
is the SBIRS prime contractor, with Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems,
Azusa, Calif., as the payload integrator. Air Force Space Command
operates the SBIRS system.

The successful deployment and checkout of the nation's second of a new
generation of SBIRS sensors demonstrated that its performance meets or
exceeds specifications. Equipped with a sophisticated scanning sensor,
the HEO-2 payload joins the first HEO payload, which continues to
perform with outstanding results as it is readied to begin on-orbit
operations for the user later this year.

In addition to detecting ballistic missile launches from northern polar
regions, HEO payloads also have improved sensitivity needed to detect
dim theater missiles and can be tasked to scan other areas of military
interest. The HEO sensor provides an unprecedented infrared view of the
battlefield that represents the first steps in an evolving battlespace
awareness capability while also providing real-time data on missiles,
aircraft and other events.

"The second HEO sensor is performing as advertised and we are delighted
for our Air Force customer. Thisfurther confirms the capability that
we can expect with the forthcoming launch of the GEO constellation,"
said Joanne Maguire, Space Systems Company executive vice president. "This
event is another major step forward in our commitment to provide
unparalleled space surveillance capabilities that will put critical, near
real-time information in the hands of our warfighters."

SBIRS geosynchronous (GEO) satellites, the first of which is on track
for launch in late 2009, feature a scanning sensor that will provide for
short revisit times over its full field of view and a staring sensor
that can be tasked for step-stare or dedicated stare operations over
smaller areas.The GEO scanner and other payload components such as the
focal plane assembly, and processing algorithms are identical to those
used on HEO payloads.

"With the second HEO sensor on-orbit and providing the same
revolutionary capability as the first sensor, SBIRS is now providing outstanding
persistent surveillance of the northern hemisphere," said Jim Pitts,
Northrop Grumman's corporate vice president and president, Electronic
Systems, the payload integrator."We're proud of role in bringing this
unparalleled capability to the warfighers."

As the SBIRS prime contractor, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company
provides program management, the GEO spacecraft bus, HEO and GEO payload
pointing, and system engineering and integration. Lockheed Martin
Integrated Systems & Solutions builds and maintains the SBIRS ground segment
which has been operational since 2001. Northrop Grumman is the major
subcontractor and provides the HEO and GEO payloads and participates in
ground system development and systems engineering.

"The SBIRS team takes great pride in providing the U.S. military with
significantly improved surveillance capabilities," said Jeff Smith,
Lockheed Martin's SBIRS vice president and program manager. "The
performance of this sophisticated payload reflects the talent and dedication by a
joint government-industry team relentlessly focused on achieving
mission success on this program. We look forward to further expanding SBIRS
mission capabilities with the launch of the first GEO satellite."

Lockheed Martin's current SBIRS contract includes the two HEO payloads
now on-orbit, two GEO satellites, as well as ground-based assets to
receive and process the infrared data. The program is in the early stages
of adding additional GEO spacecraft and HEO payloads to the planned
constellation.

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.

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Infrared satellite imagery from the Space Based Infrared Systems Highly Elliptical Orbit-2 sensor depicts a missile launch through the clouds.

U.S. Air Force Photo

Front Page ~ Related Story ~ USAF View

Second SBIRS payload completes early on-orbit checkout


6/20/2008 - LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) -- Air Force officials have successfully completed the early on-orbit checkout of the second Space Based Infrared Systems sensor operating in a highly-elliptical orbit over the northern hemisphere. The second sensor is known as SBIRS HEO-2.

"The successful launch and checkout of HEO-2 is a further demonstration of the strong, positive momentum of the SBIRS team," said SMC Commander, Lt. Gen. Tom Sheridan. "This is a critical step in delivering a revolutionary new capability that will address some of the most serious threats to our nation."

The SBIRS HEO-2 payload provides performance that is exceeding specifications across the missile warning, missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness mission areas. Compared to the legacy Defense Support Program infrared sensor, SBIRS delivers about 10 times better sensitivity and up to five times faster revisit capability. SBIRS is revolutionizing space based infrared monitoring of the earth with its wide field of view, increased sensitivity, fast revisit rate, and persistent presence.

The SBIRS sensor effectively detects heat or hot gasses from missiles and other man-made objects, terrestrial events like volcanic eruptions and wildfires, and weather data from clouds and storms. The sensor is also providing information on static sources of infrared energy such as the flaring of methane gas from oil wells and pipelines.

SBIRS HEO is designed to use advanced space sensors and ground systems to provide infrared (heat signature) information from space. The highly elliptical orbiting sensors cover the northern hemisphere for approximately 12 hours a day from egg-shaped elliptical orbits reaching 35,000 kilometers above the North Pole.

"All of our SBIRS team members can be congratulated and justifiably proud of their contributions to the success of this critical program and the significant impact it will have on our national security," said SMC's Space Based Infrared Systems Wing Commander, Col. Roger Teague. "These payloads are delivering remarkable on-orbit capability and give us confidence as we prepare for the first geosynchronous satellite launch."

The Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center's Space Based Infrared Systems Wing manages the SBIRS program to develop both the elliptical orbiting payloads and geosynchronous orbiting satellites and sensors as well as the ground systems to support mission operations. SMC is a unit of Air Force Space Command.

In November 2006, the Air Force announced the successful checkout of the HEO-1 sensor. The efforts of the Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Aerospace and government team enabled the SBIRS Wing to successfully transition operations of the first HEO payload to the 11th Space Warning Squadron at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., in November 2007.

By September, alerts from the HEO-1 sensor will be incorporated into the system providing Defense Support Program messaging to warfighters. The HEO-2 sensor will continue engineering testing over several months leading to full operational use of the payload by Air Force Space Command.

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Delta Offers Select Customers Rebates on Second Checked Bag Fee

ATLANTA, June 20, 2008 –Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today announced it will offer a rebate of the new $25 fee for checking a second bag to customers who purchased tickets from Delta prior to April 9, 2008 and traveled on or after May 5. Customers wishing to request a rebate should complete the form at delta.com/bagfee. Rebates are limited to $25 per passenger, per flight.

Under Delta’s contract of carriage, the baggage rules in effect on the date a passenger’s travel begins are the rules that apply to that passenger’s transportation on Delta. In response to customer feedback and as a matter of goodwill, Delta has decided to make a one-time exception to the rules established in its contract of carriage by offering rebates of the second checked bag fee to those passengers who purchased tickets before this new fee was announced on delta.com.

Like many airlines, Delta has responded to skyrocketing fuel prices in recent months with a number of initiatives, including increased fees for certain optional services provided in connection with air transportation. On April 9, 2008 Delta posted on its Web site information regarding a new $25 charge for checking a second bag beginning May 5, 2008.

The $25 fee for a second checked bag continues to apply for all tickets purchased on or after April 9. Complete information about Delta’s baggage policies and fees is available at delta.com.

Delta Air Lines operates service to more worldwide destinations than any airline with Delta and Delta Connection flights to 324 destinations in 62 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 43 trans-Atlantic markets. To Latin America and the Caribbean, Delta offers 600 weekly flights to 62 destinations. Delta's marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and redeem SkyMiles on more than 16,000 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

Front Page ~ War on Terrorism

United States Attorney Richard B. Roper
Northern District of Texas


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2008
WWW.USDOJ.GOV/USAO/TXN


FEDERAL GRANDY JURY CHARGES MAN WHO POSSESSED CYANIDE

If Convicted Defendant Could Face Up to Life in Prison

AMARILLO, Texas — A federal grand jury in Amarillo returned a three-count indictment today charging Jeffrey Don Detrixhe, 38, of Higgins, (Lipscomb County), Texas, with felony charges stemming from his arrest last month on charges in a federal criminal complaint that he possessed sodium cyanide, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. That complaint specifically charged Detrixhe with knowingly acquiring, transferring and attempting to transfer, receive, stockpile, retain, own, possess, use and threatening to use sodium cyanide. Today’s indictment charged Detrixhe with two counts of prohibition against chemical weapons and one count of an unlawful user or addict of a controlled substance in possession of firearms.

FBI agents executed a search warrant at Detrixhe’s residence in Higgins on Monday, May 12, 2008, and discovered a container of material suspected to be sodium cyanide. Detrixhe was arrested the same day without incident in Holly Creek, Oklahoma. He has been in custody since his arrest.

The indictment alleges that from June 2007 through May 12, 2008, Detrixhe did knowingly acquire, transfer and attempt to transfer, receive, stockpile, retain, own, possess, use, and threaten to use a chemical weapon, approximately 62 pounds of sodium cyanide. He had no peaceful, protective, military or law enforcement purpose for having the sodium cyanide.

Count two of the indictment alleges that on April 25, 2008, Detrixhe did knowingly acquire and transfer a chemical weapon, approximately 76.9 grams of sodium cyanide, and at the time, had no peaceful, protective, military and law enforcement purpose for the sodium cyanide.

Count three of the indictment alleges that Detrixhe, an unlawful user or addict of a controlled substance, knowingly possessed eight firearms, including four rifles, one shotgun, one 9mm semiautomatic pistol, one 357 magnum revolver and one 38 caliber revolver.

An indictment is an accusation by a federal grand jury and a defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. However, if convicted on counts one or two of the indictment, Detrixhe faces a maximum statutory sentence of any term of years, including life, and a $250,000 fine, per count. If convicted on count three of the indictment, Detrixhe faces a maximum statutory sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Roper praised the investigative efforts of the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Drake of the Amarillo, Texas, U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.

Front Page

June 20, 2008




RELEASE: 08-154

NASA LAUNCHES OCEAN SATELLITE TO KEEP A WEATHER, CLIMATE EYE OPEN

PASADENA, Calif. -- A new NASA-French space agency oceanography
satellite launched today from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., on a
globe-circling voyage to continue charting sea level, a vital
indicator of global climate change. The mission will return a vast
amount of new data that will improve weather, climate and ocean
forecasts.

With a thunderous roar and fiery glow, the Ocean Surface Topography
Mission/Jason 2 satellite arced through the blackness of an early
central coastal California morning at 12:46 a.m. PDT, climbing into
space atop a Delta II rocket. Fifty-five minutes later, OSTM/Jason 2
separated from the rocket's second stage, and then, unfurled its twin
sets of solar arrays. Ground controllers successfully acquired the
spacecraft's signals. Initial telemetry reports show it to be in
excellent health.

"Sea-level measurements from space have come of age," said Michael
Freilich, director of the Earth Science Division in NASA's Science
Mission Directorate, Washington. "Precision measurements from this
mission will improve our knowledge of global and regional sea-level
changes and enable more accurate weather, ocean and climate
forecasts."

Measurements of sea-surface height, or ocean surface topography,
reveal the speed and direction of ocean currents and tell scientists
how much of the sun's energy is stored by the ocean. Combining ocean
current and heat storage data is key to understanding global climate
variations. OSTM/Jason 2's expected lifetime of at least three years
will extend into the next decade the continuous record of these data
started in 1992 by NASA and the French space agency Centre National
d'Etudes Spatiales, or CNES, with the TOPEX/Poseidon mission. The
data collection was continued by the two agencies on Jason 1 in 2001.

The mission culminates more than three decades of research by NASA and
CNES in this field. This expertise will be passed on to the world's
weather and environmental forecasting agencies, which will be
responsible for collecting the data. The involvement of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the European
Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites
(EUMETSAT) as mission partners on OSTM/Jason 2 helps establish this
proven research capability as a valuable tool for use in everyday
applications.

OSTM/Jason 2's five primary instruments are improved versions of those
flying on Jason 1. These technological advances will allow scientists
to monitor conditions in ocean coastal regions -- home to about half
of Earth's population. Compared with Jason 1 measurements, OSTM/Jason
2 will have substantially increased accuracy and provide data to
within 15 miles of coastlines, nearly 50 percent closer to shore than
in the past. Such improvements will be welcome news for all those
making their living on the sea, from sailors and fishermen to workers
in offshore industries. NOAA will use the improved data to better
predict hurricane intensity, which is directly affected by the amount
of heat stored in the upper ocean.

OSTM/Jason 2 entered orbit about 6 to 9 miles below Jason 1. The new
spacecraft will gradually use its thrusters to raise itself into the
same 830-mile orbital altitude as Jason 1 and position itself to
follow Jason 1's ground track, orbiting about 60 seconds behind Jason
1. The two spacecraft will fly in formation, making nearly
simultaneous measurements for about six months to allow scientists to
precisely calibrate OSTM/Jason 2's instruments.

Once cross-calibration is complete, Jason 1 will alter course,
adjusting its orbit so that its ground tracks fall midway between
those of OSTM/Jason 2. Together, the two spacecraft will double
global coverage. This tandem mission will improve our knowledge of
tides in coastal and shallow seas and internal tides in the open
ocean, while improving our understanding of ocean currents and
eddies.

CNES is providing the OSTM/Jason 2 spacecraft. NASA and CNES jointly
are providing the primary payload instruments. NASA's Launch Services
Program at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida was responsible for
launch management and countdown operations for the Delta II. NASA's
Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., manages the mission
for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington.

To learn more about OSTM/Jason 2, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ostm

Front Page

Sonus Networks Sends Response to Legatum Capital

Date: 6/20/2008 7:00:00 AM



WESTFORD, Mass., June 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sonus Networks
(Nasdaq: SONS), a market leader in IP communications infrastructure, announced
today that it has sent the communication set forth below, to Legatum Capital
in response to Legatum's letter to Sonus, dated June 18, 2008.
June 20, 2008

BY ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION

Mark Stoleson
President
Legatum Limited
Level 9, Convention Center
71082 Dubai
United Arab Emirates

"Dear Mark,

As I have previously communicated to you, the Sonus Board of Directors
values Legatum's input and appreciates your continued support of the Company.
However, we were very disappointed in your letter and press release of June
18, 2008, because they are filled with mischaracterizations and misstatements.
You have misconstrued our offer to appoint a qualified Legatum designee to
our Board of Directors subject to: (1) that individual being qualified by our
Nominating Committee consistent with the Company's established practices; and
(2) Legatum's willingness to enter into a shareholder agreement with the
Company containing a customary standstill provision to address legitimate
concerns of the Company. While it is true that any shareholder may nominate
individuals to the Board of Directors consistent with the procedures set forth
in the Company's Bylaws, we offered to create a specific Board seat and add a
Legatum designee to our Board on the terms set forth above. There is a
significant difference between a shareholder nominating a candidate for
election at an annual meeting, and the Company actually appointing a
shareholder's designated person to the Board of Directors. To the extent you
did not understand this distinction, we hope this letter clarifies that the
Board continues to be willing to make a significant concession to you in this
regard on the terms described above.

We are surprised at Legatum's resistance to a shareholder agreement
containing a customary standstill provision. As a member of the Board of
Directors, your designee would have access to material nonpublic information
of the Company. A standstill provision provides certainty and stability by
preventing Legatum from exploiting its favorable position and significant
ownership by engaging in coercive, unfair or abusive tactics that are not in
the best interests of all shareholders. Contrary to your assertions, the
standstill provision would not limit any action taken by your designee acting
in his capacity as a director of the Company consistent with his fiduciary
duties to the Company and all shareholders.

You also mischaracterize as discriminatory, and a means of entrenchment,
the Board's requirement to review the source of funds for Legatum, or whatever
entity or person is the actual holder of shares of the Company, in connection
with appointing a Legatum designee to our Board. This is disingenuous and
ignores the unique characteristics of the Company, its products and place
within the national security infrastructure of the United States, as well as
the foreign nature of the Legatum family of investment funds. First, we
believe, and you understand, that the Company plays a critically important
role in the communications infrastructure of the United States. Our customers
include the largest telecommunications companies in the country. As a result,
the Company is sensitive to the security and integrity of this critical
infrastructure. Second, we currently do not know, and you have yet to provide
us information about, what fund or funds actually own shares of our Company
and the source of the funds used to purchase these shares.

In your most recent Schedule 13D/A filed on June 19, 2008, the following
continue to be listed as the beneficial owners of the Company's common stock:
Galahad Securities Limited, Legatum Capital Limited, Legatum Global Holdings
Limited, Legatum Global Investment Limited, and Senate Limited, acting on
behalf of that certain trust formed under the laws of The Cayman Islands as of
1 July 1996. In your letter to the Company dated June 13, 2008, wherein you
disclosed your intention to file a notice with both the U.S. Federal Trade
Commission and the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, well
after you were required to do so under, and in clear violation of, the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, your counsel notified
the Company that the acquiring entity of its common stock is Galahad
Securities Limited, and that Galahad Securities Limited is an entity
affiliated with another acquiring person, Christopher Chandler. And in your
June 18 letter, you identify Legatum Limited as the Company's "major
shareholder."

Mark, who actually owns and controls our stock, Legatum? Galahad?
Christopher Chandler? Senate Limited? Or is it one or more of the other
offshore funds you control? More importantly, given the unique geopolitical
and security environment in which we operate, our place in the national
security infrastructure of the United States and your foreign characteristics,
why are you refusing to provide us with the information we need to assure our
customers that your new role will not jeopardize their interests? Surely, you
must recognize the Board's fiduciary obligation to understand the Legatum
entities and its source of funds prior to appointing a Legatum designee to the
Board.

Your operating base in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the foreign
jurisdiction of each fund you purport to manage and your ownership interest in
the Company, when combined with our sensitive and critical position in the
national communications infrastructure, as well as our unique customer base,
does indeed result in your deserving of special treatment prior to joining the
Board. Our other significant shareholders and directors do not share your
unique characteristics. To mischaracterize this under the rubric of
"entrenchment" unfortunately ignores the reality in which you and we must
conduct business.

We were encouraged to learn this morning that you intend to make a
voluntary filing with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States
(CFIUS) under the Exon-Florio Amendment to the Defense Production Act of 1950
in conjunction with your ownership in the Company. We trust that you will
follow through with the CFIUS filing and request that you provide us with the
same information.

Your suggestion that we had an obligation "to supplement [our] proxy
materials to reflect the recent material management and Board changes and send
out new proxy cards" is also misleading. As we have previously disclosed in
our public filings, our Board has selected Dr. Richard Nottenburg to become
our Chief Executive Officer. As is customary, and as we also announced
publicly, he has joined our Board of Directors. Furthermore, in connection
with Rich Nottenburg's hiring, we separated the roles of Chairman of the Board
and CEO, which was one of the corporate governance suggestions made by
Legatum.

There is no legal or other requirement that compels the Company to seek or
obtain shareholder approval or to supplement the proxy materials for these
appointments. Rich Nottenburg is not a candidate for election at this year's
annual meeting, therefore, no amendment of the proxy card is necessary. The
Board appointed Rich Nottenburg to fill the seat vacated by Mr. Notini, who
resigned from the Board last year and whose term would have expired in 2009.
Consistent with our Bylaws, Rich Nottenburg will hold his board seat for Mr.
Notini's unexpired term and shareholders will be able to vote on Rich
Nottenburg's election to the Board at the 2009 Annual Meeting.

Under Delaware law and our charter and bylaws, the Board of Directors, not
the shareholders, have the authority and responsibility to manage the business
and affairs of the Company. Appointing management is one manifestation of
this critical role. To infer that there is a duty to submit a decision
regarding the hiring of executive management to a shareholder vote is
misleading to our other shareholders and unhelpful if you truly want to work
constructively with the Board of Directors.

You also disingenuously suggest that the Company has ignored your
suggested proposals. To the contrary, the Company has considered these
proposals, many of which have been inappropriate and reflect a lack of
appreciation of our business and best corporate governance practices:



-- That Sonus acquire a small IP PBX company to compete with Cisco and
Avaya in the enterprise market, which is a mature market that has already
undergone consolidation;

-- That Sonus engage in a highly dilutive transaction to acquire a
marginal software company;

-- That, following such an acquisition, Sonus hire as its CEO the software
company's CEO, who has never led a public company and would not have been an
appropriate candidate; and

-- That Sonus allow Legatum to appoint two directors to the Board without
knowing the identity or qualifications of the candidates and in circumvention
of the Board's established standards and policies with respect to board
appointments. Moreover, Legatum had initially indicated that it would
nominate industry experts to enhance the skill set of the Board for the
benefit of all shareholders. However, Legatum then simply nominated you and
another Legatum executive in what can only be perceived as a self-serving
undertaking.



While the Board continues to support your submission of a qualified
candidate to the Board and to review your corporate governance proposals, the
Board has significant concerns whether Legatum understands Sonus' business and
the industry in which it operates and appreciates the importance of the
Board's compliance with best corporate practices and its established
procedures in fulfilling its fiduciary obligations.

In light of the fact that you, not the Company, issued a press release and
brought the discussions into the public eye, your statement that "[I]t would
be in everyone's best interests if we can find a way to avoid taking this
discussion public..." appears hypocritical.

Now that you have brought the discussion into the public eye, we believe
that it is vital for both the Company and Legatum to be completely
transparent. We have nothing to hide. Our performance is a matter of public
record, and we intend to continue to be transparent. We only ask that you do
the same. We again ask that you give us the information we request so that we
can confirm that there is no national security issue or concern related to
foreign government or foreign control in connection with your "major
shareholder" status in our Company.

We continue to welcome Legatum's participation on the Company's Board
subject to the conditions we have described and are prepared to commence the
process of qualifying your designee and reviewing the information we have
requested.

We remain willing to meet with you to discuss these issues in person, as
well as negotiating and executing a mutually satisfactory shareholder
agreement. Please contact Rich Nottenburg to arrange a mutually convenient
time for such a meeting."


Yours sincerely,

Hassan M. Ahmed
Chairman of the Board of Directors

cc: Sonus Board of Directors
Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr
Manatt Phelps & Phillips


About Sonus Networks

Sonus Networks, Inc. is a market leader in IP communications
infrastructure for wireline and wireless service providers. With its
comprehensive IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) solution, Sonus addresses the full
range of carrier applications, including residential and business voice
services, wireless voice and multimedia, trunking and tandem switching,
carrier interconnection and enhanced services. Sonus' voice infrastructure
solutions are deployed in service provider networks worldwide. Founded in
1997, Sonus is headquartered in Westford, Massachusetts. Additional
information on Sonus is available at http://www.sonusnet.com .

This release may contain forward-looking statements regarding future
events that involve risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned that these
forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from
actual future events or results. Readers are referred to Item 1A "Risk
Factors" of Sonus' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March
31, 2008, filed with the SEC, which identifies important risk factors that
could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the
forward-looking statements. Risk factors include among others: the impact of
material weaknesses in our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal
control over financial reporting on our ability to report our financial
results timely and accurately; the unpredictability of our quarterly financial
results; risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's restatement of
its historical stock option granting practices and accounting including
regulatory actions or litigation; risks associated with our international
expansion and growth; consolidation in the telecommunications industry; and
potential costs resulting from pending securities and patent litigation
against the Company. Any forward-looking statements represent Sonus' views
only as of today and should not be relied upon as representing Sonus' views as
of any subsequent date. While Sonus may elect to update forward-looking
statements at some point, Sonus specifically disclaims any obligation to do
so, except as required by law.

Sonus is a registered trademark of Sonus Networks, Inc. All other company
and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which
they are associated.

Front Page

Sonus Networks' Shareholders Re-Elect Directors at Annual Meeting
Date: 6/20/2008 2:08:00 PM



WESTFORD, Mass., June 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sonus Networks
(Nasdaq: SONS), a market leader in IP communications infrastructure, today
held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Hassan M. Ahmed, John P. Cunningham
and Paul J. Severino were re-elected to three-year terms to the Board of
Directors expiring in 2011 by a majority of the shares represented at the
event, each receiving approximately 57% of the votes of the shares represented
at the meeting. Legatum Capital, which accounted for approximately 27% of the
total shares represented at the meeting, withheld its vote for the three
directors.

The Company's shareholders also ratified the appointment by the
Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Deloitte & Touche LLP as Sonus'
independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 2008.

About Sonus Networks

Sonus Networks, Inc. is a market leader in IP communications
infrastructure for wireline and wireless service providers. With its
comprehensive IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) solution, Sonus addresses the full
range of carrier applications, including residential and business voice
services, wireless voice and multimedia, trunking and tandem switching,
carrier interconnection and enhanced services. Sonus' voice infrastructure
solutions are deployed in service provider networks worldwide. Founded in
1997, Sonus is headquartered in Westford, Massachusetts. Additional
information on Sonus is available at http://www.sonusnet.com.

Sonus is a registered trademark of Sonus Networks, Inc. All other company
and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which
they are associated.

Front Page France

MEA receives its first A330-200 aircraft directly purchased from Airbus
19 June 2008


Lebanon's national carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA) has taken delivery of its first A330-200 aircraft directly purchased from Airbus. The aircraft was handed over to Mohamad El-Hout, Chairman and Director General, MEA, by Habib Fekih, President, Airbus Middle East, in a delivery ceremony in Toulouse.

The aircraft is part of an order for four Airbus A330-200s placed in 2006 to replace an existing fleet of three leased A330s. MEA has chosen a spacious cabin layout consisting of 44 seats in Cedar Class and 200 in Economy. The A330 is powered by Rolls Royce Trent 772 engines.

"This is the first A330-200 being delivered to MEA with a new livery reflecting the Lebanese flag. With its efficient fuel economy and passenger comfort, the A330-200 will enable MEA to meet and respond to the rising demand for passenger services between Lebanon, the middle East, Africa and Europe", said Mohamad El-Hout.

MEA flies an all Airbus fleet including six A321s and three leased A330-200s on non-stop routes to Europe, within the Middle East and Africa. The new directly purchased A330s will be deployed to increase capacity on existing routes.

"Airbus' partnership with MEA is an amazing success story. It dates back to the early days when MEA operated the A300s and A310s - and today as the airline embarks on a future with the world's most efficient, operationally cost effective and most comfortable aircraft in its class, all of us at Airbus wish MEA the most prosperous future", said Habib Fekih.

With a true wide-body fuselage allowing very high comfort standards, the A330-200 is able to accommodate seat and class configurations to suit diverse customer requirements. It has a range of up to 6,750 nm / 12,500 km with a full passenger load. Its large under-floor cargo holds can also carry standard pallets and containers side-by-side.

It also has the excellent operational flexibility necessary to serve a wide range of route structures, providing operators with very low operating cost per seat. Its proven record of economy and superior passenger comfort provides operators with a significant competitive advantage in the market today.

Airbus is an EADS company.

Francais:

MEA receptionne son premier A330-200 directement acquis aupres d’Airbus
19 June 2008


La compagnie nationale libanaise Middle East Airlines (MEA) a réceptionné son premier A330-200 directement acquis auprès d’Airbus. Cet appareil a été remis à Mohamad El-Hout, Chairman et Director General de MEA, par Habib Fekih, President, Airbus Middle East, lors d’une cérémonie de livraison qui s’est déroulée à Toulouse.

Cet appareil, équipé des réacteurs Trent 772 de Rolls-Royce, fait partie d’une commande de quatre A330-200 d’Airbus, passée en 2006 par la compagnie, en vue de remplacer une flotte de trois A330 exploités dans le cadre d’un contrat de location. MEA a choisi un aménagement cabine spacieux, comprenant 44 sièges en Cedar Class et 200 en classe économique.

“Cet appareil est le premier A330-200 reçu par MEA avec une nouvelle livrée aux couleurs du drapeau libanais. Avec sa faible consommation de carburant et son confort hors pair, l’A330-200 permettra à MEA de répondre à la demande croissante de transport passagers entre le Liban, le Moyen-Orient, l’Afrique et l’Europe”, a déclaré Mohamad El-Hout.

MEA exploite une flotte tout-Airbus comprenant six A321 et trois A330-200 de location sur ses lignes sans escale à destination de l’Europe, ainsi qu’au Moyen-Orient et en Afrique. Les A330 neufs directement acquis auprès d’Airbus seront déployés par la compagnie pour augmenter ses capacités sur ses lignes existantes.

“Le partenariat d’Airbus avec MEA est une incroyable histoire couronnée de succès, qui remonte aux tout premiers jours où MEA a exploité l’A300 et l’A310. Aujourd’hui, la compagnie se dote pour l’avenir de l’appareil le plus rentable et le plus confortable de sa catégorie au monde. Chacun d’entre nous à Airbus, souhaite à MEA l’avenir le plus prospère”, a pour sa part souligné Habib Fekih.

Grâce à son fuselage de véritable gros-porteur permettant d’offrir un très grand confort, l’A330-200 peut adapter la configuration de ses sièges et classes en fonction des besoins des clients. L’A330-200 peut parcourir des distances allant jusqu’à 12 500 km/6 750 nm avec une pleine charge passagers. Les grandes soutes de cet appareil permettent aux compagnies de transporter du fret palettisé, ainsi que des conteneurs sur deux rangées.

L’A330-200 offre également une excellente souplesse opérationnelle, nécessaire pour desservir un large éventail de lignes, à un coût d’exploitation par siège très bas. Sa rentabilité et son confort hors pair, qui ont fait leurs preuves, donnent à ses utilisateurs un avantage compétitif substantiel sur le marché actuel.

Airbus est une société EADS.

Deutsch:

MEA übernimmt erste direkt bei Airbus gekaufte A330-200
19 June 2008


Die nationale libanesische Fluggesellschaft Middle East Airlines (MEA) hat ihre erste direkt bei Airbus gekaufte A330-200 übernommen. Das Flugzeug wurde im Rahmen einer Auslieferungszeremonie in Toulouse von Habib Fekih, President, Airbus Middle East, an Mohamad El-Hout, Chairman und Director General von MEA, übergeben.

Das Flugzeug gehört zu einem im Jahr 2006 erteilten Auftrag über vier A330-200, die als Nachfolger für die drei geleasten A330 in der bisherigen Flotte vorgesehen sind. MEA hat sich für eine geräumige Kabine mit 44 Sitzen in der Cedar Class und 200 Sitzen in der Economy Class entschieden. Die A330 wird von Rolls-Royce Trent 772-Triebwerken angetrieben.

„Dies ist die erste A330-200, die an MEA mit einer Livree in den Farben der libanesischen Flagge ausgeliefert wird. Mit seinem sparsamen Treibstoffverbrauch und hohen Passagierkomfort wird dieses Flugzeug es uns ermöglichen, die steigende Nachfrage nach Passagierflügen zwischen dem Libanon, dem Nahen Osten, Afrika und Europa zu decken“, sagte Mohamad El-Hout.

MEA fliegt eine reine Airbus-Flotte. Sie umfasst sechs A321 und drei geleaste A330-200, die auf Nonstop-Routen nach Europa, innerhalb des Nahen Ostens und in Afrika eingesetzt werden. Die neuen, direkt bei Airbus gekauften A330 sind für die Kapazitätserweiterung auf den bisherigen Routen vorgesehen.

„Die Partnerschaft zwischen Airbus und MEA ist eine unglaubliche Erfolgsgeschichte. Sie reicht zurück bis in die Zeit, als MEA Flugzeuge des Typs A300 und A310 eingesetzt hat. Heute blickt die Airline mit den weltweit sparsamsten, im Betrieb wirtschaftlichsten und komfortabelsten Flugzeugen in ihrer Klasse in die Zukunft. Wir alle bei Airbus wünschen MEA einen glänzenden Start in eine ertragreiche Zukunft“, sagte Habib Fekih.

Der große Rumpfquerschnitt der A330-200 erlaubt ihren Betreibern sehr komfortable und vielseitige Möglichkeiten der Konfiguration und Bestuhlung je Klasse. Die Reichweite beträgt 12 500 km/6 750 nm bei voller Passagierlast. Die großen Unterflurfrachträume nehmen Standard-Paletten und Container auch nebeneinander auf.

Das Flugzeug eignet sich hervorragend für den flexiblen Einsatz innerhalb einer breiten Palette von Routenstrukturen. Zudem zeichnet es sich durch seine sehr niedrigen Betriebskosten pro Sitz aus. Die nachgewiesene Wirtschaftlichkeit und der überragende Passagierkomfort bringen den Betreibern bedeutende Wettbewerbsvorteile.

Airbus ist ein EADS-Unternehmen.

Espanol:

MEA recibe su primer A330-200 comprado directamente a Airbus
19 June 2008


La compañía nacional de Líbano, Middle East Airlines (MEA) ha recibido su primer avión A330-200 comprado directamente a Airbus. El avión fue recibido por Mohamad El-Hout, Presidente y Director General de MEA, y entregado por Habib Fekih, Presidente de Airbus Middle East, en una ceremonia de entrega en Toulouse.

El avión forma parte de un pedido de cuatro Airbus A330-200 realizado en 2006, para reemplazar la flota existente de tres A330 arrendados. MEA ha seleccionado una espaciosa configuración de cabina de 44 butacas Cedar Class y 200 en Economy. El A330 está propulsado por motores Rolls-Royce Trent 772.

“Este es el primer A330-200 que se entrega a MEA con los nuevos colores que recuerdan la bandera libanesa. Con su eficiente economía en combustible y comodidad para el pasajero, el A330-200 permitirá a MEA responder a la creciente demanda de servicios para pasajeros que vuelan entre Líbano, Oriente Medio, África y Europa”, dijo Mohamad El-Hout.

MEA vuela una flota solo de Airbus que incluye seis A321 y tres A330-200 arrendados en rutas directas hacia Europa, dentro de Oriente Medio y África. Los nuevos A330 comprados directamente serán desplegados para incrementar la capacidad en las rutas existentes.

“La asociación de Airbus con MEA es una excitante historia de éxito. Data de los primeros días cuando MEA operaba A300 y A310 – y actualmente sigue con la apuesta de futuro de la línea aérea con el avión más eficiente, rentable operacionalmente y cómodo en su clase. Todos en Airbus deseamos a MEA el futuro más próspero”, dijo Habib Fekih.

Con un verdadero fuselaje ancho que permite niveles de comodidad muy altos, el A330-200 es capaz de acomodar configuraciones de asientos y clases para atender las diferentes necesidades de los clientes. Tiene un alcance de hasta 6.750 millas náuticas / 12.500 kilómetros con una carga completa de pasajeros. Sus grandes bodegas de carga inferiores pueden también transportar paletas normalizadas y contenedores lado a lado.

También tiene una excelente flexibilidad operacional necesaria para dar servicio a una amplia gama de estructuras de ruta, ofreciendo a los operadores un coste muy bajo por asiento. Su probado historial de economía y una superior comodidad para el pasajero, y da al operador una significativa ventaja competitiva en el mercado actual.

Airbus es una compañía de EADS.

Front Page United Kingdom

BAE SYSTEMS RECEIVES $128.6 MILLION CONTRACT FOR MOLLE SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS FROM DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

19 Jun 2008 | Ref. 191/2008

PHOENIX, Arizona - BAE Systems has been awarded a $128.6 million contract from the Defense Logistics Agency for production of the Modular Lightweight Load Carrying Equipment (MOLLE) system. The new contract includes two one-year options, bringing the potential contract award to $374 million.

The MOLLE system is the primary load carrying equipment for the U.S. Army. Each system set incorporates 37 components and is comprised of vests, pockets, backpacks, and hydration systems. The MOLLE system enables soldiers to carry necessary equipment critical to their mission.

“With this new contract the Defense Logistics Agency has ensured that the MOLLE system and its individual components are sustained at the high levels required to meet the needs of our armed forces,” said Sean Martin, director, business development of Individual Equipment for BAE Systems. “This procurement of the MOLLE system is critical to maintaining solder effectiveness.”

The contract is expected to create an estimated 100 jobs to the BAE Systems workforce. Production will be completed at facilities located in Arizona, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. Base year deliveries are scheduled within one year of the award date.

BAE Systems employs nearly 2,000 employees at its Arizona, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee facilities. The Individual Equipment business unit is a world leader in the development and manufacture of individual 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.

Front Page ~ Corporate Standards of Conduct and Business Ethics

Wes Bush Gives Commencement Address at College of Engineering at UC Santa Barbara



On Saturday, June 14, 2008, Northrop Grumman President and Chief Operating Officer Wes Bush gave the commencement address at the College of Engineering at UC Santa Barbara. Below are his remarks.

Values-Based Guideposts An Important Decision-Making Tool

"Chancellor and Ms. Yang, Dean Tirrell, distinguished members of the UCSB community, the graduating Class of 2008, and family members and friends – Good afternoon. Thank you for inviting me to help celebrate this special occasion – this milestone day of high achievement.

Let me congratulate the College of Engineering for graduating another fine class – with your world-class program you’ve equipped these graduates to make important contributions to society as they move ahead in their chosen careers.

Let me also congratulate all family members and friends – you should be very proud of what you have contributed to today’s successes.

And most of all, let me congratulate the class of 2008 – you have successfully completed a demanding program and will soon be putting it to productive use in academia, industry, government or some other sector of society.

At Northrop Grumman we’ve had the good fortune to employ a number of outstanding UCSB graduates over the past few years. They have risen quickly to become key contributors in many areas of our company.

Now that you graduates have done such great work in your science and engineering studies, you will certainly be taking some time off to celebrate and reflect on your accomplishments. But I know that you are also looking forward to the new challenges that your education has prepared you to take on.

Today I’d like to offer some brief perspective on one aspect of this challenging future – your role as decision makers. Specifically, I’ll talk about how you can use personal values as a key guidepost for decision making.

I’ll start with the premise that each of you, given the determination and ability you’ve shown thus far, will likely move to positions of increasing responsibility as you progress through your careers. With this increasing responsibility will come an increasingly difficult set of decisions that you will need to address.

Let me give you a few examples.

As scientists or engineers you’ll be advancing to increasingly complex projects – and finding it more challenging to decide which approaches yield the best solutions.

Some of you will be leaders of university research projects or industry engineering teams – in these roles you will face many decisions about what goals to set and what means will best motivate your team to reach them.

Some of you will work in government agencies, or as consultants to policymakers; in these situations, you will have decisions about how to advance the sciences or bring technology benefits to various sectors of society.

In coming years, all these decisions are certain to become more difficult as scientific fields proliferate, technologies grow in complexity, and societal problems that require science and engineering solutions become more severe.

The discipline that you learned in your course work here will help you take on these tough decisions with a strong analytical framework that can be used both in technical and management contexts. Utilizing science and engineering methodologies will ensure that you have all the facts, and that you really understand how any one decision can impact many different things across an enterprise, as well as in the wider world beyond.

In addition, however, you will often be relying on an important personal component of decision-making. Over time each of you, from your own unique experiences, will develop certain guideposts for decision making that reflect your own particular outlooks – guideposts that are based on your own values.

I have learned that a solid set of values-based guideposts is a critical element of any decision making process, and I would encourage you to establish your own set of guideposts that you can rely upon to help you address the tough challenges that your success will bring.

Understanding values, and applying them in your life is a very personal effort, and we all bring our own way of approaching this. So your guideposts need to reflect your own priorities – your most deeply held values. I’ll share some of the key guideposts that I use – hopefully some of these will be useful to you.

My first guidepost for decision making is my belief in the importance of establishing and maintaining trust in relationships.

To inspire trust you certainly have to be honest and act with integrity. But it is also vitally important for you and your enterprise to meet your commitments. Those who depend on you – whether family members, friends, teammates or people you work with outside your organization – need to have confidence in your reliability.

In the business workplace, I find that considering whether commitments are being met is a great way to get real focus on what a team is doing. The connection between meeting commitments and building trust is a very tight connection.

The importance of building trust gets even more emphasis in today’s information age than it did in the earlier industrial age – because today, our way of organizing tasks gives priority to getting the maximum out of teamwork. In a highly collaborative business environment, for example, science or technology leaders need to build ties of trust with multiple stakeholders – interdisciplinary teams, globally diverse team members, a variety of public officials, and a global customer base.

Building trust into these tightly knit teams is absolutely critical for successful outcomes – and it creates a personally rewarding work environment for all involved.

You can clearly see the difference in teams where this trust and integrity is a foundation – these are the teams that accomplish the most amazing things.

A second guidepost I rely upon in decision making is my personal commitment to encouraging innovation. I strongly believe that keeping one’s mind open to new approaches and embracing change when it looks promising will bring vigor and real value to an enterprise. In fact, I find that those who naturally possess this mindset make the most remarkable contributions, not only in the workplace but in private life as well.

I don’t have to tell you that innovation is an indispensable quality for science and engineering. In fact, innovation continues to grow in importance, given the sophisticated knowledge and technology solutions we must utilize to deal with many 21st century issues. The kind of innovation needed to address these challenges requires synthesizing a broader range of interdisciplinary knowledge, and giving more emphasis to systemic solutions.

While it is a promising time for innovators, I also must warn you about an obstacle. The innovative spirit is frequently suppressed by large organizations, where there is often much invested in the “as is” condition. In fact, I have seen organizations that practically chase good talent out, in order to minimize the inevitable disruption that comes from bright, innovative ideas. These organizations usually don’t last too long, thank goodness. If you find yourself in such an organization, my best advice is to seek a better place to invest your talent.

Some of the best advice I ever received regarding innovation was from my thesis advisor in engineering school. I was very fortunate to have an advisor who had worked in industry for a number of years, as well as having a very accomplished academic career. Just before I graduated, I asked him what advice he would offer as I made the transition from graduate school to industry.

His advice was very straightforward. He said that he fully expected me to have some new ideas that I would want to try out and about which I would be passionate. He also said he expected that I would seek input from more senior folks in the organization to test whether I should pursue my ideas.

His advice was to seek out the most experienced talent I could find, and fully explain my ideas. If they thought that what I proposed could be done, my advisor said he would bet that they would be right, and I should work hard to make it happen.

But if they said it could not be done, and yet I felt passionate about it, my advisor said he would bet even more strongly that it could be done, and that I should not be deterred in making it happen.

As I said, it was some of the best advice I have ever received, and I think about it often as I see innovative ideas put on the table by those who have done their homework. Oftentimes pursuing their ideas means that things will have to change, and some risk will be taken, but that is the only way that real innovation can thrive, and there is an extraordinary value in that spirit of innovation.

A third very important guidepost for me in making decisions is a commitment to creating value. Naturally, working in a company, value creation is often tied directly to profits for shareholders – but it means much more in really good companies. For my company, it also means creating value sought by our customers who often stake their lives on our products, as well as value for our employees, and for the various communities in which we operate. I apply this guidepost in making sure we deliver value to all the constituencies whose support we need for the long-term health of the enterprise.

The concept of value creation is pretty clear – it simply means using resources, such as your personal talent and hard work, in such a way that you actually get more out than you put in. The concept of “return on investment” captures the notion very well.

This is why for-profit businesses exist – to deploy resources, like financial and human capital, to create more value than is invested. We even set up metrics to see if we are doing this in a business. We measure the implied cost of the resources that we use – call it “cost of capital” if you will – and we determine if a business is providing a return greater than its cost of capital.

Those businesses that return less than their cost of capital typically don’t make it for very long. In contrast, those that routinely return substantially more than their cost of capital thrive and grow. The same concept applies to other organizations as well – whether they be academia, government, or non-profit institutions.

No matter where you choose to work, you’ll have exceptional opportunities for creating value in your work in science or engineering.

A recent report by the National Academy of Engineering listed some of the most critical issues that must be addressed through new technology solutions in coming years; these include global warming, shrinking supplies of energy and water, aging infrastructures, communication system vulnerabilities, and threats to security.

There are clearly many opportunities to make a difference for the future.

This notion of value creation can be applied to your own personal life as well. We are each given a certain amount of human capital, each with a little different portfolio of capabilities. And we are only given a certain amount of time to deploy this capital.

It is up to each of us to figure out how to deploy this gift of human capital to create real value for the world around us – and I would suggest to you that the units of measure on the returns are not dollar signs.

Let me summarize today’s message. Much of your future success will depend on the quality of your decision making.

What makes this task inherently difficult is that all your knowledge is about the past and all your decisions are about the future.

You have to defeat this paradox by using all the quantitative information you have, the skills you have learned in your education, plus all your intelligence and judgment. And a key part of judgment, I am arguing, is your set of value-base guideposts.

Perhaps the three examples from my own set can be helpful to you as you move forward in your careers.

I believe there is almost no limit to what any of you can accomplish if you act with trust and integrity, stay committed to innovation, and determined to contribute real value to fellow citizens.

As I noted, however, my guideposts are very unique to my own outlook, and each person must define his or her own values-based framework.

I encourage you to give it some thought, and to consider how your values shape your decisions – it will significantly increase your capability and confidence as you take on roles as engineers and scientists.

Again, my congratulations on your admirable accomplishments and sincere best wishes as you take this exciting next step in your life."

Wes Bush
President and Chief Operating Officer,
Northrop Grumman Corporation

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

Wes Bush is president and chief operating officer for Northrop Grumman Corporation.

Bush was appointed president in May 2006 and chief operating officer in March 2007. He also serves on the company’s corporate policy council. He was appointed corporate vice president and chief financial officer for the company in 2005. In 2003, he was appointed Space Technology sector president and held complete general management responsibilities for that business. Prior to the acquisition of TRW by Northrop Grumman, Bush had served since 2001 as president and CEO for TRW's UK-based global Aeronautical Systems.

Bush joined TRW in 1987 as a systems engineer and has held a series of increasingly responsible roles. In 1996 he was named program manager of a defense satellite program for the defense systems division, responsible for management of the satellite and ground segment developments, launch services, and operations and maintenance. He became vice president of TRW Space & Electronics’ planning and business development in 1998, where his duties included managing the organization's planning, resource management, and strategic development initiatives.

Beginning in 1999, Bush was vice president and general manager of the telecommunication programs division. In this position he was responsible for managing the development and production of telecommunication systems and products with an emphasis on advanced satellite and terrestrial wireless communications.

From 2000 to 2001, he served as vice president and general manager of TRW Ventures, an organization focused on leveraging TRW's advanced technologies to create new business opportunities in commercial markets. Prior to joining TRW, Bush held engineering positions with both the Aerospace Corporation and Comsat Labs.

He earned a bachelor's degree and a Master of Science degree in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He also is a graduate of UCLA's Executive Management Program.


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 United Kingdom

BAE SYSTEMS DEMONSTRATES ENHANCED EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR FIRST RESPONDERS

19 Jun 2008 | Ref. 190/2008

HEMPSTEAD, New York — The Hempstead and West Hempstead, New York, fire departments have successfully completed three weeks of field trial of BAE Systems’ First InterComm™, a communications system that enables first responders to communicate more effectively during emergencies.

The First InterComm system allows first responders to communicate using existing radios and frequencies at incident scenes without use of additional infrastructure, including construction of temporary towers. The system automatically provides interoperability and interconnectivity when multiple agencies arrive at an incident scene.

During the field trial -- which began May 20, 2008 -- BAE Systems’ First InterComm equipment was installed on two emergency vehicles. In responding to routine fires in Hempstead and West Hempstead, the system enabled the departments to communicate with equipment that otherwise would be incompatible.

“The First InterComm system provided an affordable means to communicate with our surrounding communities,” said Tom Talento, Hempstead Fire Department chief. “The solution has been especially useful in the true emergencies and working fires we have encountered in the past few weeks. The system has definitely helped to minimize risk to my personnel.”

The system can be configured so that “my personnel can use their existing radio equipment when on scene and receive valuable information en route, allowing us to safely and correctly position our vehicles and maximizing our usefulness,” said Peter Lilly, West Hempstead fire chief.

“There is a nationwide need for first responders to have communications interoperability,” said Mike Greene, director of homeland security solutions for BAE Systems in Nashua, New Hampshire. “Upon acceptance of the trial results, various mutual-aid departments throughout Long Island and specifically in Nassau County, New York will be able to purchase the First InterComm system.”

In 2004, the 9/11 Commission report documented the difficulties first responders faced due to a lack of communications interoperability at the World Trade Center. That same year, BAE Systems established a homeland security initiative to address those needs. First InterComm is among several capabilities BAE Systems now offers to help first responders communicate more effectively.


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.

Front Page

Northrop Grumman Remains Under Air Force Contract; Ready Now With America's New Tanker

WASHINGTON - June 20, 2008 - As the Air Force reviews the analysis in this week's report from the GAO, Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) urges a speedy resolution of the issue.

"We respect the GAO process and are confident the Air Force will appropriately address its recommendations," said Paul Meyer, Northrop Grumman vice president of Air Mobility Systems and KC-45 program manager. "However, the GAO report does not change the fact that a new fleet of tankers is needed now, and Northrop Grumman is ready now," said Meyer. "Northrop Grumman remains under contract and remains ready to serve with the most modern, most capable tanker in the world."

"Any significant delay only punishes the men and women who are forced to fly an aging fleet," he added.

On the floor of the United States Senate, yesterday, Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions said that it is critical "that politics not infect the process and that they select the best aircraft for the military."

Nothing in the GAO report points to any need for delay, as it was a review of the process, not the Boeing and Northrop Grumman product offerings. As the GAO said in its initial release, "Our decision should not be read to reflect a view as to the merits of the firms' respective aircraft."

"We agree and, in fact, Northrop Grumman is the only company in this competition that has built, tested and flown its tanker aircraft," said Meyer, adding, "We're also the only company that has a refueling boom that has been built and that has successfully passed fuel dozens of times to combat aircraft."

"The Air Force needs a new tanker, and nothing in the GAO report refutes the fact that the Northrop Grumman KC-45 is the most capable tanker and is ready now to go into production," he added.

"Our men and women in uniform should not be asked to wait any longer."

About the KC-45

The KC-45 Tanker aircraft will be assembled in Mobile, Ala., and the KC-45 team will employ 48,000 American workers at 230 U.S. companies in 49 states. It will be built by a world-class industrial team led by Northrop Grumman, and includes EADS North America, General Electric Aviation and Sargent Fletcher.

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

Curtiss-Wright Announces Date for 2008 Second Quarter Financial Results



ROSELAND, N.J., June 20, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE: CW) expects to release its 2008 second quarter financial results after the close of trading on Thursday, July 24, 2008. A webcast conference call will be held on Friday, July 25, 2008 at 10:00 am EDT for management to discuss the Company's 2008 second quarter performance. Martin R. Benante, Chairman and CEO, and Glenn E. Tynan, CFO, will host the call.

The financial press release and access to the webcast will be posted on Curtiss-Wright's website at www.curtisswright.com. For those unable to participate, a webcast replay will be available for 90 days on the Company's website beginning one hour after the call takes place. A conference call replay will also be available for 30 days after the call.

Replay Access:
Domestic: 888-203-1112
International: (719) 457-0820 (International)
Passcode: 7142217



About Curtiss-Wright

Curtiss-Wright Corporation is a diversified company headquartered in Roseland, New Jersey. The Company designs, manufactures and overhauls products for motion control and flow control applications, and provides a variety of metal treatment services. The firm employs approximately 7,600 employees worldwide. For more information, visit www.curtisswright.com.

SOURCE Curtiss-Wright Corporation


http://www.curtisswright.com

Front Page

June 20, 2008


CONTRACT RELEASE: C08-040

NASA SELECTS EXPLORER MISSION OF OPPORTUNITY INVESTIGATIONS

WASHINGTON -- NASA has selected two science proposals to be the
agency's next Explorer Program Mission of Opportunity investigations.
One activity will study black holes and other extreme environments in
the universe. The other will determine how the Earth's outer
atmosphere responds to external forces.

The first investigation will provide a U.S. science instrument to the
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's New exploration X-Ray Telescope,
or NeXT. The telescope, currently planned for launch in 2013, will
open a new observing window on X-rays and the study of astrophysical
phenomena. NASA's proposed funding for the instrument and operations
is $44 million.

The other investigation will fly an atmospheric remote sensing
instrument package aboard a yet-to-be-determined future commercial
satellite. The investigation initially will be funded at
approximately $250,000 for a concept study to aid in a NASA decision
on further development.

"These selections offer unique and cost-effective science
opportunities," said Charles Gay, deputy associate administrator for
NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. "They expand NASA's
science through partnerships with international and commercial
organizations."

The two investigations were selected from among 17 proposals received
by NASA earlier this year. They were evaluated by peer reviewers. The
selected proposals are:

-- High-Resolution Soft X-Ray Spectrometer (SXS) for NEXT, Principal
Investigator Richard L. Kelley, Goddard Space Flight Center,
Greenbelt Md. The SXS will probe matter in extreme environments;
investigate the nature of dark matter on large scales in the
universe; and explore how galaxies and clusters of galaxies form and
evolve.

-- Global-scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD), Principal
Investigator Richard Eastes, University of Central Florida, Orlando,
Fla. GOLD will increase our understanding of the temperature and
composition in the ionosphere; and provide understanding of the
global scale response of the Earth's thermosphere and ionosphere.

NASA's Explorer Program is designed to provide frequent, low-cost
access to space for heliophysics and astrophysics missions with small
to mid-sized spacecraft. The program is managed by NASA's Goddard
Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md., for NASA's Science Mission
Directorate.

For more information about the Explorer Program on the Internet,
visit:

http://explorers.gsfc.nasa.gov

Front Page

United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello
Northern District of California



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 18, 2008

CHINESE NATIONAL SENTENCED FOR COMMITING ECONOMIC ESPIONAGE TO BENEFIT CHINA NAVY RESEARCH CENTER

First Sentencing under the Economic Espionage Act of 1996 and First Conviction Involving Military Source Code under the Arms Export Control Act

SAN FRANCISCO – United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced the Xiaodong Sheldon Meng, 44, a software engineer born in China and currently a resident of Cupertino, Calif., was sentenced today to a term of 24 months by the Honorable Jeremy Fogel, U.S. District Court Judge in San Jose and was also ordered to serve a three-year term of supervised release following his prison term; pay a fine of $10,000, and forfeit computer equipment seized in the case.

Mr. Russoniello announced this sentence, the first handed down for a violation of the Economic Espionage Act of 1996 (18 USC Section 1831) in the nation, in conjunction with Patrick Rowan, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security; Arthur Cummings, Executive Assistant Director for the FBI’s National Security Branch; and Julie L. Myers, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

On August 1, 2007, Meng pleaded guilty to two national security violations: one count of violating the Economic Espionage Act and one count of violating the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Meng’s conviction was the first involving military source code under the Arms Export Control Act and marked the second case in which there was a conviction under the Economic Espionage Act for misappropriating a trade secret with the intent to benefit a foreign government.

According to court records, Meng committed economic espionage by misappropriating a trade secret, known as “Mantis 1.5.5,” from his former employer, Quantum3D Inc., with the intent to benefit a foreign government, specifically the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Navy Research Center in Beijing. He did so by using the Mantis 1.5.5 trade secret as part of a demonstration project in attempting to sell products of his new employer, Orad, Hi-Tec Systems Ltd., which was a direct competitor of Quantum3D. The trade secret at issue, known as “Mantis,” is a Quantum3D product used to simulate real world motion for military training purposes.

In addition, Meng violated the Arms Export Control Act by knowingly and willfully exporting to the PRC a defense article on the United States Munitions List (defense article viXsen) without authorization from the United States. The product viXsen is a Quantum3D visual simulation software program used for training military fighter pilots who use night visual sensor equipment, including thermal imaging.

According to court documents, the investigation established that Meng had, in fact, misappropriated two defense articles (specifically nVSensor, in addition to viXsen described above), at least six source code products which were also trade secrets, and more than one hundred materials and utilities belonging to his former employer, Quantum3D. Many of these misappropriated Quantum3D products were intended primarily for military purposes. For example, nVSensor is a Quantum3D product used to provide night vision simulation and is exclusively used in military applications for precision training and simulation applications.

The investigation also established that defendant Meng was assisting in developing two separate military proposals for two separate Air Forces in Southeast Asia involving visual simulation equipment and source code. Copies of two F-16 Full Mission Simulator proposals involving two different countries were found on Meng’s laptop.

Joseph P. Russoniello, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California, stated, “In this case, a Silicon Valley trade secret was used in a demonstration project in Beijing with the intent to benefit the PRC Naval Research Center. Source code for military visual simulation programs to train military fighter pilots and restricted defense articles were also willfully exported outside the United States. We will continue to enforce the criminal laws against those who violate export restrictions and misappropriate our trade secrets. Many of the systems we protect are designed to safeguard our men and women in harm’s way and compromising them significantly adds to the perils that they face in defending us. It is imperative that we vigilantly protect the intellectual property developed in the Silicon Valley and elsewhere in the country so as to maintain as our nation’s military defense advantages, and to deter acts of aggression against vital American interests.”

“Today’s case demonstrates the importance of safeguarding sensitive U.S. military technology as well as trade secrets. It should also serve as a warning to others who would compromise our national security for profit,” said Patrick Rowan, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security.

Mr. Rowan and Mr. Russoniello commended the teamwork of several agencies that worked on the case for nearly four years, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property Unit in the Northern District of California; the National Security Division and Criminal Division at the U.S. Department of Justice; the FBI, and ICE, as well Customs & Border Protection. The Department of State and the Department of Defense also provided assistance on the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Northern District of Alabama, District of Minnesota, and Middle District of Florida also joined the plea agreement as some conduct in the case occurred in those jurisdictions.

“ICE is committed to shutting down those who are willing to put America’s national security on sale for a profit,” said Julie L. Myers, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for ICE. “The export of U.S. military products and sensitive technology is controlled for good reason – in the wrong hands, these items could be used to harm America or its allies. Enforcing U.S. export laws is one of ICE’s top priorities, and we will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement and industry to ensure that those who put our country at risk are brought to justice.”

FBI Executive Assistant Director for the National Security Branch, Arthur Cummings stated, “Protecting our nation’s most sensitive trade secrets and critical technology is at the core of the FBI mission. The FBI is committed to safeguard our country’s economic well-being and national security.”

Quantum3D, Inc., based in San Jose, California, has cooperated fully in the government’s investigation. Quantum3D produces hardware and software components for simulation systems for commercial and military customers. Some of the products include high-end visual simulation systems, and interactive, open-architecture visual computing solutions, image generators, and embedded graphics subsystems.

Defendant Meng was ordered to surrender to federal authorities on August 18, 2008. He has been out of custody after a $500,000 bond, secured by cash and real property, was posted at the beginning of the case.

The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark L. Krotoski, presently on assignment at the Department of Justice, Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, with the assistance of Paralegal Lauri Gomez. Thomas P. Reilly, a Trial Attorney in the National Security Division’s Counterespionage Section, also assisted on the case. The case was investigated by a team of agents from the FBI and ICE.

Further Information:

Case #: CR-04-20216-JF/PVT

Front Page

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 18, 2008
CRM
WWW.USDOJ.GOV

AHMED ABDELLATIF SHERIF MOHAMED PLEADS GUILTY TO PROVIDING MATERIAL SUPPORT TO TERRORISTS

Tampa, Florida - United States Attorney Robert E. O'Neill today announced that Ahmed Abdellatif Sherif Mohamed, a 26 year old resident of Tampa, has entered a guilty plea to Count One of the Superseding Indictment, in which he is charged with providing material support to terrorists. The maximum penalty defendant Mohamed faces is fifteen years' imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a three-year term of supervised release. A sentencing date has not be set.

According to the plea agreement and facts presented in Court today, on August 4, 2007, at about 5:30 P.M., Berkeley County (South Carolina) Sheriff's Office (BCSO) deputies stopped a Toyota Camry for speeding in Goose Creek, South Carolina. Defendant Mohamed was driving the car.

During a consent search of the vehicle, authorities recovered from the trunk of the vehicle a number of items, including several sections of PVC pipe containing a potassium nitrate mixture compacted between plugs of kitty litter and approximately 20 feet of safety fuse. These materials, which constitute "explosive materials," within the meaning of 18 U.S.C. § 842(a)(3)(A), had been transported by Defendant Mohamed from Florida. Also in the trunk of the Toyota Camry were separate containers filled with several gallons of gasoline and a potassium nitrate mixture.

Subsequent FBI analysis of Defendant Mohamed's laptop computer recovered from the car disclosed a large number of file folders containing information relating to the manufacture and use of bombs, rockets, and other explosives, including several video recordings showing the use of such devices to attack and destroy manned United States military vehicles. The FBI analysis also disclosed the viewing history of the laptop computer prior to the time of the Goose Creek traffic stop. The last item played on the laptop computer, prior to the traffic stop, was a video recording relating to the use and firing of Qassam rockets in the Middle East.

Also on the hard drive of Mohamed's laptop computer was an audio/video recording, approximately twelve minutes in length, produced by Defendant Mohamed. In that recording, Defendant Mohamed personally demonstrated and explained, in Arabic, how a remote-control toy car could be disassembled and how the components of its chassis could be rewired and converted into a detonator for an explosive device. Sometime in July 2007, Defendant Mohamed had uploaded the aforementioned twelve-minute audio/video recording to the YouTube website. The audio/video recording that Defendant Mohamed produced was thus made accessible for viewing by others, both in the United States and abroad, through the internet. The recording was accessed hundreds of times by other persons.

Following his arrest, Defendant Mohamed was interviewed and, among other matters, addressed the aforementioned audio/video recording. He stated that he filmed the video and then uploaded it onto YouTube. He stated that his purpose in producing the audio/video recording was to teach "martyrdoms" and "suiciders" how to save themselves so they could continue to fight the invaders. He said that he considered the United States military, and those fighting with the United States military in Arab countries, to be invaders. He said that he intended the technology demonstrated in his audio/video recording to be used against those who fight for the United States.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Joint Terrorist Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jay L. Hoffer and Robert T. Monk.

Front Page

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MONDAY, JUNE 16, 2008 (202) 514-2007

WWW.USDOJ.GOV TDD (202) 514-1888

Businessman Sentenced for Supplying Indian Government with Controlled Technology


WASHINGTON, D.C.—Parthasarathy Sudarshan, 47, the owner of an international electronics business, was sentenced today in the District of Columbia to 35 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to illegally export controlled electronic components to government entities in India that participate in the development of ballistic missiles, space launch vehicles, and fighter jets.

The sentencing was announced by Patrick Rowan, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security; Jeffrey A. Taylor, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia; Joseph Persichini, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, FBI Washington Field Office; Darryl W. Jackson, Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement, U.S. Department of Commerce, and Julie Myers, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

On March 13, 2008, Sudarshan, a resident of Simpsonville , South Carolina , pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to the felony charge of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Export Administration Regulations; and to violate the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Sudarshan was sentenced today by the Honorable Ricardo Urbina.

According to court documents filed by the government, Sudarshan did business as Cirrus Electronics (“Cirrus”) and held himself out to be Cirrus’ CEO, Managing Director, and President and Group Head. Cirrus has offices in Simpsonville , South Carolina , Singapore , and Bangalore , India . Among the recipients of U.S. technology in this case were the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), an enterprise within the Department of Space of the Government of India, and Bharat Dynamics, Ltd. (BDL), an enterprise within the Ministry of Defence of the Government of India.

The U.S. government has determined that VSSC participates in India ’s space launch vehicle program and that BDL participates in India ’s development and production of ballistic missiles. As such, both VSSC and BDL are on the Department of Commerce’s Entity List and exports of U.S.-origin commodities to these entities are restricted and require prior authorization in the form of a license from the Department of Commerce.

Between 2002 and 2006, Sudarshan acquired electrical components with applications in missile guidance and firing systems in the United States for VSSC and BDL. In particular, in the case of at least two U.S. vendors, Sudarshan and others at Cirrus provided the U.S. companies with fraudulent certificates that claimed that the end-users of these electrical components were non-restricted entities in India, when, in fact, the items were for VSSC. There were no export licenses for any of the shipments to VSSC and BDL. To further conceal from the U.S. government that goods were going to entities in India on the Department of Commerce Entity List, Sudarshan would route the products through its Singapore office and then send the packages on to India .

In addition to supplying VSSC and BDL with components, Sudarshan acquired microprocessors for the Tejas, a fighter jet under development in India . The microprocessors were necessary for the navigation and weapons systems of the Tejas. Because the microprocessors are on the U.S. Munitions List, the State Department must license any export of the products. On two occasions in 2004 and 2006, Cirrus caused the shipment of a total of 500 microprocessors to the Aeronautical Development Establishment, an enterprise within the Ministry of Defence of the Government of India responsible for the development of the Tejas. There were no licenses for these shipments.

This investigation was conducted by the FBI; the Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement; and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jay I. Bratt and Anthony Asuncion. Assistant U.S. Attorney Max Cauthen of the District of South Carolina and Senior Trial Attorney Clifford I. Rones of the Counterespionage Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division also provided assistance on the case.

Front Page

United States Attorney Michael J. Sullivan
District of Massachusetts


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 18, 2008
WWW.USDOJ.GOV/USAO/MA CONTACT: CHRISTINA DiIORIO-STERLING


MEDFORD MAN CHARGED WITH LASING LNG TANKER HELICOPTER ESCORT AND MAKING FALSE STATEMENTS

Boston, MA... A Medford man was charged today in federal court with shining a powerful green laser beam into a State Police helicopter escorting an LNG tanker through Boston Harbor, forcing it to abandon its escort mission, and with making false statements about his involvement to police investigators.

United States Attorney Michael J. Sullivan; George N. Naccara, Federal Security Director of the Transportation Security Administration; Warren T. Bamford, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation - Boston Field Division; Colonel Mark Delaney, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Chief Leo A. Sacco, Jr. of the Medford Police Department announced today that GERARD SASSO, age 49, of 590 Main Street in Medford, Massachusetts, was charged in a Complaint with interfering with the operation of an aircraft with reckless disregard for the safety of human life and with making false statements.

The Complaint alleges that on December 7, 2007, SASSO repeatedly pointed a powerful green laser beam with a range of up to three miles at a State Police helicopter that was escorting a liquid natural gas tanker through Boston Harbor. The Complaint alleges that the helicopter pilots were forced to take evasive action to avoid looking into the light and had to abandon their escort mission in order to track down the laser beam’s source, both for their own safety and the safety of planes landing at nearby Logan Airport. The Complaint alleges that police officers eventually identified SASSO as the likely source of the laser beam and questioned him in his home. The Complaint alleges that SASSO initially told the officers that he did not own any lasers and had nothing to do with the lasing incident, but that he eventually admitted responsibility. The Complaint alleges that police seized the laser SASSO pointed at the helicopter as well as nine other lasers from SASSO’s home.

According to the Complaint, the laser used by SASSO is classified as a Class IIIb laser by the Federal Drug Administration, which is the type of laser typically used for light shows and industrial and research applications. The Complaint alleges that the laser created a risk of burning and/or blindness at distances of up to a kilometer (approximately 3/5 of a mile), and it ran the risk of startling, distracting, disorienting, and even temporarily blinding the helicopter pilots at distances of up to three miles.

SASSO was arrested today on the charges and appeared in court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leo Sorokin. The charge of interfering with the operation of an aircraft carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. The charge of making false statements carries a maximum penalty of 5 years’ imprisonment, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

The case was investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, of which TSA is a member. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William D. Weinreb in Sullivan’s National Security and Counterterrorism Section.

The details contained in the Complaint are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Front Page

June 19, 2008



RELEASE: 08-153

NASA, NSBRI SELECT PROPOSALS TO SUPPORT CREW HEALTH ON MISSIONS

WASHINGTON -- NASA's Human Research Program and the National Space
Biomedical Research Institute, or NSBRI, of Houston will fund a group
of research proposals to help investigate questions about astronaut
health and performance on future space exploration missions. The 33
selected proposals represent 21 institutions in 12 states.

The goal of the Human Research Program is to provide knowledge and
technologies to improve human health during space exploration as well
as possible countermeasures for problems. Goals include the
successful completion of exploration missions and preservation of
astronauts' health throughout their lives. The program quantifies
crew health and performance risks during spaceflight and develops
strategies that mission planners and system developers can use to
monitor and mitigate health risks.

The 33 projects were selected from 126 proposals that were reviewed by
scientific and technical experts from academia and government
laboratories. Ten of the projects will join the Human Research
Program's team of principal investigators, while 23 will join NSBRI's
team-based research program.

NSBRI is a NASA-funded consortium of institutions studying health
risks related to long-duration spaceflight. The institute's science,
technology and education projects take place at more than 60
institutions across the United States.

A complete list of the selected principal investigators, organizations
and proposals is available at:

http://www.nasa.gov/directorates/esmd/acd/hrp_nsbri_awards.html

For information about NSBRI's science, technology and education
programs, visit:

http://www.nsbri.org

For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov

Front Page

IRS Launches Summer Push to Reach Retirees and Disabled Veterans Who Have Yet to File for Their Economic Stimulus Payments

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced a new summer campaign to reach those retirees and disabled veterans who qualify for the economic stimulus payment but have not filed to claim it. New statistics released today indicate about 74 percent in this group are accounted for in the stimulus payments currently being sent, leaving about 5.2 million potential recipients remaining.

For all taxpayers, the IRS has issued 76.5 million payments worth $63.8 billion based on 2007 tax returns processed so far. The agency expects to issue 124 million payments to Americans by year’s end. Eligible individuals are receiving up to $600 ($1,200 for married couples filing joint returns) plus $300 for eligible children younger than 17.

“The IRS has delivered. Only 70 days after the legislation became law, the IRS started putting the money in the hands of tens of millions of Americans. This summer, we will go the extra mile to help the remaining retirees and disabled veterans get their payments,” said Doug Shulman, IRS Commissioner.

A special stimulus category includes recipients of certain benefits from Social Security and Veterans Affairs who do not normally have a requirement to file a tax return. However, these individuals must file a tax return before Oct. 15 this year to receive their economic stimulus payments. The IRS has accounted for 74 percent of Social Security and Veterans Affairs beneficiaries out of about 20 million initially identified as being potential stimulus recipients. All but 5.2 million of those have been accounted for as either having filed a return, having filed a joint return, or as not being eligible for a stimulus payment (for example, they were claimed as a dependent on another’s return).

Most people only need to file a tax return as they normally do. The IRS will calculate eligibility and the payment amount. However, many retirees and veterans do not normally file a tax return because their benefits are not taxable. This year, they must file in order to receive an economic stimulus payment.

Shulman also stressed to retirees that receiving the stimulus payment should have no impact on other federal benefits currently being received. The stimulus payment is not taxable. Absent any other filing requirements, filing a tax return to receive a stimulus payment does not mean that retirees will have to start filing tax returns again.

The IRS has identified 5.2 million retirees and veterans' beneficiaries who potentially are eligible for the stimulus payments. Later this summer, the agency will send them a special letter that explains stimulus payment eligibility and how to claim it. The letter will include a sample tax form and an actual tax form that people can complete and mail to the IRS. This will be the second special mailing to reach those individuals.

The IRS also is working with members of Congress, state and local officials and national partners such as AARP, the National Council on Aging, United Way of America, National Disability Institute and others to continue its extensive outreach efforts to the retiree and veterans’ communities through the summer. The IRS will take the lead in coordinating face-to-face free tax preparation sessions with the help of local community partners at locations where these individuals live, work and socialize such as senior housing, Veterans Affairs hospitals and assisted living facilities.

The agency also reminded people that it has more than 400 local Taxpayer Assistance Centers operating normal business hours Monday through Friday. These centers can provide assistance to retirees and veterans trying to receive their payments. A list for addresses and office hours can be found at “Contact My Local Office.”

“Some retirees and others who normally do not file a tax return may be eligible and not know it. And, that’s where we could use the public’s help as well. If you know of a retiree or a disabled veteran who might qualify, please pass along the information to them,” said Shulman.

The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 generally provided for payments of $600 ($1,200 for married couples filing joint returns or the amount equal to the 2007 net income tax liability, whichever is less, ), plus $300 for each qualifying child. Payments also begin to phase out for individuals with adjusted gross incomes greater than $75,000 ($150,000 married couples filing jointly).

For people who have no tax liability or no tax filing requirement, there is a minimum payment of $300 ($600 for married couples), plus the $300 for each qualifying child. To be eligible for the minimum payment, individuals must have at least $3,000 in qualifying income. Qualifying income includes any combination of earned income, nontaxable combat pay and certain benefit payments from Social Security, Veterans Affairs and Railroad Retirement.

People not otherwise required to file an income tax return should file Form 1040A with basic information to ensure they receive the economic stimulus payment. This information includes name; address; dependents, if any; amount of qualifying income (which must be $3,000 or more); direct deposit information and signatures. Forms 1040A and instructions are available at the IRS Web site.

Although, your payment can be made by check, the IRS urges people to use direct deposit to ensure a speedy delivery.

The types of Social Security benefits that are considered qualifying income include retirement, disability and survivor payments. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is not qualifying income. The types of Veterans Affairs benefits that are considered qualifying income include disability compensation, disability pension and survivor payments. Qualifying Railroad Retirement payments include the social security equivalent portion of Tier 1 benefits.

Eligible individuals including their qualifying children, must have valid Social Security numbers. Also, people cannot be claimed or be eligible to be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return. People with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers, except for the spouses and qualifying children of military personnel, are not eligible.

Front Page

VA Reaches Out to Women Veterans

Department Hosts 4th Quadrennial Summit

WASHINGTON (June 19, 2008) - The Fourth National Summit on Women
Veterans' Issues will take place at the Westin Washington, D.C., City
Center from June 20-22. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B.
Peake said the three-day meeting will help ensure that women veterans
know about the benefits and health care they have earned.

"With more women than ever serving in our armed forces, this public
forum will bring visibility to the issues important to women veterans
of
all eras," Peake said. "Today, women are important contributors to the
military and valued members of the veterans community."

Recognizing the valor, service and sacrifice of America's 1.7 million
women veterans, VA has created a comprehensive array of benefits and
programs.

Women veterans are entitled to the same benefits and medical care as
their male counterparts, including health care, disability
compensation,
education assistance, work-study allowance, vocational rehabilitation,
employment and counseling services, insurance, home loan benefits,
nursing home care, survivor benefits and various burial benefits.

In addition, VA also has a multitude of services and programs that
respond to the unique needs of women veterans, including pap smears,
mammography, and general reproductive health care, substance abuse
counseling, counseling for sexual trauma, and evaluation and treatment
for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Today, over 200,000 women are serving in the armed forces. About 11
percent of the U.S. forces currently serving in Afghanistan and Iraq
are
women.

According to a recent "hospital report card" by VA, the Department's
screening for breast and cervical cancer for women in VA facilities
exceeds screening in private-sector facilities, but women veterans lag
behind their male counterparts in some quality measurements.

VA has already launched an aggressive program to ensure women veterans
receive the highest quality of care, including $32.5 million to
purchase
additional equipment to meet the health care needs of women. This
includes full field digital mammography equipment, stereotactic imaging
technology, specialized ultrasound and biopsy equipment and DEXA
scanners for bone density measurements. The status of health care for
women veterans will be a major topic at the summit.

There is a women veterans program manager at every VA medical center, a
women's liaison at every community based outpatient clinic and a women
veterans coordinator at every VA regional office.

Front Page

Scott Stewart (far left) and Mike Redshaw (far right) of Northrop Grumman present $12,000 sponsorship check to Maestro Jeffrey Silberschlag, music director (center left and Salvatore (Torre) Meringolo center right), vice president for development, St. Mary's College.

Northrop Grumman Photo

Front Page

Northrop Grumman Corporation a Series Sponsor for St. Mary's College 2008 River Concert Series

HOLLYWOOD, Md., June 20, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) today announced a $12,000 sponsorship of the 2008 River Concert Series of St. Mary's College.

Known for its special blend of master works, world premieres, and innovative collaborations, the 10th season of the River Concert Series kicked off on Friday, June 13 and runs on consecutive Friday evenings through July 25.

"Northrop Grumman is proud to be a sponsor of the River Concert Series as we value being good neighbors and work hard at continuing our tradition of community involvement in Southern Maryland," said Scott Stewart, Northrop Grumman corporate lead executive in Patuxent River, MD.

"The River Concert Series truly is a partnership of St. Mary's College and the Southern Maryland community," said Salvatore (Torre) Meringolo, vice president for development of St. Mary's College. "We are fortunate to be surrounded by a community that appreciates and supports cultural events such as the River Concert Series. Without that support, it would be difficult to bring in the caliber of talented artists that we do."

St. Mary's College Music Director Jeffrey Silberschlag conducts the Chesapeake Orchestra, which is joined by distinguished artists and new talents. The free concerts, typically drawing 5,000 to each of the varying programs, are held on the College's Townhouse Green, overlooking the St. Mary's River with concertgoers following the "bring your own chair" style of seating.

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

Air Force aims to improve electronic warfare capabilities


6/20/2008 - WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- Controlling the electromagnetic spectrum to deny or attack an adversary -- that is electronic warfare, and the Air Force is in search of ways to maximize that capability.

Air Force leaders started the Electronic Warfare Life Cycle Management Group to establish a uniform approach to the research, development and evaluation of electronic warfare hardware, software, techniques and capabilities.

Col. Tim Freeman, the group's co-chairman, compared the electronic warfare community to a symphony orchestra.

"For years, Air Force electronic warfare has been like an orchestra warming up, and the (group) will be the conductor that brings it all together," said Colonel Freeman, commander of the 542nd Combat Sustainment Wing at Robins Air Force Base, Ga.

Before the group was established, there was no mechanism to pull together an enterprise view at how the Air Force conducts electronic warfare, he said.

"The result was that people were doing great things, but it was inefficient. In some cases, different organizations were paying different contractors to do the exact same things only because they weren't talking to each other," Colonel Freeman said.

The group's goal is to find commonalities across weapons systems that will allow standardization and interface among electronic warfare programs.

"It's all about aircraft survivability in combat," said Col. Robert Schwarze, chief of electronic warfare and cyber requirements at the Pentagon and co-chair of the warfare management group. "We maintain 56 electronic warfare systems (that use) 34 different computer languages. We thought, 'Hey, that's pretty stupid' and we're trying to make it better."

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, F-22 Raptor and B-1B Lancer are among the aircraft that have specific electronic warfare capabilities, but the Air Force currently can not transfer capabilities across multiple platforms.

If one aircraft type has a tremendous capability against a particular threat, the Air Force has to regenerate that separately for other platforms because no hardware or data standard exists. This requires additional research, manpower and money.

The group has a tiered structure with four echelons that includes all of the Air Force's electronic warfare organizations. The first echelon is the Senior Advisory Group, made up of general officers and senior executive service members, which is the decision-making body of the group.

The second echelon, the Technical Advisory Group, is the advisory and oversight body made up of colonels and senior civil service members. The final two echelons include the Electronic Warfare Product Group Manager, and System and Technique Evaluation Development teams.

"The (group) will help find ways to use the money we have more effectively, eliminate duplication of efforts and streamline processes," Colonel Freeman said. "This is probably the most prolific change in electronic warfare in the Air Force in 30 years. (We're) going to...make decisions that will keep the rest of the fleet, from an electronic warfare perspective, viable in the 21st Century."

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June 19, 2008

Front Page

Tyler York (left) from Crooms Academy of Information Technology in Seminole County and Natalie Ganio from Edgewater High School in Orange County each received $10,000 engineering scholarships from Northrop Grumman Corporation. Representing Northrop Grumman are (from left) Kyle Bendfeldt, director of business management; Lee Wiewiora, director of engineering; and Lee Sumner, director of business services.

Northrop Grumman Photo

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Northrop Grumman Names Winners of Central Florida Engineering Scholars Competition

APOPKA, Fla., June 19, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has announced the winners of its second annual Engineering Scholars program in Central Florida, which will provide $10,000 in college scholarships this fall to each of two area high school seniors planning on studying engineering.

Tyler York from Crooms Academy of Information Technology in Seminole County and Natalie Ganio from Edgewater High School in Orange County are this year's recipients of the merit-based Northrop Grumman scholarship. They were recognized in a ceremony at the company's Apopka-based Laser Systems business unit on May 28.

"Northrop Grumman has a continuing need for engineers to ensure the success of our business. We were very impressed with the credentials of these two young aspiring engineers, and we are extremely pleased to be able to help them achieve future educational goals," said Gordon Stewart, vice president and general manager of the company's Laser Systems unit. "We received a large number of exceptional applications, which made the selection process very challenging for our review committee. In the end, these two hard-working, high-achieving students were outstanding choices."

The scholarship program is aimed at supporting promising high school seniors who intend to pursue a career in an engineering-related field. Candidates must plan to attend an accredited college or university as a full-time student in an approved engineering curriculum. The funds can be used for tuition, books, lodging and meals.

To be eligible, scholarship applicants must be a resident of Orange or Seminole county and be a graduating senior from a public or accredited private high school in the area. Applicants also have to meet minimum SAT and GPA requirements.

Northrop Grumman is a significant financial and in-kind contributor to educational outreach programs aimed at encouraging young people to consider engineering and science-related career fields. The company's Laser Systems unit provides mentors and tutors to areas schools, and supports Engineering Student Day and Engineering Futures Forum which are programs designed to excite student interest in engineering, math and science.

Further information about the Northrop Grumman Engineering Scholars program is available via the Internet at: http://www.es.northropgrumman.com/engscholars/

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 Sweden

Saab AB utilizes repurchase authorization to hedge the company’s Share Matching Plan and Performance Share Plan

The Annual General Meeting 2008 of Saab AB (Saab) resolved to authorize the Board of Directors to decide to repurchase the company’s shares in order to hedge the company’s Share Matching Plan and Performance Share Plan. Saab is announcing that the Board has decided to utilize its authorization for this purpose.

Acquisitions will be made on the Stockholm Stock Exchange (Stockholmsbörsen) at a price within the registered price interval on each occasion.

Acquisitions can be made as of July 21, 2008 until next year’s Annual General Meeting. However no acquisitions will be made during a 30-day period prior to the public release of quarterly results, including the date of release.

Saab currently holds 999,808 own shares. The total number of outstanding shares in the company is 109,150,344. The maximum number of shares now intended to be repurchased is 1,340,000.

Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents and constantly develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.

For further information, please contact:
Anne Gynnerstedt, Group Senior Vice President, Corporate Legal Affairs, and secretary of the board
Tel: 08-463 01 41

www.saabgroup.com

The information is that which Saab AB is required to declare by the Securities Business Act and/or the Financial instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication on 19 June at 16.30.

Swedish:

Utnyttjande av återköpsbemyndigande i Saab AB till säkring av bolagets aktiesparprogram och prestationsrelaterat aktieprogram

Årsstämman 2008 i Saab AB (Saab) beslutade bemyndiga bolagets styrelse att besluta om förvärv av egna aktier i syfte att säkra bolagets aktiesparprogram och prestationsrelaterat aktieprogram. Saab meddelar att bolagets styrelse beslutat utnyttja bemyndigandet för detta syfte.

Förvärv kommer att ske på Stockholmsbörsen till ett pris inom det vid var tid registrerade kursintervallet.

Förvärvet skall kunna ske från och med 21 juli 2008 till och med nästa års årsstämma. Inga förvärv kommer dock att göras under 30 dagar innan offentliggörande av kvartalsrapport, dagen för offentliggörandet inkluderad.

Saab äger för närvarande 999 808 egna aktier. Totala antalet aktier utgivna av Saab är för närvarande 109 150 334 och högsta antal aktier som nu avses återköpas uppgår till 1 340 000.

Saab förser den globala marknaden med världsledande produkter, tjänster och lösningar som sträcker sig från militärt försvar till civil säkerhet. Saab har verksamhet och medarbetare på alla kontinenter och utvecklar, anpassar och förbättrar ständigt ny teknologi för att möta kundernas förändrade behov.

För ytterligare information, vänligen kontakta:
Anne Gynnerstedt, Saabs chefsjurist och styrelsens sekreterare
Tel: 08-463 01 41
www.saabgroup.com

Informationen är sådan som Saab AB ska offentliggöra enligt lagen om värdepappersmarknaden och/eller lagen om handel med finansiella instrument. Informationen lämnades för offentliggörande den 19 juni kl. 16.30.

Front Page

United States Government Accountability Office
Washington, DC 20548
Office of the Comptroller General
of the United States

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact: Michael R. Golden,
GAO Office of the General Counsel
202-512-4788

GAO SUSTAINS BOEING BID PROTEST

Agency Recommends Air Force Reopen the Bid Process

Washington, DC – (June 18, 2008) – The Government Accountability Office (GAO)
today sustained the Boeing Company’s protest of the Department of the Air Force’s
award of a contract to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation for KC-X aerial
refueling tankers. Boeing challenged the Air Force’s technical and cost evaluations,
conduct of discussions, and source selection decision.

“Our review of the record led us to conclude that the Air Force had made a number of
significant errors that could have affected the outcome of what was a close
competition between Boeing and Northrop Grumman. We therefore sustained
Boeing’s protest,” said Michael R. Golden, the GAO’s managing associate general
counsel for procurement law. “We also denied a number of Boeing’s challenges to
the award to Northrop Grumman, because we found that the record did not provide
us with a basis to conclude that the agency had violated the legal requirements with
respect to those challenges.”

The GAO recommended that the Air Force reopen discussions with the offerors,
obtain revised proposals, re-evaluate the revised proposals, and make a new source
selection decision, consistent with the GAO’s decision. The agency also made a
number of other recommendations including that, if the Air Force believed that the
solicitation, as reasonably interpreted, does not adequately state its needs, the Air
Force should amend the solicitation prior to conducting further discussions with the
offerors; that if Boeing’s proposal is ultimately selected for award, the Air Force
should terminate the contract awarded to Northrop Grumman; and that the Air Force
reimburse Boeing the costs of filing and pursuing the protest, including reasonable
attorneys’ fees. By statute, the Air Force is given 60 days to inform the GAO of the
Air Force’s actions in response to GAO’s recommendations.

The GAO decision should not be read to reflect a view as to the merits of the firms’
respective aircraft. Judgments about which offeror will most successfully meet
governmental needs are largely reserved for the procuring agencies, subject only to
such statutory and regulatory requirements as full and open competition and fairness
to potential offerors. The GAO bid protest process examines whether procuring
agencies have complied with those requirements.

Specifically, GAO sustained the protest for the following reasons:

1. The Air Force, in making the award decision, did not assess the relative merits of
the proposals in accordance with the evaluation criteria identified in the solicitation,
which provided for a relative order of importance for the various technical
requirements. The agency also did not take into account the fact that Boeing offered
to satisfy more non-mandatory technical “requirements” than Northrop Grumman,
even though the solicitation expressly requested offerors to satisfy as many of these
technical “requirements” as possible.

2. The Air Force’s use as a key discriminator that Northrop Grumman proposed to
exceed a key performance parameter objective relating to aerial refueling to a greater
degree than Boeing violated the solicitation’s evaluation provision that “no
consideration will be provided for exceeding [key performance parameter]
objectives.”

3. The protest record did not demonstrate the reasonableness of the Air Force’s
determination that Northrop Grumman’s proposed aerial refueling tanker could
refuel all current Air Force fixed-wing tanker-compatible receiver aircraft in
accordance with current Air Force procedures, as required by the solicitation.

4. The Air Force conducted misleading and unequal discussions with Boeing, by
informing Boeing that it had fully satisfied a key performance parameter objective
relating to operational utility, but later determined that Boeing had only partially met
this objective, without advising Boeing of this change in the agency’s assessment and
while continuing to conduct discussions with Northrop Grumman relating to its
satisfaction of the same key performance parameter objective.

5. The Air Force unreasonably determined that Northrop Grumman’s refusal to
agree to a specific solicitation requirement that it plan and support the agency to
achieve initial organic depot-level maintenance within two years after delivery of the
first full-rate production aircraft was an “administrative oversight,” and improperly
made award, despite this clear exception to a material solicitation requirement.

6. The Air Force’s evaluation of military construction costs in calculating the
offerors’ most probable life cycle costs for their proposed aircraft was unreasonable,
where the agency during the protest conceded that it made a number of errors in
evaluation that, when corrected, result in Boeing displacing Northrop Grumman as
the offeror with the lowest most probable life cycle cost; where the evaluation did not
account for the offerors’ specific proposals; and where the calculation of military
construction costs based on a notional (hypothetical) plan was not reasonably
supported.

7. The Air Force improperly increased Boeing’s estimated non-recurring engineering
costs in calculating that firm’s most probable life cycle costs to account for risk
associated with Boeing’s failure to satisfactorily explain the basis for how it priced
this cost element, where the agency had not found that the proposed costs for that
element were unrealistically low. In addition, the Air Force’s use of a simulation
model to determine Boeing’s probable non-recurring engineering costs was
unreasonable, because the Air Force used as data inputs in the model the percentage
of cost growth associated with weapons systems at an overall program level and
there was no indication that these inputs would be a reliable predictor of anticipated
growth in Boeing’s non-recurring engineering costs.

The 69-page decision was issued under a protective order, because it contains
proprietary and source selection sensitive information. The GAO has directed
counsel for the parties to promptly identify information that cannot be publicly
released so that GAO can expeditiously prepare and release, as soon as possible, a
public version of the decision.

Although the Air Force intends to ultimately procure up to 179 KC-X aircraft, the
solicitation (No. FA8625-07-R-6470) provided for an initial contract for system
development and demonstration of the KC-X aircraft and procurement of up to 80
aircraft. The solicitation provided that award of the contract would be on a “best
value” basis, and stated a detailed evaluation scheme that identified technical and
cost factors and their relative weights. With respect to the cost factor, the
solicitation provided that the Air Force would calculate a “most probable life cycle
cost” estimate for each offeror, including military construction costs. In addition, the
solicitation provided a detailed system requirements document that identified
minimum requirements (called key performance parameter thresholds) that offerors
must satisfy to receive award. The solicitation also identified desired features and
performance characteristics of the aircraft (which the solicitation identified as
“requirements,” or in certain cases, as objectives) that offerors were encouraged, but
were not required, to provide.

The agency received proposals and conducted numerous rounds of negotiations with
Boeing and Northrop Grumman. The Air Force selected Northrop Grumman’s
proposal for award on February 29, 2008, and Boeing filed its protest with the GAO
on March 11, supplementing it numerous times thereafter. In accordance with GAO’s
Bid Protest Regulations, GAO obtained a report from the agency and comments on
that report from Boeing and Northrop Grumman. The documentary record produced
by the Air Force in this protest is voluminous and complex. The GAO also conducted
a hearing, at which testimony was received from a number of Air Force witnesses to
complete and explain the record. Following the hearing, GAO received further
comments from the parties, addressing the hearing testimony as well as other aspects
of the record.

Information about GAO’s bid protest process can be found at

http://www.gao.gov/legal/aboutbid.html

###

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PRESS RELEASE -- Secretary of the Air Force, Office of Public Affairs

Release No. 040608
June 18,2008

Air Force Releases Statement on GAO's Decision on the KC-45A Tanker


WASHINGTON -

Earlier today, the Government Accountability Office announced its findings with regard to the protest of the KC-45A aerial refueling tanker competition. The KC-45A contract is for the development and procurement of up to 179 tanker aircraft, for approximately 35 billion dollars.

The Air Force is currently reviewing the GAO's decision that sustained portions of Boeing's protest. Once the review is complete, the Air Force will be in a position to determine the best course of action.

"The Air Force will do everything we can to rapidly move forward so America receives this urgently needed capability," said Sue C. Payton, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition). "The Air Force will select the best value tanker for our nation's defense, while being good stewards of the taxpayer dollar," said Payton.

"As soon as possible, we will provide the Air Force's way ahead. We appreciate the GAO's professionalism and thoroughness in its assessment of the protest of the KC-45A source selection," Payton said.

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Boeing Statement on Tanker Protest Ruling

ST. LOUIS, June 18, 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] was informed today that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found in Boeing's favor on a number of issues related to its protest of the U.S. Air Force's award of a $35 billion contract to supply the service with its next-generation aerial refueling aircraft -- or KC-X tankers -- to begin replacing the current fleet of KC-135 tankers.

In response to the ruling, Boeing released the following statement from Mark McGraw, vice president, Tanker Programs:

"We welcome and support today's ruling by the GAO fully sustaining the grounds of our protest.

"We appreciate the professionalism and diligence the GAO showed in its review of the KC-X acquisition process. We look forward to working with the Air Force on next steps in this critical procurement for our warfighters."

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Northrop Grumman Statement Concerning GAO Decision

WASHINGTON - June 18, 2008 - The following is the statement of Randy Belote, Vice President of Corporate & International Communications for Northrop Grumman Corporation:


"We respect the GAO's work in analyzing the Air Force's tanker acquisition process. We continue to believe that Northrop Grumman offered the most modern and capable tanker for our men and women in uniform. We will review the GAO findings before commenting further."

Front Page

Boeing B-52H Displayed at Defenders of Freedom Air Show

ST. LOUIS, June 17, 2008 -- The Boeing [NYSE: BA] B-52H bomber went on display recently at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., during the Defenders of Freedom Air Show. One of the most versatile platforms in the U.S. inventory, a B-52H took off from Barksdale in April to participate in the U.S. Air Force-led Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment 2008, where it demonstrated the ability to deliver live video obtained from its targeting pod to multiple land- and air-based assets. The demonstration proved the B-52's ability to operate in a network-centric battlefield.

Boeing Photo

Front Page France

Middle East client orders two Airbus A318 Elites
16 June 2008


A Middle East customer has placed a firm order for two A318 Elites, highlighting the growing success of the newest and most affordable member of the Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ) Family.

Both aircraft will feature the classic VIP cabin created by Lufthansa Technik in partnership with Airbus - the largest and most comfortable of any aircraft in its class - which combines widespread appeal, practicality and affordability. They willl be powered by CFM International CFM56-5 engines.

Launched towards the end of 2005, Airbus A318 Elite deliveries began in May 2007, and the type is now a firmly established as a successful member of the Airbus ACJ Family, representing about a quarter of the more than 100 firm orders won to date.

Airbus' A318 Elite has a range of 4,200 nm/7,800 km with eight passengers - enough to fly non-stop from London to New York - as well as from anywhere in Europe to anywhere in the Middle East, or transcontinentally throughout Africa, America or Asia.

Airbus' A318 Elite features the same wide, tall and spacious cabin as the rest of the family, in a slightly shorter cabin length, but still has the space for a private office/bedroom with ensuite bathroom, as well as a large living area that is bigger than the entire cabin of smaller jets. It is the only corporate jet in its price bracket with such a large cabin, introducing new standards of comfort and space to a broader market.

Airbus' ACJ Family, comprising the A318 Elite, the Airbus ACJ and the A320 Prestige, are the only all-new corporate jets at the top-end of the market, delivering modern designs with unmatched appeal and value-retention.

It is the only corporate jet family that is flying on every continent - including Antarctica - highlighting its versatility and widespread success with private customers.

Airbus's ACJ Family 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:

Un client du moyen-orient commande deux A318 Elite d’Airbus
16 June 2008


Un client du Moyen-Orient a passé une commande ferme portant sur deux A318 Elite, mettant ainsi en lumière le succès croissant de l’appareil le plus récent et le plus accessible de la famille Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ).

Ces deux appareils, équipés des réacteurs CFM56-5 de CFM International, présenteront une cabine VIP classique créée par Lufthansa Technik en partenariat avec Airbus. Cette cabine, largement plébiscitée, fonctionnelle et accessible, est la plus large et la plus confortable de tous les appareils de leur catégorie.

Lancé à la fin 2005, l’A318 Elite d’Airbus a été livré à ses premiers clients en mai 2007. Ce type d’appareil est aujourd'hui fermement établi comme l’un des appareils très prisés de la famille ACJ d’Airbus, avec un quart des plus de 100 commandes fermes obtenues pour cette famille à ce jour.

L’A318 Elite d’Airbus, peut accueillir huit passagers sur des distances allant jusqu’à 7 800 km/4 200 nm, un rayon d’action suffisant pour couvrir Londres-New York sans escale, ainsi que n’importe quelle ligne reliant l’Europe au Moyen-Orient, ou pour assurer des dessertes transcontinentales en Afrique, en Amérique ou en Asie.

Avec la même cabine que les autres membres de cette famille d’appareils, large, haute et spacieuse et une longueur de cabine légèrement plus courte, l’A318 Elite d’Airbus est doté d’un espace suffisant pour accueillir un bureau privé/une chambre et une salle de bain attenante, ainsi qu’un grand salon, plus spacieux que la cabine entière de jets plus petits. Seul jet d’affaires dans cette catégorie de prix, doté d’une cabine d’une aussi grande capacité, cet appareil introduit de nouveaux standards de confort et d’espace dans un marché plus vaste.

Les appareils de la famille ACJ d’Airbus (A318 Elite, ACJ d’Airbus et A320 Prestige), sont les seuls jets d’affaires les plus récents sur le segment supérieur du marché. De conception avancée, ces appareils, dont la valeur de revente est inégalée, restent les plus plébiscités.

C’est la seule famille de jets d’affaires pouvant être exploitée sur tous les continents, y compris l’Antarctique, montrant ainsi la souplesse d’exploitation et le grand succès de ces appareils auprès des clients privés.

Les appareils de la famille ACJ d’Airbus sont les premiers appareils dotés de commandes de vol électriques dans le secteur de l’aviation d’affaires. Ce sont également les seuls jets d’affaires de leur catégorie à présenter un large éventail d’avantages : l’utilisation généralisée de matériaux composites en fibres de carbone engendrant un allègement de l’appareil, une maintenance centralisée sur l’ensemble de leurs systèmes, générant des réductions de coûts d’exploitation, ainsi qu’une 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:

Kunde aus dem Nahen Osten bestellt zwei Airbus A318 Elite
16 June 2008


Ein Kunde aus dem Nahen Osten hat einen Festauftrag für zwei A318 Elite erteilt. Dieser Auftrag untermauert den wachsenden Erfolg des neuesten und preiswertesten Mitglieds der Airbus Corporate Jetliner-Familie (ACJ).

Beide Flugzeuge erhalten die von Lufthansa Technik und Airbus gemeinsam entwickelte, klassische VIP-Kabine. Diese Flugzeugkabine ist die größte und komfortabelste in ihrer Klasse und kombiniert Attraktivität mit Funktionalität und Erschwinglichkeit. Die Flugzeuge werden mit CFM56-5-Triebwerken von CFM International ausgerüstet.

Der gegen Ende 2005 auf dem Markt eingeführte Airbus A318 Elite wurde im Mai 2007 erstmals ausgeliefert und hat sich inzwischen als erfolgreiches Mitglied der Airbus ACJ-Familie fest etabliert. Auf diesen Flugzeugtyp entfallen etwa ein Viertel der über 100 von Airbus verbuchten Festaufträge.

Die A318 Elite ist in der Lage, acht Passagiere ohne Zwischenlandung über 7 800 km/4 200 nm, etwa von London nach New York, zu fliegen. Mit dieser Reichweite kann sie auch von einem beliebigen Ort in Europa jedes Ziel im Nahen Osten erreichen und ist auch für Transkontinentalflüge in Afrika, Amerika oder Asien geeignet.

Die A318 Elite bietet die gleiche breite, hohe und geräumige Kabine wie die übrigen Mitglieder der ACJ-Familie. Die Kabine ist zwar etwas kürzer, aber immer noch groß genug für ein Privatbüro/Schlafzimmer mit angeschlossenem Bad. Außerdem bietet sie einen großen Aufenthaltsbereich, der größer als die gesamte Kabine von kleineren Jets ist. Der Airbus A318 Elite verfügt als einziger Corporate Jet in dieser Preisklasse über eine so großzügig dimensionierte Kabine und setzt damit neue Maßstäbe beim Komfort und Stil auf einem breiteren Markt.

Die Airbus ACJ-Familie mit den Modellen A318 Elite, Airbus ACJ und A320 Prestige bietet die fortschrittlichsten Produkte auf dem Markt für Geschäfts- und VIP-Flugzeuge der Spitzenklasse und zeichnet sich durch modernste Konstruktion, beispiellose Attraktivität und Werthaltigkeit aus.

Sie fliegt als einzige Corporate-Jetliner-Familie auf allen Kontinenten, einschließlich der Antarktis. Dies ist ein klarer Beleg für ihre Vielseitigkeit und ihren überragenden Erfolg bei Privatkunden.

Mit den Flugzeugen der ACJ-Familie hielten erstmals Fly-by-Wire-Steuerungen Einzug im Business-Aviation-Segment. Weitere Alleinstellungsmerkmale der ACJ-Familie im Corporate Jet-Segment sind der extensive Einsatz von gewichtssparenden Kohlefaserverbundwerkstoffen, die kostensparende zentralisierte Wartung aller Systeme und die hoch entwickelte aerodynamische Konstruktion mit Winglets als Standardausrüstung.

Die Flugzeuge der Airbus ACJ-Familie sind aus der Airbus A320-Familie abgeleitet, die seit langem als Referenzklasse gilt. Sie hat bereits mehr als 6 100 Bestellungen auf sich gezogen und ist bei rund 275 Kunden bzw. Betreibern im Einsatz – wobei auch diese Zahl stetig wächst.

Airbus ist ein EADS-Unternehmen.


Espanol:

Un cliente de oriente medio adquiere dos Airbus A318 Elite
16 June 2008


Un cliente de Oriente Medio ha hecho un pedido en firme de dos A318 Elite, resaltando el éxito creciente de miembro más nuevo y accesible de la Familia Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ).

Ambos aviones incorporarán la clásica cabina VIP creada por Lufthansa Technik en asociación con Airbus – la cabina más grande y accesible entre los aviones de su clase – que combina un gran atractivo, economía y es muy práctica. Serán propulsados por motores CFM International CFM56-5.

Lanzado hacia finales de 2005, las entregas del Airbus A318 Elite comenzaron en mayo de 2007, y el modelo se ha establecido firmemente como un miembro de éxito de la Familia Airbus ACJ, representando casi una cuarta parte de los más de 100 pedidos conseguidos hasta el momento.

El Airbus A318 Elite tiene un alcance de 4.200 millas náuticas / 7.800 kilómetros con ocho pasajeros – suficiente para volar directo de Londres a Nueva York – así como desde cualquier parte de Europa a Oriente Medio, realizar vuelos transcontinentales a través de África, América o Asia.

El A318 Elite incorpora la misma cabina espaciosa, alta y amplia del resto de la familia, con una longitud de cabina ligeramente menor, aunque sigue teniendo el espacio para una oficina / dormitorio privado con baño, además de un amplio salón, que es más grande que toda la cabina de reactores más pequeños. Es el único reactor privado en su segmento de precio con una cabina tan grande, introduciendo nuevos niveles de espacio y comodidad a un mercado más amplio.

La Familia Airbus ACJ, que incluye el A318 Elite, el Airbus ACJ y el A320 Prestige, son los únicos reactores corporativos nuevos en la parte alta del mercado, ofreciendo diseños modernos con una retención de valor y atractivo sin igual.

Es la única familia de reactores corporativos que vuela en todos los continentes – incluyendo la Antártida – resaltando su versatilidad y éxito entre los cliente privados.

La Familia ACJ es la primera en la aviación de negocios con controles “Fly-By-Wire”. También es el único reactor corporativo en su clase con uso extenso de materiales compuestos en fibra de carbono que ahorran peso, mantenimiento centralizado menos oneroso, y un diseño aerodinámico avanzado que ahorra combustible, que incluye “wingtip” de forma normalizada.

La Familia Airbus A320, de la que evolucionó la Familia Airbus ACJ, ha sido desde hace tiempo la referencia en la industria, con más de 6.100 pedidos y alrededor de 275 clientes y operadores, y esta cifra sigue creciendo.

Airbus es una compañía de EADS.

Front Page

First 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter Redelivered to ANA

SINGAPORE, June 16, 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA], Singapore Technologies Aerospace Ltd (ST Aerospace) and ANA (All Nippon Airways) celebrated the completion and certification of the first 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter at a redelivery ceremony held in Singapore today. Boeing launched the 767-300BCF passenger-to-freighter conversion program in 2005 with three firm orders and four options from ANA. Since then, ANA has exercised all the options and now has ordered seven passenger-to-freighter conversions in all.

Boeing Photo

Front Page

World's First 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter Goes to ANA

Ready for flight: Boeing, ST Aerospace and ANA celebrate first redelivery

SINGAPORE, June 16, 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA], Singapore Technologies Aerospace Ltd (ST Aerospace) and ANA (All Nippon Airways) celebrated the completion and certification of the first 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter at a redelivery ceremony held in Singapore today. Boeing launched the 767-300BCF passenger-to-freighter conversion program in 2005 with three firm orders and four options from ANA. Since then, ANA has exercised all the options and now has ordered seven passenger-to-freighter conversions in all.

"We are delighted to take delivery of the first 767-300BCF. It will be a key aircraft in the expansion of our cargo operation and express delivery services to countries neighbouring Japan," said Shinsuke Maki, ANA's senior vice president, Engineering & Maintenance, who was present at the ceremony. "The 767 has long been the work-horse of the ANA passenger fleet; it is very gratifying to see an old friend work beyond retirement, and in doing so contribute to the environment in terms of saving and reusing resources. We thank Boeing for their design and SASCO for their work in carrying out the conversion," he added.

"Boeing employees and ST Aerospace worked as true partners to complete this well-designed and expertly managed conversion," said Lou Mancini, vice president and general manager for Boeing Commercial Aviation Services. "We do everything possible to help customers increase the environmental and operational efficiencies throughout the entire lifespan of their airplanes."

The ANA jet began its transformation from a passenger airplane to a freighter on Oct. 18, 2007, when it arrived at ST Aerospace's subsidiary ST Aviation Services Company (SASCO) in Paya Lebar, Singapore. Boeing, SASCO and ANA celebrated the completion of the door cutting ahead of the production schedule on Nov. 18, a significant process that signifies the readiness of the aircraft for major modifications, and they completed the conversion work for this prototype in April on schedule. On April 10, Boeing test pilots flew the airplane from Singapore to Seattle, followed by two months of flight testing. The 50-ton-capacity freighter flew nonstop to Seattle, completing the 14-hour, 51-minute flight at 10:13 a.m. the same day, but 15 time zones away. Boeing began its ground testing and certification program immediately thereafter. The prototype passed its flight tests with outstanding results and was flown back to Singapore on May 26.

"This first 767-300BCF redelivery is another demonstration of ST Aerospace's ability to provide on-time, quality and reliable conversions," said Tay Kok Khiang, president of ST Aerospace. "We are honored by Boeing's and ANA's trust in us, and are pleased to work with our long time partners to, once again, deliver a quality product that meets their expectations. We will continue to leverage our engineering capabilities to enhance customers' asset reliability and value."

A part of Boeing's international network of modification facilities, and actively involved in performing passenger-to-freighter (PTF) conversions for aircraft including the DC-10, MD-10BCF, MD-11BCF, 727 and 757-200 Special Freighter, ST Aerospace, through its subsidiary SASCO, was appointed to perform the conversions under this 767-300BCF program. The conversion work involves the removal of passenger interiors equipment and furnishings, installation of the main deck surround structure and side cargo door, replacement of the main deck floor structures, installation of a 9-G rigid cargo barrier and a new cargo handling system, and a maximum take-off weight upgrade as well as other systems changes.

This Boeing Converted Freighter meets Boeing's demanding standards for quality and consistency. BCF airplanes are economical to maintain and operate. This assures the highest value in the freighter market. With more than 30 years of successful PTF conversion experience, original design data and a deep understanding of the production freighters, Boeing offers something no one else can: conversion by the original equipment manufacturer.

With up to 54 tonnes of lift, high dispatch reliability, superior performance, low noise and thrifty fuel consumption, the 767-300 is a valuable member of any freighter fleet. Passenger-to-freighter conversion is an excellent strategy for augmenting lift or for replacing aging DC-8s, A300s, and DC-10s.

Boeing Converted Freighters are one example of Boeing's LIFECYCLE SOLUTIONS, innovative solutions to improve airplane and airline operational and environmental efficiencies through the entire life of the airplane. The Boeing Company is the world's leading aerospace company, providing products and services to customers in 145 countries. Boeing Commercial Aviation Services, a unit of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, provides products, services and integrated solutions to improve fleet utilization, reduce costs, leverage leading-edge information and ensure passenger well-being.

ST Aerospace is the aerospace arm of ST Engineering. Operating a global maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) network with facilities in the Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe, it is the world's largest airframe MRO provider with a global customer base that includes many of the world's leading airlines, airfreight operators and military operators. ST Aerospace provides a full spectrum of maintenance and engineering services through its two business segments: Aircraft Maintenance & Modification (AMM) and Component & Engine Total Support (CETS). Its services include airframe, engine and component maintenance, repair and overhaul; engineering design and technical services; and aviation materials and management services, including Total Aviation Support. ST Aerospace has a global-staff strength of more than 7,000 engineers and technical specialists. For more information please visit www.staero.aero.

Ranked among the top 10 airlines in the world carrying 50 million passengers every year to 50 destinations in Japan and 27 cities throughout Asia, Europe and the United States, ANA is recognized for outstanding passenger service both on the ground and in the air. In the greatest Japanese tradition of mixing hospitality with high technology, personalised à la carte service complements state-of-the-art entertainment systems and the latest in cabin design. ANA has been in the airline business for over 50 years, and combined with ANA Group companies its activities extend across a host of complete travel and aviation-related services. It is the launch customer of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Mitsubishi MRJ, which will complement its present fleet of over 210 aircraft, including 120 wide-bodies. As a member of Star Alliance, the world's foremost airline alliance, ANA passengers enjoy access to a network of 965 airport destinations in 162 countries, and reciprocal benefits such as mileage accrual and redemption, and lounge access.

Front Page

Teams from Boeing, SASCO and ANA Celebrate the Redelivery of the World's First 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter

SINGAPORE, June 16, 2008 -- The ANA (All Nippon Airways) jet began its transformation from a passenger airplane to a freighter on Oct. 18, 2007, when it arrived at ST Aerospace's subsidiary ST Aviation Services Company (SASCO) in Paya Lebar, Singapore. On April 10, Boeing test pilots flew the airplane from Singapore to Seattle, followed by two months of flight testing. The 50-ton-capacity freighter flew nonstop to Seattle, completing the 14-hour, 51-minute flight at 10:13 a.m. the same day, but 15 time zones away. Boeing began its ground testing and certification program immediately thereafter. The prototype passed its flight tests with outstanding results and was flown back to Singapore on May 26. This Boeing Converted Freighter meets Boeing's demanding standards for quality and consistency. BCF airplanes are economical to maintain and operate. This assures the highest value in the freighter market. With more than 30 years of successful passenger-to-freighter conversion experience, original design data and a deep understanding of the production freighters, Boeing offers something no one else can, conversion by the original equipment manufacturer.

Boeing Photo

Front Page

Northrop Grumman's German Subsidiary Changes Name to Northrop Grumman LITEF

LONDON - June 18, 2008 - Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has announced that its navigation systems subsidiary, LITEF GmbH, located in Freiburg, Germany has changed its name to Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH, to enhance its visibility in the international market and strengthen its identity with the global defense and technology company.

"Northrop Grumman LITEF is a major contributor to the European market," said Jim Pitts, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems sector. "Having LITEF reflect the Northrop Grumman name further demonstrates our commitment to supplying innovative products to the international market."

Northrop Grumman LITEF is a leading supplier of inertial sensors, inertial reference and inertial navigation systems and computers with products deployed in more than 30 countries throughout the world in aircraft, land vehicles and ships. The company is an industry leader in fiber-optic gyroscope products for aircraft, marine vessels and ground mobile applications worldwide.

"Northrop Grumman is a globally recognized name, and, although LITEF GmbH has been part of the company since 2001, officially adding Northrop Grumman to our name will communicate to customers and other stakeholders our depth of resources and expertise and strengthen the value of the brand," said Egon Tyssen, general manager of Northrop Grumman LITEF.

The company designs, develops and manufactures state-of-the-art instrument, stabilization and navigation equipment for civil and military customers worldwide and provides system integration, installation support, user training and logistic support in the European domestic and international markets. It has its own independent research, design, development, engineering and manufacturing facilities.

Northrop Grumman LITEF's products include inertial navigation systems, inertial reference systems, attitude and heading reference units, inertial measurement units, hybrid navigation systems, vertical reference systems, flight control sensors, data concentrators, vehicle electronics, vehicle stabilization systems, mechanical and micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) accelerometers, and a variety of vehicle computer systems. The Northrop Grumman LITEF technologies include fiber-optic gyros, MEMS gyros, ring laser gyros, and dry tuned gyros.

Northrop Grumman LITEF is a key contractor in a number of domestic German and European collaborative programs.

In Europe, Northrop Grumman operates from locations in France, Germany, Italy and Norway, providing navigation, air traffic control and postal automation systems. In the UK Northrop Grumman operates from primary locations in London, Fareham, Chester, Coventry, New Malden, Peterborough, RAF Waddington and Solihull and provides avionics, communications, electronic warfare systems, marine navigation systems, robotics, C4ISR solutions and mission planning, IT systems, and software development.

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

Boeing Supports and Celebrates Growth in the Turkish Aviation Market

ISTANBUL, Turkey, June 17, 2008 -- Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Europe, Russia, and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, today met with media in Istanbul to review recent Boeing activities and to comment on the Turkish aviation market.

Dailey expressed his confidence in the rapidly growing Turkish market. "Boeing believes Turkey is well positioned and has huge potential in the European market. For instance, Turkish Airlines is among the few European flag carriers undergoing expansion rather than consolidation, despite difficult economic conditions. Turkish private carriers are demonstrating impressive performance and expanding the Turkish aviation market by executing differentiated business models".

Dailey said the Turkish aviation market, which has been going through a rapid growth, would need approximately $21 billion worth of 250 new airplanes over the next 20 years. He underlined that in the next 20 years Boeing predicts that worldwide demand will be over 28,000 aircraft worth $2.8 trillion.

"Boeing sets its strategy based on our customers' needs," Dailey said. "We listen to them and offer the best solutions to meet their requirements. This commitment led us to design the fuel-efficient and environment friendly 787 Dreamliner by working with airlines, industry bodies, regulators and governments to reduce to the level of fuel burn in every aspect of the air travel industry. The 787 Dreamliner will be the most profitable airliner for long range flights and will offer Turkish carriers the best option for their long haul expansion plans."

"According to our Current Market Outlook, Turkey will increase its market share in the intercontinental flight market in the upcoming years. To meet the growing demand for long-haul service, we believe the highly fuel efficient, passenger-pleasing 777 is the best fit for the Turkish market. The 777 is one of our success stories. Both the 777-300ER model and the -200ER Worldliner, the world's longest range commercial airplane, are ideal for supporting Turkey's competitive position in the intercontinental market. "

"At the Airex Air Show last week in Istanbul, we welcomed many leaders from the Turkish aviation industry. The increase in participation at the air show is a good indicator of the growing sector in Turkey. I want to reiterate Boeing's commitment to Turkey. Not only through words and through deliveries of the world's best airplanes, but also through deeds. Contributing to educational and cultural endeavors in Turkey will continue to be a high priority for Boeing."

###

Front Page

Northrop Grumman Highlights Solutions for the Cyber Warrior At the 2008 Cyberspace Symposium
MARLBOROUGH, Mass., June 17, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) will highlight its cyberspace capabilities and experience this week at the 2008 Cyberspace Symposium II, June 17-19, at the Royal Plaza and Trade Center in Marlborough, Mass.


"The battlefield is changing, and at Northrop Grumman we pride ourselves on supplying the cyber warrior with the tools necessary to adapt and be successful no matter the changes," said Tim Peppe, corporate lead executive for Air Force Programs at Northrop Grumman. "The systems integration experience and agile solutions we provide put the cyber warrior in the best position for victory."

At booth 401 in the conference exhibit hall, Northrop Grumman will be displaying its cyberspace solutions including:


* Cyber Warrior: Northrop Grumman offers nine IT security courses
on the latest computer threats, tactics, defensive measures, and
certification and accreditation processes.

* Joint Targeting Toolbox (JTT): Northrop Grumman integrates
kinetic and non-kinetic cyber targets into a standard targeting
cycle using data from multiple sources allowing a process of
information pertaining to situational awareness and cyber
targeting.

* Reactive Network Defense: Northrop Grumman's core competency in
computer network operations (CNO) can be applied to the computer
network defense problem domain.

* Transformational Research, Integration and Demonstration (TRIAD):
Northrop Grumman's innovative network of laboratories,
professionals and global connectivity enables advanced research
and demonstration while allowing IT professionals the ability to
investigate technologies, prototype systems and integrate
solutions quickly into our customers' operations.

* Vulnerability Life Cycle Management System (VLMS): Northrop
Grumman works as a team geared toward installing these types of
capabilities within the U.S. Department of Defense and Air Force.


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 States a Favorable GAO Ruling Should End All Tanker Delay

KC-45 Program Must Move Forward

WASHINGTON, D.C. - June 17, 2008 - Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) said today that if the Government Accountability Office (GAO) rejects the protest filed against the Air Force selection of the Northrop Grumman KC-45 aerial refueling tanker, there should be no further delay in the program moving forward.

"We have to keep in mind that the Air Force was ready as early as 2001 to begin replacing the aging KC-135 tanker fleet. The failed tanker lease agreement, coupled with the improper actions of our competitor, put the brakes on the tanker replacement effort," said Randy Belote, Northrop Grumman vice president of corporate & international communications. "If we're given the 'all clear,' it is critical that we get to work."

Aerospace Daily & Defense Report recently quoted Air Mobility Command chief, General Arthur Lichte, as saying that he wants to accelerate purchases of the new KC-45A tanker. He has expressed a desire to get funding approved for the fiscal 2010 budget request now being put together at the Pentagon. The goal is to boost production from 15 per year to 26 per year. A faster infusion of the new aircraft into the fleet would allow faster retirement of maintenance-needy KC-135s; otherwise, some KC-135s will still be flying in 2040.

Belote points out that there are tankers in the air right now that are older than Sputnik, and it is imperative that they be replaced by Northrop Grumman's modern and more capable KC-45s as soon as possible. "Forcing these 50-year-old KC-135s to fly even longer increases the chance of structural and system failures, putting the lives of our men and women at greater unnecessary risk."

Meanwhile, the costs add up. KC-135s cost more per hour to fly than the KC-45. KC-45 airlift capacity will also enable the Air Force to reduce flying hours on the overstressed C-17 fleet, saving over $500 million per year.

In addition, more delay makes it more likely that money currently set aside for the tanker program could be diverted to other service or U.S. Department of Defense programs. The loss of these funds would require drawing on monies set aside for the KC-X program in 2009, which in turn would cause rippling delays to the entire effort and ultimately increase the overall cost of the new tankers.

"While Boeing was within its rights to protest, it has knocked the program three months off schedule," Belote added. "Further delay will achieve nothing but an increase in cost and risk." GAO affirmation of the Air Force selection will be the second win in a row for Northrop Grumman and the KC-45.

"Two in a row should be enough," Belote said. "It is our hope that anyone considering delaying this program any further, for any reason, would weigh their parochial desires against our shared patriotic duty to provide the new tanker to our men and women in uniform as soon as humanly possible."

"If the GAO gives the all clear, it's time to get to work," concluded Belote.

About the KC-45

The KC-45 Tanker aircraft will be assembled in Mobile, Ala. - establishing Mobile as the new cornerstone of the Southern Aerospace Corridor. The program will employ 48,000 American workers at 230 U.S. companies in 49 states; and will be built by a world-class industrial team led by Northrop Grumman, and includes EADS North America, General Electric Aviation and Sargent Fletcher.

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 Expands in Chantilly, Va.

Company Facility Achieves 'Green' Certification

CHANTILLY, Va., June 17, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) will officially open its new facility in Chantilly today as part of the company's information technology (IT) business expansion to add capacity to better serve defense and national security customers.

The ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m. EDT at the Westfields campus of Northrop Grumman's IT sector, 4807 Stonecroft Boulevard in Chantilly, Va.

Highlighting the occasion will be remarks from Wood Parker, president of Northrop Grumman IT's Intelligence group (TASC) and Evan Hineman, former TASC, Inc. president.

Northrop Grumman has also achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System certification at the silver level for this facility. The LEED Green Building Rating System, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, provides a suite of standards for environmentally sustainable construction.

"Northrop Grumman and its partners in design and construction have taken exceptional measures to reduce environmental impact; create an energy efficient facility; reduce water usage; and develop a healthy and productive place for our employees to work," said Parker. "We are proud to have achieved this silver LEED certification."

As part of the U.S. Green Building Council evaluation, the Northrop Grumman building was evaluated on the following criteria: sustainable site; water efficiency; energy and atmosphere; materials and resources; indoor environmental quality; and innovation and design.

This fourth and final Northrop Grumman Westfields facility has five stories and is approximately 112,000 square feet. The facility houses approximately 350 Northrop Grumman employees providing core IT services such as advanced systems engineering and integration services and solutions to the national security community.

"This campus helps facilitate Northrop Grumman's growth by enabling us to consolidate and co-locate teams, house additional office space to support contract awards and allow for future growth," Parker added.

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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Delta Air Lines Grows in Latin America with New Service between New York-JFK and Buenos Aires

Customers invited to enjoy summer in the Southern Hemisphere as nonstop flights between New York-JFK and Argentina start Dec. 18, 2008.

NEW YORK, June 18, 2008 – Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) announced today new nonstop daily service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Buenos Aires, Argentina, starting Dec. 18, 2008.*

The new Delta flight to Buenos Aires complements the airline’s existing daily service to Argentina from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

Delta’s schedule between New York-JFK and Buenos Aires starting Dec.18, 2008: Flight Departs Arrives Frequency

DL 193 New York-JFK at 10 p.m. Buenos Aires at 12:20 p.m. Mon/Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun
DL 192** Buenos Aires at 10:15 p.m. New York-JFK at 6:25 a.m. Mon/Tue/Fri/Sat/Sun

**Flight begins Dec. 19, 2008

In celebration of the new JFK-Buenos Aires service, Delta offers a special one-way introductory fare of $459*** for travel between Jan. 5 and Feb. 27, 2009. Round-trip ticket purchase required. Tickets must be purchased by July 1, 2008. Additional taxes/fees/restrictions/baggage charges may apply. Details are included below.

“Delta continues to move forward with its international expansion despite current challenges of escalating fuel costs, and today we are a strong, competitive leader in the industry,” said Christophe Didier, vice president of Sales and Government Affairs for Latin America and the Caribbean for Delta. “This new flight between New York and Buenos Aires is a tremendously important step as we add more routes and destinations throughout Central and South America and the Caribbean.”

Delta recently announced its new flight between New York-JFK and Bogotá, Colombia, scheduled to begin Aug. 19. From New York, the airline also offers year-round and seasonal nonstop service to 18 destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean, including Guatemala City, Panama City, Sao Paulo, and San Jose and Liberia, Costa Rica, among others.

Delta Air Lines operates service to more worldwide destinations than any airline with Delta and Delta Connection flights to 324 destinations in 62 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 43 trans-Atlantic markets. To Latin America and the Caribbean, Delta offers 600 weekly flights to 62 destinations. Delta's marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and redeem SkyMiles on more than 16,000 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 delta.com.
*Subject to foreign government approval.

***Terms and Conditions: Fare shown is available at delta.com. Tickets cost $25 more if purchased from Delta over the p