Showing posts with label Boeing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Boeing. Show all posts

DTN News - TURKISH DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Begins Maintenance Training For Turkey's Peace Eagle AEW&C Aircraft

DTN News - TURKISH DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Begins Maintenance Training For Turkey's Peace Eagle AEW&C Aircraft

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 24, 2012: The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has begun an extensive maintenance training program for Turkey's Peace Eagle Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) program at a Boeing facility near Seattle.

Classroom training for 10 Turkish Air Force personnel and two Turkish Airlines employees is being conducted by instructors from Boeing Defence Australia and Boeing Training and Flight Services. Turkey's Peace Eagle Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C)

The students will have access to computer-based training, simulators, training devices, and hands-on experience aboard the first Peace Eagle aircraft.

"Training is a critical part of the full capability Boeing is providing in the Peace Eagle program," said Mark Ellis, Peace Eagle program manager for Boeing. "Boeing is working closely with the Turkish Air Force and Turkish industry to ensure that they can effectively use and maintain this powerful airborne surveillance, communications and battle-management system."

81 students are scheduled to take the system maintenance courses at the Boeing facility over the next 10 months. Another 85 will train at the Peace Eagle main operating base in Konya, Turkey. Additionally, mission crew training is under way for 20 Turkish Air Force personnel at a Seattle-area facility.

The Peace Eagle program includes four 737 AEW&C aircraft plus ground support segments for mission crew training, mission support and system maintenance. System requirements verification testing is ongoing at Boeing facilities in Seattle and in Turkey. Turkish Aerospace Industries in Ankara, Turkey, is modifying three aircraft and providing flight operations. HAVELSAN in Ankara is providing system software and the Ground Support Center. Boeing is on plan to deliver the first aircraft by the end of 2012.

The 737-700 commercial airplane on which the AEW&C aircraft is based features 21st century avionics, navigation equipment and flight deck. Because of its advanced technology and a worldwide base of suppliers, parts and support equipment, the aircraft requires minimal downtime for maintenance.

The Peace Eagle AEW&C aircraft is equipped with Northrop Grumman's Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array antenna with integrated Identification Friend-or-Foe capabilities. The system also includes a flexible, open architecture for cost-effective future upgrades, an extensive communications suite and aerial refueling capability.

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DTN News - BOEING NEWS: Boeing Announces Sixth Leg of 787 Dream Tour

DTN News - BOEING NEWS: Boeing Announces Sixth Leg of 787 Dream Tour

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 11, 2012: Boeing (NYSE: BA) will bring the 787 Dreamliner to seven more cities on the sixth leg of the Dream Tour later this month and continuing into May. Stops include cities in the U.K., Norway, Italy and the U.S.

"The Dream Tour has provided us with a great platform to show customers, partners, government officials and other stakeholders just what the team has achieved with the 787," said Larry Loftis, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. "It's an honor to showcase this airplane as we bring it around the world."

The airplane will depart from Seattle on April 21. The dates listed below are landing dates for each city or airport. Customers, employees, partners, government officials and other stakeholders will be invited to attend tour events at each location. There are no general public tour opportunities.

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DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing Delivers Air France's 60th 777 Passenger Jetliner

DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing Delivers Air France's 60th 777 Passenger Jetliner

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / EVERETT, Wash - April 4, 2012: Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Air France celebrated the delivery of Air France’s 60th 777 passenger jetliner on April 3. The airplane, showing taking off from Paine Field in Everett on April 3, is a 777-300ER (Extended Range) model. Air France’s newest 777-300ER seats 468 passengers in a three-class configuration. 

Air France's newest 777-300ER seats 468 passengers in a three-class configuration. The brand-new cabin includes 14 business class lie-flat seat beds measuring over 78.74 inches (2 m) in length, plus an in-seat entertainment system with 15-inch (38 cm) wide screens in 16:9 format. It also features 32 "Alize" new premium economy fixed-shell seats offering 40 percent additional space compared with seats in economy class.

Air France, a member of Sky Team, will operate this 777-300ER between Paris and the French Overseas Departments in the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean regions, including Fort de France, Pointe a Pitre and St-Denis de la Reunion.

By summer 2012, Air France will operate a total of 62 777 passenger jetliners and two 777 Freighters.

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DTN News - DEFEXPO 2012 INDIA: Boeing To Showcase Defense Portfolio For Indian Market At Defexpo

DTN News - DEFEXPO 2012 INDIA: Boeing To Showcase Defense Portfolio For Indian Market At Defexpo

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 27, 2012: Boeing [NYSE: BA] will showcase a comprehensive portfolio of products and services at Defexpo India 2012, including the C-17 Globemaster III, P-8I, AH-64D Apache, CH-47F Chinook, V-22 Osprey, ScanEagle and 737 Airborne Early Warning & Control. Defexpo takes place March 29 to April 1 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.

"India is a significant market for Boeing and we are committed to working closely with the defense ministry, armed forces and indigenous industry to meet India's defense and security needs," said Dennis Swanson, vice president, International Business Development, Boeing Defense, Space & Security in India. "In 2012, we will continue to strengthen our relationships in India through delivering on our promises on our existing P-8I and C-17 contracts; expanding our partnerships with the Indian aerospace industry; and demonstrating how the CH-47 and AH-64 are the right choices to meet India's heavy-lift and attack helicopter requirements."

Boeing will begin its Defexpo participation with a media reception and screening of the Boeing-sponsored film "Rescue" at 7:30 p.m. on March 28 at the Oberoi Hotel.

>India a significant defense market opportunity for Boeing
>Company exhibit and events to focus on program execution, local partnerships
>Indian Air Force to acquire 16 C-17 Globemaster III Airlifters has signed an agreement     with the US government to buy 10 C-17s with an option for 6 more
>Indian Navy has 12 P-8I Neptune aircraft on order with deliveries beginning in 2013. A   total of 24 is planned to be ordered

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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To Boeing $7,189,237 Related To Support Equipment Spares For Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18E/F Aircraft

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS:  U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To Boeing $7,189,237 Related To Support Equipment Spares For Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18E/F Aircraft

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 26, 2012: The Boeing Co., St Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $7,189,237 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N68335-10-G-0012) for the production of operational test program sets in support of the F/A-18E/F aircraft and support equipment spares for the Royal Australian Air Force under the Foreign Military Sales Program.  

Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed in November 2013.
  
Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.

 The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity.

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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To Boeing $30,144,000 To Procure Additional Long Lead Materials In Support Of U.S. Navy P-8A

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS:  U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To Boeing $30,144,000 To Procure Additional Long Lead Materials In Support Of U.S. Navy P-8A

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 26, 2012: The Boeing Co., Seattle, Wash., is being awarded a $30,144,000 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded advance acquisition contract (N00019-09-C-0022) to procure additional long lead materials in support of P-8A Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) III.  

Work will be performed in Seattle, Wash. (63.8 percent); Greenlawn, N.Y. (11.7 percent); Baltimore, Md. (11.0 percent); North Amityville, N.Y. (8.2 percent); and McKinney, Texas (5.3 percent); and is expected to be completed in May 2015.  

Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  

The Naval Air System Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.   

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DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing 787 Dreamliner For Air India Debuts In New Delhi

DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing 787 Dreamliner For Air India Debuts In New Delhi

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / NEW DELHI, - March 12, 2012: After a 14-hour non-stop flight from Seattle, a Boeing (NYSE: BA) 787 Dreamliner in Air India's colors touched down at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi today.

"We're proud to bring the world's most advanced commercial airplane to India, especially when it proudly displays the colors of national flag carrier Air India," said Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president of Asia Pacific and India Sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "This week even more of our airlinecustomers will experience the game-changing technologies and innovations the 787 has to offer."

The 787 will be on static display in New Delhi before debuting at India Aviation 2012 in Hyderabad on March 14. The Dreamliner that will be showcased is outfitted in Air India's livery and an inviting passenger interior featuring full business and economy-class cabins.

Made from composite materials, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the first airplane to provide both long distance capabilities with mid-size capacity. This capability will allow airlines like Air India to profitably operate non-stop routes to many more distant cities, providing choices preferred by the traveling public.

As a result of innovative technologies, the airplane offers unparalleled operating economics, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. More than 800 787s are on order by 60 customers, a testament to the airplane's unique capabilities.

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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers 1st P-8A Poseidon Production Aircraft To US Navy‏

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers 1st P-8A Poseidon Production Aircraft To US Navy‏

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 6, 2012: Boeing [NYSE: BA] on March 4 officially delivered the first production P-8A Poseidon aircraft to the U.S. Navy in Seattle. The P-8A is the first of 13 anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft Boeing will deliver as part of a low-rate initial production (LRIP) contract awarded in 2011.

“Delivering this capability to the warfighter is the ultimate goal and we’re proud to be able to meet our commitment and hand over the P-8A ‘keys’ to the Navy fleet,” said Chuck Dabundo, Boeing vice president and P-8 program manager. “This is a great day for Boeing, our supplier teammates and our Navy customer.”

“The Navy fleet is more than ready to receive the P-8A, which will provide the users and operators a step increase in mission capabilities,” said Rear Admiral Paul Grosklags, U.S. Navy Program Executive Officer for Air Anti-Submarine Warfare, Assault & Special Mission Programs. “Thanks to Boeing and the entire team for its efforts and great partnership to date.”

Following delivery in Seattle, Navy pilots flew the first production P-8A, LRIP1-1, to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., where it will be used for aircrew training.
The Poseidon team is using a first-in-industry in-line production process that draws on Boeing’s Next-Generation 737 production system. All P-8A-unique aircraft modifications are made in sequence during fabrication and assembly.

Along with production aircraft, the P-8A team also has built and is testing six flight-test and two ground-test aircraft. The flight-test aircraft are based at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., and have completed more than 1,500 flight hours.

A derivative of the Next-Generation 737-800, the Poseidon is built by a Boeing-led industry team that includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems, BAE Systems and GE Aviation.

The Navy plans to purchase 117 Boeing 737-based P-8A aircraft to replace its P-3 fleet. Initial operational capability is planned for 2013.

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DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Helicopter Makers Such As Boeing, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp, Bell Helicopter Eye Indian Military Deals

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Helicopter Makers Such As Boeing, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp, Bell Helicopter Eye Indian Military Deals

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 5, 2012:  A raft of helicopter makers such as Boeing, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp, Bell Helicopter, Eurocopter andAgustaWestland are hovering over the civil market in India. But they are also eyeing a bigger prize: military deals. The Indian armed forces are upgrading their ageing fleet and that means big orders and big money, running into billions of dollars, for these companies. 

According to Reuters, Indian Navy plans to induct 50 light helicopters. First off the block is an order for 16 multi role helicopters. Indian Army has a joint requirement for about 400 light helicopters along with the Air Force. Some companies are upbeat about the recent contact to buy war planes worth $15 billion that the government awarded to France's Dassault Rafale. 

Mick Maurer, president of Sikorsky Military Systems, says the procurement process in India is getting better. "It is more rigorous and more transparent. We believe that suits us very well." Maurer says in the long term, Sikorsky sees a 3:1 ratio vis-a-vis the military and commercial sales in terms of the size of the market. But he says both are very complementary markets. Many of the machines can be used for commercial and quasi-defence activities. 

If the civil copter market in India has come alive, it is thanks to the armed forces. Foreign companies in the defence market are bound by what is called offset obligations. India's defence procurement policy rules that foreign companies require that win contracts of 300 crore or more must procure equipment worth at least 30% of the deal amount from local suppliers to boost the homegrown arms industry. 

The Indian military has also become smarter, according to foreign company executives. "Sometimes manufacturers give a special price on aircraft, but raise the price on the support side. India has become aware of this and now looks at the total lifecycle costs in deals," says Maurer. 

The upshot is that companies like Sikorsky and Eurocopter have partnered Indian counterparts to set up base in India. Sikorsky has formed two joint ventures with the Tatas to make helicopter cabins and aircraft components. Eurocopter, which formed an Indian unit in 2010, has tieups with the Mahindras, the Tatas and governmentowned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. AgustaWestland, the helicopter unit of Finmeccanica SpA of Italy, has a joint venture with the Tatas called Indian Rotorcraft. 

All these companies plan to expand in India. Textron, the parent company of Bell Helicopter, has opened a new global technology centre in Bangalore with more than 400 engineers. Bell plans to expand the workforce there over the next year, says the company's India head, BS Singh Deo. An AgustaWestland spokesman says the company recently opened a new larger office in Delhi. Copter makers are also expanding the customer support network by establishing authorised service centres along with a posse of engineers and technicians. 

All this bodes well for the commercial market. The AgustaWestland spokesman says construction work is about to start on the Indian Rotorcraft's facility in Hyderabad , which will produce the company's eight-seat utility helicopter AW119. Sikorsky eventually plans to produce helicopters that are virtually "100% done here" . "We are already a local company," says Maurer. 

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DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Indian Navy Purchasing 9 More Poseidon P-81 Maritime Surveillance And Patrol Aircraft

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Indian Navy Purchasing 9 More Poseidon P-81 Maritime Surveillance And Patrol Aircraft

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 3, 2012: The Indian government has allocated its navy funds to buy an additional nine mid-range reconnaissance airplanes for nearly $1 billion.

The new aircraft will assist in maintaining India's Indian Ocean security and supplement the Indian navy's earlier order of P-8I Poseidon long-range reconnaissance airplanes from U.S. defense manufacturer Boeing.

The tender for the new aircraft is being sought by not only by Boeing and U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin, but Sweden's Saab, France's Dassault Aviation, Brazil's Embraer and European concern EADS, Web site navaltoday.com reported.

India's military specifications demand the new aircraft must carry missiles and torpedoes capable of destroying both surface ships and submarines and have a minimum flight range of the airplanes of 400 miles. The range of Boeing's P-8I is in excess of 1,250 miles.

In 2008 India signed an initial procurement contract with Boeing for eight P-8I Poseidon airplanes worth $2.1 billion, with another contract for an additional four P-8Is expected to be signed this month, as India intends to increase its fleet of Poseidon P-81 patrol aircraft to 24 in total.

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DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing Celebrates 1,000th 777

DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing Celebrates 1,000th 777

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 2, 2012: Boeing (NYSE: BA) and more than 5,000 employees, suppliers, customers and government officials celebrated the 1,000th 777 at a special event today. The 1,000th 777 jetliner will be delivered to Dubai-based Emirates later this month.

"As the largest 777 customer, it's very appropriate that Emirates is the recipient of our milestone1,000th 777," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Emirates has set an industry high bar in providing excellent customer service and we're honored that the 777 is central to its efforts to be a global airline leader."
Last year was the best year on record for 777 sales with 200 orders from 22 customers – topping the previous record of 154 set in 2005. Production is at an all-time high for the program and a 20 percent rate increase begins this fall, increasing from seven to 8.3 airplanes per month. The program will begin building 100 airplanes per year beginning in 2013.    

Emirates is the 777 program's largest customer with 102 777s now in its fleet and 84 passenger airplanes and nine freighters on order. Emirates is the only airline that operates all six members of the 777 family.

"Emirates is honored to be the recipient of Boeing's 1000th 777 aircraft whose advanced long range capacity has been instrumental in our success of becoming a truly global airline," said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline and Group. "As the world's largest operator of the 777, we have 93 more 777s on order, which is testament to our belief in the product and the role this aircraft will play in our goal to further establish Dubai as a central gateway to worldwide air travel."

"The ultimate measure of success in this business is when you reach the 1,000 mark," said Larry Loftis, who until recently was vice president and general manager of the 777 program. "Reaching this milestone puts the 777 in an exclusive club and I would like to thank all our employees, suppliers and customers who made it possible."

"Reaching this milestone requires two things," Loftis added. "A product that provides exceptional value and a world-class production system to reliably bring that product to the marketplace – and we have both on the 777 program. As a result, the 777 program reached this milestone faster than any other twin-aisle airplane because of the 777's proven performance, exceptional value, continuous innovation and progressive environmental performance."

The 1,000th 777 is a 777-300ER (extended range) model that seats 360 passengers in a three-class configuration.  

To date, Boeing has recorded orders for 1,361 777s to 64 customers around the globe.  

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DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing, Air Astana Announce Order For Four 767-300ERs And Three 787 Dreamliners

DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing, Air Astana Announce Order For Four 767-300ERs And Three 787 Dreamliners

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 1, 2012: Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Air Astana have announced an order for four 767-300ERs (Extended Range) and three 787-8s. The order is valued at $1.3 billion at current list prices, making this the largest single order for commercial airplanes in Kazakhstan's history.

"Our decision to order the Boeing airplanes is part of Air Astana's long-term growth strategy to expand and modernize our fleet with newer, more fuel-efficient airplanes to serve domestic, regional and international routes," said Peter Foster, president, Air Astana.  "In addition, we want to offer an enhanced travel experience for our customers which we shall be able to do on these airplanes."          

In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to mid-size airplanes, the 787 provides airlines with unmatched fuel efficiency using 20 percent less fuel than today's similarly sized airplanes. Passengers will also see improvements on the 787, from an interior environment with higher humidity to increased comfort and convenience.  

The Boeing 767 family is a complete family of clean, quiet, fuel-efficient airplanes that provide maximum market versatility in the 200- to 300-seat market. Boeing has delivered more than 1,000 767s that are flown by over 120 operators around the world.

"We are extremely pleased that Air Astana has partnered with Boeing to participate in the region's growing air transport market," said Marty Bentrott, vice president of sales for Middle East, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Today, airlines are increasingly looking at lower operating costs and fuel efficiency without compromising on technological innovations and customer experience. We are confident that both the 767-300ER and the 787 Dreamliner will play an important role as Air Astana continues with its expansion plans."

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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing B-1 Bomber Completes 10,000th Combat Mission

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing B-1 Bomber Completes 10,000th Combat Mission

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 28, 2012:  The Boeing [NYSE: BA] B-1 bomber aircraft has completed its 10,000th combatmission. The heavy bomber entered service with the U.S. Air Force on June 29, 1985, and has been in nearly continuous combat for the past 10 years. The milestone mission took off from a base in Southwest Asia and was flown in support of operations over Afghanistan before returning to base.

"The B-1 brings tremendous flexibility to our nation's defense," said Lt. Col. Alejandro Gomez, mission team lead. "In any mission, the B-1 has the ability to loiter, dash, positively identify targets, show force, and strike targets precisely. Whatever our aircrews are asked to do, they can perform with this aircraft."

B-1 crews in Southwest Asia fly a variety of missions, including close air support for troops on the ground, giving them cover and alerting them to threats they cannot see. On-site maintainers keep thefleet ready to fly.

"10,000 conventional combat missions for a relatively small fleet of 66 B-1s is a major milestone and a testament to the men and women who built, sustain and modernize the fleet, including the U.S. Air Force, Boeing and our subcontractors," said Rick Greenwell, Boeing B-1 program director. "We continue to draw on expertise and experience from across Boeing to enhance our support of this amazing aircraft."

The B-1 bomber has advanced over the years as it is modified for current needs. The aircraft began as a nuclear bomber and moved into a solely conventional role in the 1990s. It carries the largest payload in the Air Force's long-range bomber fleet -- during Operation Iraqi Freedom, it dropped 40 percent of all weapons while flying only 5 percent of the sorties.

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DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Indian Government Sanction $ 1Billion For Navy Aircraft Deal

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Indian Government Sanction $ 1Billion For Navy Aircraft Deal

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 27, 2012: The government has finally approved the naval proposal to acquire nine advanced medium range maritime reconnaissance (MRMR) aircraft, which will cost upwards of $1 billion, to ensure Indian Ocean can be guarded against both conventional and terror threats. 

These MRMR planes will be in addition to the 12 long-range (LRMR) aircraft already being acquired for the Navy at a $3.1 billion price tag. After first inking the $2.1 billion contract in 2009 for eight Boeing-manufactured P-8I LRMR aircraft, which will be inducted in the 2013-2015 timeframe, the defence ministry is now finalizing the follow-on deal for four more such planes. 

The MRMR project got the "acceptance of necessity'' from the Defence Acquisitions Council, chaired by A K Antony, last week, sources said. Several global aviation majors, ranging from American Boeing and Lockheed Martin to Swedish SAAB, French Dassault Aviation, Brazilian Embraer and European EADS are in contention for this big contract. 

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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Marks 1st Anniversary Of KC-46A Tanker Contract Award

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Marks 1st Anniversary Of KC-46A Tanker Contract Award

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 24, 2012: The Boeing [NYSE: BA] KC-46 Tanker program today marked the first anniversary of receiving a U.S. Air Force contract to build the next-generation aerial refueling tanker, the KC-46A. Over the past year, the program has completed key milestones in support of the design and development phase on or ahead of schedule, and is now preparing for a Preliminary Design Review (PDR) in March.

"The KC-46 program is on a good path. Boeing's performance thus far has been solid," said Maj. Gen. Chris Bogdan, KC-46 Program Executive Officer, U.S. Air Force. "Our commitment is to deliver the KC-46A to the nation's warfighters, on schedule and ready to go to war on Day One, as the world's most advanced tanker. I'm pleased to report that Boeing is meeting its commitments."

Since receiving the contract on Feb. 24, 2011, the Boeing KC-46 team has completed several major milestones, including a System Requirements Review, Integrated Baseline Review, 767-2C PDR, and Firm Configuration Reviews for the 767-2C and the KC-46A Tanker.

"I'm very proud of our joint team," said Maureen Dougherty, Boeing KC-46 Tanker vice president and program manager. "We're drawing on the best of Boeing's industry-leading commercial airplane and defense expertise as we design and develop the KC-46A, which is a next-generation derivative aircraft. We remain on plan to deliver the first 18 combat-ready tankers by 2017."

The PDR, which will ensure that Boeing's design meets system requirements, will be followed by a Critical Design Review (CDR) in the third quarter of 2013. The CDR determines that the design of the KC-46A is mature and ready to proceed to the manufacturing phase of the program.

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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To Boeing For 32 CH-47F New Build Cargo Helicopters

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To Boeing For 32 CH-47F New Build Cargo Helicopters

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 14, 2012: The Boeing Co., Ridley Park, Pa., was awarded a $676,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure 32 CH-47F new build cargo helicopters. 

 Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2015.  

One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  

The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-C-0098).

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DTN News - SINGAPORE DEFENSE NEWS: Singapore Seeks Tankers, Tranports, ASW

DTN News - SINGAPORE DEFENSE NEWS: Singapore Seeks Tankers, Tranports, ASW

 (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 11, 2012: Airbus Military could be one of the main beneficiaries of the Singapore air force’s next round of procurements. Singapore has at the top of its procurement list aerial refueling tankers, strategic airlifters and anti-submarine warfare fixed-wing aircraft, purchases that will see that the island continues to be, for the next few years at least, the biggest spender on new defense equipment in Southeast Asia.

The 2011 defense budget was SG$12.1 billion ($9.6 billion), accounting for 26% of the government budget and about 5% of gross domestic product (GDP). Some analysts estimate that Singapore, with a population of about five million, spends more on defense per capita than any country but Israel.

Defense has always been a top priority, ever since Singapore gained independence in 1965. The nation’s founder, Lee Kwan Yew, recently said in the book Hard Truths, that “without a strong defense, there will be no Singapore. It will become a satellite, cowed and intimidated by its neighbors.”

Singapore has close defense ties with Israel, a point that is downplayed—because it is politically sensitive—but one that is important to remember because it explains why Israeli companies are short-listed by the Singaporeans for upcoming defense purchases. The Israelis are in the running to supply aerial refueling tankers and anti-submarine warfare fixed-wing aircraft.

Aerial refueling tankers are at the top of the list because the air force needs to replace its four Boeing KC-135Rs. An important requirement is that the new tankers be able to assist the air force’s Boeing F-15SGs flying between Singapore and its overseas detachment at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho.

The Boeing KC-46A would ordinarily be the front-runner but Boeing may have to struggle to win the Singapore contract. The manufacturer is already committed to deliver 18 KC-46As to the U.S. Air Force by 2017, leaving no early delivery slots for foreign customers. A Boeing official told Aviation Week in July 2011 that it can deliver KC-46As to foreign customers as early as 2018. But that may be too late for Singapore. Industry executives say Singapore’s air force has been complaining about the difficulty and cost of maintaining the aging KC-135Rs. But the need to secure aerial refueling tankers sooner rather than later creates an opportunity for Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), which converts 767s to tankers.

However, industry executives familiar with the situation say the front-runner in this competition is the Airbus Military A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). Australian air force officials told DTI at the LIMA air show in Malaysia in December that the Singapore air force was interested in the A330MRTT and that the organizers of the Singapore air show were pushing to have a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) tanker on display there. The RAAF, however, has declined the request. They say the only reason the A330MRTT was brought to LIMA was because it had to be in Malaysia for a joint military exercise.

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DTN News - U.K. DEFENSE NEWS: UK To Buy Another Boeing C-17 Military Plane

DTN News - U.K. DEFENSE NEWS: UK To Buy Another Boeing C-17 Military Plane

 (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 9, 2012: The aircraft, which will cost £200m, will be based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire along with the other aircraft in the fleet which are operated by 99 Squadron. The multi-million pound C-17 aircraft can fly over 4,500 nautical miles, meaning it can fly directly from Helmand Province to the UK.

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said:
"The C-17 has shown its worth in Afghanistan ensuring that our troops are given the fastest, most efficient passage home. It is a vastly impressive aircraft that can carry three Apache helicopters, or take a whole Chinook helicopter. This latest addition to the RAF fleet will further strengthen the vital airbridge between Britain and Afghanistan, ensuring critical deliveries are made to the front line.

“Buying equipment off-the-shelf allows us to quickly deliver equipment that our troops need on operations at best value prices for the tax payer and is a great example of the White Paper, announced last week, in action.”

As well as transporting troops and equipment, C-17s can also be converted rapidly to offer Intensive Care provision in support of the Aeromedical Airbridge. One aircraft is on standby 24-hours a day to fly seriously injured personnel back to the UK at short notice. The aircraft can also be deployed to help with humanitarian and disaster relief efforts around the world.

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DTN News - AUSTRALIA DEFENSE NEWS: Australia Acceptance Of Two CH-47D Chinook Helicopters

DTN News - AUSTRALIA DEFENSE NEWS: Australia Acceptance Of Two CH-47D Chinook Helicopters

 (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 3, 2012: Minister for Defence Stephen Smith announced on Wednesday ~ February 1, 2012 that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) fleet of Chinooks has increased to seven following the arrival of two additional CH-47D Chinook helicopters in Townsville.

In November last year, the Government approved the purchase of the two ex-United States Army Chinooks following the loss of one ADF Chinook on operations in Afghanistan in May 2011.

The Minister said the new Chinooks would enter a period of deep maintenance and modification to bring them up to the same configuration as the existing ADF Chinook fleet.

Both Chinooks are scheduled to be delivered to the Australian Army to support operations by the middle of 2012.

The CH-47D Chinook is a highly capable medium-lift utility helicopter.  Its roles include troop movement, battlefield equipment transport, search and rescue and disaster relief.

Chinooks have been highly capable workhorses since they entered ADF service in 1995 in operations both in Australia and overseas.

Chinooks have been deployed on Operation Slipper in Afghanistan since 2006.

They have performed an outstanding service for both ADF and International Security Assistance Forces and are in high demand across Afghanistan due to their superior performance in hot and high altitude conditions.

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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To Boeing Ten C-17 Transport Aircrafts For Indian Air Force

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To Boeing Ten C-17 Transport Aircrafts For Indian Air Force

 (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 2, 2012: The Boeing Co., Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a $1,781,413,723 firm-fixed-price contract for a modification is a Foreign Military Sales requirement for the Indian Air Force.  

Ten C-17 aircraft will be procured for the IAF.  The location of the performance is Long Beach, Calif.  

Work is expected to be completed by Jul. 28, 2014.  ASC/WLMK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8614-06-D-2006, DO 0009).

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