This order is the second production contract for Rolls-Royce as part of its involvement in the JSF programme. The previous contract, for LRIP 2 and signed in December 2008, was for $131m.

The Rolls-Royce LiftSystem comprises a LiftFan, Roll Posts and 3 Bearing Swivel Module. Rolls-Royce will provide these through the propulsion system prime contractor Pratt & Whitney, with module deliveries having already commenced in July 2009 under the Long Lead provision within the contract. The scope of the contract also includes spare hardware, production investment and sustainment planning.

Simon Henley, Director for New Product Introduction at Rolls-Royce Defence Aerospace, said:

'This new contract, together with the imminent first flight of the F-35 in STOVL mode, shows the Rolls-Royce LiftSystem programme is now generating real momentum and that Rolls-Royce technology is helping to bring a step change in air combat technology.

'As the LiftSystem programme continues to gain momentum on both sides of the Atlantic we are looking forward to supporting the flight trials with the LiftSystem engaged in the F-35B at the Naval Air Station at Patuxent River'.

Orders for the LiftSystem are expected to total over 600, with leading customers including the US Marine Corps, The UK Armed Forces and the Italian Navy. The F-35B variant is expected to remain in service well after 2050.

Rolls-Royce engineers in Bristol, UK and Indianapolis, US, are involved in design and assembly of the LiftSystem, with component manufacture also taking place at the Hucknall and Bristol sites in the UK.

This production contract follows on from the $1.1bn contract signed with Pratt & Whitney in 2001 to develop the F135 STOVL Propulsion System.

— WebWireID108246 —

People from as far away as New Zealand participated in Kennedy's first Tweetup, an event where bloggers meet face-to-face and share their experiences in 140 character online bursts. During the two-day event Twitter users, or Tweeps, took behind-the-scenes tours of Kennedy, spoke at length with NASA astronauts, technicians, engineers and managers, and saw a launch from the vantage point usually reserved for more traditional media.

"We were very excited by the extraordinary number of people from all over the world who participated," said Lori Garver, NASA's deputy administrator. "NASA will continue to evolve with the social media environment and look for new ways to engage the public and spread the word about the tremendous things we do."

The Tweetup, identified by the search term #nasatweetup, was the third highest trending topic Nov. 15 on the social networking service. The micro-blogs, or tweets, are text-based Internet posts that are delivered to the author's subscribers. The more than 100 people in attendance had over 150,000 followers. As people share and forward the information, the potential online reach could be in the millions.

People from 21 states and the District of Columbia attended, as did guests who flew from Canada, England, Morocco and New Zealand. Participants ranged in age from 18 to more than 60, with most being under age 40. NASA Television also streamed video of Tweetup events online where more than 7,500 viewers watched the events prior to launch.

"The way people are communicating and receiving information is undergoing a global revolution," said Morrie Goodman, NASA's assistant administrator for Public Affairs. "NASA is a recognized leader in adopting social media and this is another exciting 'first' for the agency."

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory held the first NASA Tweetup on Jan. 21. NASA Headquarters held its first Tweetup on July 21, followed by another from Headquarters Sept. 24 that featured the STS-127 space shuttle crew. On Oct. 21, NASA held a smaller Tweetup, allowing 35 Tweeps to talk with Nicole Stott and Jeff Williams aboard the International Space Station via a live downlink.

In April, Mike Massimino (@Astro_Mike) became NASA's first astronaut to tweet. Astro_Mike reached 1 million Twitter followers on Sept. 23. He sent his first tweet from space while flying on the STS-125 Hubble servicing mission in May. Since then, 12 other NASA astronauts have set up Twitter accounts. You can follow them individually or through the NASA Astronauts Twitter account at:

http://twitter.com/NASA_Astronauts

To view the Nov. 15 portion of the Tweetup on YouTube, visit:

http://www.youtube.com/user/NASAtelevision#p/u/3/wl9zBgpmdjQ

To view photos from the STS-129 launch Tweetup, visit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasahqphoto/sets/72157622806978124

For more information about NASA's Tweetup events, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/tweetup

To view all NASA's Twitter and other social media accounts at:

http://www.nasa.gov/connect

For more information about space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

— WebWireID108225 —

'This contract significantly expands our role supporting SPAWAR and the warfighter,' said Richard Anderson, vice president and general manager of integrated technical solutions for BAE Systems. 'It also continues our long history of performance in the Charleston area.'

The contract includes an initial one-year award, four option years, plus three award-term years. If all of the options are exercised, the cumulative value could reach more than $233 million. Subcontractors will include Lockheed Martin and a number of small businesses.

The work will be managed from BAE Systems' new facility in North Charleston, South Carolina, which opened earlier this year as the consolidation of three previous sites. About 400 employees are currently based at the facility, and there are plans to add as many as 175 jobs by the end of 2010.

— WebWireID108212 —

The two 90m Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard are part of a £150 million contract to build, integrate, test and commission (up to sea trials) three ships for the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Under the programme the defence company will also provide training and a five year in-service support package, while the UK Ministry of Defence is providing advice to the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and operational sea training to the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard crews.

Mrs Shellanne Archer, of Scarborough, Tobago, who will launch the second vessel and name her Scarborough during the celebrations on the Clyde, said: 'These ships provide the capability to enable our Coast Guard to protect the territorial waters of Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean region. Together with my husband, the Captain Designate, I look forward to a long association with Scarborough as she fulfils her vital role in delivering future maritime security to our region.'

Scott Jamieson, Trinidad and Tobago Programme Director at BAE Systems, said: 'The contract with the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago demonstrates our position as one of the world's leading exporters of naval ships. Developing international markets not only ensures that we can deliver future naval capability to our overseas customers, but it also secures the long-term sustainability of the maritime industry in the UK.'

Lord Davies, Government Minister for Trade, Investment and Small Business, said: "I am delighted that the UK is able to provide Trinidad and Tobago with these highly capable ships. The UK Government will work with BAE Systems and the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard to make sure the crews get the most out of their new vessels."

The three Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago will perform a range of Economic Exclusion Zone (EEZ) management, special operations and maritime law enforcement tasks. The first of the ships is being constructed at BAE Systems' Portsmouth facility, while the second and third vessels are being built at its yard at Scotstoun on the Clyde.

Technical specification:

* Length overall 90.5 metres
* Breadth moulded 13.5 metres
* Draught 3.5 metres
* Speed in excess of 25 knots
* Range at 12 knots greater than 5,500nm
* Endurance 35 days
* Nominal crew of 60

Other features include:

* Capable sensor and weapons fit integrated within a command and control system
* Comprehensive communication system
* Ability to conduct sea boardings using onboard RIB and Fast Interceptor Craft
* Accommodation for 50 fully equipped troops
* Ability to conduct helicopter operations
* Ample deck space for the transport of containers and additional craft
* Ability to replenish at sea

— WebWireID108204 —

When an experimental plane crashed into the ocean off Catalina Island near Los Angeles, search and recovery proved impossible. The depth of water and strength of the currents made conditions too dangerous for divers. But since March this year, the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department (LASD) have had the 1000 metre rated remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Falcon DR, from Saab, ready for such investigations.

Significantly extended capability

Saab's Seaeye Falcon DR significantly extends the LASD's inspection and recovery capability, enabling the reach of larger areas offshore and around Los Angeles, and the possibility to undertake Homeland Security operations. The ROV will now aid the recovery of previously unrecoverable boats and aircraft, including an inspection of the Catalina site.
Contributing to diver safety

The Seaeye Falcon DR saves valuable dive time and contributes to diver safety. By using the Falcon's onboard camera and high intensity lights, the ROV operator can pinpoint what the diver cannot see and direct the diver to the location of interest. The ROV can also keep a watchful eye on the diver and transport the diver's tools and equipment. A range of tools and survey kit can easily be added to and changed for different missions, such as explosives detection.

The Seaeye Falcon DR is the second Falcon bought by the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department. The first was a 300 metre rated model used for rapid deployment during in-shore search and recovery operations.

— WebWireID108189 —

The bid, submitted a day before the 18 Nov deadline, is for the £1bn Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme (WCSP), which will provide the mainstay of the Infantry's frontline fleet in Afghanistan and future conflicts. It features a new turret and weapon system to increase firepower; a fully digital 'operating system' to improve fightability and survivability, and allow plug-and-play future upgrades; and a modular armour system for quick and simple adjustments to protect against ever-changing threats.

BAE Systems has invested over £40m of its own money in developing the new gun, turret and electronic architecture to ensure the equipment can be delivered to the front line on time and to budget.

Jan Söderström, managing director of BAE Systems' Vehicles business, explains the thinking behind its decision to opt for an all-new turret.

'As the manufacturer of Warrior, we took the view that modifying the existing turret was not a satisfactory solution as it could raise safety issues. Instead we have developed a completely new design which fully meets the UK Ministry of Defence's protection requirements and has many similarities with our FRES Scout turret to maximise the benefits of commonality in areas such as training and logistics.'

The front of BAE Systems' FRES and Warrior turrets are very similar - the gunner crew station is identical - and feature optimised crew stations and large hatches designed to accommodate today's and tomorrow's soldier wearing full Osprey body armour. (Soldiers are getting bigger and crew positions in many existing vehicles are becoming too cramped to accommodate them or allow easy exit from the vehicle in an emergency).

The BAE Systems turret design is also optimised for the all-new weapon system (CT40) mandated by the UK MoD for Warrior and FRES SV. The ammunition is carried low to optimise performance, crew safety and the highly-reliable feed system can be accessed from under armour. It is based on the highly successful MTIP2 programme which saw the BAE Systems CT40 turret, mounted on Warrior, fire on the move over a period of four months in 2008.

The CT40 weapon system and turret's ease of use, ability to fire on the move, versatility and much-increased punch means that it will give a major improvement over the 30mm Rarden gun currently used in Warrior. It fires a one-kilo high-explosive round which has three times the terminal effect of the Rarden shell and can be detonated in mid-air above the target to attack troops behind cover.

BAE Systems has delivered well over 40 Urgent Operational Requirements (UORs) for Warrior in the last five years, many of them working closely with the Defence Support Group, and this experience has also fed into two other areas of its bid – the Enhanced Electronic Architecture (WEEA) and the Modular Protection System (WMPS).

WEEA is very similar to the electronic architecture BAE Systems is offering for FRES SV and is genuinely open architecture, 'future-proofing' the vehicle and allowing simple integration of new or upgraded systems from any vendor.

WMPS will provide a 'productionised' mounting system for the various armour fits developed for the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts under UORs and allow quick changes to meet new threats. BAE Systems has also developed a new blast-attenuating driver's seat to further improve earlier UOR mine protection measures, such as a new belly plate and stiffer suspension to restore the vehicle's ride height.

'All these changes have to be managed in a holistic way,' says Warrior campaign director Judith Eastwood. 'For instance, as Warrior weight has grown, we have developed better brakes. These generate extra heat, which has to be managed to avoid knock-on effects.

'We have 30 years' experience of Warrior, so we understand it as a system and can provide and support a technically superior, affordable WCSP solution that will meet the needs of the British Army for the next 25 years.'

Under WCSP 643 vehicles will receive WEEA and WMPS. 449 of them will also get the new turret and weapon system under the WFLIP (Warrior Fightability and Lethality Improvement Programme). The remaining vehicles will carry out other roles including repair and recovery.

— WebWireID108178 —

Following Lockheed Martin Australia's successful acquisition of RLM Group in 2008, its workforce grew to more than 400, making a larger facility necessary. With 200 employees still based in Adelaide, Lockheed Martin Australia Electronic Systems (LMAES) also will retain its original facility at Edinburgh.

After successfully delivering the JORN Over the Horizon Radar to the Australian Government, Lockheed Martin, in partnership with the Over The Horizon Systems Program Office and BAE Systems, has continued to provide sustainment for the program and is currently developing enhancements under the JORN Phase 5 program.

Jack Mahoney, General Manager of LMAES, said the Mawson Lakes facility, in conjunction with LMAES facilities in Newcastle, NSW, also would carry out sustainment work on the Australian Defence Force's Tactical Air Defence Radar Systems, one of which has recently completed a successful deployment in Afghanistan.

"Going forward," Mahoney added, "employees at this facility will work with Lockheed Martin colleagues in Victoria and in the U.S. to pursue upcoming programs in Aeronautics, Command and Control, including JORN Phase 6, and Maritime programs, including upgrading the Collins-class submarines and development of the Future Submarine."

At the official opening, Premier Rann also announced that LMAES, in supporting the further growth of the defence industry in SA, had made a $750,000, three-year commitment to the Defence Systems Innovation Centre (DSIC), for a range of services including consulting and task-specific support, education and training courses as well as applied research.

Lockheed Martin Australia Ltd (LMAL), a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation [NYSE:LMT], is headquartered in Canberra and is a leader in systems integration on major programs spanning the aerospace, defence and civil sectors. LMAL employs more than 440 people at sites across Australia.

— WebWireID108171 —

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., November 19, 2009 — Exact Flow, a supplier of precision flow measurement instrumentation for the world's most demanding applications, has introduced the Mini-Comp™ Dual-rotor Turbine Flow Meter. This exceptionally precise flow metering solution is supported by a miniature flow computer. Flow straighteners are not required with the Mini-Comp, making it easy to install in limited space often found in aircraft, race cars and congested test stands.

The Mini-Comp Dual-rotor Turbine Meter System houses the ultimate electronic processor, providing total compensation to enhance flow meter accuracy, while extending the linear flow range. The Mini-Comp tracks all variables to compensate for viscosity effects due to fluid temperature variations. Enhanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology allows for exceptional signal characterization and fast response (3 mS) to output dynamic data in engineering units. The Mini-Comp incorporates a unique pickoff system, which is impervious to vibration and provides an RTD temperature sensor thermal well for improved response to temperature/viscosity compensation. This fully-functional flow computer offers all the same features as larger models providing:

• Multiple scaled outputs (two frequency, one voltage)
• Extended range linearization
• Temperature compensation
• Universal Viscosity Curve (UVC) compensation
• User interface software
• RS485 communications

The Mini-Comp allows for 100 percent interchangeability for quick meter replacement in critical flow systems as found in race cars, test stands, UAVs, LVJs and OEM applications. The unit is built on the foundation of the proven performance offered by Exact dual-rotor turbine flowmeter technology using ceramic, long-life dual bearings; anti-rotational clamped internals; helical rotors; and precision calibrations provided by Flow Dynamics. Calibration uncertainty is ≤0.05 percent of reading. This compact, lightweight design offers a repeatability of ±0.02 percent and linearity of ±0.1 percent of reading over the entire repeatable flow range. Standard range is 0.035 to 6.0 Gallons Per Minute (GPM); additional ranges are available.

About Exact Flow

Exact Flow, based in Scottsdale, Arizona USA, is the only supplier of innovative dual-rotor turbine flowmeter technology, delivering unique designs to meet the application requirements of the aerospace, industrial, automotive and OEM markets. Exact Flow's primary focus is to enhance customer value by specializing in advanced embedded electronics, multiple process variable measurements and unique packaging, which minimizes the need for additional sensors and installation expense. Learn more at http://www.exactflow.com.

— WebWireID108146 —

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., November 18, 2009 — Ircon®, the worldwide leader in infrared (IR) noncontact temperature measurement, has introduced the new Modline® 6 Series of infrared thermometers. The new line of high performance sensors features advanced signal processing and background-reflected energy compensation capabilities, and includes one-and two-color fiber optic IR devices designed for harsh operating environments.

The rugged Modline 6 Series thermometers deliver the best value in terms of price, performance, features and ease-of-use of any available fiber-optic infrared thermometer. They are used in a variety of demanding industrial applications, including metal heat treating, steel production, foundries, and primary and secondary glass.

The Modline 6 firmware now provides engineers with enhanced signal processing options, including averaging, "peak hold" and "valley hold.' The thermometers also incorporate a state-of-the-art electro-optic design offering built-in compensation for background-reflected energy. These features are accessed via Modline 6 Multidrop Support Software, which is intended for remote sensor configuration and data acquisition, display and archiving. The software includes demonstration tutorials that pictorially guide users step-by-step through the setup of signal processing and programmable relay functions.

Proprietary electronics support other advanced features, including two-way serial communications, remote sensor setup and configuration, real-time display of target temperature, and field calibration software.

The Modline 6 sensor includes a fiber-optic re-imaging lens interfacing to an electronics box, which has a bright LED display for access to key sensor functions and live temperature output. With the Modline 6, there is no need to open the electronics box when adjustments to sensor settings are required.

Modline 6 Series thermometers use high-speed digital signal processors with an RS-485 serial data communications networking capability supporting up to 32 sensors. System requirements for the Modline 6 Multidrop Support Software include a personal computer with a minimum of 4 MB of RAM operating under Microsoft® Windows NT4/Windows 2000/XP. The software is included at no additional cost with all new Modline 6 Series thermometers.

About Raytek and Ircon

Headquartered in Santa Cruz, Calif., Ircon has joined with Raytek to offer a complete IR solution, including the industry's most complete line of infrared sensors, linescanners and process imaging systems. Raytek, a Fluke company, is the worldwide leader in noncontact temperature measurement. Raytek designs, manufactures and markets a complete line of infrared (IR) temperature measurement instruments for industrial, maintenance and quality control applications. Raytek distributes its products worldwide with subsidiaries located in Europe and China. For more information, visit http://www.raytek.com or http://www.ircon.com

— WebWireID108145 —

The live call from orbit will take place between 11:08 a.m. and 11:28 a.m. CST. Twenty students, ranging from kindergarten to college age, will ask questions of Wilmore and fellow astronauts Nicole Stott and Leland Melvin. Stott has served as a flight engineer and member of the Expedition 21 crew living aboard the International Space Station for more than two months. She will return to Earth aboard Atlantis. Melvin is a mission specialist and crewmate of Wilmore's aboard Atlantis.

Reporters interested in attending the event should contact Monica Greppin at 931-372-3214.

Gordon is the chairman of the House Science and Technology Committee. Wilmore was born and raised in Gordon's district in Tennessee and earned bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering from Tennessee Technological University.

The downlink is one in a series with educational organizations in the U.S. and abroad to improve teaching and learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It is an integral component of NASAs Teaching From Space office. The office promotes learning opportunities and builds partnerships with the education community using the unique environment of human spaceflight.

— WebWireID108132 —

L-ROD bar armor is a lightweight, modular bar armor system made of an aluminium alloy that provides protection against rocket-propelled grenades, or RPGs, without compromising the operational capabilities of the vehicle or adding significant weight.

'These RPG defense systems represent BAE Systems' commitment to the soldier and our guiding principle — 'We Protect Those Who Protect US®,' said Neil Piscitelli, L-ROD director for BAE Systems. 'L-ROD bar armor saves lives. There is a genuine need for this product, and we will continue to deliver.'

Weighing less than half of comparable steel designs, the low-cost L-ROD system bolts onto the vehicle without welding or cutting and can be repaired easily in the field due to its modular design. BAE Systems manufactures the L-ROD bar armor kits on an automated production line in Austin that opened earlier this year.

— WebWireID108130 —

Dragon Runner is a small, rugged robot that weighs between 10-20kg depending on the chosen configuration. It can be easily carried by a soldier in a backpack and is robust enough to operate in rough terrain to help protect troops. The variant selected by the UK MOD is equipped with a manipulator arm to assist with the disarming of improvised explosive devices but the versatility of the Dragon Runner platform means that it can also be configured for a variety of other reconnaissance and surveillance operations. The Dragon Runner robot is also able to operate in sewers, drainpipes, caves and courtyards to detect danger.

Already being deployed, the all-seeing, all-listening Dragon Runner has the ability to send video footage back to the operator at a safe distance thereby enabling troops to assess a situation prior to moving forward or entering a structure, potentially safeguarding lives.

The backpack-able Dragon Runner is particularly suited to operational environments similar to those experienced in Afghanistan where the road system has been ravaged by almost continuous fighting since the late 1970s and where many troop movements are conducted either on foot or by helicopter. The use of robots also has significant benefits in Afghanistan where the United Nations estimates that 200,000 people have been disabled by landmines and the explosive remnants of war.

QinetiQ's initial contract with the UK MOD is valued at over £12m. This includes the supply of replacement parts and the provision of support throughout the operational life of the systems. This is an essential part of a UK based maintenance and support plan that has been carefully designed to enable the UK MOD to return battle-damaged robots to active duty as quickly as possible.

Dragon Runner was originally developed by Automatika, a US company acquired by QinetiQ North America. The robot has since been further developed as a result of UK and US military user input and it can travel at speeds of around 5mph, travel over rough terrain, as well as climb stairs and open doors.

The basic chassis is 20cm wide, 7.5cm tall and 23cm in length and can be easily adapted in the field with various accessories and a manipulator arm to be mission specific. In addition to IED identification and defeat, other functions include perimeter security, checkpoint security and the inspection of suspect vehicles.

"With this very important contract and our work with the UK and US military, Dragon Runner is set to become a vital tool in military campaigns throughout the world," said Mary Carver, MD of QinetiQ's Technology Solutions business. 'The majority of the 3,000+ military robots that we have delivered to our customers so far are being used to disable roadside bombs however we're now seeing increased demand for military surveillance and reconnaissance as well as for homeland security and specialist intelligence operations."

— WebWireID108129 —

Drawing on observations from NASA's Mars missions, the "Be a Martian" Web site will enable the public to participate as citizen scientists to improve Martian maps, take part in research tasks, and assist Mars science teams studying data about the Red Planet.

"We're at a point in history where everyone can be an explorer," said Doug McCuistion, director of the Mars Exploration Program at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "With so much data coming back from Mars missions that are accessible by all, exploring Mars has become a shared human endeavor. People worldwide can expand the specialized efforts of a few hundred Mars mission team members and make authentic contributions of their own."

Participants will be able to explore details of the solar system's grandest canyon, which resides on Mars. Users can call up images in the Valles Marineris canyon before moving on to chart the entire Red Planet. The collaboration of thousands of participants could assist scientists in producing far better maps, smoother zoom-in views, and make for easier interpretation of Martian surface changes.

By counting craters, the public also may help scientists determine the relative ages of small regions on Mars. In the past, counting Martian craters has posed a challenge because of the vast numbers involved. By contributing, Web site users will win game points assigned to a robotic animal avatar they select.

With a common goal of inspiring digital-age workforce development and life-long learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, NASA and Microsoft unveiled the Web site at the Microsoft Professional Developers Conference in Los Angeles this week. The site also beckons software developers to win prizes for creating tools that provide access to and analysis of hundreds of thousands of Mars images for online, classroom and Mars mission team use.

"Industry leaders like NASA and Microsoft have a social responsibility as well as a vested interest in advancing science and technology education," said Walid Abu-Hadba, corporate vice president of the Developer and Platform Evangelism Group at Microsoft. "We are excited to be working with NASA to provide new opportunities to engage with Mars mission data, and to help spark interest and excitement among the next generation of scientists and technologists."

To encourage more public participation, the site also provides a virtual town hall forum where users can expand their knowledge by proposing Mars questions and voting on which are the most interesting to the community. Online talks by Mars experts will address some of the submitted questions. Other features include interactive tools for viewing Martian regions and movies about people who study Mars in diverse ways.

"Mars exploration inspires people of all ages, and we are especially eager to encourage young people to explore Mars for themselves," said Charles Elachi, director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. "We are delighted to be involved in providing the creative opportunity for future explorers to contribute to our understanding of Mars."

"The beauty of this type of experience is that it not only teaches people about Mars and the work NASA is doing there, but it also engages large groups of people to help solve real challenges that computers cannot solve by themselves," said Marc Mercuri, director of business innovation in the Developer and Platform Evangelism Group at Microsoft.

The Mars Exploration Program is managed by JPL for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington.

— WebWireID108122 —

Wise is scheduled to launch no earlier than 9:09 a.m. EST on Dec. 9 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. It will circle Earth over the poles, scanning the entire sky one-and-a-half times in nine months. The mission will uncover hidden cosmic objects, including the coolest stars, dark asteroids and the most luminous galaxies.

"The eyes of Wise are a vast improvement over those of past infrared surveys," said Edward "Ned" Wright, the principal investigator for the mission at UCLA. "We will find millions of objects that have never been seen before."

The mission will map the entire sky at four infrared wavelengths with sensitivity hundreds to hundreds of thousands of times greater than its predecessors, cataloging hundreds of millions of objects. The data will serve as navigation charts for other missions, pointing them to the most interesting targets. NASA's Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes, the European Space Agency's Herschel Space Observatory, and NASA's upcoming Sofia and James Webb Space Telescope will follow up on Wise finds.

"This is an exciting time for space telescopes," said Jon Morse, NASA's Astrophysics Division director at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "Many of the telescopes will work together, each contributing different pieces to some of the most intriguing puzzles in our universe."

Visible light is just one slice of the universe's electromagnetic rainbow. Infrared light, which humans can't see, has longer wavelengths and is good for seeing objects that are cold, dusty or far away. In our solar system, Wise is expected to find hundreds of thousands of cool asteroids, including hundreds that pass relatively close to Earth's path. Wise's infrared measurements will provide better estimates of asteroid sizes and compositions -- important information for understanding more about potentially hazardous impacts on Earth.

"With infrared, we can find the dark asteroids other surveys have missed and learn about the whole population. Are they mostly big, small, fluffy or hard?" said Peter Eisenhardt, the Wise project scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif.

Wise also will find the coolest of the "failed" stars or brown dwarfs. Scientists speculate it is possible that a cool star lurks right under our noses, closer to us than our nearest known star, Proxima Centauri, which is four light-years away. If so, Wise will easily pick up its glow. The mission also will spot dusty nests of stars and swirling planet-forming disks, and may find the most luminous galaxy in the universe.

To sense the infrared glow of stars and galaxies, the Wise spacecraft cannot give off any detectable infrared light of its own. This is accomplished by chilling the telescope and detectors to ultra-cold temperatures. The coldest of Wise's detectors will operate at below 8 Kelvin, or minus 445 Fahrenheit.

"Wise is chilled out," said William Irace, the project manager at JPL. "We've finished freezing the hydrogen that fills two tanks surrounding the science instrument. We're ready to explore the universe in infrared."

JPL manages Wise for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. The mission was competitively selected under NASA's Explorers Program managed by the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. The science instrument was built by the Space Dynamics Laboratory in Logan, Utah, and the spacecraft was built by Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. in Boulder, Colo. Science operations and data processing take place at the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena.

— WebWireID108106 —

Piloted by Lockheed Martin test pilot David "Doc" Nelson, the F-35A, called AF-1, left Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth plant and flew to 20,000 feet and Mach 0.6. Nelson raised and lowered the landing gear, performed 360-degree rolls and lifted the nose to 20 degrees angle of attack during an 89-minute flight. AF-1 was built on the same production line as the 31 Low Rate Initial Production aircraft now in assembly. The aircraft incorporates many evolutionary improvements and updates derived from the test program of AA-1, the first F-35. AF-1 joins two F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing variants currently in flight test.

"The initial flight of the first optimized CTOL aircraft represents a significant achievement for the program and sets the stage for what's promising to be a successful flight test program," said Maj. Gen. C.D. Moore, deputy program executive officer for the Joint Strike Fighter Program Office."We are excited to see AF-1 taking flight, as it portends a bright CTOL future for the USAF and the partner nations. The hard work on the production line and the flight line has paid off, and the workers deserve a hearty congratulations."

Doug Pearson, Lockheed Martin vice president for F-35 test and verification, said, "AF-1 is one of the most important aircraft in our test fleet because knowledge gained from its use expanding the flight envelope will benefit the other two variants, and every F-35 ever built. AF-1 is also the first F-35 to roll off our moving assembly line, having achieved the maximum production speed of 50 inches per hour during a trial high-speed assembly sequence. The moving assembly line, designed to improve production quality and speed, is the first ever for a modern fighter."

The F-35 Lightning II is a 5th generation fighter, combining advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully-fused sensor information, network-enabled operations, and lower operational and support costs. Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 with its principal industrial partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. Two separate, interchangeable F-35 engines are under development: the Pratt & Whitney F135 and the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team F136.

— WebWireID108088 —

— WebWireID107983 —

Under the terms of the task order, CSC will provide program, business and financial management; systems and life cycle engineering and support; and production planning for LCS seaframes and combat systems currently under construction by Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics. Services will support the LCS Program Office, PMS 501's mission to develop, build and test littoral combat ships, which are small, maneuverable surface combatants intended for operations close to shore.

"CSC is proud to deliver value to the nation and the warfighter through responsive, effective support of this critical acquisition program," said Austin Yerks, president of CSC's North American Public Sector Defense Group. "We stand ready to support the continuing transformation of the Navy's surface combatant fleet to meet the challenges of the 21st century."

— WebWireID107930 —

The contract covers two Saab 340 AEW (Airborne Early Warning) systems, comprising of the Saab 340 aircraft equipped with the advanced Erieye radar system. The contract also includes ground equipment as well as logistics and support services.
A true multi-mission system

An Airborne Early Warning system is used to monitor a country's airspace, borders and territorial waters. Together with the associated ground equipment, the surveillance system provides a detailed situational picture that can be used in conjunction with, for example, border control and rescue operations.

"We've been conducting discussions with the UAE for several years concerning an airborne surveillance system," says Saab's CEO Åke Svensson. "This contract is an additional proof of our expertise and international competitiveness within the field of network-based solutions for defence and civil security."
Operational in several countries

Saab's Erieye surveillance system is a market success. The first Erieye surveillance system was delivered to the Swedish Air Force on a Saab 340 aircraft platform. The system also has been sold to Thailand with the Saab 340 as a platform, and this time the United Arab Emirates.

The surveillance system has also been installed on the Embraer-145 aircraft and is operational in Brazil, Mexico and Greece. The system will soon be delivered to Pakistan on Saab 2000 aircraft.

— WebWireID107884 —

SynfiniWay is a middleware to create a virtualised IT framework for internal and external clouds. The key features in SynfiniWay V3 include:

• Resiliency in Execution and File Transfer.
Rescheduling of compute tasks to other resources is executed in the face of hardware breakdown, resource exhaustion or other runtime errors. Network rerouting in the face of network cuts insures that file transfers will always resume and will always complete.

• Optimal Usage of Resources with Faster Results.
A global meta-scheduler is released that allows SynfiniWay to direct tasks to the best location for execution, allowing resources to be used in the most effective way.

• Single view of all Servers and Activities in the Global Framework.
A graphical dashboard is released that allows administrators to dynamically monitor the activity on any site in the framework and act on the configuration as needed.

• Easy Integration within Existing Business Systems.
Full-featured Java and Web APIs are released. End-users can retain their existing interface, whilst gaining access to global resources.

'With SynfiniWay organisations can create robust cloud solutions, whether it is to share existing resources distributed around the enterprise or combine resources in a workflow.", states David Papiah, CEO of Fujitsu Systems Europe.

— WebWireID107811 —

The reasons for the top ranking are Saab's strategic long-term climate work and its investment in new environmental technologies. Saab's goal is to reduce its emissions of greenhouse gases by 20 percent by the year 2020, compared with 2007.

"We are delighted that we can contribute with more and more solutions and products that lead to a society with lower emissions of carbon dioxide. Everything from solutions for more efficient transport flows on land and at sea, to Saab's work on the EU Clean Sky programme, which aims to reduce the effects of aviation on climate," says Saab's Environmental Director, Kenth Algotsson.
Saab's investment in new environmental technology

Saab participates in several European projects within environmental technologies:

* Clean Sky - Saab's contribution includes the development of new types of wings, energy-efficient systems for deicing and smarter flights that will make European aviation more environmentally friendly and reduce emissions by 20-40 percent.
* SESAR – a development programme for air traffic control which aims to streamline European airspace, increase safety and reduce the environmental impact. Saab's contribution is i.e. the continuing development of remotely operated air traffic control towers, the ROT concept.

Decreased carbon dioxide emissions

From 2007 to 2008, Saab has reduced its emissions by about 7,500 tonnes, from 55,000 tonnes to 47,500 tonnes. The decrease is primarily due to reduced activity in South Africa and the divestment of Saab Space, but Saab's efforts to reduce emissions from its own operations have also produced results.
About the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is an independent non-profit organisation with the largest database in the world of corporate climate reporting. Every year CDP presents the 20 companies that have shown the most professional handling of corporate governance with a focus on reporting the effects on climate change.

— WebWireID107842 —