 May 28, 2009 | News for the aerospace industry |
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- Mullen defends program cuts as "strategic"
Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Michael Mullen says major changes proposed for some 50 weapons systems were the result of "a strategic approach" even though the Quadrennial Defense Review is still months from completion. Some members of Congress have blasted the Pentagon proposals, noting the QDR is meant to be the basis for major weapons decisions. But Mullen said the QDR and the defense budget are progressing "in parallel," and both will seek to "achieve the proper balance" between conventional warfare and irregular conflicts. Defense News
(5/27)      
- Former defense chief urges no cuts to missile shield
 William Cohen, who served as defense secretary in the Clinton administration, says in an op-ed for the Washington Times that the recent saber-rattling by North Korea reinforces the need for a U.S. missile shield. "Reducing the funding commitment to our missile-defense system by $1.4 billion, as the Obama administration has done, sends the signal that we do not take the threats of rogue regimes seriously," Cohen says. The Washington Times
(5/28)
- Opinion: Alternate F-35 engine too costly, groups say
When President Barack Obama opposed a plan to build an alternate engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, he was trying to keep transparency and spent taxpayer dollars only as needed. The Institute for Defense Analyses reported in 2007 that "creating competition by developing, procuring, and maintaining a second engine would require an investment of about $8.8 billion in constant fiscal-year 2006 dollars." The Government Accountability Office says there would be benefits from sustaining two teams to create the engine. Lexington Institute (Arlington, Va.)
(5/27)
- EADS sees lower earnings in 2009, "critical year" in 2010
EADS repeated its earnings warning on Wednesday and said it is holding off on defense-related acquisitions as it seeks to conserve cash. Speaking at the company's annual meeting, CEO Louis Gallois said this year's earnings will be lower than the $3.91 billion achieved last year, and that "the critical year will be 2010." Gallois added that the troubled A400M military transport is progressing toward its first flight, though he declined to offer a date. Bloomberg
(5/27)
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| | Raytheon Develops Tomahawk Anti-Surface Warfare Plan
Raytheon Company has developed a technology plan to enhance moving target capabilities for the combat-proven Tomahawk Block IV missile. The technology will enable naval forces to effectively engage moving maritime surface targets and conduct anti-surface warfare missions. News release. | |
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- Opinion: Slot auction plan won't proceed
A plan to auction airport takeoff and landing slots would have helped ease congestion in the nation's airways, the Washington Post editorial board writes. However, airlines opposed the plan, and last year the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia kept it from moving ahead. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood earlier this month announced that the plan would not go forward but said easing congestion remains a priority. The Washington Post
(5/28)
- Detroit's airport may be key to revival
Detroit for some may symbolize the collapse of American industry, but Delta Air Lines sees the city as a transportation gem. "We're most excited about the future of Detroit, its role as the primary Asian gateway from the East Coast," says Glen Hauenstein, a Delta executive vice president. "Not only is the airport beautiful, but to fly from the East Coast, it is the most direct route to Asia." Transportation infrastructure has always been the key to economic growth, says professor John Kasarda of the University of North Carolina. "Detroit Metro Airport is the region's primary infrastructure asset (and) the speedy connectivity it provides to area businesses can help Detroit's economy transform to new sunrise industries." TheStreet.com
(5/27)
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- Harris wins $736M data center contract for weather satellites
Harris Corp. could earn as much as $736 million under a National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration contract to build data processing systems for advanced weather satellites. The Lockheed Martin-built satellites, scheduled to launch beginning in 2015, will use advanced sensor technology to provide meteorologists with up to 20 times more weather data. "NOAA's satellites are a crucial tool for weather forecasters and scientists, saving lives and property and helping us understand our changing climate," said Commerce Secretary Gary Locke. "This award will ensure NOAA remains on the cutting edge in satellite technology." Orlando Sentinel (Fla.)
(5/27)
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| Suppliers' News | | |
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| Homeland Security | | |
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- Obama consolidates national security, homeland security teams
President Barack Obama will combine the staffs of the National Security Council and the Homeland Security Council, with all 240 employees now reporting to national security adviser James Jones. The move aims to reduce overlapping bureaucracies, though it stops short of the full merger recommended by the 9/11 Commission. Obama will preserve the HSC, which oversees issues such as terrorism, pandemics and weapons of mass destruction. "The idea that somehow counterterrorism is a homeland security issue doesn't make sense when you recognize the fact that terror around the world doesn't recognize borders," Jones told reporters on Wednesday. The Washington Post
(5/27)
- DHS to test biometric ID for departing visitors
Beginning this week, international visitors departing the U.S. from Atlanta and Detroit will have to "check out" with immigration authorities, who will scan passports and fingerprints. Robert Mocny, head of the US-VISIT program under the Department of Homeland Security, says the biometric data will help reduce the threat posed by stolen passports. "There are tens of millions of lost or stolen passports that circulate the globe on the black market used by international criminals and terrorists. This [biometric verification] puts a stop to that," he says. Voice of America
(5/27), Federal Computer Week
(5/27)
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AIA report addresses aerospace work force needs
"Launching the 21st Century American Aerospace Workforce" discusses the steps the aerospace industry is taking to combat a potential work force crisis. The report also details nine policy recommendations to government partners, including the revision of a federal education law to persuade students to pursue technical careers. AIA President and CEO Marion Blakey said such proposals are essential to maintaining industry and national economic health. Read more here.
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Webinar: DoD Technology Transition Process -- June 25, 2 p.m. ET
Learn the basics about the Defense Department Technology Transition Process and the formal investment programs that span the gap between the Science and Technology Process and the Defense Acquisition Framework. Sign up now.
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