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DECEMBER 2008
N.O. releases tech worker report
NEW ORLEANS, La. – There are more than 37,000 technology workers in the metro New
Orleans area. That’s according to a report released by the Louisiana Technology
Council. The workers account for more than 7 percent of the workforce, and most work in
sectors not seen as traditional technology fields, like healthcare, transportation and
government. The survey was conducted in conjunction with the University of New Orleans
and Louisiana Economic Development. (Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune, 12/30/08)
One large group of technology workers can be found at the NASA Michoud Assembly
Facility in east New Orleans.
City to pay to lease airport land
MOBILE, Ala. - The city of Mobile will have to pay about $40,000 a year to lease land at
Mobile Regional Airport to build a police and fire station. City and airport officials say the
Federal Aviation Administration forbids airports to lease property for less than fair market
value. (Source: Mobile Press Register, 12/29/08)
NASA contracts grease private sector
NASA has awarded $3.5 billion in cargo contracts to two companies in hopes of
encouraging development of a private-sector commercial space industry capable of
providing the rockets that can carry passengers to the International Space Station and
beyond. Space Exploration Technologies of California and Orbital Sciences of Virginia will
provide 20 flights to the space station. (Source: Florida Today, 12/25/08). The Gulf
Coast is involved in space activities primarily through Stennis Space Center in Mississippi
and the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans.
FWB losing countermeasure hub
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. - Northrop Grumman will move its Large Aircraft Infrared
Countermeasures system hub from Fort Walton Beach, Fla., to the Warner Robins area
in Georgia. It’s the result of an agreement between the Air Force and Northrop Grumman
signed Dec. 11. Northrop officials designed LAIRCM to counter the increasing threat that
slow-moving cargo aircraft face from shoulder-fired missiles and missiles launched from
vehicles. The system detects heat-seeking missiles and puts out a signal to confuse its
path and direct it away from the aircraft. (Source: Air Force News Service, 12/24/08)
UAV maritime team wins award
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Northrop Grumman’s RQ-4 Global Hawk Maritime Demonstration
team was named Test Team of the Quarter for the second quarter of 2008 by the Navy’s
Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 20. The team won the award for achievements in the
first half of the year. The team is, among other things, developing tactics and guidelines
for Navy unmanned patrol systems. (Source: Globe Newswire, 12/23/08). Portions of
Global Hawks are built in Moss Point, Miss.
ATK gets contract
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Alliant Techsystems received a $49 million contract from Orbital
Sciences Corp. to provide at least nine flight sets of Orion solid rocket motors. The
motors are used on a variety of launch vehicles, including Ground Based Missile
Defense's Orbital Boost Vehicle, Minotaur, Pegasus and Taurus launch vehicles. Work
will be performed by ATK in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Source: PRNewswire, 12/22/08). ATK
has an operation in Shalimar, Fla.; Stennis Space Center, Miss., will test Taurus II AJ26
rocket engines for Orbital Sciences Corp. in 2009.
Major subsystem for GEO-2 delivered
SUNNYVALE, Calif. - The Lockheed Martin-led team developing the Air Force’s Space-
Based Infrared System delivered the remaining major spacecraft bus subsystem for the
second geosynchronous orbit spacecraft. The GEO-2 spacecraft core structure and
propulsion subsystem was recently completed and the high-performance communications
subsystem for the spacecraft was delivered in early December. The propulsion
subsystem, essential for maneuvering the satellite during transfer orbit to its final location
as well as conducting on-orbit repositioning, was developed at Lockheed Martin’s
Mississippi Space & Technology Center at Stennis Space Center, Miss. (Source:
Lockheed Martin, 12/22/08).
NG sectors win AIA safety awards
Northrop Grumman won two Worker Safety Excellence Awards from the Aerospace
Industries Association. The company’s Integrated Systems sector, which oversees
Mississippi’s Moss Point Unmanned Systems Center, was recognized for having the
lowest injury and illness rate in the aircraft manufacturing category. The company’s
Electronics Systems sector was honored in the aerospace components category. The AIA
cited Northrop Grumman’s low workplace injury and illness rates as well as its positive
safety program elements. (Source: Globe Newswire, 12/22/08). The Moss Point facility
builds Global Hawks and Fire Scouts.
F-35 ground test unit rolls out
FORT WORTH, Texas - Lockheed Martin's second F-35 ground-test aircraft rolled out
last week at the Fort Worth plant and in April will head to the BAE Systems Structures
Laboratory in Brough, England for static testing. This F-35, AG-1, is a static test article
for the conventional takeoff and landing version that will be flown by the Air Force and
eight F-35 partner nations. The F-35 is being developed by Lockheed and principal
partners Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. Two interchangeable F-35 engines are
being developed by Pratt & Whitney and GE Rolls-Royce. (Source: Lockheed Martin,
12/19/08). Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman, Pratt & Whitney
Rocketdyne and Rolls-Royce have Gulf Coast operations; Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., will
be home to the F-35 joint training center.
Tanker fight: Low bid or best value?
Boeing and Northrop Grumman disagree over the ground rules that should be used for
the tanker competition expected next year. The companies discussed their views last
week at the Reuters Aerospace and Defense Summit. Boeing, which plans to build the
planes in Washington State, wants the contract to go to the low bidder, while Northrop
and partner EADS, which want to build the planes in Mobile, Ala., favor a “best value”
approach. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 12/21/08)
Airport Hyatt gets franchise approval
PENSACOLA, Fla. - Innisfree Hotels won approval Wednesday for a Hyatt Place Hotel to
be built on a piece of land owned by Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport. The 127-
room Hyatt Place would be the centerpiece of a $24 million development that eventually
will include upscale shops, restaurants and professional offices. The site is at the main
entrance to the airport. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 12/17/08)
Land buy will help protect Whiting
The governor of Florida and cabinet approved the purchase of more than 200 acres in
the Clear Creek/Whiting Field area as part of the Florida Forever project. The acquisition
will protect the environmentally sensitive land and prevent encroachment at Whiting Field
Naval Air Station. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 12/17/08). NAS Whiting, near Milton,
Fla., is a training site for naval aviators.
Northrop unveils first Navy UCAV
Northrop Grumman unveiled the first of the Navy’s new unmanned combat aircraft at a
ceremony in Palmdale, Calif. The X-47B is the first of two aircraft Northrop Grumman will
produce for the Navy to demonstrate unmanned combat aircraft operations from the deck
of an aircraft carrier. (Source: Globe Newswire, 12/16/08) Northrop Grumman has
multiple operations on the Gulf Coast, including an unmanned systems center in Moss
Point, Miss.
Airport passenger count down
PENSACOLA, Fla. – The sour economy has caused a dip in the passenger count at
Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport. From January through November of this year,
97,791 fewer passengers passed through the airport than during the same period last
year — a 6 percent drop. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 12/17/08)
Okaloosa gets $300,000 in grants
SHALIMAR, Fla. – Enterprise Florida presented Okaloosa County with two grants totaling
some $300,000. One was a Defense Infrastructure Grant worth $200,000, the other a
$99,000 Defense Reinvestment Grant. Money from these grants is used to improve the
state’s defense activities. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 12/16/08)
Airport buying back bonds
MOBILE, Ala. – The Mobile Airport Authority will buy back $2.75 million in bonds whose
interest rate jumped when the bond market succumbed to financial turmoil this fall.
(Source: Mobile Press Register, 12/16/08)
50th Lakota delivery marked
COLUMBUS, Miss. - EADS North America is hosting a ceremony Tuesday to celebrate
the delivery of the 50th UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter to the Army. The ceremony
will culminate with the 50th and 51st helicopters leaving the production facility of EADS
North America’s American Eurocopter business unit. The event is at 11 a.m. CST.
(Source: EADS North America, 12/14/08). EADS also has operations on the Gulf Coast,
including an EADS CASA maintenance facility and an Airbus Engineering Center in
Mobile, Ala.
SSC to test rocket for Taurus II
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - John C. Stennis Space Center will test the engine for
the for the Taurus II space launch vehicle being developed by Orbital Sciences Corp. of
Dulles, Va. The first engine will be delivered to Stennis next year and the first Taurus II
mission will be flown in support of NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services
cargo demonstration to the International Space Station. The demonstration is planned for
the end of 2010 from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Va. Taurus II uses
a pair of Aerojet AJ26 rocket engines to provide first stage propulsion for the new launch
vehicle. (Source: NASA, 12/15/08)
New engineering degree eyed
MOBILE, Ala. - Alabama's community colleges could be offering a new associate's degree
next fall in an effort to boost the state's engineering workforce. Higher education officials
say figures show the need for 1,100 new engineers a year to meet industry demand.
(Source: Mobile Press Register, 12/15/08)
Thunderbirds OK Keesler show
BILOXI, Miss. – The Thunderbirds will perform in April during Keesler Air Force Base's
first air show since Hurricane Katrina. The lineup for the April 4 and 5 show also includes
the Army's parachute team, The Golden Knights, a flight display by the Hurricane
Hunters, a World War II-era B-25 Mitchell bomber, aircraft flown by the 81st Wing and
more. (Source: The Sun Herald, 12/13/08)
Contract: Broadmoor, $8M
Broadmoor, LLC., Metairie, La., is being awarded $8,000,000 under a previously
awarded multiple award construction contract for design and construction of Calibration
Laboratory at Naval Air Station JRB New Orleans. Work will be performed in New Orleans,
La., and is expected to be completed by June 2010. The Naval Facilities Engineering
Command Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD,
12/12/08)
Contract: Raytheon, $15.6M
Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $15,633,300 modification to
a previously awarded contract for fiscal year 2009 technical support of AIM-9X missiles
for the Navy and Air Force. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., (90 percent); Eglin
Air Force Base, Fla., (5 percent), and China Lake, Calif., (5 percent), and is expected to
be completed in Nov. 2009. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the
contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 12/12/08)
Rapiscan wins award
Rapiscan Systems, a California company with a manufacturing operation in Oceans
Springs, has been named the 2008 North American Homeland Security Inspection and
Screening Company of the Year by Frost & Sullivan. Rapiscan Systems was cited for its
ability to develop and deploy products that enhance security at airports, seaports and
border crossings worldwide. In Ocean Springs Rapiscan Systems has a 10,000 square
foot manufacturing facility to supplement manufacturing of cargo and vehicle inspection
and people screening systems. (Source: Rapiscan, 12/11/08)
Keesler airfield work begins
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. – The largest airfield ramp repair project in Keesler
history got underway earlier this month. The 270-day project will improve the airfield’s
capabilities. Current airfield operations support the C-21 missions of the 45th Airlift
Squadron, C-130s from the Air Force Reserve's 403rd Wing, support for Coast Guard's
aircraft training and more. (Source: Keesler Air Force Base, 12/11/08)
Eglin AAC getting new chief
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - Maj. Gen. David Eidsaune is leaving Eglin Air Force
Base to become director of operations at headquarters Air Force Materiel Command at
Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. He’ll be replaced as commander of Eglin Air
Force Base’s Air Armament Center by Maj. Gen. Charles R. Davis, executive officer for
the F-35 program office in Arlington, Va. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 12/11/08)
Letter urges quick tanker action
U.S. Sens. Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions are urging Defense Secretary Robert Gates
to move quickly with a plan to replace the Air Force’s fleet of refueling tankers. The letter
was sent Thursday, a day after U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., said it could take at least
two more years to restart the tanker competition. The Northrop Grumman/EADS team
won the competition in February and the planes were to be assembled in Mobile, Ala., but
the competition was scrapped in September in the wake of a Boeing protest. (Source:
Mobile Press-Register, 12/12/08)
Meteorology groundbreaking delayed
GULFPORT, Miss. - The Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport rescheduled the
groundbreaking of the Naval Meteorology Professional Development Center to Friday
because of the threat of severe winter weather today. The $8.7 million center is designed
to meet the current and future mission to advance, implement, and manage the
education and advanced professional training of meteorology and oceanography
officers, aerographer's mates and civilians. (Source: Sun Herald, 12/11/08)
Contract: Raytheon, $7.9M
The Air Force is modifying a contract with Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz. for $7,924,403.
This action is for the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile Air Intercept Missile –
Greece Offset Administration. This action is a modification to the Production Lot 21
contract. 695 ARSS, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD,
12/10/08)
Contract: McDonnell, $110.2M
The Air Force is awarding a firm fixed price contract to McDonnell Douglas Corp., St.
Louis, Mo., for $110,224,001. This action will exercise the Lot 5 Option for Small
Diameter Bomb, Increment I Production for munitions, carriages, and technical and
logistical support. 681 ARSS/PK, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. is the contracting activity.
(Source: DoD, 12/10/08)
Army to upgrade Raven capabilities
The Army plans to bring a digital data link to its fleet of Raven UAVs so more aircraft can
fly in a given combat area. The Army project manager says the service is buying 50 new
Ravens and retrofitting 200 others. An executive with AeroVironment, a California
company that makes the digital data link, says that with digitally compressed video more
can be put into smaller bandwidth. (Source: DefenseNews, 12/09/08). AeroVironment has
a UAV training and support operation in Navarre, Fla.
Goodrich sees $3B in Airbus deal
Goodrich Corp.has been selected by Airbus to supply wheels and carbon brakes for all
variants of the A350 XWB aircraft. The selection is expected to generate more than $3
billion in revenue over the life of the program. The equipment will be provided by
Goodrich's Aircraft Wheels and Brakes team in Troy, Ohio. (Source: PRNewswire,
12/09/08) Goodrich also operates the Alabama Service Center in Foley, Ala.
Contract: Northrop, $18.2M
The Air Force is modifying a fixed price incentive firm contract with Northrop Grumman
Systems Corp., San Diego, Calif. not to exceed $18,222,000. This action will provide
additional long lead associated with five Global Hawks, two ground segments, two EISS
and two ASIP sensor payloads. 303 AESG/PK Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the
contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 12/09/08) Global Hawk fuselage work is done in Moss
Point, Miss.
Contract: Raytheon, $16.3M
The Air Force is awarding a firm fixed price contract to Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz. for
$16,298,964. This action will provide High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile Targeting
Systems Contractor Logistics Support for one year with two one-year options. 693
ARSS/PK, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 12/05/08)
Chromalloy to close FWB plant
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. – Chromalloy Gas Turbine laid off 67 workers and plans to
close its 30-year-old Fort Walton Beach plant next year. The layoffs are among 400
companywide at 25 locations. Chromalloy inspects and repairs commercial aircraft
engines. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 12/05/08)
Northrop to stress tanker commitment
MOBILE, Ala. - Northrop Grumman executive Wes Bush will be in Mobile Friday to discuss
the company’s commitment to Mobile and Alabama in moving forward on the Air Force
tanker project. The Northrop/EADS team won the contract, but Boeing’s protest was
upheld and the competition is on hold pending the new administration. Bush will talk to
the media at the Battlehouse. (Source: FOX10 News, 12/04/08)
60th flying final sortie
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - The 60th Fighter Squadron is flying its final sortie today
after 37 years. The F-15 fighter squadron is part of the drawdown of the 33rd Fighter
Wing. That wing is being replaced by the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program slated to
arrive in 2010. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 12/04/08)
Gulf Breeze eyes space tourist training
GULF BREEZE, Fla. – A news conference today will announce the formation of a unique
personal spaceflight medical and training program for commercial space tourists. The
program will be conducted at the Andrews Institute in partnership with Space Florida. A
study by the University of West Florida cited the growing need for such a program.
(Source: Pensacola News Journal, 12/04/08)
NASA backers worry over budget
NASA supporters fear bailouts will make it hard for a new administration to maintain the
current space budget, let alone deliver on a campaign promise to speed up the
Constellation Program. (Source: Houston Chronicle, 12/02/08) Michoud Assembly Facility
in New Orleans and Stennis Space Center in Mississippi are involved in space programs.
Fire Scout runs successful test
The Northrop Grumman Fire Scout, an unmanned helicopter, successfully transmitted
video, electro-optical and infrared images simultaneously in a demonstration flight last
month in Arizona. (Source: Global Newswire, 12/02/08) Finishing work on the Fire Scout
is done in Moss Point, Miss. Fire Scouts have already been sold to the Army and Navy,
and the company hopes to interest the Coast Guard.
AirTran to end Gulfport service
GULFPORT, Miss. – AirTran will end service to Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport on
Jan. 5. The company operated under a contract with casinos, but the casinos opted not
to continue the contract. The airline said the market is not viable without it. The airport
said AirTran accounts for up about 25 percent of scheduled traffic. (Source: Sun Herald,
12/03/08)
EADS project gets local funding
MOBILE, Ala. - Local governments will spend $468,000 on a firefighting system to help
EADS CASA with an expansion of its Mobile facility. The Mobile City Council voted
Tuesday to contribute $234,000 to the fire suppression system and the county
commission will pay the other half. EADS CASA, a Spanish subsidiary of European
Aeronautic Defence and Space Co., has an aircraft maintenance and training center at
the Mobile airport. It services planes flown by the U.S. Coast Guard. (Source: Mobile
Press-Register, 12/03/08)
Contract: EADS, $208M
EADS North American Defense, Arlington, Va., was awarded a $208,375,756 firm fixed
price contract for funding of the Army’s Light Utility Helicopter contract for thirty-nine Light
Utility Helicopters. Work will be performed in Columbus, Miss., and Grand Prairie, Texas
with a completion date of Aug. 31, 2010. (Source: DoD, 12/02/08)
NOVEMBER 2008
RR engine testing booms at Stennis
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – A year after opening its doors, Rolls-Royce North
America has already conducted tests on the Trent 900 and 1000, used on the Airbus
A300 and Boeing 787, respectively, and is getting ready to take on more. The next
engine due for testing is the BR725 for the Gulfstream G650. By 2010 and 2011, Rolls-
Royce will be testing the Trent XWB for the Airbus A350 XWB and the RB282 engine, for
a new corporate jet developed by Dessault. Rolls-Royce has been conducting six engine-
test series a year at Stennis. (Source: The Sun Herald, 11/30/08)
Shuttle to land Sunday
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The space shuttle Endeavour crew is expected to complete its
mission to the International Space Station with a landing at NASA’s Kennedy Space
Center in Florida at 1:19 p.m. EST Nov. 30. This will conclude a 16-day flight, 11 of which
were spent docked to the station. (Source: NASA, 11/28/08) NASA’s Stennis Space
Center Mississippi tests shuttle engines and Michoud Assembly Facility builds external
tanks.
Contract: Raytheon, $13.9M
Raytheon Technical Services Co., LLC, Mass., is being awarded a $13,907,542
modification to continue the effort to transition the Wide-body Airborne Sensor Platform
from initial operating capability to full operating capability. Work will be performed at the
contractor’s facility and its subcontractor, Aeroframe Services LLC, facility in Lake
Charles, La. The Missile Defense Agency, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
(Source: DoD, 11/28/08)
USM may lease plane
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The University of Southern Mississippi is considering leasing a
Beechcraft King Air 200 for five years from the USM Foundation for some $1.9 million. No
paperwork has been signed and details are still under consideration. The University of
Mississippi and Mississippi State University both have airplanes. (Source: Hattiesburg
American, 11/28/08)
Second runway pondered
PANAMA CITY, Fla. - The Panama City-Bay County Airport Authority has set a Dec. 19
deadline to a vote on a second runway at the international airport under construction.
The hope is to add a 5,000-foot crosswind runway that will handle smaller aircraft and
make traffic less congested on the 10,000-foot concrete runway now being built. (Source:
Northwest Florida Daily News, 11/27/08)
Pratt & Whitney buys ARDE
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne completed the acquisition of ARDE, Inc., a manufacturer of
high performance spacecraft and missile propulsion components. ARDE of Carlstadt, N.
J., produces pressure vessels, propellant tanks and support structures and provides
integration of propulsion subassemblies. (Source: PRNewswire, 11/25/08) Pratt &
Whitney Rocketdyne has an operation at Stennis Space Center, Miss.
Contract: Raytheon, $6M
The Air Force is modifying a firm fixed price contract with Raytheon Co., Missile Systems
Tucson, Ariz. for $6 million. This contract will upgrade two guided weapons test Set to
AIM-120D capability, spares, and additional GPS. 695ARSS, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is
the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 11/25/08)
Contract: McDonnell, $96M
The Air Force is awarding a firm fixed price, cost plus fixed fee contract to McDonnell
Douglas Corp., St. Louis, Mo., for $96 million to provide Small Diameter Bomb Aircraft
Weapon Systems on various aircraft. 681 ARSS/PK, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. is the
contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 11/25/08)
Teledyne cuts workforce
MOBILE, Ala. - Teledyne Continental Motors cut 60 jobs due to the decline of the market
for airplane engines and parts. Twenty-five salaried employees and 35 hourly employees
were laid off Thursday and Friday. The company has about 440 employees now at its
Brookley Field Industrial Complex plant. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 11/22/08)
AF delays Eglin F-35 decision
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The Air Force postponed the record of decision for the
initiation of the Joint Strike Fighter training school at Eglin Air Force Base. The delay will
give the Air Force additional time to run tests on the new F-35 and explore alternative
locations on the base for its bed down (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 11/21/08).
The city of Valparaiso has been concerned over the noise of the F-35 and is suing the
Air Force for additional information.
7th SFG move to Eglin begins
WASHINGTON - Air Force officials signed a record of decision that begins the process for
the Army’s 7th Special Forces Group to bed down at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The
group will be located west of Duke Field. The cantonment area includes operations and
maintenance facilities, housing, dining facilities, and munitions storage and loading
facilities. Some 5.1 million square feet of buildings and hard surfaces will be built between
2009 and 2011. (Source: Air Force News Service, 11/21/08)
Young to advise new tanker approach
WASHINGTON - Pentagon acquisition chief John Young said he and Defense Secretary
Robert Gates will advise the next administration to take a two-step approach to the $35
billion tanker competition between Boeing and Northrop Grumman/EADS. Reuters reports
it would hinge on the best-priced offer after bidders had shown an ability to meet stripped-
down set of requirements (Source: Reuters, 11/21/08). Northrop/EADS wants assemble
the planes in Mobile, and Boeing wants to do so in Washington State.
Contract: American Security, $29.7M
American Security Programs, Inc., Dulles, Va., was awarded $29.7 million to exercise an
option under a previously awarded security services contract. The work includes guard
and non-guard services. Work will be performed at NSA Orlando, Fla.; CBC Gulfport,
Miss.; NAS Meridian, Miss.; NWS Charleston, S.C.; NSA Athens, Ga.; NAS Atlanta, Ga.;
NSA Panama City, Fla.; NAS Whiting Field, Fla.; and NAS Kingsville, Texas. Naval
Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.
(Source: DoD, 11/20/08)
INFINITY science center launches
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – The INFINITY Science Center broke ground Thursday
on the Interstate 10 facility expected to draw 400,000 people a year. The center will
highlight the work being done at the neighboring Stennis Space Center and be a natural
science museum. The center plans to open in the fall 2010 with exhibits, interactive
galleries, theaters, a gift shop and cafeteria. The board is continuing a fundraising to get
the final $4 million needed for the project. (Source: Sun Herald, 11/21/08)
Contract: Virtual Media, $8.3M
Virtual Media Integration, Ltd., Pensacola, Fla., is being awarded an $8.3 million contract
for the procurement of 5 pre-production Computed Radiography System units and up to
100 production units. The system is a portable nondestructive testing technique used for
processing radiographic film. These systems will be used to inspect for defects and
perform alignment measurements. Work will be performed in Pensacola, Fla., and is
expected to be completed in September 2011. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft
Division, Lakehurst, N.J. is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 11/20/08)
Goldman chosen Stennis director
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – NASA as named Arthur E. (Gene) Goldman as the
new director of John C. Stennis Space Center. The promotion of Mississippi native
Goldman, the center’s deputy director since October 2006, is effective immediately. He
replaces Bob Cabana, who left in October to become the director of NASA’s Kennedy
Space Center in Florida. Stennis, in southwest Mississippi, is NASA’s primary testing
ground for propulsion systems. (Source: NASA, 11/20/08)
Crosslink partners with USM
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – The University of Southern Mississippi has signed a lease
agreement with Missouri-based Crosslink to provide research space in the university’s
polymer science building. Crosslink has worked with Southern Miss polymer science
researchers since 2004. Previous collaborations include a variety of research projects in
polymer-related technologies, particularly for military applications. Crosslink and USM
hold a joint patent for a corrosion-inhibiting polymer. They are also working together on a
“smart” aerospace composite that can alert crew of damage and initiate repair on its own.
(Source: University of Southern Mississippi, 11/20/08)
J-2X hot-fire test set for 2010
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – The first hot-fire test of the J-2X engine that will power
the Ares I is scheduled for late summer 2010 at John C. Stennis Space Center. The Pratt
& Whitney Rocketdyne engine recently passed a Critical Design Review in Huntsville, Ala.
The CDR means the engine can proceed to full-scale fabrication and assembly in
preparation for development testing. (Source: PRNewswire, 11/19/08)
EADS CASA tax break OKd
MOBILE, Ala. - EADS CASA North America, which plans to add 18 jobs at Mobile
Regional Airport in a $6 million project, won abatements estimated at about $390,000.
The project would include a 27,000-square-foot hangar on the east side of the airport.
(Source: Mobile Press-Register, 11/20/08)
EADS delivers sixth HC-144A
The U.S. Coast Guard has accepted the sixth HC-144A Ocean Sentry aircraft platform
from EADS. The latest Ocean Sentry is among eight HC-144As ordered to date as part of
the Coast Guard’s Deepwater program. The Coast Guard plans to purchase up to 36
total aircraft. The HC-144A is based on EADS CASA’s CN-235 transport, which is part of
a family of twin-engine multi-role airlifters that also includes the C-295 and C-212. U.S.
customer support for these aircraft is provided at EADS North America’s facility at Mobile
Regional Airport in Alabama. (Source: EADS North America, 11/19/08)
EADS CASA eyes expansion
MOBILE, Ala. – EADS CASA, a Spanish subsidiary of the European Aeronautic Defence
and Space Co., is eyeing its facility at the Mobile Regional Airport for a $5.6 million
expansion. The company is scheduled to present its plan to the Mobile Industrial
Development Board Wednesday. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 11/19/08)
Two Stennis spinoffs highlighted
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – Two technologies developed at Stennis Space Center
made the list of NASA’s top 50 spinoff technologies. The technologies appear in the book
“Spinoff: 50 Years of NASA-derived Technologies,” designed to celebrate the impact of
the space program on everyday life. One Stennis technology is software used to study
flow components. NASA uses the software to design spacecraft shapes, propulsion
devices and more, and the commercial sector uses it for aircraft, auto and boating
aerodynamics. The other technology is the Earth Resources Laboratory Applications
software developed in 1978. Since then it’s been used for processing satellite and
airborne sensor imagery, and was recognized as an “all-star” by the Space Technology
Hall of Fame. (Source: NASA, 11/18/08)
Board OKs $10K a month consultant
MOBILE, Ala. - Mobile Airport Authority board members voted Monday to pay former
executive director Bay Haas $10,000 a month as a consultant for 19 months. The board
in September announced plans to retain Haas when it hired Bill Sisson as the new chief
of the authority. Haas was instrumental in EADS picking Mobile for its tanker project, and
the board wants to continue to tap into Haas’ expertise and contacts. (Source: Mobile
Press-Register, 11/18/08)
Blue Angels install new team boss
PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Navy Blue Angels held a change of command ceremony
Sunday. Cmdr. Greg McWherter is the new team leader, replacing Capt. Kevin Mannix,
who has been commander of the flight demonstration team two years. McWherter of
Atlanta was named commander in April. The Blue Angles are based at Naval Air Station
Pensacola, Fla. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 11/17/08)
INFINITY breaks ground Thursday
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – After years of talk and anticipation, the INFINITY
Science Center will move a step closer to reality Thursday with a ground breaking. The
$38 million, 72,000 square-foot center will be built near the Mississippi Welcome Center
at Interstate 10. It will have $10 million worth of interactive displays designed to spark
interest in science and technology activities at nearby Stennis Space Center. It’s
expected to draw 362,000 visitors a year. (Source: Tcp, 11/17/08)
Eglin tests new Warthog capability
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The A-10 Warthog successfully dropped a Laser Joint
Directed Attack Munition, or LJDAM, adding another capability to the close air-support
warplane. The GBU-54 test mission was conducted early in November. The LJDAM is
effective at destroying moving targets, and gives the pilot the ability to update targeting if
the target moves while the weapon is in flight. The A-10C and LJDAM will now undergo
operational tests. The goal is to deploy the capability by early 2009. (Source: Eglin Air
Force Base, 11/14/08)
F-35 crosses supersonic milestone
FORT WORTH, Texas - The Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter flew supersonic
for the first time this week, accelerating to Mach 1.05 - about 680 miles per hour. The test
was done a full internal load of inert or “dummy” weapons on the one-hour flight. (Source:
Lockheed Martin, 11/14/08). Eglin Air Force Base is scheduled to become home to a
Joint Strike Fighter training center.
Endeavor takes off
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Endeavour lifted seven astronauts Friday night
for a 15-day mission to prepare the International Space Station for a six-member crew. In
the payload bay was an Italian-built cargo carrier with hardware and supplies. (Source:
Aviation Week, 11/15/08) The external tanks are made at Michoud Assembly Facility in
New Orleans and engines tested at Mississippi’s Stennis Space Center.
Park gets restored Intruder
MOBILE, Ala – A restored A-6 Intruder is the newest exhibit at Battleship Memorial Park.
Acquired from the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Fla., the plane
honors Mobile native Jeremiah Denton, who spent more than seven years as a POW in
North Vietnam. Denton now lives in Virginia. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 11/15/08)
Ares I J-2X rocket passes review
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – NASA’s high-performance rocket engine, the J-2X, successfully
completed its critical design review Thursday at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in
Huntsville, Ala. The J-2X engine, developed by Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne, is the first
element of NASA’s Constellation Program to pass this design milestone. The engine will
power the upper stage of the Ares I rocket and the Earth departure stage of the Ares V
heavy cargo launch vehicle. Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans and Stennis
Space Center in Mississippi both are involved in the Constellation program. (Source:
NASA, 11/13/08)
Blue Angels homecoming show begins
PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show is scheduled for Friday and
Saturday at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Gates open at 8 a.m. and the Navy flight
demonstration team is slated to fly at 2 p.m. The air show in Pensacola, home base for
the team, is the traditional last show of the season. (Source: Pensacola News Journal,
11/14/08)
Airport eyes new project
GULFPORT, Miss. – On the heels of an expansion and improvement project that lasted
more than five years and cost more than $50 million, officials at the Gulfport-Biloxi
International Airport are at it again. This time, it’s road improvements. The projects could
begin within a few months of the December opening of the airport's new parking garage.
(Source: The Sun Herald, 11/14/08)
Former Stennis chief leaving NASA
WASHINGTON - NASA Associate Administrator for Exploration Systems Rick Gilbrech
said Wednesday that he’s leaving the agency for the private sector. Doug Cooke, deputy
associate administrator for the directorate since its inception in January 2004, will
become associate administrator effective Nov. 24. Gilbrech was director of Stennis Space
Center prior to taking the associate administrator post in August 2007. (Source: NASA,
11/12/08)
Meeting set to discuss suit against AF
VALPARAISO, Fla. - City commissioners will meet with their attorneys behind closed
doors Friday to discuss their lawsuit against the Air Force. The executive session was
scheduled after Monday’s public meeting, when Commissioner Brent Smith opposed the
city's strategy to obtain information about the Joint Strike Fighter mission coming to Eglin
Air Force Base by 2011. City residents are concerned about the noise the F-35s will
bring. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 11/12/08)
INFINITY groundbreaking set
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - Groundbreaking ceremony marking the beginning of
construction of the 72,000 square-foot INFINITY Science Center is scheduled for Nov 20.
The $38 million center will be built near the Mississippi Welcome Center at Interstate 10.
The center, funded by the state of Mississippi, NASA and donations, is designed to spark
interest in the science activities at nearby Stennis Space Center. (Source: INFINITY
Science Center, 11/12/08)
Raptor school graduates first students
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Four student pilots at Tyndall became the first
graduates of the Air Force’s F-22 Raptor Basic Course. These pilots are the first in the
Air Force to have the F-22 as their first operational aircraft rather than transitioning to
the Raptor from some other fighter. They graduated Nov. 1. (Source: Air Force News
Service, 11/10/08)
Navy pilots learn to fly Global Hawk
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Pilots of the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron are
teaching a class of Navy pilots the Global Hawk system. The class of three active-duty P-
3 Orion pilots and one civilian contractor is a result of the secretary of defense’s call to
maximize the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability in support of the
war on terrorism. Global Hawks are built in part in Moss Point, Miss. (Source: Air Force
News Service, 11/10/08)
F-35 noise, suit discussed at meeting
VALPARAISO, Fla. - A city commission briefing on the impact of a new fighter jet turned
into a debate over whether the city should be suing the Air Force. An Air Force colonel
told the gathering that the F-35 would be noisier than the F-15, but said the Air Force is
working on the issue. A commissioner brought up the suit and said he wanted it
withdrawn. The mayor didn’t want to discuss the suit, and the city attorney advised
against doing so. The city filed suit to get more information from the Air Force over the
noise the Joint Strike Fighter training center will bring. (Source: WEAR-TV3, 11/10/08)
Airport security director named
NEW ORLEANS, La. - Larry Austin, a former Florida highway patrol commander, has
been named federal security director for Louis Armstrong International Airport, the
Transportation and Security Administration announced Monday. He succeeds Kevin
McCarthy, who was named as security director for the Memphis International Airport.
(Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune, 11/10/08)
Allegiant Air to end Gulfport service
GULFPORT, Miss. - Allegiant Air is pulling out of Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport after
less than two years of direct flights from the Gulfport to Orlando, Fla. The Las Vegas-
based airline will end its services in Gulfport on Jan. 6. The company president and CEO
said Allegiant was unable to make the service economically viable. (Source: Sun Herald,
11/07/08)
Two Blue Angels found guilty
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - Two Blue Angels team members, one a pilot, removed from
duty for an “inappropriate relationship” were found guilty today. The case was turned
over to the Navy Personnel Command. The Navy has not identified the man and woman,
but one was in the Navy, the other in the Marines. Rear Adm. Mark Guadagnini, chief of
Naval air training, presided over the hearing that began Thursday. The Blue Angels flight
demonstration team is based at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. (Source: Pensacola
News Journal, 11/07/08)
Obama to emphasize technology
Barack Obama is expected to emphasize technological investments under national
security and space exploration efforts at the expense of Defense Department big-ticket
acquisition efforts. Obama has declared his support for technological innovation across
the federal government, but in particular, his campaign says he advocates unmanned
aircraft, electronic warfare capabilities and cyber security. (Source: Aviation Week,
11/05/08)
Fire Scout to be aboard first commissioned LCS
The Navy’s first littoral combat ship, USS Freedom, will be commissioned Nov. 8 at a 10 a.
m. EST ceremony at Veterans Park, Milwaukee, Wis. Secretary of the Navy Donald
Winter will deliver the principal address. A Northrop Grumman Fire Scout helicopter
drone is on the Freedom and will remain onboard as it transits from Milwaukee to Norfolk,
Va. The Fire Scout will contributed to the ship’s core missions of mine counter measures,
antisubmarine warfare and surface warfare, as well as surveillance, targeting and
communication-relay functions. (Source: Navy, Northrop Grumman, 11/05/08)
Push on for more shuttle missions
The space shuttle could continue to fly beyond its scheduled 2010 retirement date, a
move that would help keep hundreds of people working at the Michoud Assembly Facility
in New Orleans. But the price tag of such an extension would be $2 billion per year,
according to a report released this week. (Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune,
11/05/08)
ST Engineering 3Q report
Singapore Technologies Engineering said Tuesday that third quarter profit rose 3
percent, though earnings in the key aerospace division fell. The company owns ST
Mobile Aerospace Engineering, whose 1,600 employees at Mobile's Brookley Field
Industrial Complex repair and modify jetliners. It also owns VT Halter Marine, whose 1,700
employees in Pascagoula, Moss Point and Escatawpa build and repair ships. (Source:
Mobile Press-Register, 11/05/08)
Ares I-X flight hardware arrives
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The first major flight hardware of the Ares I-X rocket has
arrived in Florida to begin preparation for the July 12, 2009, test flight of the agency’s
next-generation launch system. The Constellation program test flight will allow NASA to
gather data during ascent of the integrated Orion crew exploration vehicle and the Ares I
rocket. Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans and Mississippi’s Stennis Space Center
are both involved in Constellation. (Source: NASA, 11/04/08)
Keesler hosts first air show in five years
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. – Keesler Air Force Base will be hosting its first air
show in five years this coming April when it presents “Thunder on the Bay.” The two-day
event April 4-5, 2009, will feature aerial acrobatics and static aircraft displays, though
details are still being worked out. The show got its name as a result of a base-wide vote.
(Source: Keesler Air Force Base, 11/03/08)
Hurlburt maintainers get DoD award
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. - Maintainers from Hurlburt Field were named winners of the
Department of Defense Phoenix Award, the highest field-level maintenance award within
the Department of Defense. The 1st Special Operations Maintenance group won the
honor by supporting the generation of 3,200 combat sorties that flew nearly 14,000 hours
over hostile territory. (Source: Air Force News Service, 11/03/08)
Northrop gets Army UAV contract
HERNDON, Va. - The Army awarded Northrop Grumman a $97 million contract to
procure, modify and deliver 12 Hunter MQ-5B unmanned aerial vehicles and supporting
ground stations, data links and spare parts. Northrop’s teammates include Stark
Aerospace, Starkville, Miss.; L-3 Communications, Salt Lake City; Rockwell Collins, Cedar
Rapids, Iowa; AAI Corporation, Hunt Valley, Md..; APL GmbH, Germany; and Israel
Aerospace Industries Ltd.'s TAMAM Division, Israel. Work will primarily be performed at
Northrop’s Unmanned Aircraft System Center of Excellence, Sierra Vista, Ariz., and
facilities at Starkville. Northrop also has a UAV center in Moss Point, Miss., which has also
worked on Hunter aircraft. (Source: Globe Newswire, 11/03/08)
Workers ratify Boeing contract
SEATTLE - Striking Boeing machinists in Washington, Oregon and Kansas voted to ratify
a new four-year contract. About 27,000 employees represented by the International
Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers will begin returning to work with the
third shift Nov. 2, ending a 58-day walkout. The contract calls for general wage increases
of 15 percent over four years, an immediate 16 percent pension increase and lump-sum
payments of at least $8,000 over the life of the agreement. (Source: PRNewswire,
11/02/08)
OCTOBER 2008
Valparaiso to spend more on suit
VALPARAISO, Fla. - City commissioners voted Friday to more than quadruple their
budget to cover the cost of noise experts and other legal expenses in the city’s dispute
with Eglin Air Force Base. Commissioners in executive session approve an additional
$100,000 from the city's general fund account. The city wants to find out more about the
noise the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter training center will bring to Eglin. (Source: Northwest
Florida Daily News, 10/31/08)
Two Blue Angels team members removed
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Two members of the Navy’s Blue Angels, one of them a pilot, were
removed from duty with the team for allegedly having an inappropriate relationship. The
six-plane demonstration team will fly the rest of the season – three air shows that end
Nov. 15 – with five F-18s. Neither team member was identified. The Blue Angels team is
based at Naval Air Station Pensacola. (Source: AP, Navy Times, 10/30/08)
Ares I test launch delayed
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA’s first Ares I test flight, part of the Constellation
program, is being pushed back to July 12 because of the delay in a final Hubble Space
Telescope servicing mission. But NASA is also looking at speeding up development of the
new moon rocket and an Apollo-style crew capsule. Michoud Assembly Facility in New
Orleans and Mississippi’s Stennis Space Center are both involved in Constellation.
(Source: Florida Today, 10/30/08)
Land near Whiting to be preserved
MILTON, Fla. - Gov. Charlie Crist and the cabinet have approved a joint venture with the
Navy to eventually preserve more than 5,000 acres of undeveloped land surrounding
Whiting Field Naval Air Station north of Milton. The vote was unanimous to begin the
process by spending $1 million for an initial 208 acres near the base’s northeastern and
southern perimeters. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 10/30/08)
New Orleans ripe for more service
NEW ORLEANS, La. - Continued high demand and nearly full airplanes make New
Orleans an ideal place to add air service, aviation consultant Mike Boyd said. But that
doesn’t mean Louis Armstrong International Airport, which saw service slashed after
Hurricane Katrina, will gain service anytime soon. (Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune,
10/30/08)
Test stand takes shape at Stennis
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – A new 300-foot rocket engine test stand is rising
above the trees at NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center. Fabricated steel began
arriving by truck Oct. 24 for construction of the A-3 test stand that will be used to test the
J-2X engine for the next generation of rockets. Work began with groundbreaking
ceremonies in August 2007. The J-2X will power both Ares I and Ares V. It will be required
to start at high altitudes, and the new test stand is designed to test the it at simulated
altitudes of up to 100,000 feet. (Source: NASA, 10/28/08)
Gunships improve situational awareness
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - Air Force Special Operations gunships will be getting a
new tool to provide increased situational awareness. The 46th Test Squadron conducted
an initial flight test of the Rockwell Collins Data Link Processor and software that
demonstrated Link 16 messaging between an AC-130, a Hurlburt Field ground station, a
system integration lab at Eglin and an F-16 using terrestrial and airborne networks. AC-
130 aircraft can exchange battlespace information with ground and airborne participants,
allowing the AC-130 to take on a mission commander role. Rockwell Collins supplies the
data and display processing systems to BAE Systems, which will integrate the Link 16
capabilities onto the platform. (Source: Rockwell Collins, 10/29/08)
Boeing-IAM pact would limit outsourcing
Boeing and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers reached
a tentative agreement Monday night. IAM says the new contract limits the amount of work
outside vendors can perform in the workplace. Some 27,000 union members are on
strike in Washington, Oregon and Kansas. Boeing also has operations in New Orleans,
La., and Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (Source: Aviation Week, 10/28/08)
Peer review may reduce protests
Two Air Force programs delayed by protests will be among the first subjected to a new
review system. The new process will require Army and Navy officials to conduct peer
reviews of the Air Force programs before, during and after contract decisions. The Air
Force will help review contracts for the other branches. The new process began Sept. 30
for all programs worth $1 billion or more. EADS and Northrop Grumman had planned to
build a refueling tanker in Mobile, but a Boeing protest was upheld. The Pentagon later
decided to table the project until the next administration. (Source: Bloomberg, 10/27/08)
Ares test rocket on water journey
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Full-scale components of the Ares I-X test rocket manufactured at
NASA’s Glenn Research Center will be loaded on the Delta Mariner Oct. 22 for a nearly
two-week trip down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to Port Canaveral, Fla. At Kennedy
Space Center the components of the upper stage simulator of the Ares I-X test rocket will
be integrated with other parts of the Ares I-X vehicle for launch in 2009. Ares I-X will be
the first flight test vehicle of NASA’s next generation launch vehicle system. Michoud
Assembly Facility in New Orleans in the future will manufacture and assemble the upper
stage of Ares I, as well as the core of Ares V and large structures for the Orion crew
capsule. Stennis Space Center will test propulsion systems. (Source: PRNewswire,
10/15/08)
Study: F-35 twice as loud as F-15
At military housing areas and base schools on Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., noise from F-
35 operations will be twice as loud as F-15 flights, reaching 83 decibels. Off base, F-35
noise will reach up to 90 decibels in neighborhoods under an Eglin flight path. That’s
according to an environmental impact study prompted by plans to set up the joint F-35
pilot and maintenance training school at Eglin. The city of Valparaiso has expressed
concern over the noise, and filed suit to get more information. The report released earlier
this month shows the number of people exposed frequently to sound levels of 75 decibels
or more would rise from 142 people to 2,174 people. (Source: Air Force Times, 10/26/08)
AF works on cyberspace roadmap
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. - The Air Force Cyber Command (Provisional) team
at Barksdale and Air Force Space Command are determining how the two groups will
jointly shape the cyberspace mission. The Air Force chief of staff announced Oct. 8 that
there will be no new major command formed for cyberspace operations. It will be a
numbered Air Force under the Space Command. Barksdale and locations along the Gulf
Coast were among those competing for the new headquarters. (Source: Air Force News
Service, 10/24/08)
Valparaiso refiles suit
VALPARAISO, Fla. – The city of Valparaiso decided to re-file a suit against the Air Force.
The city first filed suit last month seeking information about the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter
and the noise a training center will bring to Eglin Air Force Base. The suit was never filed
as the city and Eglin continued to talk. The new lawsuit says the Air Force should provide
the information free or at a reduced cost. The military has said it would cost more than $1
million to provide all the information sought by the city. The Air Force should receive the
suit next week. (Source: WEAR-TV3, 10/24/08)
Teledyne 3Q report
Profits and sales at Teledyne Technologies continued to rise in the third quarter, the
company said Thursday. The Thousand Oaks, Calif., based company reported profits of
$30.9 million, up 14 percent from 2007’s third quarter. The news was not as good for the
company’s Mobile subsidiary, Teledyne Continental Motors. Rhett Ross, president of
Teledyne Continental, said the company laid off 20 workers from its second shift earlier
this month because of slumping demand for airplane engines and parts, leaving it with
about 500 workers. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 10/24/08)
Raytheon 3Q report
Raytheon said third-quarter profit rose 12 percent on higher international sales of border-
security equipment and Patriot air-defense systems. The company said 2008 profit will be
higher than it previously forecast and that earnings next year may exceed estimates.
Profit from continuing operations beat the estimates, rising to $427 million, or $1.01 a
share, from $380 million, or 86 cents, a year earlier, Waltham, Massachusetts-based
Raytheon said in a statement. (Source: Bloomberg, 10/23/08)
Goodrich 3Q report
Goodrich reported third quarter 2008 net income of $168 million, or $1.33 per diluted
share, on sales of $1,772 million. In the third quarter 2007, the company reported net
income of $127 million, or $0.99 per diluted share, on sales of $1,602 million. Third
quarter 2008 sales increased 11 percent and net income per diluted share increased 34
percent compared with the third quarter 2007. Income from continuing operations during
the third quarter 2008 was $168 million, a 20 percent increase over income from
continuing operations of $140 million in the third quarter 2007. (Source: PRNewswire,
10/23/08)
General Dynamics 3Q report
FALLS CHURCH, Va. - General Dynamics reported 2008 third-quarter earnings from
continuing operations of $634 million, or $1.59 per share on a fully diluted basis,
compared to 2007 third-quarter earnings from continuing operations of $544million, or
$1.34 per share fully diluted. Revenues rose to $7.1 billion in the quarter, a 4.5 percent
increase over third-quarter 2007 revenues of $6.8 billion. Net earnings, which were equal
to earnings from continuing operations, increased 16 percent over the year-ago period.
(Source: PRNewswire, 10/22/08)
Lockheed Martin 3Q report
Lockheed Martin reported third quarter 2008 net earnings of $782 million, $1.92 per
diluted share, compared to $766 million, $1.80 per diluted share, in 2007. Net sales were
$10.6 billion, a 5 percent decrease from third quarter 2007 sales of $11.1 billion. Cash
from operations for the third quarter of 2008 was $1.0 billion, compared to $935 million in
2007. (Source: Lockheed Martin, 10/22/08)
Northrop Grumman 3Q report
WASHINGTON - Northrop Grumman said higher sales of surveillance systems helped
boost its third-quarter profit 4.7 percent and spurred the defense contractor to raise its
2008 earnings forecast. The Los Angeles-based company reported net income of $512
million, or $1.51 per share, in the quarter ending Sept. 30, up from $489 million, or $1.41
per share, a year earlier. Northrop makes warships in Louisiana and Mississippi and
unmanned aerial systems in Mississippi. (Source: AP, 10/22/08)
Boeing 3Q report
CHICAGO – The Boeing Company’s third-quarter net income declined 38 percent, to
$695 million, while earnings per share declined 33 percent to $0.96 per share, both
reflecting an ongoing machinists' strike and supplier production challenges on
customer-furnished galleys for certain wide-body airplanes. Those items reduced third-
quarter commercial airplane deliveries by approximately 35 units and net earnings by an
estimated $0.60 per share. Revenues for the quarter declined 7 percent, to $15.3 billion.
(Source: PRNewswire, 10/22/08)
Virginia-class sub launches Tomahawk
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - A Virginia class submarine fired a Raytheon Tomahawk
Block IV missile from the Gulf of Mexico to engage a simulated target. The flight
completes the integration of the Tomahawk cruise missile onto the Navy’s newest fast-
attack submarine. Tomahawk Block IV is a surface- and submarine-launched precision
strike stand-off weapon. It is designed for long-range precision strike missions against
high-value and heavily defended targets. (Source: PRNewswire, 10/21/08)
Goodrich gets airline contract
FOLEY, Ala. - Goodrich Corp. won a four-year contract with US Airways to repair thrust
reversers at its Foley facility. Goodrich started the work for the Phoenix-based airline in
June. The contract covers thrust reversers for an engine found on Airbus A320. Over the
past 12 months Goodrich has repaired about 500 thrust reversers. Goodrich employs
about 800 people in Foley. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 10/21/08)
Contract: Rush-Peak Three, $9.2M
Rush-Peak Three, Titusville, Fla., was awarded a $9.24 million firm fixed fee price
contract for construction of a multi-story parking garage at the headquarters of U.S.
Special Operations Command compound at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., with completion
Feb. 27, 2010. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting
activity. (Source: DoD, 10/20/08)
Contract: Raytheon, $12.9M
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee contract with Raytheon Missile Systems of
Tucson, Ariz., for $12.94 million to provide 436 propulsion sections to be installed into
AIM-120B Air Vehicles. This effort supports foreign military sales to Turkey, Denmark,
and Finland. 695ARSS, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source:
DoD, 10/20/08)
Mississippi forges ties to Japan NASA
BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. – A delegation representing Mississippi’s space industry recently
traveled to Tokyo to meet with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency following the
delegation’s participation in the 2008 Japan International Aerospace Exhibition in
Yokohama. Craig Harvey, COO of NVision Solutions, Inc.; John Henry Jackson of the
Mississippi Development Authority International Trade Office; and Mark Lanoue, CEO of
Emerging Technologies LLC, discussed Mississippi’s role in global space technology
markets with JAXA officials. (Source: NVision, 10/20/08)
Mini robots focus of meeting
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. – Navigation systems for miniature autonomous systems
will be the topic of a workshop Monday through Wednesday. “Challenges for Miniature
Autonomous Systems” is sponsored by Eglin Air Force Base’s Air Force Research
Lab/Munitions Directorate. Trends show future autonomous systems will be less than 20
pounds, air-launched from small UAVs and used in greater numbers than current
systems. Technical challenges include navigation, sensors and payloads. The workshop
is at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort and is intended for the DoD technical and user
community, academia and industry. (Source: GPS World)
AC-27 gunship buy OKd for Special Ops
FORT WALTON BEACH, FL – The Air Force Special Operations Command has received
Pentagon approval to buy 16 L-3 Communications-Alenia AC-27 gunships, according to
a senior service official. The plane, based on the Italian Alenia C-27 transport, is small
than the Special Ops AC-130 and would supplement that veteran aircraft. In addition to
either a 30-millimeter or 40-millimeter gun, the AC-27 will fire stand-off, precision-guided
munitions like the Northrop Grumman-built Viper Strike bomb. (Source: InsideDefense,
10/17/08)
JSF impact statement released
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The final Environmental Impact Statement about the new
missions at Eglin Air Force Base is now available. The study is part of the process for
moving the Joint Strike Fighter and the 7th Special Forces Group to Eglin. The release
marks the start of a 30-day public review. The document is available at the Eglin Web site
and area public libraries. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 10/17/08)
Interest in Gulfport airport keen
GULFPORT, Miss. – Aviation-related businesses have shown keen interest in an area
near Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. Airport Authority Commissioner Frank Genzer
noted the interest during Thursday’s quarterly meeting of the Sun Herald Business
Roundtable. Much of that has been about a road that will lead to a new air-cargo facility
and general aviation. He did not name any of the companies. (Source: The Sun Herald,
10/17/08)
IHMC’s Ford named NASA advisory council chair
PENSACOLA, Fla. - Ken Ford, director and founder of the Florida Institute for Human and
Machine Cognition, was named chairman of the NASA Advisory Council. Ford will remain
at the Pensacola-based IHMC. He replaces Jack Schmitt, another scientist who walked on
the moon in 1972. The council provides the space agency with advice on programs and
various issues of importance. Ford was appointed to the NASA Advisory Council in 2007.
(Source: Pensacola News Journal, 10/17/08)
Contractor taking over Keesler support
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. - Keesler leaders and Computer Sciences Corp.
officials are working together to ensure a smooth transition from government to
contractor responsibility for base support operations. CSC will begin picking up the
workload Nov. 1 in a transition that will take 90 days. Roger Condit, CSC program
manager at Keesler, said his company's recruiting efforts have resulted in more than
1,300 job applicants to date. (Source: Keesler Air Force Base, 10/16/08)
Work with NASA forum lures 150
NEW ORLEANS, La. – An economic development forum Wednesday attracted about 150
small business owners who want to learn more about doing business with NASA.
Louisiana Aerospace Industry Day was sponsored by Boeing and Lockheed Martin, both
major NASA contractors on the next-generation Constellation program. The group heard
from representatives of about a dozen companies that do work for NASA. (Source: New
Orleans Times-Picayune, 10/16/08)
Tanker program gets new manager
ARLINGTON, Va. - EADS North America named Randy Hutcherson vice president and
program manager for EADS North America Tankers, the business unit tasked with
primary subcontractor responsibility in support of the Northrop Grumman KC-45A tanker.
EADS and Northrop Grumman had planned to assemble the tankers in Mobile, Ala., but
the contract was terminated following a Boeing protest and punted to the next
administration. Hutcherson previously was EADS North America vice president for
rotorcraft programs. David D. Haines has been appointed to that post. (Source: EADS
North America, 10/15/08)
Trent Lott named to EADS NA board
EADS North America announced the appointment of former Trent Lott, former senator
from Mississippi, to the company’s board of directors. Lott is the former U.S. Senate
Majority Leader who also served in the House of Representatives. EADS North America
CEO Ralph Crosby said Lott will provide “invaluable expertise as our company expands
its presence in the U.S. defense and homeland security sectors.” (Source: EADS North
America, 10/15/08)
Raytheon missile enters Navy user program
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Raytheon’s AIM-120C7 advanced medium range air-
to-air missile has entered the Navy’s weapon system user program. Two Navy F/A-18E
Super Hornet strike-fighters fired two Raytheon-built air-to-air missiles, an AIM-120C7
and AIM-9X, the first time the two were launched by a fleet-assigned operational Super
Hornet and the first time the Navy employed both missiles in the same mission. The
firings were a joint effort with the Air Force’s Weapon System Evaluation Program and
showed the AIM-120C7 can operate in a joint environment. The missiles were fired by
aircraft assigned to the Navy’s VFA-143 squadron and were launched against a BQM-
167A target drone during a mission with Air Force F-15Cs from Eglin Air Force Base’s
60th Fighter Squadron. (Source: PR Newswire, 10/15/08)
Stennis-Michoud group formed
NEW ORLEANS, La. – Louisiana and Mississippi officials gather in New Orleans today to
explore ways to leverage Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans and John C. Stennis
Space Center in Mississippi as an aerospace corridor. The working group, which includes
leaders of economic development groups in both states, will discuss steps to take to
make the corridor attractive to aerospace companies and marketing options. Michoud
and Stennis will be heavily involved in the Constellation program. Michoud will build
portions of the spacecraft and Stennis will test propulsion systems. (Source: Tcp,
10/15/08)
Seven airmen awarded medals
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. - Seven airmen were honored Tuesday for actions in
Afghanistan. Lt. Gen. Donald Wurster, commander of the Air Force Special Operations
Command, awarded three Bronze Stars and seven Air Force Combat Action Medals to
members of the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News,
10/14/08)
PC research park moves forward
PANAMA CITY, Fla. – Plans to develop a research park on under-utilized land at Lynn
Haven Fuel Depot are moving forward. Tyndall Development Partners LLC, owned and
managed by Hunt ELP Ltd., of El Paso, Texas, was selected to negotiate the transfer.
The Lynn Haven Fuel Depot property consists of three parcels totaling 184 acres. A
parcel of 40 acres has been designated for transfer to Florida State University to use as
a satellite campus; a 50-acre parcel is a railroad right-of-way that will likely be used to
improve access to the site; and the remaining 94-acre parcel is intended for development
by Tyndall Development Partners, LLC. (Source: Air Force Link, 10/14/08)
Austrian UAV lands on French ship
It was a milestone when a Northrop Grumman Fire Scout helicopter drone landed on a
ship in January 2006. Now an Austrian Camcopter S-100 has done so. Last week French
shipyard DCNS demonstrated a deck landing and take-off system, called the SADA,
using an Austrian-built Schiebel VTOL. The Northrop Grumman Fire Scout is built in part
in Moss Point, Miss. (Source: Aviation Week, 10/13/08)
Boeing, unions adjourn with no agreement
SEATTLE - A second round of mediated talks between Boeing and the International
Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers adjourned without agreement. No new
talks are set. Some 27,000 employees in Washington, Oregon and Kansas have been on
strike since Sept. 6. Boeing also has operations in the Gulf Coast. (Source: PR Newswire,
10/13/08)
GD Niceville unit part of JAGM missile project
The Lockheed Martin team chosen for a $122 million technology development contract
for the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile system includes General Dynamics Ordnance and
Tactical Systems of Niceville, Fla., which will focus on the multi-purpose warhead. JAGM
will replace the HELLFIRE II and Longbow HELLFIRE missiles on the Army’s Apache
attack helicopter, the Warrior unmanned aerial system, the Arapaho reconnaissance
helicopter, the Marine Corps' Super Cobra attack helicopter and on the Navy's Seahawk.
JAGM will also replace the Maverick missile on the F/A-18 Hornet and may be used on
the F-35. (Source: Lockheed Martin, 10/08/08)
LM Stennis delivers key satellite hardware
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – The largest A2100 spacecraft core structure ever
built by Lockheed Martin has been delivered. The core structure with an integrated
propulsion subsystem is the first satellite in the Navy’s Mobile User Objective System
constellation. The design features third generation mobile technology for simultaneous
voice and data services. It was developed and tested at Lockheed Martin’s Mississippi
Space & Technology Center, an advanced propulsion, thermal, and metrology facility at
John C. Stennis Space Center. (Source: Lockheed Martin, 10/13/08)
Robots over South Mississippi
MOSS POINT, Miss. - It will be a significant milestone when it occurs. Early next year a
Northrop Grumman-built Fire Scout will have its first production test flight over South
Mississippi. (Source: Alliance Insight, October 2008)
Nodine claims split tanker buy in works
Mobile County Commissioner Stephen Nodine says that, according to his best sources on
Capitol Hill, the Pentagon likely will authorize buying tankers from both Boeing and the
Northrop Grumman/EADS team. That’s according to an item in a Sunday column by
Pensacola News Journal reporter Carlton Proctor. The Pentagon has said it’s too costly,
but lately there’s been more talk from a lot of circles about a split buy. Boeing wants to
build tankers in Washington State, Northrop/EADS wants to build them in Mobile, Ala.
(Source: Pensacola News Journal, 10/12/08)
Rerouted planes prompt noise complaints
MOBILE, Ala. – Repairs on the main runway at Brookley Field have changed flight
patterns for planes, prompting some Midtown Mobile residents to complain about the
noise. The 75-day project, which began in late September, should be complete by early
December. The Mobile Airport Authority has closed the main runway to install new lights.
During that time, all planes are using the secondary runway for takeoffs and landings.
Brookley has about 89,000 takeoffs and landings per year, or more than 200 a day.
(Source: Mobile Press-Register, 10/10/08)
FAA OKs Goodrich composite cowl
FOLEY, Ala. – Goodrich Corp. received FAA supplemental certification for a lightweight
fan cowl design for V2500-A5 engine nacelles. Goodrich’s Aerostructures business unit,
through its Alabama Service Center in Foley, Ala., will provide a one-piece cowl as part of
its aftermarket support program. The cowl, developed with Bombardier Aerospace of
Northern Ireland, uses Bombardier’s resin transfer infusion process that replaces the
traditional honeycomb interior. The International Aero Engines V2500-A5 is widely used
on the Airbus A320 aircraft, including the A319 and A321. There are about 2,500 of the
engines in service worldwide. (Source: Tcp, Goodrich release, 10/09/08)
Aerospace industry day set
NEW ORLEANS, La. – The Louisiana Technology Council is hosting a Louisiana
Aerospace Industry Day Oct. 15 at the New Orleans Sheraton. Small business specialists
from Huntsville’s Marshall Space Flight Center and Mississippi’s Stennis Space Center
and Shared Services Center will give presentations on contracting opportunities. Sen.
David Vitter is the scheduled speaker. Details. (Source: Tcp, 10/09/08)
NASA transition job losses updated
NASA released the latest estimates on the number of jobs that will be lost with the
transition from the Space Shuttle program to Constellation. For Mississippi’s Stennis
Space Center, the figure is the same as the previous March estimate – 200. In FY 2008
Stennis had 400 in the space program. Back in March NASA estimated Michoud
Assembly Facility in New Orleans would lose between 800 and 1,300 jobs in the
transition. The latest estimate settles on 800. Michoud in FY 2008 had 1,900 workers.
(Source: Tcp, 10/09/08)
Cyber command fades
BILOXI, Miss. – Air Force senior leaders met in Colorado Springs last week and decided
to establish a nuclear major command rather than a separate Air Force cyber command.
Biloxi and other cities around the country had put in pitches to be chosen as
headquarters for the cyber command. Now it will be a numbered air force within space
command. (Source: The Sun Herald, 10/09/08)
Michoud reduces job losses
NEW ORLEANS, La. – Three dozen workers were laid off Wednesday at the Michoud
Assembly Facility in eastern New Orleans, far fewer than the 200 job losses expected in
the first round of employment reductions as the space shuttle program winds down. Cuts
in the Lockheed Martin Corp. workforce had been expected as the company'’s contract to
build the shuttle's external fuel tanks comes to an end. All of the tanks needed to fly the
shuttle before its 2010 retirement are already in production. (Source: New Orleans Times-
Picayune, 10/09/08)
Florida airport expansion delayed
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Uncertainties in the financial markets led officials at
Northwest Florida Regional Airport – the former Okaloosa County Airport – to delay an
expansion of the ticketing area, concourse and baggage claim. The airport recently
received a $250,000 grant from the Florida Department of Transportation for the first
phase of work. They will likely decide later this year whether to move forward or to wait
some more. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 10/08/08)
New Orleans airport eyes privatization
NEW ORLEANS, La. – Even as the state ponders a possible takeover of Louis Armstrong
International Airport, airport officials are exploring the idea of turning it over to private
management. Airport officials laid out the idea of privatizing Armstrong at a meeting of the
council’s Aviation Committee on the same day the Chicago approved turning Midway
Airport to a private operator. (Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune, 10/08/08)
Contract: DRS-C3, $8.7M
DRS-C3 Systems Inc., Fort Walton Beach, Fla., was awarded an $8.69 million firm fixed
price contract for 564 tube-launched optically-tracked wire guided missile launchers.
Work will be performed in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., with estimated completion date of July
31, 2010. U.S. Army Aviation & Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the
contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 10/08/08)
Drone system delivered for demo
EADS North America delivered a jet-powered target drone system, DT35/DT45, to the
Army for operational evaluation in the training of missile defense crews. The system
delivered to New Mexico’s McGregor Range consists of multiple subscale aerial targets,
catapult launcher and two ground control stations. The DT35/DT45 contract was
awarded to Applied Geo Technologies Inc., a tribally-chartered aerospace and defense
services corporation of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, with corporate offices in
Choctaw and a unit at Stennis Space Center. EADS North America is a principal
subcontractor and supplier to AGT. (Source: EADS North America, 10/07/08)
Eurocopter UH-72A hits milestone
EADS North America marked an industrial milestone for the U.S. Army’s UH-72A Lakota
Light Utility Helicopter program, delivering its first final assembly line aircraft from the
production facility at Columbus, Miss. The Lakota is built by American Eurocopter, a
business unit of EADS North America. (Source: EADS North America, 10/07/08)
FOIA request regarding F-35: $1.5M
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The documents being sought in a Freedom of
Information Act request will take 51,428 hours to complete and cost the city of Valparaiso
nearly $1.5 million. The Air Force denied a requests that the fee be waived. Valparaiso
filed suit seeking records relating to BRAC, the Joint Land Use Study and draft
Environmental Impact Statement. The city is concerned about the noise that a new F-35
joint training center will bring to Eglin Air Force Base. Valparaiso has not yet served the
papers. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 10/07/08)
Gunship commander wins award
WASHINGTON – The aircraft commander of an AC-130H Spectre gunship won the
Cheney Award for providing close-air support to troops on the ground in Afghanistan in
May 2007. Capt. Chad Bubanas, 18th Flight Test Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla., and his
crew were on routine patrol when they were radioed about a crashed CH-47. The
gunship provided overhead support when survivors came under hostile fire. The Cheney
Award is named for 1st Lt. William Cheney, killed in an air collision over Italy in 1918. The
award is presented each year to aviators who demonstrate an act of valor, extreme
fortitude or self-sacrifice in a humanitarian venture. (Source: Air Force, 10/07/08)
Hurricane threat to Panhandle down
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The Atlantic hurricane season runs through Nov. 30, but
the Eglin Air Force Base Weather Squadron is confident the threat to the Panhandle has
declined sharply. Upper level winds across the Gulf of Mexico now resemble those
expected in late October or November with persistent wind shear. Richard Henning,
meteorologist with the 46th Weather Squadron, said that “shut to door about a month
early on any more hurricane activity that might threaten the Panhandle.” (Source:
Northwest Florida Daily News, 10/06/08)
Schools likely to be impacted by F-35 noise
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – A new report from the Environmental Protection Agency
says having F-35 fighters at Eglin Air Force Base children may have trouble learning in
five Okaloosa County schools because of the noise levels. It also says some homes
exposed to 75 decibels or higher should be bought from willing sellers. The report was
obtained by Channel 3 News. (Source: WEAR TV3, 10/06/08)
Talks continue over tanker termination fee
EADS North America and its KC-45 prime contractor Northrop Grumman are still in talks
with the Air Force about termination of its tanker contract. Defense Department
leadership killed the award after congressional auditors cited flaws in the process, in part
spotlighted by a Boeing protest. After an initial attempt to speed through a new
acquisition award this year, Pentagon leaders have since decided to punt the massive
program to the next presidential administration. (Source: Aviation Week, 10/06/08)
Navy orders UH-72s
The U.S. Navy has ordered five UH-72 Light Utility Helicopter built by EADS North
America. They will be used for pilot training at the Naval Test Pilot School at Patuxent
River, Md. The Navy joins the active Army and the Army National Guard in acquiring UH-
72 Lakotas. The Navy’s firm fixed-price order is valued at more than $24 million.
Deliveries are scheduled from October 2009 through January 2010. The aircraft are
produced in Columbus, Miss., under the management of American Eurocopter. (Source:
EADS North America, 10/06/08)
NASA awards future vehicles contracts
WASHINGTON - NASA has awarded research contracts worth a total of $12.4 million to
six industry teams to study advanced concepts for subsonic and supersonic commercial
transport aircraft that could enter service in 25 to 30 years. The teams are led by Boeing,
GE Aviation, Lockheed Martin, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Northrop
Grumman. The separate 18-month study contracts are valued at some $2 million each.
(Source: NASA, 10/06/08)
Student-designed lunar tools sought
WASHINGTON – A new NASA contest challenges college-level students to design tools or
instrument packages that could be used on the next generation of human-driven moon
rovers. Full-time students enrolled in universities, colleges, trade schools, community
colleges and professional schools in the United States or its territories can compete as
individuals or teams. (Source: NASA, press release 09/30/08)
Contract: Northrop Grumman, $23.2M
Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems of San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a contract
modification for $23.2 million. This action will provide for Long Lead associated with 5
Global Hawk Air Vehicles. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting
activity. Global Hawk fuselages are built in Moss Point, Miss. (Source: DoD, 10/03/08)
Work begins on joint AF, Navy school
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Ground was broken Thursday at Naval Air Station Pensacola for the
$45 million Air Force Navigator Training Hangar and Combat Systems Officer Instruction
Facility. When finished next year, it will begin training about 400 Air Force and Navy
students each year as navigators, weapons systems officers and electronic warfare
officers. It replaces an Air Force school in San Antonio, Texas. (Source: Pensacola News
Journal, 10/03/08)
Valparaiso delays serving suit to AF
VALPARAISO, Fla. – The city of Valparaiso has not yet served to the Air Force a lawsuit
filed Sept. 22. The City Commission met in executive session Thursday after some
commissioners disagreed with the decision to file the Freedom of Information Act suit.
The city is seeking additional information on the Joint Strike Fighter mission at Eglin Air
Force Base. Residents are concerned about noise and other issues. (Source: Northwest
Florida Daily News, 10/02/08)
Avalex makes Inc. list
Aircraft display maker Avalex made Inc. Magazine’s 2008 list of 5,000 fastest growing
private businesses in America. Pensacola-based Avalex, which makes displays for
military and surveillance aircraft, was in the 2,583rd spot with $9.2 million in reported
2007 earnings. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 10/02/08)
Contract: Rolls-Royce, $90M
Rolls-Royce Defense Services Inc., Indianapolis, Ind., was awarded a $90.4 million
contract for intermediate and depot level maintenance and related support for T-45 F405-
RR-401 Adour engines at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas, NAS Meridian, Miss., NAS
Pensacola, Fla., and NAS Patuxent River, Md., to be completed in Sept. 2013. Naval Air
Systems Command, Patuxent River, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 10/01/08)
Contract: DTS Aviation, $14M
The Air Force is modifying a CLINS contract with DTS Aviation Services Inc., Fort Worth,
Texas, for $14 million for aircraft backshop maintenance, munitions, and equipment
support for the Air Armament Center and for Air Armament and Command, Control,
Communications, Computers, and Intelligence Systems Testing for 12 months. 96
CONS/MSCB, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD,
10/01/08)
SEPTEMBER 2008
Northrop CEO open to split tanker buy
The Pentagon has said buying aerial tankers from both Northrop Grumman/EADS and
Boeing would be too expensive, but CEO Ron Sugar of Northrop is open to the idea. He
told Reuters his company would be supportive of whatever the government wants to do.
Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., has proposed buying from both companies. Northrop won the
contract in February to assemble the tankers n Mobile, Ala., but the GAO sided with
Boeing’s protest. Last month the Pentagon punted to the next administration. (Source:
Reuters, 09/30/08)
Counties win state defense awards
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties will receive state
defense grants designed to improve Florida’s position as a host for military installations
and activities. Florida on Tuesday awarded $2.25 million in two categories of defense
grants: defense reinvestment and defense infrastructure. The Economic Development
Council of Okaloosa County, Team Santa Rosa Economic Development Council and
Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce will receive grants from both categories.
(Source: governor’s press release, 09/30/08)
Official address F-35 noise concerns
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. – An Air Force official says the F-35 fighters will have about
the same noise level as an F-22 or F-18. Major General Charles Davis spoke Tuesday to
a group at Okaloosa Island to address concerns, mainly from Valparaiso residents, that
jets will be too noisy and lower property values. Eglin Air Force Base will become a joint
training center for F-35 pilots from all branches of the military, and it’s expected to bring
nearly 10,000 new people to Okaloosa County in the next 10 years. (Source: WEAR-TV3,
09/30/08)
Contract: U of Florida, $30M
University of Florida of Gainesville, Fla., is being awarded a contract for a maximum of
$30 million to promote/enhance local graduate level engineering education by fulfilling
research, development, test, and evaluation requirements for Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.
The tasks will result in insertion of real-world scenarios into the curriculum. Theoretical
and/or applied research in areas including aerodynamic and computational fluid
dynamics, computer science/software engineering, electro-magnetic/optics, engineering
mechanics, guidance and control technology, systems engineering, and signal
processing is contemplated. Air Force Research Laboratory AFRL/RWK, Eglin, is the
contracting activity. (Source: DefenseLink, 09/30/08)
Contract: Boeing-SVS, $30M
Boeing-SVS, Inc., Albuquerque, N.M., is being awarded a contract for a maximum of $30
million to provide Advanced Tactical Laser Extended User Evaluation. The ATL EUE is an
effort to operate and evaluate the single residual systems developed during the ATL
Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration. This proprietary system integrates a high-
energy laser into an Air Force C-130 aircraft. 687 ARSS/PK, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is
the contracting activity. (Source: DefenseLink, 09/30/08)
Contract: New Mexico State U, $9.9M
New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, N.M., is being awarded a cost reimbursement
no fee contract for a maximum of $9.95 million. This contract will establish Unmanned
Aerial System Program for UAS research, development, test, and evaluation, including
USS operations in the National Airspace System. AAC/PKET, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.,
is the contracting activity. (Source: DefenseLink, 09/30/08)
Cabana leaving Stennis for Kennedy
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – Bob Cabana is leaving as director of John C. Stennis
Space Center in mid-October to become director of the John F. Kennedy Space Center
in Florida. Cabana replaces William Parsons, who is leaving NASA to pursue
opportunities in the private sector. Stennis Deputy Director Gene Goldman will become
acting director at Stennis. Goldman, who began his NASA career in 1990, joined Stennis
in October 2006. Prior to that he was manager of the Space Shuttle Main Engine Project
at NASA's George C. Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. (Source: NASA,
09/30/08)
Airbus committed to Mobile
MOBILE, Ala. – Airbus passed the 100-employee mark at its aircraft engineering center in
Mobile, and the company remains committed to expanding, according Allan McArtor,
chairman of Airbus Americas. The Mobile Engineering Center formally opened at the
Brookley Field Industrial Complex in February 2007 with 32 employees. Initially assigned
to interior design work on the A350 aircraft, its mission has grown. (Source: Mobile Press-
Register, 09/30/08)
Contract: Del-Jen, $20.3M
Del-Jen, Inc., Gardena, Calif., has been awarded $20.3 million by the Navy to exercise
the first option period under a previously awarded contract with award options for Base
Operations Support (BOS) services at Naval Air Station Pensacola and surrounding
areas - Saufley Field, Corry Station, and Bronson Field. (Source: DefenseLink, 09/29/08)
Contract: DynCorp, $9.6M
DynCorp International LLC, Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a $9.6 million
estimated value modification to a previously awarded contract to exercise an option for
aircraft maintenance and life cycle support for 12 Navy UC-35 aircraft. Sixteen percent of
the work will be performed at Naval Air Station New Orleans. (Source: DefenseLink,
09/29/08)
Fire Scouts wins 2nd year low-rate run
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Northrop Grumman’s Fire Scout helicopter drone has moved into its
second year of low-rate initial production with a $32.9 million contract award from the
Naval Air Systems Command. It’s the second of three planned LRIP buys. The Navy plans
to conduct technical evaluation of the Fire Scout aboard an FFG-7 in early 2009.
(Source: Northrop Grumman, 09/29/08)
Congress affirms commitment to space
The NASA Authorization Act cleared Congress on Saturday and provides funding for
space programs and aeronautics research and development. Provisions include $20.2
billion for the agency, with an additional $1 billion dedicated to accelerated development
of the Orion spacecraft and Ares 1 launch vehicle. Michoud Assembly Facility in New
Orleans and Stennis Space Center in Mississippi are key players in those programs.
(Source: PR Newswire, 09/29/08)
Valparaiso to discuss suit
VALPARAISO, Fla. – The city commission meets Thursday behind closed doors to
discuss the suit the city filed against the Air Force. Under Florida’s Sunshine Law,
commissioners can discuss strategy and give lawyers directions related to pending
litigation while in executive session. In the suit, the city alleges that information about
Base Realignment and Closure measures has been withheld. The city is requesting all Air
Force records relating to BRAC, the Joint Land Use Study and the draft Environmental
Impact Statement. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 09/28/08)
Destin to weigh in on F-35 noise
DESTIN, Fla. - At a special meeting Monday night, the City Council will weigh the merits of
a boost to the Emerald Coast economy compared to the drawbacks of added noise
overhead. At issue are plans to base the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the related
equipment and personnel at Eglin Air Force Base. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News,
09/26/08)
Rolls-Royce to power BAMS
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Rolls-Royce says it will be providing AE 3007H engines to power
the Navy’s Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Unmanned Aircraft System. The BAMS
project uses Navy versions of the Global Hawk and will provide intelligence, surveillance
and reconnaissance for the fleet. Global Hawk is built in part in Moss Point, Miss.
(Source: Business Wire, 09/25/08)
Contract: L-3 Vertex, $42.5M
L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Miss., was awarded a $42.5 million
modification to a previously awarded contract to exercise an option for logistics support
for 123 TH-57B/TH-57C aircraft. Work will be performed at Naval Air Station Whiting
Field, Milton, Fla. and NAS Patuxent River, Md. (Source: DefenseLink, 09/25/08)
Contract: Sikorsky, $132.8M
Sikorsky Support Services Inc. of Pensacola, Fla., was awarded a $132.8 million
modification to a previously awarded contract to exercise an option for contractor logistics
support services for the T-34, T-44, and T-6 aircraft. Work will be performed at more
than a dozen locations, including Pensacola, Milton, Fla., and Fort Rucker, Ala. (Source:
DefenseLink, 09/25/08)
Riley: Mobile will build tankers
MOBILE, Ala. – Alabama Gov. Bob Riley told some 250 real estates agents that Air Force
refueling tankers will be built in Mobile. “Absolutely,” said the governor. Northrop/EADS
won the contract in February and planned to build them in Mobile, but Boeing’s protest
was upheld. Early this month the Pentagon decided to scrap the competition and let the
next administration decide. (Source: Mobile Press Register, 09/26/08)
Project eyes LIDAR on UAVs
KILN, Miss. – The House-passed defense authorization bill includes $1.2 million for a
project exploring the use of commercially available LIDAR on unmanned aerial systems.
Optech International of Kiln is leading the effort. LIDAR has a similar goal to radar but
measures scattered light rather than radio waves to “see” distant objects. Lidar-equipped
military UAVs could be used in the littoral zone over shallow waters. (Source: Tcp,
09/25/08)
Fire Scout test aimed at Coast Guard
The first flight of a Fire Scout with multimode maritime radar has removed a major
obstacle to U.S. Coast Guard interest in the shipborne vertical-takeoff-and-landing
unmanned air vehicle. Mike Fuqua, Fire Scout business development manager for
builder Northrop Grumman, says the Coast Guard has made clear its interest in the Fire
Scout for operation from its new National Security Cutter. Fire Scouts are built in part in
Moss Point, Miss. (Source: Aviation Week, 09/25/08)
Bill: Tanker fight would consider subsidies
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Norman Dicks, D-Wash., says the defense authorization bill
passed Wednesday contains a provision requiring the Defense Secretary to review the
impact of subsidies on the tanker replacement program. Dicks said a new competition is
expected to be launched by the next administration after a WTO ruling on the subsidy
complaint. (Source: news release, 09/24/08)
Gates rules out split buy
Defense Secretary Robert Gates has ruled out a potential compromise on the U.S. Air
Force tanker contract that would split the order between Boeing Co. and Northrop
Grumman Corp., saying the cost of such a proposal would outweigh any benefit to the
military. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 09/24/08)
Pensacola to get Siemens baggage system
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Siemens has been awarded a $7.19 million design-build contract for
the new in-line baggage screening system at Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport.
Siemens will provide 438 meters of baggage handling conveyor, 11 high-speed diverters,
four explosives detection systems and four sort units. (Source: Pensacola News Journal,
09/24/08)
Valparaiso sues Air Force
VALPARAISO, Fla. – The city of Valparaiso has sued the Air Force, alleging that
previously requested information about Base Realignment and Closure measures have
been withheld. The city wants all Air Force records relating to BRAC, the Joint Land Use
Study and the draft Environmental Impact Statement. City officials and residents are
worried about noise generated by the Joint Strike Fighter mission’s F-35s that that will
stand up at Eglin Air Force Base beginning in 2011. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily
News, 09/23/08)
Employee wins Tyndall suit
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – A former Tyndall Air Force Base employee has won
nearly $1 million in damages from the U.S. Air Force. A federal jury last week found that
Bridgett Keegan was a victim of gender discrimination when she was passed over for
promotion twice in 2005 for two men who were less qualified, according to Keegan’s
attorney and employees at the federal courthouse in Panama City. (Source: Florida
Freedom Newspapers, 09/24/08)
AFSOC buying more aicraft
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. – While the broader Air Force is bogged down in some of its
aircraft programs, its Special Operations Command is moving ahead to replace refuelers,
helicopters, buy small cargo aircraft and boost gunship capabilities. One of its new
aircraft, the Bell-Boeing CV-22, is slated to be deployed next month to Africa. The
command has nine CV-22s, five at Hurlburt and four at Kirtland AFB, N.M. The final
seven MH-53 Pave Low helicopters being replaced by the CV-22 will be retired by the
end of this month. (Source: Aviation Week, 09/21/08)
Contract for science center awarded
NASA has awarded the Infinity site development contract to Gottfried, LLC of Covington,
La. The $4.4 million contract marks the official start of construction of the science center
in Hancock County, Miss., just a short distance from the Louisiana-Mississippi state line.
(Source: Infinity, 09/22/08)
Fire Scout shows tracking capability
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – A Northrop Grumman-owned Fire Scout drone helicopter
demonstrated it can search for, detect, and track multiple targets during a test
surveillance mission Sept. 19 at the Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz. test center. The ability is
crucial for the littoral combat missions. The Fire Scout is build in part in Moss Point, Miss.
(Source: Northrop Grumman, 09/22/08)
NASA, Air Force eye centers
WASHINGTON – NASA and the Air Force are looking for university and industry partners
as they work to advance hypersonic research. NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission
Directorate in Washington and the Air Force Research Laboratory's Office of Science
Research at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, have released a broad
agency announcement describing their intent to establish three national hypersonic
science centers. As much as $30 million will be used to fund the centers over five years,
with a maximum grant of some $2 million a year. Details: http://www.grants.gov. (Source:
NASA, 09/22/08)
DayJet suspends operations
Air taxi start-up DayJet has suspended air taxi operations. DayJet has struggled to obtain
financing to reach the critical mass of operations necessary to achieve profitability. The
FAA said DayJet retains its operating certificate and that company officials did not
indicate whether the carrier was permanently going out of business. DayJet has operated
out of Pensacola since October 2007. (Source: Aviation Week, 09/19/08)
Luke eyed as F-35 training center
GLENDALE, Ariz. – Luke Air Force Base will be scrutinized next month a team from the
Air Education and Training Command to see if it’s a viable location for an Air Force Joint
Strike Fighter Pilot Training Center. Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the initial F-35
Integrated Training Center for the Air Force, Navy and Marines. But Eglin is projected to
reach capacity in 2014. Each branch is looking at bases to determine their own future
operational requirements. A decision is expected in 2011. (Source: The Glendale Star,
09/19/08)
Raytheon missile logs key flight
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – An Air Force F-15C completed the first captive carry test
of a Raytheon AIM-9X Block II air-to-air missile. The infrared-guided missile faced the
same stressors that it would encounter in an operational mission. The test shows the
hardware and software perform in combat-like conditions. The test also proved the
missile could be integrated on the F-15C Eagle. A test firing will occur before year’s end
and operating capability in 2010. (Source: Military & Aerospace Electronics, 09/19/08)
Boeing delivers 200,000th JDAM tailkit
Boeing this week delivered the 200,000th Joint Direct Attack Munition tailkit. The
guidance kit converts free-fall bombs into guided smart weapons. Boeing began JDAM
production in 1998 at its weapons manufacturing facility in St. Charles, Mo. Lynda
Rutledge, director of the 708th Armament Systems Group at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.,
said the JDAM has had over 23,000 combat drops. (Source: WebWire, 09/19/08)
Northrop entitled to termination fee
Northrop Grumman is entitled to a termination fee after the U.S. withdrew its contract to
build aerial refueling tankers. The Defense Department will negotiate with Northrop for a
fee in the range of “tens of millions of dollars,” Undersecretary of Defense John J. Young
Jr. said. (Source: Bloomberg, 09/19/08)
Contract awarded for CV-22 support
WASHINGTON – Bell-Boeing Joint Program Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a
$9.7 million not-to-exceed modification to a previously awarded cost plus incentive fee
contract to exercise an option for interim contractor support for the CV-22 operational
flight at Hurlburt Field, Fla., and potential deployed locations. Work will be performed at
Hurlburt (60 percent) and Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, N.M. and is expected to
be completed in January 2009. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is
the contracting activity. (Source: DefenseLink, 09/18/08)
Tanker deals differed by $3 billion
WASHINGTON – The Northrop Grumman/EADS proposal was $3 billion less expensive
than the deal offered by Boeing, the Pentagon’s top buyer said. John Young,
undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, admitted the
Pentagon may have created confusion for bidders by failing to prioritize the 800 or so
“tradable” features on its wish list for the new tanker. (Source: Washington Post,
09/18/08)
Aerospace operations honored
MILTON, Fla. – Two companies in the aerospace field, AeroVironment and MTI Specialty
Silicones, were recognized by TEAM Santa Rosa Economic Development Council during
an annual Industry Appreciation Awards luncheon. (Source: Pensacola News Journal,
09/18/08)
Tanker incentives extended
MOBILE, Ala. – Local and state governments are in the process of renewing the $120
million-plus incentives package meant to lure the aerial refueling tanker project to
Brookley Field Industrial Complex. The deal is set to expire Sept. 30, and they want to
keep the incentives in place. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 09/18/08)
Boeing doing internal assessment
WASHINGTON – Boeing is doing an internal assessment of “lessons learned” from the
$35 billion tanker competition that became so heated it was canceled. “I don't think
anybody ... wants to go through this again," David Bowman, vice president of the Boeing
tanker programs, told Reuters during the annual Air Force Association meeting. (Source:
Reuters, 09/16/08)
Tanker deal years away?
WASHINGTON - Top Air Force officials said Monday it could take up to four years to
complete a new competition for an aerial refueling tanker contract. Acting Air Force
Secretary Michael Donley said the service is struggling to find a solution that would get
the troubled program back on track. Gen. Norton Schwartz, the Air Force's chief of staff,
told reporters it could take eight months to four years to pick a winner, depending on how
the next administration chooses to proceed. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 09/16/08)
Global Hawk pulls hurricane duty
An unmanned aircraft most closely associated with missions over Iraq and Afghanistan
pulled hurricane duty over the weekend. In its first use over a hurricane, a Global Hawk
from Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., flew a 24 hour mission and was over
Hurricane Ike for 13 hours. The aircraft took over 600 images. (Source: Tcp, 09/15/08)
New air cargo facility opening
GULFPORT, Miss. - The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport has a new $22-million,
46,000 square-foot cargo facility that will add to the import/export capabilities on the
Mississippi Gulf Coast. (Source: Harrison County Development Commission, 09/15/08)
EADS denies it may bail on tanker
PARIS – The European Aeronautic Defence & Space Co. denied Sunday that it’s
considering not bidding for a $40 billion Air Force tanker contract. German magazine Der
Spiegel in its issue to be published Monday quoted an EADS official as saying a bid will
only be submitted if EADS can be assured of a fair chance. But a spokesman for EADS
told Dow Jones Newswire the company is “still keen to go ahead” and is “resolutely
behind our American partner Northrop Grumman.” (Source: Dow Jones, 09/14/08)
FWB resolution supports F-35 mission
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. – City officials approved a resolution supporting Eglin Air
Force Base’s upcoming Joint Strike Fighter mission, a stark contrast to concerns raised
in Valparaiso. The Fort Walton Beach City Council says the mission will help bolster the
local economy. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 09/13/08)
Is a tanker split buy the only answer?
MOBILE, Ala. – Could the intensity of the tanker fight lead to a “split buy?” The Air Force
has said buying from both Boeing and Northrop Grumman/EADS would be expensive. “I
would hate to see that happen,” said Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., a member of the Senate
Armed Services Committee. “But it may be the only way to get the thing going.” (Source:
Mobile Press-Register, 09/14/08)
Obama praises tanker punt
Barack Obama on Friday praised the Pentagon for its decision to call off the Air Force
tanker competition and suggested he would favor Boeing Co. for the contract if elected
president. Obama told members of an aerospace union with close ties to Boeing that, if
elected, he would do everything in his power to “create and defend American jobs.”
(Source: Mobile Press-Register, 09/13/08)
Boeing strike could be long
Nearly 27,000 machinists have stopped work at Boeing Commercial Airplanes in the midst
of a boom cycle, largely because they want more say in the company’s outsourcing
strategy. (Source: Aviation Week and Space Technology, 09/12/08)
Flying non-stop into Ike
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. – The Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters have
been flying nonstop for more than three weeks into hurricanes Gustav, Hanna and now
Ike. That hurricane will make landfall near Galveston Saturday. The 403rd Wing, flying
WC-130J Hercules aircraft, pass through the eye every three hours to send data to the
National Hurricane Center in Miami. The mission ends once the hurricane makes landfall.
(Source: Air Force Reserve Command News Service, 9/12/2008)
BAE Systems closing Geneva plant
GENEVA, Ala. – BAE Systems will close its Individual Equipment manufacturing and
warehouse facilities in Geneva Sept. 26. Over the last three years, BAE Systems
increased its workforce to meet the rising demand for individual protective products. But
the need is now declining. The plant has 197 employees. (Source: BAE Systems,
09/10/08)
Moon rocket passes key test
NASA’s new moon rocket passed a key design milestone late Wednesday. Senior NASA
management unanimously approved the preliminary design review of the planned Ares I
rocket that would launch astronauts into space by 2015 and back to the moon by 2020.
Portions of the craft are to be built at Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. (Source:
AP, 09/11/08)
Combat ID system demonstrated at Eglin
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – BAE Systems has demonstrated a new system that
gives combat pilots a previously unavailable view of friendly forces on the battlefield and
could significantly reduce “friendly fire” during combat. The capability combines existing
communications, combat identification, and target identification systems and gives pilots
ready access to information about friendly forces in the area. (Source: BAE Systems,
09/11/08)
Mobile officials blast tanker decision
MOBILE, Ala. – Not surprisingly, Mobile area officials Wednesday were highly critical of
the Pentagon’s decision to cancel the Air Force tanker project and punt to the incoming
administration. One says the Pentagon put politics in front of fairness and the safety of
soldiers. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 09/11/08)
Pentagon ends tanker competition for now
Defense secretary Robert Gates is shutting down competition for the aerial refueling
tankers until the next presidential administration. Boeing and Northrop Grumman were
notified earlier in the day. The request for bids was withdrawn because there was not
enough time left by the end of President George W. Bush's final term in January.
(Source: Multiple, 09/10/08)
Tanker meeting held
WASHINGTON – Reuters says Pentagon and Air Force leaders met Tuesday to finalize
plans for the tanker competition. A statement may come later this week. Boeing, whose
27,000 machinists have been on strike since Saturday, and a team made up of Northrop
Grumman and EADS are competing for the tanker contract. (Source: Reuters, 09/09/08)
EADS eyes more acquisitions
BERLIN – The chief of the European Aeronautic Defense & Space Company says his
company is eyeing more acquisitions in the United States. Louis Gallois told defense and
security officials in Berlin that EADS wants to expand its presence in the United States
further after April’s acquisition of emergency response service company PlantCML. He
says it’s necessary to commit long-term and not for just one project. EADS and Northrop
Grumman are ompeting against Boeing for an Air Force tanker contract (Source: AP,
09/09/08)
Tech park could mean more research
SHALIMAR, Fla. – The planned Emerald Coast Research and Technology Park near
Eglin Air Force Base could bring more research to the Gulf Coast, according to Larry
Sassano, executive director of the Okaloosa County Economic Development Council. He
said Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and BAE Systems have operations near Eglin,
but they don’t do research here. Groundbreaking is expected in the spring. (Source:
WEAR-TV3, 09/08/08)
Stennis open house postponed
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – The Sept. 10 open house and public engine test
event at NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center has been postponed due to the uncertain
approach of Hurricane Ike. A new date for the event will be announced later. Vehicle
passes for the original date will remain valid when the event is rescheduled. (Source:
NASA, 09/08/08)
Demand for drones growing
It’s been a rough year in Afghanistan, and growing violence is forcing the Pentagon to
dispatch 12,000 additional troops. The manpower shortages have created an insatiable
demand for unmanned aerial vehicles and the pilots who fly them remotely, sometimes
from halfway across the globe. (Source: U.S. News & World Report, 09/1/08)
Comments will be in final report
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Two Air Force officials say they’ve followed the
comments made by the public over Eglin Air Force Base’s upcoming role as the F-35
Joint Strike Fighter Integrated Training Center, and they welcome them. Bob Arnold,
chairman of Eglin Air Force Base’s Mission Enhancement Committee, said every issue
mentioned in comments will be included in the final Environmental Impact Statement. Most
comments have concerned noise. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 09/07/08)
Boeing workers strike
Picket lines went up Saturday at Boeing aircraft factories. More than 27,000 machinists
are on strike after last-minute contract talks collapsed. Boeing’s last offer included an 11
percent wage hike over 3 years. It comes at a time Boeing is a year behind schedule with
the new 787. (Source: NPR, 09/06/08)
MH-53 now museum piece
SHALIMAR, Fla. – An MH-53 Pave Low helicopter arrived at the Air Force Armament
Museum Friday – the first time in the museum’s history that an aircraft has actually flown
in to take it’s place on display. (Source: WEAR-TV, 09/05/08)
Airport authority gets new chief
MOBILE, Ala. – The Mobile Airport Authority voted Thursday to hire Bill Sisson as its new
executive director beginning Oct. 6. Sisson, vice president of economic development for
the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, replaces Bay Haas. (Source: Mobile Press-
Register, 09/05/08)
Michoud reopens
NEW ORLEANS, La. – NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility is back in full operations today.
The workforce conducted safety inspections in order to resume production operations of
the space shuttle external tank’s assembly line on Monday. There facility had closed with
the approach of Hurricane Gustav. (Source: NASA, 09/04/08)
StenniSphere reopens Friday
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – StenniSphere, the visitor center at NASA’s John C.
Stennis Space Center, will reopen Friday after closing due to Hurricane Gustav. Tours to
the space center will resume a regular schedule of Wednesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.
m., with the last tour bus departing at 2 p.m. each day. Tours originate from the Launch
Pad adjacent to the I-10 Welcome Center in Hancock County. (Source: NASA, 09/04/08)
New Orleans airport back to normal
NEW ORLEANS, La. - Louis Armstrong International Airport expects a return to normal
operations today. The airport closed on Sunday evening as Hurricane Gustav
approached, and reopened Tuesday to a small number of private flights. (Source: New
Orleans Times-Picayune, 09/04/08)
General just wants tankers
WASHINGTON – A four-star general says he doesn’t care which plane wins the tanker
competition, he just wants new planes. Gen. Arthur Lichte, who runs Air Mobility
Command, wants the Pentagon to resolve the issue quickly. A delay of another year or
more would force the Air Force to fly the Eisenhower-era tankers past 2040. Northrop
and partner EADS want to build the planes in Mobile, Ala. (Source: AP, 09/03/08)
Okaloosa airport changes name
EGLIN AIR FORC BASE, Fla. – Okaloosa Regional Airport is changing its name to
Northwest Florida Regional Airport. It’s the second airport in the region to announce a
name change. Pensacola Regional Airport earlier said it’s changing its name to
Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport. Both airports say the name change helps in
marketing. (Source: WEAR-TV3, 09/03/08)
Stennis reopens Thursday
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center will reopen
Thursday, officials said. The facility came through Hurricane Gustav without any
problems, but because of the storm’s impact on employees who live in Louisiana and in
South Mississippi, the facility will remain closed tomorrow. (Source: NASA, 09/02/08)
AUGUST 2008
Vertex gets contract
L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Miss., has been awarded a $111.4
million contract to provide logistics services and materials for organizational,
intermediate, and depot level maintenance to support 71 T-45A and 108 T-45C aircraft
at Naval Air Station Meridian, Miss., NAS Kingsville, Texas, and NAS Pensacola, Fla.
(Source: DoD, 08/28/08)
Sides may up tanker ante
The Pentagon this week is expected to release its final bid request for a new tanker. And
it may end up with two new planes from which to choose. Boeing has asked for more time
to prepare a proposal with a larger plane that could carry more fuel and cargo. Now it
appears Northrop Grumman/EADS may offer the A330-200, the freight version of the
plane it’s already offered. (Source: Business Week, 08/28/08)
Stennis shuts down for Gustav
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center is closing at 4:
30 p.m. due to the approach of Hurricane Gustav. Normal operations at the facility are
expected to resume when conditions permit. Public tours to StenniSphere, the visitor
center at Stennis, will be suspended. When conditions allow the visitor center will return
to its regular hours of operation. (Source: NASA, 08/29/08)
Unmanned hurricane hunter
MOSS POINT, Miss. – If Gustav becomes a big enough threat, Global Hawks may be
used to check it out. That’s according to Ed Walby, director of business development for
the Global Hawk. He says an Air Force Global Hawk in California could fly to the
hurricane and provide persistent coverage for 18 hours before having to fly back.
(Source: The Sun Herald, 08/28/08)
Flight academy given a go
PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Secretary of the Navy has given the green light to the National
Flight Academy, which will begin construction at Naval Air Station Pensacola early next
year. The academy, to be built at the National Museum of Naval Aviation, is designed for
students in grades 7-12 and expected to open in 2011. (Source: WEAR-TV, 08/27/08)
New center on track for growth
MOSS POINT, Miss. – More growth is in store for Northrop Grumman’s Unmanned
Systems Center. The Navy’s Broad Area Maritime Surveillance program will need 68
Global Hawks rather than the 40 originally expected, and the Air Force now wants more
as well. The numbers were mentioned at a lunch Northrop held today for area dignitaries
at its nearly three-year-old plant that does center fuselage work for the fixed-wing Global
Hawk and finishing work for the Fire Scout helicopter drone. Northrop officials also said
Global Hawks may wind up being used for persistent coverage of hurricanes, a move that
could improve predictions about the track of hurricanes. (Source: Tcp, 08/27/08)
Tanker guidelines delayed
WASHINGTON – Reuters is reporting that the Pentagon said it may wait until next week
before issuing a final request for proposals in its rerun of a $35 billion aerial tanker
competition between Boeing Co and Northrop Grumman Corp. Pentagon spokesman
Bryan Whitman said the announcement was not likely Tuesday and could “certainly”
lapse into next week. (Source: Reuters, 08/26/08)
Southwest cuts flights
NEW ORLEANS, La. - Southwest Airlines will cut nonstop daily flights to both Birmingham
and Houston in January. That will leave the airline with two nonstop daily flights to
Birmingham and 10 between the city and Houston. With the reduction, the number of
flights out of Louis Armstrong International Airport, which was 162 the week before
Katrina, will fall to 123. (Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune 08/26/08)
Crash blamed on pilot error
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The Air Force says pilot error was to blame for a
February jet crash over the Gulf of Mexico that killed one airman and injured another.
Two F-15s collided during air-to-air combat training. (Source: WEAR-TV3, 08/25/08)
Airport wins award
GULFPORT, Miss. – The Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport Authority’s Air Cargo Facility
won the Sun Herald’s Engineering Honor Award. It was chosen by jurors from Mississippi
State University. Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport will soon open a new 40,000-square-
foot air-cargo terminal to further the Mississippi Gulf Coast region’s presence in the
import/export industry. (Source: The Sun Herald, 08/25/08)
Boeing union rejects offer
A Boeing union has called the latest wage proposal “insulting,” increasing the likelihood
of a strike. A spokeswoman for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace
Workers said the union expected a wage increase in keeping with the industry trend. The
current contract expires Sept. 3. (Source: Reuters, 08/24/08)
Crash report to be released today
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board
is expected to release its report Monday on a February jet crash over the Gulf of Mexico
that killed one airman and injured another. Two F-15s collided during air-to-air combat
training. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 08/24/08)
INFINITY nears groundbreaking
HANCOCK COUNTY, Miss. – Groundbreaking for the INFINITY Science Center is getting
near. This month the board of directors reviewed plans to begin accepting bids for the
$40 million center that will be built along Interstate 10 across from Stennis Space Center.
The final $4 million is now being raised. A large sign at the I-10 Welcome Center
promises a 2010 opening. (Source: The Stennis News, August 08 issue)
Avalex wins chamber award
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Avalex Technologies was named small business of the month by
Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. Avalex, which makes aircraft displays,
digital recorders and digital moving map systems, was recently named to Inc. 5,000’s list
of fastest growing companies. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 08/23/08)
American Eagle cuts flights
MOBILE, Ala. – American Eagle will cut two daily round trips between Mobile Regional
Airport and Dallas-Fort Worth International Nov. 2. American Eagle also will cut daily
round trips from Dallas to Pensacola Regional Airport from six to five. (Source: Mobile
Press-Register, 08/23/08)
Boeing says it needs more time
Those reports that Boeing may not bid on the $40 billion aerial tanker have resurfaced,
this time in the Wall Street Journal. Boeing, which is competing against Northrop
Grumman and EADS, says it needs six months, but the DOD has given competitors 60
days. Says Jim Albaugh, chief of Boeing’s defense unit: “I think the option we would have
if we were not given the six months, there is a really high likelihood that we would no-bid
the program.” (Source: Wall Street Journal, 08/22/08)
ADO chief: Mobile will build jets
MOBILE, Ala. – The director of the Alabama Development Office says the Northrop/EADS
aerial refueling tanker deal is going to happen. “We are going to be building jets in
Mobile, Ala.,” Neal Wade said at a luncheon presented by the Mobile Area Chamber of
Commerce. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 08/22/08)
Euro Hawk fuselage nears rollout
MOSS POINT, Miss. – The first Euro Hawk center fuselage is slated to roll out of the
Northrop Grumman Unmanned Systems Center in Moss Point next month. Germany in
2007 awarded a contract to a joint-venture company formed by Northrop Grumman and
EADS to develop, test and support the Euro Hawk unmanned signals intelligence
surveillance and reconnaissance system. The center fuselage that will come out of the
Moss Point facility is a derivative of the Block 30 Global Hawk. (Source: Northrop
Grumman, 08/21/08)
Final guidelines on tanker due
Final guidelines will be released next week, perhaps as early as Monday, for the latest
round of bidding on the $35 billion aerial tanker project. Boeing and Northrop Grumman
officials met again this week with defense officials at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in
Dayton, Ohio. Northrop wants to build the planes in Mobile, and Boeing wants to build
them in Washington State. (Source: Multiple, 08/21/08)
Fire Scout begins tests with payload
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - The Fire Scout recently completed its first flight test with a payload
and integrated tactical data link. The flight was earlier this month at Naval Air Station
Patuxent River, Md. Doug Fronius, MQ-8B Fire Scout program director, says starting this
series of tests is a major milestone and puts Fire Scout one step closer to shipboard
testing. Final assembly of Fire Scouts is done in Moss Point, Miss. (Source: Northrop
Grumman, 08/20/08)
Airspace issue addressed
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The Defense Department, area bases and communities
plan to work together to figure out how to share skies that promise to get more congested
in the Gulf Coast region. Bob Arnold, Eglin Mission Enhancement Committee, says
civilian traffic throughout the country is getting more congested, and the Air Force aircraft
also require more space. DoD will be gathering flight request information over the next
few months and hope to have a plan in place by the end of 2010. (Source: WEAR-TV 3,
08/20/08)
Northrop discusses program at lunch
MOSS POINT, Miss. – Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems will hold an invitation-only
luncheon for next week at its Moss Point Unmanned Systems Center to provide invited
guests with an overview of the Northrop Grumman unmanned systems program. The
center opened in 2006 and does final assembly of the Fire Scout and fuselage work on
the Global Hawk. (Source: Tcp, 08/20/08)
Impact statement delayed
VALPARAISO, Fla. – Eglin Air Force Base said the final draft of the Joint Strike Fighter
Environmental Impact Statement has been pushed back past the original September
deadline. Eglin will be home to the newly established F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Integrated
Training Center, but residents have been concerned about noise and safety issues.
(Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 08/19/08)
Boeing machinists to consider offer
WICHITA, Kan. – Boeing and the machinists union begin a final round of talks this week
on a new contract. Union members vote Sept. 3 on the company’s latest offer to replace
the current contract that expires Sept. 4. The Machinists union represents hourly workers
at Boeing in Wichita and in Puget Sound. (Source: Wichita Eagle, 08/19/08)
Engine test series for Ares I done
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – NASA has completed a series of tests on a key component of the J-
2X engine that powers the upper stage of the Ares I rocket. The test Aug. 15 was for the
gas generator, driver for the turbopumps that start the engine. Both Michoud Assembly
Facility in New Orleans and Stennis Space Center in Mississippi are involved in the
Constellation Program that will bring astronauts to the moon and beyond. (Source: NASA,
08/18/08)
NASA holds Ares I briefing
WASHINGTON - NASA will host a media teleconference Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. EDT to
discuss possible solutions to concerns raised about the early designs of the new crew
launch vehicle that will be carried by the Ares I. Michoud Assembly Facility in New
Orleans will build portions of Ares I and the crew vehicle. (Source: NASA, 08/18/08)
Cyberspace Command future unclear
There are multiple reports that the bid to establish an Air Force Cyberspace Command is
on hold. Nextgov reported it last week, and the Associated Press says it obtained an Air
Force memo that said manning and budget transfers for the command have been
suspended. AP says the Pentagon and Air Force are expected to make a decision later
this month on the command’s fate. Many areas, including the Gulf Coast, have been
competing to become headquarters of the command. It’s interim location is Barksdale Air
Force Base, La. (Source: Associated Press, Nextgov, others, 08/18/08)
Northrop names new Global Hawk chief
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Northrop Grumman has appointed George Guerra vice president of
High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Systems. Guerra is responsible for overall
program performance and growth of the family of RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned systems.
HALE is based in San Diego and has production facilities in Palmdale, Calif., and Moss
Point, Miss. Current domestic and international programs include systems for the Air
Force, Navy and Germany. (Source: Northrop Grumman, 08/18/08)
Tanker requirements release looms
The Defense Department is expected to issue its final set of requirements this week for
the $40 billion Air Force tanker project. Competitors Northrop Grumman and Boeing will
then have 45 days to submit final proposals. Both companies met with defense officials
Saturday at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio to discuss the amended bid
proposal. That was prompted when Boeing’s protest of the award to Northrop was
upheld. Boeing wants to build tanker in Washington State and Northrop and partner
EADS want to build them in Mobile. (Source: Bloomberg, Financial Times, 08/17/08)
Mini robots topic of meeting
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. – Navigation systems for miniature autonomous systems
will be the topic of a workshop Oct. 20-22 in Fort Walton Beach. “Challenges for
Miniature Autonomous Systems” is sponsored by Eglin Air Force Base’s Air Force
Research Lab/Munitions Directorate. Trends show that future autonomous systems will
be less than 20 pounds, air-launched from small UAVs and used in greater numbers than
current systems. But ongoing technical challenges include navigation, sensors and
payloads. (Source: Inside GNSS, 08/17/08)
Airport breaks ground on expansion
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Ground was broken Friday on Pensacola Regional Airport’s $45
million terminal upgrade. It includes an expanded ticket lobby, in-line baggage screening
and new restaurant facilities. The expansion is the second of a three-phase project
totaling some $71 million. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 08/16/08)
Gunships training with WWII rounds
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. – Rising ammunition costs forced AC-130 aircrews to train with
World War II armor-piercing rounds that have been sitting in storage bunkers. It’s plentiful
and cheap, $8 per round in 1940s dollars compared to $200 for today’s rounds. The
problem was the old rounds contained no explosives and crews could not tell when they
hit targets with their 40mm Bofors cannons. So weapons specialists and the Air Force
Research Laboratories at Eglin Air Force Base came up with a modified round with a
pyrotechnic spotting charge. Some 350,000 of the old rounds are available and plans are
to modify them on a large scale. The savings? Up to $20 million a year. (Source: Air
Force Times, AFPN, 08/14/08)
Northrop to support NASA UAV
Northrop Grumman Corp. received a five-year, $25 million contract to support NASA’s
Global Hawk unmanned aircraft program for earth sciences research. Northrop will
provide engineering and technical services to support two of the aircraft as well as
ground control and other systems under an award by NASA’s Dryden Flight Research
Center in Southern California. Portions of the Global Hawk fuselages are built in Moss
Point, Miss. (Source: Northrop Grumman, 08/14/08)
New Eglin mission could be a boon
PANAMA CITY, Fla. – Eglin Air Force Base’s new Joint Strike Fighter training mission
should bring economic benefits to the central Panhandle, including Panama City. That’s
the thinking of Randy Curtis, director of the Panama City-Bay County International
Airport. “It’s going to bring in quite a few operations, and I think greatly expand the
activities at Eglin Air Force Base,” says Curtis. About 100 F-35 fighters will be stationed
at Eglin, adding some 4,800 people to the area. (Source: WMBB-News 13, 08/14/08)
Impact of new Eglin mission discussed
VALPARAISO, Fla. – Officials held a public hearing Tuesday to discuss the impact of
Eglin Air Force Base’s Joint Strike Fighter training mission on the city. Much of the
concern has centered around noise. A draft version of a study funded by the Air Force
recommends, among other things, new building codes and retrofitting older buildings to
abate the noise. The study also suggests the city consider purchasing the land in the
immediate vicinity of the runway. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 08/13/08)
ST Engineering profits decline
Profits at Singapore Technologies Engineering inched back in the second quarter as the
company grappled with the declining value of the U.S. dollar and increased costs in its
aerospace operations. The company is the parent of ST Mobile Aerospace Engineering,
which employs about 1,600 people at Mobile's Brookley Field Industrial Complex, and VT
Halter Marine, which employs more than 1,000 people at shipyards in Pascagoula and
Moss Point, Miss. Profits fell to about $85 million, down 2 percent from the same period
last year. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 08/13/08)
Pensacola airport changing name
PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Pensacola Regional Airport is changing its name, and will be
known as the Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport. The airport director says the name
is more descriptive of the area the airport serves. The airport is expected to announce on
Friday a new terminal expansion. (Source: WEAR-TV, 08/12/08)
Boeing still in tanker fight
Boeing apparently will remain in the competition for an Air Force tanker contract,
according to the Associated Press, Financial Times and others. Officials from Boeing and
Northrop Grumman met with defense officials at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio
to discuss the second round of bidding on the tanker program. There has been
speculation Boeing might not bid again. (Source: Multiple, 08/12/08)
GAO rejects BAMS protest
WASHINGTON – Reuters reports that the Government Accountability Office has rejected
a protest by Lockheed Martin over the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Project that was
awarded to Northrop Grumman Corp. The Navy chose the RQ-4N Global Hawk as the
platform for the $1.16 billion BAMS program. The fuselages will be built in part at a
Northrop facility in Moss Point, MS. (Source: Reuters, 08/11/08)
Boeing may opt out of tanker bid?
Boeing is reportedly "strongly" considering not submitting a bid in the competition to build
the next generation of Air Force aerial tankers. That's what was reported today by
Aviation Week, citing multiple sources familiar with Boeing's internal communications.
(Source: Aviation Week, 08/11/08)
F-35 noise potential concerns schools
VALPARAISO, Fla. - Okaloosa County School District officials are concerned about the
possible effects of Eglin Air Force Base’s plans to train thousands of F-35 fighter pilots.
The Air Force wants to base 117 of the jets at Eglin in about two years. The Air Force
says the jets generate 65 decibels of noise. A middle school and two elementary schools
may be impacted. There will be a town hall meeting Tuesday about the issue. (Source:
Northwest Florida Daily News, 08/10/8)
T-2 going into retirement
PENSACOLA, Fla. – The T-2 Buckeye aircraft is ending its long career training Naval
aviators. On Friday the last two naval students flew their final flights using the aircraft.
The T-2 Buckeye went into service in 1959, but it’s being replaced by the T-45 Goshawk.
The official retirement ceremony is scheduled for Aug. 22 at NAS Pensacola. (Source:
WEAR-TV3, 08/08/08)
Fuel tank heading for Kennedy
NEW ORLEANS, La. – The latest external fuel tank for the Space Shuttle is heading for
Kennedy Space Center in Florida and is expected to arrive Monday. It’s the second tank
in less than a month that the Michoud Assembly Facility in eastern New Orleans has
delivered to NASA. The shuttle will launch Oct. 8 on a mission to service the Hubble
Space Telescope. The tanks, which stand 15-stories tall and nearly 28 feet in diameter,
are constructed by Lockheed Martin at the Michoud Assembly Facility. (Source: New
Orleans Times-Picayune, 08/08/08)
Boeing backers not happy
WASHINGTON – Although the Pentagon has issued new guidelines in the competition
between Boeing and Northrop Grumman to win the tanker contact, some Boeing backers
are not happy. U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said in a press release that several
issues already raise “red flags,” and U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks, D-Wash., said the draft
request appears “to favor a tanker larger than any real-world scenarios would require.”
The Pentagon will now consider long-term operating costs, likely to help Boeing, and give
points for exceeding the basic requirements, likely to help Northrop. (Source: Mobile
Press-Register, 08/07/08)
Northrop, Boeing get new bidding terms
WASHINGTON – The two companies vying for a $40 billion contract to build the next
generation of Air Force aerial refueling tankers have received revised terms of the
renewed contest. The new request for proposals provided to Boeing and Northrop
Grumman addresses concerns of the General Accountability Office. The contract was
originally awarded to Northrop Grumman/EADS in February, but Boeing protested.
Northrop wants to build the planes in Mobile and Boeing wants to build them in
Washington State. A decision will come late this year or early next. (Source: Multiple,
08/06/08)
Stennis slates engine test, open house
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - The public is invited to an open house and engine
test-firing Sept. 10 at Stennis Space Center. Gates open 9:30 a.m. and open house
continues until 12:30 p.m. at the StenniSphere. Later, guests will be transported to the
Propulsion Text Complex viewing site to see a test of a Space Shuttle main engine.
Passes will be available 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 12 at Wal-Mart in Picayune, 10 a.m. to 3 p.
m. Aug. 19 at Northshore Mall in Slidell, La., and Edgewater Mall in Biloxi, and 10 a.m. to
3 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Kiln and Bay St. Louis libraries. Passes will also be available Aug.
11-30 at the Launch Pad at the Mississippi Welcome Center. Call 800-237-1821 or 228-
688-2370 for information. (Source: Stennis Space Center, 08/06/08)
Martinez: Best tanker deal, not jobs, comes first
PENSACOLA, Fla. – U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, during a visit to Pensacola, said that he can’
t back an aerial tanker project going to Mobile simply because he represents its neighbor
state. The Orlando Republican said he’s sympathetic and wants the tanker to go to
Mobile, but he says it should not become “a provincial issue of where jobs go." The
contract in February was awarded to the Northrop Grumman/EADS team, but the General
Accountability Office backed a protest by Boeing and determined the Air Force made
errors in awarding the contract. It’s being rebid. (Source: Pensacola News Journal,
08/06/08)
First of two converted Boeing jets delivered
MOBILE, Ala. – ST Mobile Aerospace delivered the first of two converted Boeing 757 jets
to the Royal New Zealand Air Force Monday. The $38 million contract is for two planes.
The second plane is supposed to be delivered by year’s end. Freighter conversion is a
key part of the business at MAE. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 08/05/08)
Michoud to begin trimming workforce
NEW ORLEANS, La. - Lockheed Martin in October will begin a two-year process of
cutting its Michoud Assembly Facility work force by about 70 percent – to some 600
workers. The reduction, announced to workers Friday, has been expected as the
contract to make fuel tanks for the Space Shuttle winds down. Some employees may
transition to other projects. Lockheed was chosen to build the Orion crew exploration
vehicle at the site and Boeing will build the Ares rocket, both components of NASA’s
Constellation program, a fleet of next-generation spacecraft. (Source: New Orleans
Times-Picayune, 08/02/08)
Delegation writes letter to Gates
WASHINGTON – The Pentagon should work “with care and diligence” in meeting its goal
of awarding a new aerial refueling tanker contract by year’s end. That’s what four
Alabama lawmakers wrote in a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates. They urged
Gates to resist demands to restructure the competition beyond the problems identified by
the Government Accountability Office. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 08/01/08)
JULY 2008
Fewer flights will leave New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS, La. – There will be nine fewer flights and 382 fewer seats leaving Louis
Armstrong International Airport in November, compared with the same month last year, as
the capacity cuts announced by airlines earlier this summer go into effect. Airlines are
responding nationwide to fuel costs by cutting service. (Source: New Orleans Times-
Picayune, 07/31/08)
Farnborough trip results in leads
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Escambia and Santa Rosa officials who attended the Farnborough
International Air Show say they returned with several leads. Evon Emerson, president
and CEO of the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, said one lead resulted in a
proposal sent out last week. About 90 officials from Alabama, Florida and Mississippi
attended the show in England this month. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 07/31/08)
Avalex wins award
PENSACOLA, Fla. - Avalex Technologies is the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of
Commerce’s Small Business of the Month for August. Avalex has more than 15 years of
experience in the manufacture of aircraft display systems, digital recorders and digital
moving map systems. The Avalex offices are in downtown Pensacola. (Source: Pensacola
News Journal, 07/31/08)
Northrop Grumman profits up
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Strong performances by the aerospace and shipbuilding units
led to a strong performance by Northrop Grumman. The company reported second-
quarter profit up 8 percent and sales up 10 percent. The Los Angeles-based company
reported net income of $495 million in the quarter ending June 30 and revenue of $8.63
billion. (Source: Multiple, 07/30/08)
StenniSphere closed Wednesday, reopens Thursday
BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. - Normal operations at StenniSphere, the visitor center at NASA’s
John C. Stennis Space Center, will be suspended July 30 due to technical issues. The
visitor center will resume normal operations July 31 at 10 a.m. StenniSphere is open to
the public 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. (Source: Stennis Space
Center, 07/29/08)
New projects discussed at Farnborough
Discussions at the recent Farnborough International Air Show could increase aerospace
activity in South Mississippi. George Freeland, executive director of the Jackson County
Economic Development Foundation, said he and other representatives from Mississippi
met with about 50 companies. Larry Barnett, executive director of the Harrison County
Development Commission, said the controversy over the aerial tanker project generated
a lot of interest in the Gulf Coast. But there are other opportunities outside the tanker
project. Freeland said those other projects are close to starting site selections. He
expects follow-up meetings. (Source: The Mississippi Press, 07/29/08)
Abbreviated competition begins for tanker contract
WASHINGTON - The Pentagon will re-open the competition to build the next generation
of Air Force tankers, but on an abbreviated schedule. Defense Secretary Robert Gates
said at a news conference that eight issues highlighted by the General Accountability
Office in sustaining a protest will be addressed. The new contract will be awarded in
December. In addition, Defense Department Undersecretary John Young will be the
selection source authority, rather than the Air Force. The $40 billion contract pit Boeing
against the Northrop Grumman/EADS team. Northrop was chosen as the winner in
February, but Boeing protested. GAO last month sustained the protest on eight of more
than 100 issues brought up by Boeing. Northrop and EADS want to build the planes in
Mobile, and Boeing wants to build them in Washington. (Source: Tcp, 07/09/08)
JUNE 2008
Larger Global Hawk delivered
The latest upgrade of the Northrop Grumman Global Hawk, the Block 20, has been
delivered to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale AFB, Calif. The Block 20 has a
bigger airframe and a wider wingspan than the Block 10. Northrop will also produce Block
30 and Block 40 models of the Global Hawk, which are scheduled to be fielded in 2011.
Portions of the fuselage of the newly delivered Global Hawk were built in Moss Point,
Miss. (Multiple, 06/30/08)
Hixardt gets contract with Eglin
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Hixardt Technology, a Pensacola-based information technology firm,
received a five-year, $18 million contract from Eglin Air Force Base. Hixardt will provide
base level software support and manage all software purchases and licensing for Eglin.
(Source: Pensacola News Journal, 06/27/08)
Alabama Aircraft taking contract fight to court
Alabama Aircraft Industries Inc. said it is taking its fight for a tanker maintenance contract
to federal court. Birmingham-based Alabama Aircraft, formerly Pemco Aviation Group
Inc., said it would file a lawsuit in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims challenging the Air
Force’s s selection of Boeing Co. for a $1.1 billion deal to maintain refueling tankers.
Alabama Aircraft had also protested the award to the Government Accountability Office.
The GAO in December sided with Alabama Aircraft in its objection to the a cost/price
evaluation in the contract award. Despite the GAO’s ruling the Air Force earlier this
month gave Boeing the go-ahead to do the maintenance work. (Source: Mobile Press-
Register, 06/27/08)
American cuts service
American Eagle flights to Chicago from Mobile, Ala., Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach,
Fla., Gulfport, Miss., and Baton Rouge, La., will be cut as part of the company’s belt-
tightening. The cuts will end direct flights to Chicago from anywhere in the Central Gulf
Coast except from New Orleans. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, The Sun Herald,
06/27/08)
Faulkner State to offer avionics
Faulkner State Community College hopes to begin avionics classes in 2009, part of a
continuing state push to expand the training of aerospace workers. The Mobile Aviation
Center will likely lease a new building for students to work on planes, replacing a
damaged hangar. Gary Branch, president of Baldwin County's Faulkner state, said he
hoped the aviation electronics program would begin on the Bay Minette campus with 25
to 30 students. That program still needs state approvals. (Source: Mobile Press-Register,
06/26/08)
Groundbreaking canceled in Mobile
MOBILE, Ala. – Northrop Grumman has postponed the planned June 28 groundbreaking
for two facilities designed to produce Air Force tankers. The announcement comes in the
wake of the Government Accountability Office siding with Boeing in its protest over the
awarding of the $35 billion contract to Northrop and partner EADS. The Air Force, which
awarded the contract in February, now faces the possibility of having to open the
competition to re-bidding. The Air Force has 60 days to respond to the ruling. No new
date has been set for the groundbreaking. (Source: Multiple, 06/20/08)
Gulf Coast attendees at Farnborough will still promote region
Next month members of a delegation from Alabama, Mississippi and Florida will be in
London for the Farnborough International Air Show. One aim of the group had been to
attract suppliers connected to the Northrop Grumman-EADS aerial tanker project. But
Wednesday’s decision by the Government Accountability Office upholding Boeing’s
protest puts a different spin on the visit. “I think we say to people, we are a burgeoning
aerospace community. That has not changed,” said Bill Sisson, vice president of
economic development for the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. Cindy Anderson,
executive director of Florida’s Team Santa Rosa Economic Development Council, says
aerospace and defense has been a target industry for her county for the last decade and
that won’t change with the tanker deal. In Mississippi, George Freeland, executive
director of the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, said regardless of
the GAO decision, “the assets within this aerospace corridor are still relevant.” (Sources:
Mobile Press-Register, Mississippi Press, 06/19/08)
GAO sides with Boeing
WASHINGTON – The Government Accountability Office has sided with Boeing in its
protest of the $35 billion contract the Air Force awarded to Northrop Grumman and EADS
to build aerial tankers. The agency recommended the competition be re-opened. That
process could delay the tanker a year or longer. Northrop and EADS had planned to
build the tankers in Mobile, and Boeing wants to build them in Washington State.
(Source: Multiple, 06/18/08)
Goodrich wins contracts
FOLEY, Ala – Goodrich Corp. said Tuesday that it has won contracts worth $600 million
to build nacelles and engine pylons as part of a downsized U.S. Air Force overhaul of its
C-5 Galaxy cargo planes. Goodrich's Foley facility is expected to assemble pylons and
also put together jet engine nacelles. Most of the nacelle parts will be made at the
company’s factories in Chula Vista and Riverside, Calif. Almost 800 employees work at
Goodrich’s Foley plant, with 415 working to make new components. Jeff Raley, the
general manager for new equipment, said no new jobs are expected from the C-5
program. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 06/18/08)
Mistake made in long-term cost of tanker
The Boeing Co. said Thursday the U.S. Air Force erred in its calculation of the long-term
costs of its bid versus that of the Northrop Grumman/EADS North America team. Chicago-
based Boeing made the assertion in a filing with the Government Accountability Office,
which is set to issue a ruling next week on Boeing’s protest. A copy of the document, filed
with GAO on April 25, was reviewed by the Press-Register Thursday. Boeing claimed its
KC-767 tanker would cost less to operate over a projected 25-year life span than the KC-
45 offered by the Northrop team. Boeing claimed the mistake raised larger questions
about the integrity of the Air Force’s evaluation. (Source: Mobile Press-Register,
06/13/08)
Northrop exec says tanker will impact region
PENSACOLA, Fla. – A Northrop Grumman vice president predicts Boeing’s protest of
Northrop Grumman’s winning bid to provide aerial tankers for the Air Force will be
rejected by the Government Accountability Office. That’s what Leroy Barnidge told
members of the Gulf Coast Economics Club during a Tuesday luncheon. Barnidge, a
retired Air Force general, also thinks the GAO report’s release next week will launch a
political wrestling match among rival congressional delegations. Northrop and its partner,
EADS, plan to build the KC-45s in Mobile. Boeing wanted to build its aircraft in
Washington State. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 06/11/08)
Segers Aero moving headquarters to Fairhope
FAIRHOPE, Ala. – Segers Aero Corp. has purchased a 130,000 square foot facility that
formerly housed L3 Crestview Aerospace in Fairhope and will employ about 100 people
at the site. Howard Hadley, president and CEO, says the company will relocate the Rolls-
Royce T-56/501 turbine engine repair and overhaul facility from Opa Locka, Fla., and
corporate headquarters in Crestview, Fla., to the Fairhope facility. Segers specializes in
parts management and logistics as well as engine maintenance repair and overhaul. It’s a
unit of privately held Segers Aviation SA, based in Gibraltar. The Mobile Press-Register
reported the company is expected to invest between $3 million and $6 million and said
operations could begin within three months. In 2005, the company said it would move the
Opa Locka operation to Crestview, but it never erected its planned building. Hadley said
Segers wanted to leave Opa Locka because of concerns about finding workers in South
Florida in the future. "We think Alabama, northwest Florida and southeast Mississippi
probably has a better potential for aerospace workers than our current location," he said.
(Source: Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance, Mobile Press-Register,
06/06/08)
Lockheed CEO speaks in favor of tanker contract
Lockheed Martin Corp. CEO Bob Stevens spoke in favor of the Air Force’s decision to
award a tanker contract to the transatlantic team of Northrop Grumman and EADS.
Speaking at a defense industry conference in Brussels, Stevens said international
partnerships like this are indispensable in a global economy. The Air Force decision, he
said, is an example of the growing willingness of the United States to look to global
sources for vital equipment.” The Air Force chose the Northrop-EADS team in February,
but losing bidder Boeing challenged. The Government Accountability Office is scheduled
to issue a ruling by June 19. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 06/04/08)
Commuter flight sought
PASCAGOULA, Miss. – The Jackson County Airport Authority is applying for a grant to
help secure a commuter flight from Trent Lott International Airport to New Orleans as part
of a larger plan to boost federal funding for the airport. Airport Director Carol Snapp said
there are 230,000 air passengers in the county and of those, 42 percent fly out of
Gulfport, 39 percent out of Mobile and 19 percent out of New Orleans. What they’re
working toward is securing a small commuter flight to New Orleans so that businessmen
and other passengers can make connections to other cities. (Source: The Sun Herald,
06/03/08)
MAY 2008
CEO predicts contract will stand
Ron Sugar, chief executive of Northrop Grumman Corp., told investors at a conference in
New York Friday he expects the company will keep a U.S. Air Force jet tanker contract
despite a protest by rival Boeing Co. Northrop won the potential $40 billion contract on
Feb. 29, but Boeing filed a formal protest with the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
A ruling by GAO is expected by June 19. Northrop and partner EADS North America plan
to construct a $600 million, 1,500-worker assembly plant at the Brookley Field Industrial
Complex. Airbus, an EADS subsidiary, also plans to assemble A330 freighter aircraft at
the facility. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 05/31/08)
Brookley to close runway
MOBILE, Ala. – Airport officials are getting ready to shut down a runway at Brookley
Industrial Complex to make way for two new plants. Much of the 7,800-foot north-south
runway would disappear under the planned aircraft plants where EADS North America will
assemble airplanes and Northrop Grumman Corp. will modify some of them for use as
military refueling tankers. Plans hinge on the federal government not overturning the $40
billion tanker contract on appeal. An application is being readied for the Federal Aviation
Administration, asking for the closing of runway 18-36. (Source: Mobile Press-Register,
05/25/08)
Groundbreaking for tanker complex set
MOBILE, Ala. – Northrop Grumman and EADS North America set June 28 as the date to
break ground on an aerial tanker assembly complex at Brookley Industrial Complex. The
two companies, which beat Boeing in the contract to build tankers for the Air Force, will
hold a ceremony marking the beginning of construction on two adjoining assembly plants.
Boeing is contesting the award. A decision is expected to come down next month from the
Government Accountability Office. Ronald Sugar, Northrop Grumman chairman and chief
executive officer, said the company is “committed to transforming Mobile into the
centerpiece of an expanding aerospace corridor.” (Source: Multiple, 05/12/08)
New test and evaluation center discussed
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The Air Force on Monday discussed a new plan that
would put the 46th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base under a new Air Force
Developmental Test and Evaluation Center. That center would be at Edwards Air Force
Base in California. In 2006 the Air Force proposed moving the 46th Test Wing to
Edwards, but the new plan would place the wing under the center but keep it at Eglin, as
least for now. (Source: WEAR-TV 3, 05/12/08)
First series of Ares engine tests completed at Stennis
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – NASA engineers Thursday completed the first series
of tests in the early development of the J-2X engine that will power the upper stages of
the Ares I and Ares V rockets that will be used in the Constellation Program. Ares I will
launch the Orion spacecraft that will take astronauts to the International Space Station
and then to the moon by 2020. The Ares V will carry cargo and components into orbit for
trips to the moon and later to Mars. NASA conducted nine tests of heritage J-2 engine
components from December to May to verify heritage J-2 performance data and explore
performance boundaries. Data from the tests will be used to refine the design of the J-2X
pumps and other engine components to provide the additional performance required.
The J-2X engine is being designed to produce 294,000 pounds of thrust; the original J-2
produced 230,000 pounds of thrust. Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne will design, develop,
test and evaluate the engine. (Source: NASA, 05/09/08)
UAV flight tests in South Mississippi get nod
MOSS POINT, Miss. – Beginning in August, Fire Scout unmanned aerial systems can be
flight tested in the same location where final assembly is done – South Mississippi. The
FAA issued to the Navy the authorization for tests from Trent Lott International Airport
south to the Gulf of Mexico. Fire Scouts are unmanned helicopters that will be used by
the Navy for reconnaissance. Final assembly is done at the Northrop Grumman
Unmanned Systems Center in Moss Point. (Source: Tcp, 05/07/08)
Goodrich to expand work
FOLEY, Ala. – Goodrich Corp. said it won a deal to build and maintain housings for
engines that will go on two new regional jet models, opening up a new line of business for
the company’s nacelle division, which employs about 800 people in Foley. The company
said the business could be worth $5 billion in the 25 years after the Mitsubishi Heavy
Industries and Bombardier planes begin flying commercially in 2013. The work is for Pratt
& Whitney, the engine maker. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 05/01/08)
APRIL 2008
Northrop wins BAMS contract
The Navy has chosen Northrop Grumman for a $1.6 billion contract to develop an
unmanned surveillance system using Global Hawks. Some of the work will be done at
Northrop’s Unmanned Systems Center at Moss Point, Miss., which builds fuselages for
the high-altitude, combat-proven UAV. Northrop beat Lockheed Martin and Boeing for the
project. Just two months ago Northrop beat Boeing for the Air Force aerial refueling tank.
The latest contract is the largest investment by the Navy in UAVs to date. (Source:
Multiple, 04/22/08)
Stennis Space Center chosen as historic site
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and
Astronautics designated NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center as a historical aerospace
site. Stennis is the fourth NASA site given the designation. Stennis, chosen in 1961 as
NASA’s engine test site, conducted its first test firing in 1966. Stennis has a trio of engine
test complexes, including the A and B test complexes used for Saturn and space shuttle
main engine testing, and the E Test Complex. Workers are also constructing a new A-3
stand for testing the J-2X rocket engine under development for the Constellation
program. The institute established the Historical Aerospace Sites Program in 2000, and
has so far designated 42 sites in 21 states and six countries as historical sites. Other
sites include Kitty Hawk, N.C., White Sands Missile Range, N.M., the first balloon launch
site in Annonay, France, and Tranquility Base on the moon. NASA sites already on the
list are Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., Johnson Space Center in
Houston and Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va. (Source: NASA, 04/10/08)
Decision nears on Navy drone
A report by Reuters says the Pentagon’s acquisition chief and other top defense officials
were slated to review this week the Navy’s $3 billion Broad Area Maritime Surveillance
program, and that a contract winner could be announced as early as next week.
Lockheed is proposing the Predator, Boeing the Gulfstream G550 and Northrop
Grumman the Global Hawk. If Northrop wins, some of the work will be done at its UAV
center in Moss Point, Miss. (Source: Reuters, 04/07/08)
Goodrich to repair parts for Airbus
FOLEY, Ala. – Goodrich signed an agreement with Airbus to repair wing elevators, flaps
and slats, landing gear doors, and engine ducts at the Foley plant. Repairing Airbus
parts will help Goodrich Corp. diversify the work at its south Baldwin County plant, and
could lead to more jobs, officials said. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 04/02/08)
NASA worried about gap between shuttle, Constellation
NEW ORLEANS, La. – The phase out of the space shuttle program could mean the loss
of up to 1,300 jobs at the Michoud Assembly Facility during the next five years. That’s
according to a report presented to Congress on Tuesday. But hundreds of new jobs will
be created in NASA’s Constellation program, which involves replacing the shuttle with a
new manned space exploration vehicle. It’s the gap between the two programs that
concerns NASA officials. (Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune, 04/02/08)
MARCH 2008
Global Hawk sets new endurance record
An RQ-4 Global Hawk set an endurance record for a full-scale, operational unmanned
aircraft this past weekend when it completed a flight of 33.1 hours at altitudes up to
60,000 feet over Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Officials say the UAV still had two hours
of fuel remaining. Portions of the Global Hawk are built in Moss Point, Miss. (Source:
Northrop Grumman, 03/25/08)
Lockheed wins supercomputer contract
Lockheed Martin won a $344 million contract from the Defense Department to operate
and maintain supercomputers at four research centers. The contract awarded by the
General Services Administration in Atlanta includes a one-year, $85 million base and four
one-year options. The computer systems are at the Naval Oceanographic Office at
Stennis Space Center, MS, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center
in Vicksburg, MS, the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
in Ohio and the Laboratory at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. (Source: Lockheed Martin,
03/24/08)
Cyber Command to be virtual with multiple locations
Several locations linked in a virtual command will apparently end up with pieces of the
new Air Force Cyber Command. The service, which named the command the 24th Air
Force, has yet to announce how it will split 541 headquarters positions. The new
command's mission is to protect computers and networks while trying to disrupt an
adversary's access. The Cyber Command’s provisional headquarters will remain for now
at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier, La. Several bases, in addition to Barksdale, have
made pitches to land the headquarters. The list includes Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi,
Miss., Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Neb., Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Va.,
and Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colo. The command’s provisional
boss, Maj. Gen. William Lord, said he has to get the command running by Oct. 1.
(Source: Multiple, 03/15/08)
Aircraft engine testing ends at Hucknall
Rolls-Royce announced that it has stopped testing aircraft engines at its Nottinghamshire
plant, according to a story in the Worksop Guardian of England. Rolls-Royce said it’s still
committed to the Hucknall site, which employs more than 850 people producing engine
parts, and no jobs will be lost. Engines will now be checked in the United States. The
company in 2001 decided to move testing to the United States. It later chose NASA’s
John C. Stennis Space Center, where it refurbished a test stand at the South Mississippi
facility. (Source: Press Association, 03/14/08)
Northrop Grumman increases employment estimates
Northrop Grumman Corp. says its 230 suppliers in 49 states have completed a review of
their employment projections and found the KC-45A aerial tanker project will add 48,000
direct and indirect jobs in the United States. The total does not include additional jobs
that will be created in the U.S. with the future production of commercial A330 freighter
aircraft in Alabama. The company said that in the early stages of the proposal process it
used a conservative model on the number of jobs – 25,000 – that would be created. Four
new factories will eventually be built in the United States to support the program. Two of
those will be in Mobile, Ala. Another will go in West Virginia. General Electric is
considering locating final assembly of the KC-45A engines in a new facility in Evendale,
Ohio. (Source: Northrop Grumman, 03/11/08)
Boeing files protest
The Boeing Co. on Tuesday formally protested the Air Force decision to award a $35
million to $40 million contract to Northrop Grumman and EADS to building aerial refueling
tankers. The General Accountability Office has 100 days to consider the protest. Under
the contract to Northrop, the planes are to be assembled in Mobile, Ala. (Source:
Multiple, 03/11/08)
Northrop Grumman gets sensor award
WASHINGTON — Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems has received a $73.6 million Air
Force contract to procure radar system materials, according to the Defense Department.
The company will procure parts to begin production of three sensors for new radar
systems to be installed in Air Force Global Hawk unmanned aircraft. The sensors can
detect and track moving vehicles. (Source: The Associated Press, 03/11/08)
Boeing to protest Air Force tanker contract
Boeing Co. said Monday it would protest a U.S. Air Force decision to award a $40 billion
tanker contract to Northrop Grumman and EADS. The protest is expected to be filed
Tuesday with the U.S. Government Accountability Office. Chicago-based Boeing was
considered the favorite to win the contract to replace 179 air-to-air refueling tankers. It’s
the first of three awards worth up to $100 billion. Boeing proposed the 767 and
Northrop/EADS the A330. Should the award be upheld, the planes will be assembled in
Mobile, Ala. (Source: Multiple, 03/10/08)
Boeing protest hinges on debriefing
A top Boeing Co. official said the company will protest the U.S. Air Force tanker contract
only if it finds errors in the selection process. Jim Albaugh, who led Boeing’s tanker bid as
chief executive of its Integrated Defense Systems division, told investors at a New York
conference that the decision will be made after the Air Force debriefing Friday. He said
Boeing has never protested an award in his 33 years with the company. The Air Force
last week awarded the contract to build tankers to the Northrop Grumman/EADS team.
The planes will be assembled in Mobile. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 03/06/08)
FEBRUARY 2008
Northrop Grumman winner of tanker contest
Northrop Grumman and EADS have won the $40 billion contest to build 179 aerial
tankers for the Air Force, beating out Chicago-based Boeing. The planes will be built in
Mobile, Ala., at the site of a former Air Force base. The announcement was a major win
for Mobile, a mid-size city along the Gulf Coast that has just last year also won the
ThyssenKrupp steel plant. The tanker project is expected to have an impact as well on
both Mississippi and Florida. (Source: multiple, 02/29/08)
Decision on tanker draws near
It’s down to the wire, now. The Air Force may say as early as Monday which of two
competing proposals will land a $40 billion, 179-plane aerial tanker contract. The
Pentagon’s Defense Acquisition Board will meet Monday and could announce a decision
shortly later. Boeing is offering the KC-767 tanker, while the Northrop Grumman and
EADS team is offering the KC-30. Should Boeing win the planes will be built in Everett,
Washington, while the Northrop team plans to build them in Mobile, Ala. (Source: multiple,
including the Mobile Press-Register, Seattle Times, Reuters and AP, 02/24/08)
New proposal would not move test wing
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Cutting costs and using the savings to buy new
warplanes is the premise behind another proposal involving the 46th Test Wing. But this
one doesn’t involve moving the unit. The Air Force Materiel Command is looking at
realigning three units, including the test wing, into a new test center headquartered at
Edwards Air Force Base or Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. If implemented, the
proposal means the test wing would report to the test center instead of the Air Armament
Center, but would stay at Eglin Air Force Base. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News,
02/15/08)
NASA taking applications for program
BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. – Students grades 9-12 can apply for NASA’s Interdisciplinary
National Science Project Incorporating Research and Education Experience. Called
INSPIRE, it’s designed to reinforce students’ aspirations to pursue science, technology,
engineering and mathematics education and careers. Applications may be downloaded
at: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/postsecondary/programs/INSPIRE_Project.
html. Contact Joy Smith at 228-688-2118 or e-mail her at Joy.L.Smith@nasa.gov with
questions. (Source: NASA, 02/08/08)
GAO rejects Air Force appeal
The Government Accountability Office rejected an appeal from the U.S. Air Force
regarding an aircraft maintenance contract awarded to Boeing Co. The decision keeps
alive a bid from Birmingham-based Alabama Aircraft Industries Inc. Alabama Aircraft is
challenging the Air Force’s September decision to award the contract to Boeing. The
GAO on Dec. 27 upheld at least part of Alabama Aviation’s protest, faulting the Air Force
for failing to document its analysis of the cost and risks associated with Boeing’s bid.
(Source: Mobile Press-Register, 02/05/08)
JANUARY 2008
Star Aviation to pursue marine work
MOBILE, Ala. – Star Aviation, an aircraft component engineering and manufacturing firm,
wants to move into the marine engineering market. It hired Garland Borowski, who had
led Borowski Engineering & Analytical Services. Star Aviation believes it can transfer its
expertise from aviation work to ships. Borowski provided computer modeling and
simulation and had one full-time and one part-time employee. Star Aviation has more
than 110 employees. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 01/31/08)
Gulfport-Biloxi among the fastest growing metro areas
The three-county Gulfport-Biloxi Metropolitan Statistical Area is ranked 9th fastest
growing small metro areas, according to the latest list in Forbes. The metro area’s gross
metropolitan product – the value of goods and services produced – is expected to grow
23.12 percent between 2007 and 2012. Its population alone will increase by nearly 17
percent. Forbes looked at the nation’s 363 metro areas and split the list between large
and small metro areas. Forbes used projections by Moody’s Economy.com. Topping the
list of small metro areas was Mobile. The GMP for Mobile will rise 34 percent between
2007 and 2012. The top large metro area was Austin, Texas. (Source: Tcp, 01/30/08)
South Mississippi vying for Cyber Command
BILOXI, Miss. – Add another base to the list of those vying for the Air Force Cyber
Command. Keesler Air Force Base has joined bases in Virginia, Nebraska, Colorado and
Louisiana in the competition for the command that’s been temporarily set up at Louisiana’
s Barksdale Air Force Base. The command is tasked with defending the nation’s strategic
computer systems against electronic warfare. Air Force officials say a list of three or four
candidate locations will be decided in February. Keesler is the electronics training center
for the Air Force. (Source: multiple, 01/24/08)
Ground broken on R&D building
NEW ORLEANS, La. – NASA and Louisiana leaders broke ground in December for a $40
million, five-story Research and Development Administration Building at NASA’s Michoud
Assembly Facility. Managed by the Marshall Center in Huntsville, Ala., Michoud contains
one of the largest production buildings in the nation, which includes a vertical assembly
building for stacking external tank components for the Space Shuttle Program. Michoud
was chosen by NASA to support major projects for the Constellation Program, which is
developing the next-generation of exploration and launch vehicles. The facility will
manufacture the upper stage of the Ares I crew launch vehicle, the core stage and Earth
departure stage of the Ares V cargo launch vehicle and the Orion crew exploration
vehicle, and conduct final systems integration and checkout of Ares I avionics systems.
The new facility will include 350 offices; education and training resources; a top-level
conference center; and collaborative research and development space for NASA and
Michoud’s key partner organizations. The building is scheduled to open in December
2010. (Source: NASA, 01/17/08)
Airport Authority hires architect for office building
MOBILE, Ala. – The Mobile Airport Authority hired Mobile-based TAG, The Architects
Group, to design the first of up to five office buildings planned for Brookley Field
Industrial Complex. The first building is projected to cost $4.5 million and have 28,000
square feet, said Marc Pelham of the Mobile Airport Authority. The idea is to provide
office space for suppliers to Brookley anchors like ST Mobile Aerospace Engineering, the
Airbus engineering center, and the proposed Northrop Grumman and EADS airplane
plants – should those companies win an Air Force contract to build tankers. The buildings
are planned for land across the street from the Airbus building. (Source: Mobile Press-
Register, 01/16/08)
Mississippi tax system gets high marks
A new report lists Mississippi with high marks for having a mechanism in place to review
its tax systems in light of the changing economy. A study by the Pew Center on the States
says effective tax systems are important for a state’s competitiveness. Good ones
provide stable revenue, efficient tax collection, transparent information about incentives
and give localities a say in how tax dollars are used. The study says many state tax
systems fail on these measures and lack the ability to support new economic engines. In
addition to Mississippi, other states with effective systems are Iowa, Maine, Minnesota,
Nebraska, New Jersey, Texas and Utah. (Source: Governing, 01/08)
Mississippi No. 2 in R&D earmarks
The top 10 state recipients of R&D earmarks receive nearly half the total, according to an
analysis by American Association for the Advancement of Science. Mississippi received
$250 million, second only to California. Excluding earmarks divided among three or more
states, the 10 states receive 44 percent of all R&D earmarks in 2008 by value. The 10
represents a mix of the most populous states and smaller states with members of
Congress in key appropriations committee chairmanships. Congress inserted nearly $4.5
billion in federal R&D earmarks, spread over 2,526 projects, in spending bills for fiscal
year 2008, according to AAAS. The earmarks are for projects not included in agency
budget requests. After a one-year moratorium in the 2007 fiscal year for most domestic
earmarks, Congress resumed the practice for the 2008 fiscal year with new disclosure
requirements. (Source: AAAS, 01/07/08)
Final air tanker bids submitted
Boeing and the Northrop Grumman-EADS team Thursday submitted final proposals for
the $40 billion Air Force air tanker program. The tanker that wins will replace the Air
Force’s Boeing-built KC-135 tankers. Boeing is proposing the KC-767 and Northrop the
KC-30. If Northrop wins, the planes will be built in Mobile, Ala. A decision is expected in
the first quarter of this year. (Source: multiple, 01/04/08)
N.O. releases tech worker report
NEW ORLEANS, La. – There are more than 37,000 technology workers in the metro New
Orleans area. That’s according to a report released by the Louisiana Technology
Council. The workers account for more than 7 percent of the workforce, and most work in
sectors not seen as traditional technology fields, like healthcare, transportation and
government. The survey was conducted in conjunction with the University of New Orleans
and Louisiana Economic Development. (Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune, 12/30/08)
One large group of technology workers can be found at the NASA Michoud Assembly
Facility in east New Orleans.
City to pay to lease airport land
MOBILE, Ala. - The city of Mobile will have to pay about $40,000 a year to lease land at
Mobile Regional Airport to build a police and fire station. City and airport officials say the
Federal Aviation Administration forbids airports to lease property for less than fair market
value. (Source: Mobile Press Register, 12/29/08)
NASA contracts grease private sector
NASA has awarded $3.5 billion in cargo contracts to two companies in hopes of
encouraging development of a private-sector commercial space industry capable of
providing the rockets that can carry passengers to the International Space Station and
beyond. Space Exploration Technologies of California and Orbital Sciences of Virginia will
provide 20 flights to the space station. (Source: Florida Today, 12/25/08). The Gulf
Coast is involved in space activities primarily through Stennis Space Center in Mississippi
and the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans.
FWB losing countermeasure hub
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. - Northrop Grumman will move its Large Aircraft Infrared
Countermeasures system hub from Fort Walton Beach, Fla., to the Warner Robins area
in Georgia. It’s the result of an agreement between the Air Force and Northrop Grumman
signed Dec. 11. Northrop officials designed LAIRCM to counter the increasing threat that
slow-moving cargo aircraft face from shoulder-fired missiles and missiles launched from
vehicles. The system detects heat-seeking missiles and puts out a signal to confuse its
path and direct it away from the aircraft. (Source: Air Force News Service, 12/24/08)
UAV maritime team wins award
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Northrop Grumman’s RQ-4 Global Hawk Maritime Demonstration
team was named Test Team of the Quarter for the second quarter of 2008 by the Navy’s
Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 20. The team won the award for achievements in the
first half of the year. The team is, among other things, developing tactics and guidelines
for Navy unmanned patrol systems. (Source: Globe Newswire, 12/23/08). Portions of
Global Hawks are built in Moss Point, Miss.
ATK gets contract
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Alliant Techsystems received a $49 million contract from Orbital
Sciences Corp. to provide at least nine flight sets of Orion solid rocket motors. The
motors are used on a variety of launch vehicles, including Ground Based Missile
Defense's Orbital Boost Vehicle, Minotaur, Pegasus and Taurus launch vehicles. Work
will be performed by ATK in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Source: PRNewswire, 12/22/08). ATK
has an operation in Shalimar, Fla.; Stennis Space Center, Miss., will test Taurus II AJ26
rocket engines for Orbital Sciences Corp. in 2009.
Major subsystem for GEO-2 delivered
SUNNYVALE, Calif. - The Lockheed Martin-led team developing the Air Force’s Space-
Based Infrared System delivered the remaining major spacecraft bus subsystem for the
second geosynchronous orbit spacecraft. The GEO-2 spacecraft core structure and
propulsion subsystem was recently completed and the high-performance communications
subsystem for the spacecraft was delivered in early December. The propulsion
subsystem, essential for maneuvering the satellite during transfer orbit to its final location
as well as conducting on-orbit repositioning, was developed at Lockheed Martin’s
Mississippi Space & Technology Center at Stennis Space Center, Miss. (Source:
Lockheed Martin, 12/22/08).
NG sectors win AIA safety awards
Northrop Grumman won two Worker Safety Excellence Awards from the Aerospace
Industries Association. The company’s Integrated Systems sector, which oversees
Mississippi’s Moss Point Unmanned Systems Center, was recognized for having the
lowest injury and illness rate in the aircraft manufacturing category. The company’s
Electronics Systems sector was honored in the aerospace components category. The AIA
cited Northrop Grumman’s low workplace injury and illness rates as well as its positive
safety program elements. (Source: Globe Newswire, 12/22/08). The Moss Point facility
builds Global Hawks and Fire Scouts.
F-35 ground test unit rolls out
FORT WORTH, Texas - Lockheed Martin's second F-35 ground-test aircraft rolled out
last week at the Fort Worth plant and in April will head to the BAE Systems Structures
Laboratory in Brough, England for static testing. This F-35, AG-1, is a static test article
for the conventional takeoff and landing version that will be flown by the Air Force and
eight F-35 partner nations. The F-35 is being developed by Lockheed and principal
partners Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. Two interchangeable F-35 engines are
being developed by Pratt & Whitney and GE Rolls-Royce. (Source: Lockheed Martin,
12/19/08). Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman, Pratt & Whitney
Rocketdyne and Rolls-Royce have Gulf Coast operations; Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., will
be home to the F-35 joint training center.
Tanker fight: Low bid or best value?
Boeing and Northrop Grumman disagree over the ground rules that should be used for
the tanker competition expected next year. The companies discussed their views last
week at the Reuters Aerospace and Defense Summit. Boeing, which plans to build the
planes in Washington State, wants the contract to go to the low bidder, while Northrop
and partner EADS, which want to build the planes in Mobile, Ala., favor a “best value”
approach. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 12/21/08)
Airport Hyatt gets franchise approval
PENSACOLA, Fla. - Innisfree Hotels won approval Wednesday for a Hyatt Place Hotel to
be built on a piece of land owned by Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport. The 127-
room Hyatt Place would be the centerpiece of a $24 million development that eventually
will include upscale shops, restaurants and professional offices. The site is at the main
entrance to the airport. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 12/17/08)
Land buy will help protect Whiting
The governor of Florida and cabinet approved the purchase of more than 200 acres in
the Clear Creek/Whiting Field area as part of the Florida Forever project. The acquisition
will protect the environmentally sensitive land and prevent encroachment at Whiting Field
Naval Air Station. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 12/17/08). NAS Whiting, near Milton,
Fla., is a training site for naval aviators.
Northrop unveils first Navy UCAV
Northrop Grumman unveiled the first of the Navy’s new unmanned combat aircraft at a
ceremony in Palmdale, Calif. The X-47B is the first of two aircraft Northrop Grumman will
produce for the Navy to demonstrate unmanned combat aircraft operations from the deck
of an aircraft carrier. (Source: Globe Newswire, 12/16/08) Northrop Grumman has
multiple operations on the Gulf Coast, including an unmanned systems center in Moss
Point, Miss.
Airport passenger count down
PENSACOLA, Fla. – The sour economy has caused a dip in the passenger count at
Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport. From January through November of this year,
97,791 fewer passengers passed through the airport than during the same period last
year — a 6 percent drop. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 12/17/08)
Okaloosa gets $300,000 in grants
SHALIMAR, Fla. – Enterprise Florida presented Okaloosa County with two grants totaling
some $300,000. One was a Defense Infrastructure Grant worth $200,000, the other a
$99,000 Defense Reinvestment Grant. Money from these grants is used to improve the
state’s defense activities. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 12/16/08)
Airport buying back bonds
MOBILE, Ala. – The Mobile Airport Authority will buy back $2.75 million in bonds whose
interest rate jumped when the bond market succumbed to financial turmoil this fall.
(Source: Mobile Press Register, 12/16/08)
50th Lakota delivery marked
COLUMBUS, Miss. - EADS North America is hosting a ceremony Tuesday to celebrate
the delivery of the 50th UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter to the Army. The ceremony
will culminate with the 50th and 51st helicopters leaving the production facility of EADS
North America’s American Eurocopter business unit. The event is at 11 a.m. CST.
(Source: EADS North America, 12/14/08). EADS also has operations on the Gulf Coast,
including an EADS CASA maintenance facility and an Airbus Engineering Center in
Mobile, Ala.
SSC to test rocket for Taurus II
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - John C. Stennis Space Center will test the engine for
the for the Taurus II space launch vehicle being developed by Orbital Sciences Corp. of
Dulles, Va. The first engine will be delivered to Stennis next year and the first Taurus II
mission will be flown in support of NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services
cargo demonstration to the International Space Station. The demonstration is planned for
the end of 2010 from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Va. Taurus II uses
a pair of Aerojet AJ26 rocket engines to provide first stage propulsion for the new launch
vehicle. (Source: NASA, 12/15/08)
New engineering degree eyed
MOBILE, Ala. - Alabama's community colleges could be offering a new associate's degree
next fall in an effort to boost the state's engineering workforce. Higher education officials
say figures show the need for 1,100 new engineers a year to meet industry demand.
(Source: Mobile Press Register, 12/15/08)
Thunderbirds OK Keesler show
BILOXI, Miss. – The Thunderbirds will perform in April during Keesler Air Force Base's
first air show since Hurricane Katrina. The lineup for the April 4 and 5 show also includes
the Army's parachute team, The Golden Knights, a flight display by the Hurricane
Hunters, a World War II-era B-25 Mitchell bomber, aircraft flown by the 81st Wing and
more. (Source: The Sun Herald, 12/13/08)
Contract: Broadmoor, $8M
Broadmoor, LLC., Metairie, La., is being awarded $8,000,000 under a previously
awarded multiple award construction contract for design and construction of Calibration
Laboratory at Naval Air Station JRB New Orleans. Work will be performed in New Orleans,
La., and is expected to be completed by June 2010. The Naval Facilities Engineering
Command Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD,
12/12/08)
Contract: Raytheon, $15.6M
Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $15,633,300 modification to
a previously awarded contract for fiscal year 2009 technical support of AIM-9X missiles
for the Navy and Air Force. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., (90 percent); Eglin
Air Force Base, Fla., (5 percent), and China Lake, Calif., (5 percent), and is expected to
be completed in Nov. 2009. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the
contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 12/12/08)
Rapiscan wins award
Rapiscan Systems, a California company with a manufacturing operation in Oceans
Springs, has been named the 2008 North American Homeland Security Inspection and
Screening Company of the Year by Frost & Sullivan. Rapiscan Systems was cited for its
ability to develop and deploy products that enhance security at airports, seaports and
border crossings worldwide. In Ocean Springs Rapiscan Systems has a 10,000 square
foot manufacturing facility to supplement manufacturing of cargo and vehicle inspection
and people screening systems. (Source: Rapiscan, 12/11/08)
Keesler airfield work begins
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. – The largest airfield ramp repair project in Keesler
history got underway earlier this month. The 270-day project will improve the airfield’s
capabilities. Current airfield operations support the C-21 missions of the 45th Airlift
Squadron, C-130s from the Air Force Reserve's 403rd Wing, support for Coast Guard's
aircraft training and more. (Source: Keesler Air Force Base, 12/11/08)
Eglin AAC getting new chief
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - Maj. Gen. David Eidsaune is leaving Eglin Air Force
Base to become director of operations at headquarters Air Force Materiel Command at
Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. He’ll be replaced as commander of Eglin Air
Force Base’s Air Armament Center by Maj. Gen. Charles R. Davis, executive officer for
the F-35 program office in Arlington, Va. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 12/11/08)
Letter urges quick tanker action
U.S. Sens. Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions are urging Defense Secretary Robert Gates
to move quickly with a plan to replace the Air Force’s fleet of refueling tankers. The letter
was sent Thursday, a day after U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., said it could take at least
two more years to restart the tanker competition. The Northrop Grumman/EADS team
won the competition in February and the planes were to be assembled in Mobile, Ala., but
the competition was scrapped in September in the wake of a Boeing protest. (Source:
Mobile Press-Register, 12/12/08)
Meteorology groundbreaking delayed
GULFPORT, Miss. - The Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport rescheduled the
groundbreaking of the Naval Meteorology Professional Development Center to Friday
because of the threat of severe winter weather today. The $8.7 million center is designed
to meet the current and future mission to advance, implement, and manage the
education and advanced professional training of meteorology and oceanography
officers, aerographer's mates and civilians. (Source: Sun Herald, 12/11/08)
Contract: Raytheon, $7.9M
The Air Force is modifying a contract with Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz. for $7,924,403.
This action is for the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile Air Intercept Missile –
Greece Offset Administration. This action is a modification to the Production Lot 21
contract. 695 ARSS, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD,
12/10/08)
Contract: McDonnell, $110.2M
The Air Force is awarding a firm fixed price contract to McDonnell Douglas Corp., St.
Louis, Mo., for $110,224,001. This action will exercise the Lot 5 Option for Small
Diameter Bomb, Increment I Production for munitions, carriages, and technical and
logistical support. 681 ARSS/PK, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. is the contracting activity.
(Source: DoD, 12/10/08)
Army to upgrade Raven capabilities
The Army plans to bring a digital data link to its fleet of Raven UAVs so more aircraft can
fly in a given combat area. The Army project manager says the service is buying 50 new
Ravens and retrofitting 200 others. An executive with AeroVironment, a California
company that makes the digital data link, says that with digitally compressed video more
can be put into smaller bandwidth. (Source: DefenseNews, 12/09/08). AeroVironment has
a UAV training and support operation in Navarre, Fla.
Goodrich sees $3B in Airbus deal
Goodrich Corp.has been selected by Airbus to supply wheels and carbon brakes for all
variants of the A350 XWB aircraft. The selection is expected to generate more than $3
billion in revenue over the life of the program. The equipment will be provided by
Goodrich's Aircraft Wheels and Brakes team in Troy, Ohio. (Source: PRNewswire,
12/09/08) Goodrich also operates the Alabama Service Center in Foley, Ala.
Contract: Northrop, $18.2M
The Air Force is modifying a fixed price incentive firm contract with Northrop Grumman
Systems Corp., San Diego, Calif. not to exceed $18,222,000. This action will provide
additional long lead associated with five Global Hawks, two ground segments, two EISS
and two ASIP sensor payloads. 303 AESG/PK Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the
contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 12/09/08) Global Hawk fuselage work is done in Moss
Point, Miss.
Contract: Raytheon, $16.3M
The Air Force is awarding a firm fixed price contract to Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz. for
$16,298,964. This action will provide High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile Targeting
Systems Contractor Logistics Support for one year with two one-year options. 693
ARSS/PK, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 12/05/08)
Chromalloy to close FWB plant
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. – Chromalloy Gas Turbine laid off 67 workers and plans to
close its 30-year-old Fort Walton Beach plant next year. The layoffs are among 400
companywide at 25 locations. Chromalloy inspects and repairs commercial aircraft
engines. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 12/05/08)
Northrop to stress tanker commitment
MOBILE, Ala. - Northrop Grumman executive Wes Bush will be in Mobile Friday to discuss
the company’s commitment to Mobile and Alabama in moving forward on the Air Force
tanker project. The Northrop/EADS team won the contract, but Boeing’s protest was
upheld and the competition is on hold pending the new administration. Bush will talk to
the media at the Battlehouse. (Source: FOX10 News, 12/04/08)
60th flying final sortie
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - The 60th Fighter Squadron is flying its final sortie today
after 37 years. The F-15 fighter squadron is part of the drawdown of the 33rd Fighter
Wing. That wing is being replaced by the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program slated to
arrive in 2010. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 12/04/08)
Gulf Breeze eyes space tourist training
GULF BREEZE, Fla. – A news conference today will announce the formation of a unique
personal spaceflight medical and training program for commercial space tourists. The
program will be conducted at the Andrews Institute in partnership with Space Florida. A
study by the University of West Florida cited the growing need for such a program.
(Source: Pensacola News Journal, 12/04/08)
NASA backers worry over budget
NASA supporters fear bailouts will make it hard for a new administration to maintain the
current space budget, let alone deliver on a campaign promise to speed up the
Constellation Program. (Source: Houston Chronicle, 12/02/08) Michoud Assembly Facility
in New Orleans and Stennis Space Center in Mississippi are involved in space programs.
Fire Scout runs successful test
The Northrop Grumman Fire Scout, an unmanned helicopter, successfully transmitted
video, electro-optical and infrared images simultaneously in a demonstration flight last
month in Arizona. (Source: Global Newswire, 12/02/08) Finishing work on the Fire Scout
is done in Moss Point, Miss. Fire Scouts have already been sold to the Army and Navy,
and the company hopes to interest the Coast Guard.
AirTran to end Gulfport service
GULFPORT, Miss. – AirTran will end service to Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport on
Jan. 5. The company operated under a contract with casinos, but the casinos opted not
to continue the contract. The airline said the market is not viable without it. The airport
said AirTran accounts for up about 25 percent of scheduled traffic. (Source: Sun Herald,
12/03/08)
EADS project gets local funding
MOBILE, Ala. - Local governments will spend $468,000 on a firefighting system to help
EADS CASA with an expansion of its Mobile facility. The Mobile City Council voted
Tuesday to contribute $234,000 to the fire suppression system and the county
commission will pay the other half. EADS CASA, a Spanish subsidiary of European
Aeronautic Defence and Space Co., has an aircraft maintenance and training center at
the Mobile airport. It services planes flown by the U.S. Coast Guard. (Source: Mobile
Press-Register, 12/03/08)
Contract: EADS, $208M
EADS North American Defense, Arlington, Va., was awarded a $208,375,756 firm fixed
price contract for funding of the Army’s Light Utility Helicopter contract for thirty-nine Light
Utility Helicopters. Work will be performed in Columbus, Miss., and Grand Prairie, Texas
with a completion date of Aug. 31, 2010. (Source: DoD, 12/02/08)
NOVEMBER 2008
RR engine testing booms at Stennis
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – A year after opening its doors, Rolls-Royce North
America has already conducted tests on the Trent 900 and 1000, used on the Airbus
A300 and Boeing 787, respectively, and is getting ready to take on more. The next
engine due for testing is the BR725 for the Gulfstream G650. By 2010 and 2011, Rolls-
Royce will be testing the Trent XWB for the Airbus A350 XWB and the RB282 engine, for
a new corporate jet developed by Dessault. Rolls-Royce has been conducting six engine-
test series a year at Stennis. (Source: The Sun Herald, 11/30/08)
Shuttle to land Sunday
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The space shuttle Endeavour crew is expected to complete its
mission to the International Space Station with a landing at NASA’s Kennedy Space
Center in Florida at 1:19 p.m. EST Nov. 30. This will conclude a 16-day flight, 11 of which
were spent docked to the station. (Source: NASA, 11/28/08) NASA’s Stennis Space
Center Mississippi tests shuttle engines and Michoud Assembly Facility builds external
tanks.
Contract: Raytheon, $13.9M
Raytheon Technical Services Co., LLC, Mass., is being awarded a $13,907,542
modification to continue the effort to transition the Wide-body Airborne Sensor Platform
from initial operating capability to full operating capability. Work will be performed at the
contractor’s facility and its subcontractor, Aeroframe Services LLC, facility in Lake
Charles, La. The Missile Defense Agency, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
(Source: DoD, 11/28/08)
USM may lease plane
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The University of Southern Mississippi is considering leasing a
Beechcraft King Air 200 for five years from the USM Foundation for some $1.9 million. No
paperwork has been signed and details are still under consideration. The University of
Mississippi and Mississippi State University both have airplanes. (Source: Hattiesburg
American, 11/28/08)
Second runway pondered
PANAMA CITY, Fla. - The Panama City-Bay County Airport Authority has set a Dec. 19
deadline to a vote on a second runway at the international airport under construction.
The hope is to add a 5,000-foot crosswind runway that will handle smaller aircraft and
make traffic less congested on the 10,000-foot concrete runway now being built. (Source:
Northwest Florida Daily News, 11/27/08)
Pratt & Whitney buys ARDE
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne completed the acquisition of ARDE, Inc., a manufacturer of
high performance spacecraft and missile propulsion components. ARDE of Carlstadt, N.
J., produces pressure vessels, propellant tanks and support structures and provides
integration of propulsion subassemblies. (Source: PRNewswire, 11/25/08) Pratt &
Whitney Rocketdyne has an operation at Stennis Space Center, Miss.
Contract: Raytheon, $6M
The Air Force is modifying a firm fixed price contract with Raytheon Co., Missile Systems
Tucson, Ariz. for $6 million. This contract will upgrade two guided weapons test Set to
AIM-120D capability, spares, and additional GPS. 695ARSS, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is
the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 11/25/08)
Contract: McDonnell, $96M
The Air Force is awarding a firm fixed price, cost plus fixed fee contract to McDonnell
Douglas Corp., St. Louis, Mo., for $96 million to provide Small Diameter Bomb Aircraft
Weapon Systems on various aircraft. 681 ARSS/PK, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. is the
contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 11/25/08)
Teledyne cuts workforce
MOBILE, Ala. - Teledyne Continental Motors cut 60 jobs due to the decline of the market
for airplane engines and parts. Twenty-five salaried employees and 35 hourly employees
were laid off Thursday and Friday. The company has about 440 employees now at its
Brookley Field Industrial Complex plant. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 11/22/08)
AF delays Eglin F-35 decision
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The Air Force postponed the record of decision for the
initiation of the Joint Strike Fighter training school at Eglin Air Force Base. The delay will
give the Air Force additional time to run tests on the new F-35 and explore alternative
locations on the base for its bed down (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 11/21/08).
The city of Valparaiso has been concerned over the noise of the F-35 and is suing the
Air Force for additional information.
7th SFG move to Eglin begins
WASHINGTON - Air Force officials signed a record of decision that begins the process for
the Army’s 7th Special Forces Group to bed down at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The
group will be located west of Duke Field. The cantonment area includes operations and
maintenance facilities, housing, dining facilities, and munitions storage and loading
facilities. Some 5.1 million square feet of buildings and hard surfaces will be built between
2009 and 2011. (Source: Air Force News Service, 11/21/08)
Young to advise new tanker approach
WASHINGTON - Pentagon acquisition chief John Young said he and Defense Secretary
Robert Gates will advise the next administration to take a two-step approach to the $35
billion tanker competition between Boeing and Northrop Grumman/EADS. Reuters reports
it would hinge on the best-priced offer after bidders had shown an ability to meet stripped-
down set of requirements (Source: Reuters, 11/21/08). Northrop/EADS wants assemble
the planes in Mobile, and Boeing wants to do so in Washington State.
Contract: American Security, $29.7M
American Security Programs, Inc., Dulles, Va., was awarded $29.7 million to exercise an
option under a previously awarded security services contract. The work includes guard
and non-guard services. Work will be performed at NSA Orlando, Fla.; CBC Gulfport,
Miss.; NAS Meridian, Miss.; NWS Charleston, S.C.; NSA Athens, Ga.; NAS Atlanta, Ga.;
NSA Panama City, Fla.; NAS Whiting Field, Fla.; and NAS Kingsville, Texas. Naval
Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.
(Source: DoD, 11/20/08)
INFINITY science center launches
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – The INFINITY Science Center broke ground Thursday
on the Interstate 10 facility expected to draw 400,000 people a year. The center will
highlight the work being done at the neighboring Stennis Space Center and be a natural
science museum. The center plans to open in the fall 2010 with exhibits, interactive
galleries, theaters, a gift shop and cafeteria. The board is continuing a fundraising to get
the final $4 million needed for the project. (Source: Sun Herald, 11/21/08)
Contract: Virtual Media, $8.3M
Virtual Media Integration, Ltd., Pensacola, Fla., is being awarded an $8.3 million contract
for the procurement of 5 pre-production Computed Radiography System units and up to
100 production units. The system is a portable nondestructive testing technique used for
processing radiographic film. These systems will be used to inspect for defects and
perform alignment measurements. Work will be performed in Pensacola, Fla., and is
expected to be completed in September 2011. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft
Division, Lakehurst, N.J. is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 11/20/08)
Goldman chosen Stennis director
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – NASA as named Arthur E. (Gene) Goldman as the
new director of John C. Stennis Space Center. The promotion of Mississippi native
Goldman, the center’s deputy director since October 2006, is effective immediately. He
replaces Bob Cabana, who left in October to become the director of NASA’s Kennedy
Space Center in Florida. Stennis, in southwest Mississippi, is NASA’s primary testing
ground for propulsion systems. (Source: NASA, 11/20/08)
Crosslink partners with USM
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – The University of Southern Mississippi has signed a lease
agreement with Missouri-based Crosslink to provide research space in the university’s
polymer science building. Crosslink has worked with Southern Miss polymer science
researchers since 2004. Previous collaborations include a variety of research projects in
polymer-related technologies, particularly for military applications. Crosslink and USM
hold a joint patent for a corrosion-inhibiting polymer. They are also working together on a
“smart” aerospace composite that can alert crew of damage and initiate repair on its own.
(Source: University of Southern Mississippi, 11/20/08)
J-2X hot-fire test set for 2010
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – The first hot-fire test of the J-2X engine that will power
the Ares I is scheduled for late summer 2010 at John C. Stennis Space Center. The Pratt
& Whitney Rocketdyne engine recently passed a Critical Design Review in Huntsville, Ala.
The CDR means the engine can proceed to full-scale fabrication and assembly in
preparation for development testing. (Source: PRNewswire, 11/19/08)
EADS CASA tax break OKd
MOBILE, Ala. - EADS CASA North America, which plans to add 18 jobs at Mobile
Regional Airport in a $6 million project, won abatements estimated at about $390,000.
The project would include a 27,000-square-foot hangar on the east side of the airport.
(Source: Mobile Press-Register, 11/20/08)
EADS delivers sixth HC-144A
The U.S. Coast Guard has accepted the sixth HC-144A Ocean Sentry aircraft platform
from EADS. The latest Ocean Sentry is among eight HC-144As ordered to date as part of
the Coast Guard’s Deepwater program. The Coast Guard plans to purchase up to 36
total aircraft. The HC-144A is based on EADS CASA’s CN-235 transport, which is part of
a family of twin-engine multi-role airlifters that also includes the C-295 and C-212. U.S.
customer support for these aircraft is provided at EADS North America’s facility at Mobile
Regional Airport in Alabama. (Source: EADS North America, 11/19/08)
EADS CASA eyes expansion
MOBILE, Ala. – EADS CASA, a Spanish subsidiary of the European Aeronautic Defence
and Space Co., is eyeing its facility at the Mobile Regional Airport for a $5.6 million
expansion. The company is scheduled to present its plan to the Mobile Industrial
Development Board Wednesday. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 11/19/08)
Two Stennis spinoffs highlighted
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – Two technologies developed at Stennis Space Center
made the list of NASA’s top 50 spinoff technologies. The technologies appear in the book
“Spinoff: 50 Years of NASA-derived Technologies,” designed to celebrate the impact of
the space program on everyday life. One Stennis technology is software used to study
flow components. NASA uses the software to design spacecraft shapes, propulsion
devices and more, and the commercial sector uses it for aircraft, auto and boating
aerodynamics. The other technology is the Earth Resources Laboratory Applications
software developed in 1978. Since then it’s been used for processing satellite and
airborne sensor imagery, and was recognized as an “all-star” by the Space Technology
Hall of Fame. (Source: NASA, 11/18/08)
Board OKs $10K a month consultant
MOBILE, Ala. - Mobile Airport Authority board members voted Monday to pay former
executive director Bay Haas $10,000 a month as a consultant for 19 months. The board
in September announced plans to retain Haas when it hired Bill Sisson as the new chief
of the authority. Haas was instrumental in EADS picking Mobile for its tanker project, and
the board wants to continue to tap into Haas’ expertise and contacts. (Source: Mobile
Press-Register, 11/18/08)
Blue Angels install new team boss
PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Navy Blue Angels held a change of command ceremony
Sunday. Cmdr. Greg McWherter is the new team leader, replacing Capt. Kevin Mannix,
who has been commander of the flight demonstration team two years. McWherter of
Atlanta was named commander in April. The Blue Angles are based at Naval Air Station
Pensacola, Fla. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 11/17/08)
INFINITY breaks ground Thursday
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – After years of talk and anticipation, the INFINITY
Science Center will move a step closer to reality Thursday with a ground breaking. The
$38 million, 72,000 square-foot center will be built near the Mississippi Welcome Center
at Interstate 10. It will have $10 million worth of interactive displays designed to spark
interest in science and technology activities at nearby Stennis Space Center. It’s
expected to draw 362,000 visitors a year. (Source: Tcp, 11/17/08)
Eglin tests new Warthog capability
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The A-10 Warthog successfully dropped a Laser Joint
Directed Attack Munition, or LJDAM, adding another capability to the close air-support
warplane. The GBU-54 test mission was conducted early in November. The LJDAM is
effective at destroying moving targets, and gives the pilot the ability to update targeting if
the target moves while the weapon is in flight. The A-10C and LJDAM will now undergo
operational tests. The goal is to deploy the capability by early 2009. (Source: Eglin Air
Force Base, 11/14/08)
F-35 crosses supersonic milestone
FORT WORTH, Texas - The Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter flew supersonic
for the first time this week, accelerating to Mach 1.05 - about 680 miles per hour. The test
was done a full internal load of inert or “dummy” weapons on the one-hour flight. (Source:
Lockheed Martin, 11/14/08). Eglin Air Force Base is scheduled to become home to a
Joint Strike Fighter training center.
Endeavor takes off
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Endeavour lifted seven astronauts Friday night
for a 15-day mission to prepare the International Space Station for a six-member crew. In
the payload bay was an Italian-built cargo carrier with hardware and supplies. (Source:
Aviation Week, 11/15/08) The external tanks are made at Michoud Assembly Facility in
New Orleans and engines tested at Mississippi’s Stennis Space Center.
Park gets restored Intruder
MOBILE, Ala – A restored A-6 Intruder is the newest exhibit at Battleship Memorial Park.
Acquired from the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Fla., the plane
honors Mobile native Jeremiah Denton, who spent more than seven years as a POW in
North Vietnam. Denton now lives in Virginia. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 11/15/08)
Ares I J-2X rocket passes review
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – NASA’s high-performance rocket engine, the J-2X, successfully
completed its critical design review Thursday at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in
Huntsville, Ala. The J-2X engine, developed by Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne, is the first
element of NASA’s Constellation Program to pass this design milestone. The engine will
power the upper stage of the Ares I rocket and the Earth departure stage of the Ares V
heavy cargo launch vehicle. Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans and Stennis
Space Center in Mississippi both are involved in the Constellation program. (Source:
NASA, 11/13/08)
Blue Angels homecoming show begins
PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show is scheduled for Friday and
Saturday at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Gates open at 8 a.m. and the Navy flight
demonstration team is slated to fly at 2 p.m. The air show in Pensacola, home base for
the team, is the traditional last show of the season. (Source: Pensacola News Journal,
11/14/08)
Airport eyes new project
GULFPORT, Miss. – On the heels of an expansion and improvement project that lasted
more than five years and cost more than $50 million, officials at the Gulfport-Biloxi
International Airport are at it again. This time, it’s road improvements. The projects could
begin within a few months of the December opening of the airport's new parking garage.
(Source: The Sun Herald, 11/14/08)
Former Stennis chief leaving NASA
WASHINGTON - NASA Associate Administrator for Exploration Systems Rick Gilbrech
said Wednesday that he’s leaving the agency for the private sector. Doug Cooke, deputy
associate administrator for the directorate since its inception in January 2004, will
become associate administrator effective Nov. 24. Gilbrech was director of Stennis Space
Center prior to taking the associate administrator post in August 2007. (Source: NASA,
11/12/08)
Meeting set to discuss suit against AF
VALPARAISO, Fla. - City commissioners will meet with their attorneys behind closed
doors Friday to discuss their lawsuit against the Air Force. The executive session was
scheduled after Monday’s public meeting, when Commissioner Brent Smith opposed the
city's strategy to obtain information about the Joint Strike Fighter mission coming to Eglin
Air Force Base by 2011. City residents are concerned about the noise the F-35s will
bring. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 11/12/08)
INFINITY groundbreaking set
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - Groundbreaking ceremony marking the beginning of
construction of the 72,000 square-foot INFINITY Science Center is scheduled for Nov 20.
The $38 million center will be built near the Mississippi Welcome Center at Interstate 10.
The center, funded by the state of Mississippi, NASA and donations, is designed to spark
interest in the science activities at nearby Stennis Space Center. (Source: INFINITY
Science Center, 11/12/08)
Raptor school graduates first students
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Four student pilots at Tyndall became the first
graduates of the Air Force’s F-22 Raptor Basic Course. These pilots are the first in the
Air Force to have the F-22 as their first operational aircraft rather than transitioning to
the Raptor from some other fighter. They graduated Nov. 1. (Source: Air Force News
Service, 11/10/08)
Navy pilots learn to fly Global Hawk
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Pilots of the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron are
teaching a class of Navy pilots the Global Hawk system. The class of three active-duty P-
3 Orion pilots and one civilian contractor is a result of the secretary of defense’s call to
maximize the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability in support of the
war on terrorism. Global Hawks are built in part in Moss Point, Miss. (Source: Air Force
News Service, 11/10/08)
F-35 noise, suit discussed at meeting
VALPARAISO, Fla. - A city commission briefing on the impact of a new fighter jet turned
into a debate over whether the city should be suing the Air Force. An Air Force colonel
told the gathering that the F-35 would be noisier than the F-15, but said the Air Force is
working on the issue. A commissioner brought up the suit and said he wanted it
withdrawn. The mayor didn’t want to discuss the suit, and the city attorney advised
against doing so. The city filed suit to get more information from the Air Force over the
noise the Joint Strike Fighter training center will bring. (Source: WEAR-TV3, 11/10/08)
Airport security director named
NEW ORLEANS, La. - Larry Austin, a former Florida highway patrol commander, has
been named federal security director for Louis Armstrong International Airport, the
Transportation and Security Administration announced Monday. He succeeds Kevin
McCarthy, who was named as security director for the Memphis International Airport.
(Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune, 11/10/08)
Allegiant Air to end Gulfport service
GULFPORT, Miss. - Allegiant Air is pulling out of Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport after
less than two years of direct flights from the Gulfport to Orlando, Fla. The Las Vegas-
based airline will end its services in Gulfport on Jan. 6. The company president and CEO
said Allegiant was unable to make the service economically viable. (Source: Sun Herald,
11/07/08)
Two Blue Angels found guilty
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - Two Blue Angels team members, one a pilot, removed from
duty for an “inappropriate relationship” were found guilty today. The case was turned
over to the Navy Personnel Command. The Navy has not identified the man and woman,
but one was in the Navy, the other in the Marines. Rear Adm. Mark Guadagnini, chief of
Naval air training, presided over the hearing that began Thursday. The Blue Angels flight
demonstration team is based at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. (Source: Pensacola
News Journal, 11/07/08)
Obama to emphasize technology
Barack Obama is expected to emphasize technological investments under national
security and space exploration efforts at the expense of Defense Department big-ticket
acquisition efforts. Obama has declared his support for technological innovation across
the federal government, but in particular, his campaign says he advocates unmanned
aircraft, electronic warfare capabilities and cyber security. (Source: Aviation Week,
11/05/08)
Fire Scout to be aboard first commissioned LCS
The Navy’s first littoral combat ship, USS Freedom, will be commissioned Nov. 8 at a 10 a.
m. EST ceremony at Veterans Park, Milwaukee, Wis. Secretary of the Navy Donald
Winter will deliver the principal address. A Northrop Grumman Fire Scout helicopter
drone is on the Freedom and will remain onboard as it transits from Milwaukee to Norfolk,
Va. The Fire Scout will contributed to the ship’s core missions of mine counter measures,
antisubmarine warfare and surface warfare, as well as surveillance, targeting and
communication-relay functions. (Source: Navy, Northrop Grumman, 11/05/08)
Push on for more shuttle missions
The space shuttle could continue to fly beyond its scheduled 2010 retirement date, a
move that would help keep hundreds of people working at the Michoud Assembly Facility
in New Orleans. But the price tag of such an extension would be $2 billion per year,
according to a report released this week. (Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune,
11/05/08)
ST Engineering 3Q report
Singapore Technologies Engineering said Tuesday that third quarter profit rose 3
percent, though earnings in the key aerospace division fell. The company owns ST
Mobile Aerospace Engineering, whose 1,600 employees at Mobile's Brookley Field
Industrial Complex repair and modify jetliners. It also owns VT Halter Marine, whose 1,700
employees in Pascagoula, Moss Point and Escatawpa build and repair ships. (Source:
Mobile Press-Register, 11/05/08)
Ares I-X flight hardware arrives
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The first major flight hardware of the Ares I-X rocket has
arrived in Florida to begin preparation for the July 12, 2009, test flight of the agency’s
next-generation launch system. The Constellation program test flight will allow NASA to
gather data during ascent of the integrated Orion crew exploration vehicle and the Ares I
rocket. Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans and Mississippi’s Stennis Space Center
are both involved in Constellation. (Source: NASA, 11/04/08)
Keesler hosts first air show in five years
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. – Keesler Air Force Base will be hosting its first air
show in five years this coming April when it presents “Thunder on the Bay.” The two-day
event April 4-5, 2009, will feature aerial acrobatics and static aircraft displays, though
details are still being worked out. The show got its name as a result of a base-wide vote.
(Source: Keesler Air Force Base, 11/03/08)
Hurlburt maintainers get DoD award
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. - Maintainers from Hurlburt Field were named winners of the
Department of Defense Phoenix Award, the highest field-level maintenance award within
the Department of Defense. The 1st Special Operations Maintenance group won the
honor by supporting the generation of 3,200 combat sorties that flew nearly 14,000 hours
over hostile territory. (Source: Air Force News Service, 11/03/08)
Northrop gets Army UAV contract
HERNDON, Va. - The Army awarded Northrop Grumman a $97 million contract to
procure, modify and deliver 12 Hunter MQ-5B unmanned aerial vehicles and supporting
ground stations, data links and spare parts. Northrop’s teammates include Stark
Aerospace, Starkville, Miss.; L-3 Communications, Salt Lake City; Rockwell Collins, Cedar
Rapids, Iowa; AAI Corporation, Hunt Valley, Md..; APL GmbH, Germany; and Israel
Aerospace Industries Ltd.'s TAMAM Division, Israel. Work will primarily be performed at
Northrop’s Unmanned Aircraft System Center of Excellence, Sierra Vista, Ariz., and
facilities at Starkville. Northrop also has a UAV center in Moss Point, Miss., which has also
worked on Hunter aircraft. (Source: Globe Newswire, 11/03/08)
Workers ratify Boeing contract
SEATTLE - Striking Boeing machinists in Washington, Oregon and Kansas voted to ratify
a new four-year contract. About 27,000 employees represented by the International
Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers will begin returning to work with the
third shift Nov. 2, ending a 58-day walkout. The contract calls for general wage increases
of 15 percent over four years, an immediate 16 percent pension increase and lump-sum
payments of at least $8,000 over the life of the agreement. (Source: PRNewswire,
11/02/08)
OCTOBER 2008
Valparaiso to spend more on suit
VALPARAISO, Fla. - City commissioners voted Friday to more than quadruple their
budget to cover the cost of noise experts and other legal expenses in the city’s dispute
with Eglin Air Force Base. Commissioners in executive session approve an additional
$100,000 from the city's general fund account. The city wants to find out more about the
noise the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter training center will bring to Eglin. (Source: Northwest
Florida Daily News, 10/31/08)
Two Blue Angels team members removed
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Two members of the Navy’s Blue Angels, one of them a pilot, were
removed from duty with the team for allegedly having an inappropriate relationship. The
six-plane demonstration team will fly the rest of the season – three air shows that end
Nov. 15 – with five F-18s. Neither team member was identified. The Blue Angels team is
based at Naval Air Station Pensacola. (Source: AP, Navy Times, 10/30/08)
Ares I test launch delayed
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA’s first Ares I test flight, part of the Constellation
program, is being pushed back to July 12 because of the delay in a final Hubble Space
Telescope servicing mission. But NASA is also looking at speeding up development of the
new moon rocket and an Apollo-style crew capsule. Michoud Assembly Facility in New
Orleans and Mississippi’s Stennis Space Center are both involved in Constellation.
(Source: Florida Today, 10/30/08)
Land near Whiting to be preserved
MILTON, Fla. - Gov. Charlie Crist and the cabinet have approved a joint venture with the
Navy to eventually preserve more than 5,000 acres of undeveloped land surrounding
Whiting Field Naval Air Station north of Milton. The vote was unanimous to begin the
process by spending $1 million for an initial 208 acres near the base’s northeastern and
southern perimeters. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 10/30/08)
New Orleans ripe for more service
NEW ORLEANS, La. - Continued high demand and nearly full airplanes make New
Orleans an ideal place to add air service, aviation consultant Mike Boyd said. But that
doesn’t mean Louis Armstrong International Airport, which saw service slashed after
Hurricane Katrina, will gain service anytime soon. (Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune,
10/30/08)
Test stand takes shape at Stennis
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – A new 300-foot rocket engine test stand is rising
above the trees at NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center. Fabricated steel began
arriving by truck Oct. 24 for construction of the A-3 test stand that will be used to test the
J-2X engine for the next generation of rockets. Work began with groundbreaking
ceremonies in August 2007. The J-2X will power both Ares I and Ares V. It will be required
to start at high altitudes, and the new test stand is designed to test the it at simulated
altitudes of up to 100,000 feet. (Source: NASA, 10/28/08)
Gunships improve situational awareness
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - Air Force Special Operations gunships will be getting a
new tool to provide increased situational awareness. The 46th Test Squadron conducted
an initial flight test of the Rockwell Collins Data Link Processor and software that
demonstrated Link 16 messaging between an AC-130, a Hurlburt Field ground station, a
system integration lab at Eglin and an F-16 using terrestrial and airborne networks. AC-
130 aircraft can exchange battlespace information with ground and airborne participants,
allowing the AC-130 to take on a mission commander role. Rockwell Collins supplies the
data and display processing systems to BAE Systems, which will integrate the Link 16
capabilities onto the platform. (Source: Rockwell Collins, 10/29/08)
Boeing-IAM pact would limit outsourcing
Boeing and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers reached
a tentative agreement Monday night. IAM says the new contract limits the amount of work
outside vendors can perform in the workplace. Some 27,000 union members are on
strike in Washington, Oregon and Kansas. Boeing also has operations in New Orleans,
La., and Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (Source: Aviation Week, 10/28/08)
Peer review may reduce protests
Two Air Force programs delayed by protests will be among the first subjected to a new
review system. The new process will require Army and Navy officials to conduct peer
reviews of the Air Force programs before, during and after contract decisions. The Air
Force will help review contracts for the other branches. The new process began Sept. 30
for all programs worth $1 billion or more. EADS and Northrop Grumman had planned to
build a refueling tanker in Mobile, but a Boeing protest was upheld. The Pentagon later
decided to table the project until the next administration. (Source: Bloomberg, 10/27/08)
Ares test rocket on water journey
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Full-scale components of the Ares I-X test rocket manufactured at
NASA’s Glenn Research Center will be loaded on the Delta Mariner Oct. 22 for a nearly
two-week trip down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to Port Canaveral, Fla. At Kennedy
Space Center the components of the upper stage simulator of the Ares I-X test rocket will
be integrated with other parts of the Ares I-X vehicle for launch in 2009. Ares I-X will be
the first flight test vehicle of NASA’s next generation launch vehicle system. Michoud
Assembly Facility in New Orleans in the future will manufacture and assemble the upper
stage of Ares I, as well as the core of Ares V and large structures for the Orion crew
capsule. Stennis Space Center will test propulsion systems. (Source: PRNewswire,
10/15/08)
Study: F-35 twice as loud as F-15
At military housing areas and base schools on Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., noise from F-
35 operations will be twice as loud as F-15 flights, reaching 83 decibels. Off base, F-35
noise will reach up to 90 decibels in neighborhoods under an Eglin flight path. That’s
according to an environmental impact study prompted by plans to set up the joint F-35
pilot and maintenance training school at Eglin. The city of Valparaiso has expressed
concern over the noise, and filed suit to get more information. The report released earlier
this month shows the number of people exposed frequently to sound levels of 75 decibels
or more would rise from 142 people to 2,174 people. (Source: Air Force Times, 10/26/08)
AF works on cyberspace roadmap
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. - The Air Force Cyber Command (Provisional) team
at Barksdale and Air Force Space Command are determining how the two groups will
jointly shape the cyberspace mission. The Air Force chief of staff announced Oct. 8 that
there will be no new major command formed for cyberspace operations. It will be a
numbered Air Force under the Space Command. Barksdale and locations along the Gulf
Coast were among those competing for the new headquarters. (Source: Air Force News
Service, 10/24/08)
Valparaiso refiles suit
VALPARAISO, Fla. – The city of Valparaiso decided to re-file a suit against the Air Force.
The city first filed suit last month seeking information about the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter
and the noise a training center will bring to Eglin Air Force Base. The suit was never filed
as the city and Eglin continued to talk. The new lawsuit says the Air Force should provide
the information free or at a reduced cost. The military has said it would cost more than $1
million to provide all the information sought by the city. The Air Force should receive the
suit next week. (Source: WEAR-TV3, 10/24/08)
Teledyne 3Q report
Profits and sales at Teledyne Technologies continued to rise in the third quarter, the
company said Thursday. The Thousand Oaks, Calif., based company reported profits of
$30.9 million, up 14 percent from 2007’s third quarter. The news was not as good for the
company’s Mobile subsidiary, Teledyne Continental Motors. Rhett Ross, president of
Teledyne Continental, said the company laid off 20 workers from its second shift earlier
this month because of slumping demand for airplane engines and parts, leaving it with
about 500 workers. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 10/24/08)
Raytheon 3Q report
Raytheon said third-quarter profit rose 12 percent on higher international sales of border-
security equipment and Patriot air-defense systems. The company said 2008 profit will be
higher than it previously forecast and that earnings next year may exceed estimates.
Profit from continuing operations beat the estimates, rising to $427 million, or $1.01 a
share, from $380 million, or 86 cents, a year earlier, Waltham, Massachusetts-based
Raytheon said in a statement. (Source: Bloomberg, 10/23/08)
Goodrich 3Q report
Goodrich reported third quarter 2008 net income of $168 million, or $1.33 per diluted
share, on sales of $1,772 million. In the third quarter 2007, the company reported net
income of $127 million, or $0.99 per diluted share, on sales of $1,602 million. Third
quarter 2008 sales increased 11 percent and net income per diluted share increased 34
percent compared with the third quarter 2007. Income from continuing operations during
the third quarter 2008 was $168 million, a 20 percent increase over income from
continuing operations of $140 million in the third quarter 2007. (Source: PRNewswire,
10/23/08)
General Dynamics 3Q report
FALLS CHURCH, Va. - General Dynamics reported 2008 third-quarter earnings from
continuing operations of $634 million, or $1.59 per share on a fully diluted basis,
compared to 2007 third-quarter earnings from continuing operations of $544million, or
$1.34 per share fully diluted. Revenues rose to $7.1 billion in the quarter, a 4.5 percent
increase over third-quarter 2007 revenues of $6.8 billion. Net earnings, which were equal
to earnings from continuing operations, increased 16 percent over the year-ago period.
(Source: PRNewswire, 10/22/08)
Lockheed Martin 3Q report
Lockheed Martin reported third quarter 2008 net earnings of $782 million, $1.92 per
diluted share, compared to $766 million, $1.80 per diluted share, in 2007. Net sales were
$10.6 billion, a 5 percent decrease from third quarter 2007 sales of $11.1 billion. Cash
from operations for the third quarter of 2008 was $1.0 billion, compared to $935 million in
2007. (Source: Lockheed Martin, 10/22/08)
Northrop Grumman 3Q report
WASHINGTON - Northrop Grumman said higher sales of surveillance systems helped
boost its third-quarter profit 4.7 percent and spurred the defense contractor to raise its
2008 earnings forecast. The Los Angeles-based company reported net income of $512
million, or $1.51 per share, in the quarter ending Sept. 30, up from $489 million, or $1.41
per share, a year earlier. Northrop makes warships in Louisiana and Mississippi and
unmanned aerial systems in Mississippi. (Source: AP, 10/22/08)
Boeing 3Q report
CHICAGO – The Boeing Company’s third-quarter net income declined 38 percent, to
$695 million, while earnings per share declined 33 percent to $0.96 per share, both
reflecting an ongoing machinists' strike and supplier production challenges on
customer-furnished galleys for certain wide-body airplanes. Those items reduced third-
quarter commercial airplane deliveries by approximately 35 units and net earnings by an
estimated $0.60 per share. Revenues for the quarter declined 7 percent, to $15.3 billion.
(Source: PRNewswire, 10/22/08)
Virginia-class sub launches Tomahawk
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - A Virginia class submarine fired a Raytheon Tomahawk
Block IV missile from the Gulf of Mexico to engage a simulated target. The flight
completes the integration of the Tomahawk cruise missile onto the Navy’s newest fast-
attack submarine. Tomahawk Block IV is a surface- and submarine-launched precision
strike stand-off weapon. It is designed for long-range precision strike missions against
high-value and heavily defended targets. (Source: PRNewswire, 10/21/08)
Goodrich gets airline contract
FOLEY, Ala. - Goodrich Corp. won a four-year contract with US Airways to repair thrust
reversers at its Foley facility. Goodrich started the work for the Phoenix-based airline in
June. The contract covers thrust reversers for an engine found on Airbus A320. Over the
past 12 months Goodrich has repaired about 500 thrust reversers. Goodrich employs
about 800 people in Foley. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 10/21/08)
Contract: Rush-Peak Three, $9.2M
Rush-Peak Three, Titusville, Fla., was awarded a $9.24 million firm fixed fee price
contract for construction of a multi-story parking garage at the headquarters of U.S.
Special Operations Command compound at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., with completion
Feb. 27, 2010. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting
activity. (Source: DoD, 10/20/08)
Contract: Raytheon, $12.9M
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee contract with Raytheon Missile Systems of
Tucson, Ariz., for $12.94 million to provide 436 propulsion sections to be installed into
AIM-120B Air Vehicles. This effort supports foreign military sales to Turkey, Denmark,
and Finland. 695ARSS, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source:
DoD, 10/20/08)
Mississippi forges ties to Japan NASA
BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. – A delegation representing Mississippi’s space industry recently
traveled to Tokyo to meet with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency following the
delegation’s participation in the 2008 Japan International Aerospace Exhibition in
Yokohama. Craig Harvey, COO of NVision Solutions, Inc.; John Henry Jackson of the
Mississippi Development Authority International Trade Office; and Mark Lanoue, CEO of
Emerging Technologies LLC, discussed Mississippi’s role in global space technology
markets with JAXA officials. (Source: NVision, 10/20/08)
Mini robots focus of meeting
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. – Navigation systems for miniature autonomous systems
will be the topic of a workshop Monday through Wednesday. “Challenges for Miniature
Autonomous Systems” is sponsored by Eglin Air Force Base’s Air Force Research
Lab/Munitions Directorate. Trends show future autonomous systems will be less than 20
pounds, air-launched from small UAVs and used in greater numbers than current
systems. Technical challenges include navigation, sensors and payloads. The workshop
is at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort and is intended for the DoD technical and user
community, academia and industry. (Source: GPS World)
AC-27 gunship buy OKd for Special Ops
FORT WALTON BEACH, FL – The Air Force Special Operations Command has received
Pentagon approval to buy 16 L-3 Communications-Alenia AC-27 gunships, according to
a senior service official. The plane, based on the Italian Alenia C-27 transport, is small
than the Special Ops AC-130 and would supplement that veteran aircraft. In addition to
either a 30-millimeter or 40-millimeter gun, the AC-27 will fire stand-off, precision-guided
munitions like the Northrop Grumman-built Viper Strike bomb. (Source: InsideDefense,
10/17/08)
JSF impact statement released
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The final Environmental Impact Statement about the new
missions at Eglin Air Force Base is now available. The study is part of the process for
moving the Joint Strike Fighter and the 7th Special Forces Group to Eglin. The release
marks the start of a 30-day public review. The document is available at the Eglin Web site
and area public libraries. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 10/17/08)
Interest in Gulfport airport keen
GULFPORT, Miss. – Aviation-related businesses have shown keen interest in an area
near Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. Airport Authority Commissioner Frank Genzer
noted the interest during Thursday’s quarterly meeting of the Sun Herald Business
Roundtable. Much of that has been about a road that will lead to a new air-cargo facility
and general aviation. He did not name any of the companies. (Source: The Sun Herald,
10/17/08)
IHMC’s Ford named NASA advisory council chair
PENSACOLA, Fla. - Ken Ford, director and founder of the Florida Institute for Human and
Machine Cognition, was named chairman of the NASA Advisory Council. Ford will remain
at the Pensacola-based IHMC. He replaces Jack Schmitt, another scientist who walked on
the moon in 1972. The council provides the space agency with advice on programs and
various issues of importance. Ford was appointed to the NASA Advisory Council in 2007.
(Source: Pensacola News Journal, 10/17/08)
Contractor taking over Keesler support
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. - Keesler leaders and Computer Sciences Corp.
officials are working together to ensure a smooth transition from government to
contractor responsibility for base support operations. CSC will begin picking up the
workload Nov. 1 in a transition that will take 90 days. Roger Condit, CSC program
manager at Keesler, said his company's recruiting efforts have resulted in more than
1,300 job applicants to date. (Source: Keesler Air Force Base, 10/16/08)
Work with NASA forum lures 150
NEW ORLEANS, La. – An economic development forum Wednesday attracted about 150
small business owners who want to learn more about doing business with NASA.
Louisiana Aerospace Industry Day was sponsored by Boeing and Lockheed Martin, both
major NASA contractors on the next-generation Constellation program. The group heard
from representatives of about a dozen companies that do work for NASA. (Source: New
Orleans Times-Picayune, 10/16/08)
Tanker program gets new manager
ARLINGTON, Va. - EADS North America named Randy Hutcherson vice president and
program manager for EADS North America Tankers, the business unit tasked with
primary subcontractor responsibility in support of the Northrop Grumman KC-45A tanker.
EADS and Northrop Grumman had planned to assemble the tankers in Mobile, Ala., but
the contract was terminated following a Boeing protest and punted to the next
administration. Hutcherson previously was EADS North America vice president for
rotorcraft programs. David D. Haines has been appointed to that post. (Source: EADS
North America, 10/15/08)
Trent Lott named to EADS NA board
EADS North America announced the appointment of former Trent Lott, former senator
from Mississippi, to the company’s board of directors. Lott is the former U.S. Senate
Majority Leader who also served in the House of Representatives. EADS North America
CEO Ralph Crosby said Lott will provide “invaluable expertise as our company expands
its presence in the U.S. defense and homeland security sectors.” (Source: EADS North
America, 10/15/08)
Raytheon missile enters Navy user program
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Raytheon’s AIM-120C7 advanced medium range air-
to-air missile has entered the Navy’s weapon system user program. Two Navy F/A-18E
Super Hornet strike-fighters fired two Raytheon-built air-to-air missiles, an AIM-120C7
and AIM-9X, the first time the two were launched by a fleet-assigned operational Super
Hornet and the first time the Navy employed both missiles in the same mission. The
firings were a joint effort with the Air Force’s Weapon System Evaluation Program and
showed the AIM-120C7 can operate in a joint environment. The missiles were fired by
aircraft assigned to the Navy’s VFA-143 squadron and were launched against a BQM-
167A target drone during a mission with Air Force F-15Cs from Eglin Air Force Base’s
60th Fighter Squadron. (Source: PR Newswire, 10/15/08)
Stennis-Michoud group formed
NEW ORLEANS, La. – Louisiana and Mississippi officials gather in New Orleans today to
explore ways to leverage Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans and John C. Stennis
Space Center in Mississippi as an aerospace corridor. The working group, which includes
leaders of economic development groups in both states, will discuss steps to take to
make the corridor attractive to aerospace companies and marketing options. Michoud
and Stennis will be heavily involved in the Constellation program. Michoud will build
portions of the spacecraft and Stennis will test propulsion systems. (Source: Tcp,
10/15/08)
Seven airmen awarded medals
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. - Seven airmen were honored Tuesday for actions in
Afghanistan. Lt. Gen. Donald Wurster, commander of the Air Force Special Operations
Command, awarded three Bronze Stars and seven Air Force Combat Action Medals to
members of the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News,
10/14/08)
PC research park moves forward
PANAMA CITY, Fla. – Plans to develop a research park on under-utilized land at Lynn
Haven Fuel Depot are moving forward. Tyndall Development Partners LLC, owned and
managed by Hunt ELP Ltd., of El Paso, Texas, was selected to negotiate the transfer.
The Lynn Haven Fuel Depot property consists of three parcels totaling 184 acres. A
parcel of 40 acres has been designated for transfer to Florida State University to use as
a satellite campus; a 50-acre parcel is a railroad right-of-way that will likely be used to
improve access to the site; and the remaining 94-acre parcel is intended for development
by Tyndall Development Partners, LLC. (Source: Air Force Link, 10/14/08)
Austrian UAV lands on French ship
It was a milestone when a Northrop Grumman Fire Scout helicopter drone landed on a
ship in January 2006. Now an Austrian Camcopter S-100 has done so. Last week French
shipyard DCNS demonstrated a deck landing and take-off system, called the SADA,
using an Austrian-built Schiebel VTOL. The Northrop Grumman Fire Scout is built in part
in Moss Point, Miss. (Source: Aviation Week, 10/13/08)
Boeing, unions adjourn with no agreement
SEATTLE - A second round of mediated talks between Boeing and the International
Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers adjourned without agreement. No new
talks are set. Some 27,000 employees in Washington, Oregon and Kansas have been on
strike since Sept. 6. Boeing also has operations in the Gulf Coast. (Source: PR Newswire,
10/13/08)
GD Niceville unit part of JAGM missile project
The Lockheed Martin team chosen for a $122 million technology development contract
for the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile system includes General Dynamics Ordnance and
Tactical Systems of Niceville, Fla., which will focus on the multi-purpose warhead. JAGM
will replace the HELLFIRE II and Longbow HELLFIRE missiles on the Army’s Apache
attack helicopter, the Warrior unmanned aerial system, the Arapaho reconnaissance
helicopter, the Marine Corps' Super Cobra attack helicopter and on the Navy's Seahawk.
JAGM will also replace the Maverick missile on the F/A-18 Hornet and may be used on
the F-35. (Source: Lockheed Martin, 10/08/08)
LM Stennis delivers key satellite hardware
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – The largest A2100 spacecraft core structure ever
built by Lockheed Martin has been delivered. The core structure with an integrated
propulsion subsystem is the first satellite in the Navy’s Mobile User Objective System
constellation. The design features third generation mobile technology for simultaneous
voice and data services. It was developed and tested at Lockheed Martin’s Mississippi
Space & Technology Center, an advanced propulsion, thermal, and metrology facility at
John C. Stennis Space Center. (Source: Lockheed Martin, 10/13/08)
Robots over South Mississippi
MOSS POINT, Miss. - It will be a significant milestone when it occurs. Early next year a
Northrop Grumman-built Fire Scout will have its first production test flight over South
Mississippi. (Source: Alliance Insight, October 2008)
Nodine claims split tanker buy in works
Mobile County Commissioner Stephen Nodine says that, according to his best sources on
Capitol Hill, the Pentagon likely will authorize buying tankers from both Boeing and the
Northrop Grumman/EADS team. That’s according to an item in a Sunday column by
Pensacola News Journal reporter Carlton Proctor. The Pentagon has said it’s too costly,
but lately there’s been more talk from a lot of circles about a split buy. Boeing wants to
build tankers in Washington State, Northrop/EADS wants to build them in Mobile, Ala.
(Source: Pensacola News Journal, 10/12/08)
Rerouted planes prompt noise complaints
MOBILE, Ala. – Repairs on the main runway at Brookley Field have changed flight
patterns for planes, prompting some Midtown Mobile residents to complain about the
noise. The 75-day project, which began in late September, should be complete by early
December. The Mobile Airport Authority has closed the main runway to install new lights.
During that time, all planes are using the secondary runway for takeoffs and landings.
Brookley has about 89,000 takeoffs and landings per year, or more than 200 a day.
(Source: Mobile Press-Register, 10/10/08)
FAA OKs Goodrich composite cowl
FOLEY, Ala. – Goodrich Corp. received FAA supplemental certification for a lightweight
fan cowl design for V2500-A5 engine nacelles. Goodrich’s Aerostructures business unit,
through its Alabama Service Center in Foley, Ala., will provide a one-piece cowl as part of
its aftermarket support program. The cowl, developed with Bombardier Aerospace of
Northern Ireland, uses Bombardier’s resin transfer infusion process that replaces the
traditional honeycomb interior. The International Aero Engines V2500-A5 is widely used
on the Airbus A320 aircraft, including the A319 and A321. There are about 2,500 of the
engines in service worldwide. (Source: Tcp, Goodrich release, 10/09/08)
Aerospace industry day set
NEW ORLEANS, La. – The Louisiana Technology Council is hosting a Louisiana
Aerospace Industry Day Oct. 15 at the New Orleans Sheraton. Small business specialists
from Huntsville’s Marshall Space Flight Center and Mississippi’s Stennis Space Center
and Shared Services Center will give presentations on contracting opportunities. Sen.
David Vitter is the scheduled speaker. Details. (Source: Tcp, 10/09/08)
NASA transition job losses updated
NASA released the latest estimates on the number of jobs that will be lost with the
transition from the Space Shuttle program to Constellation. For Mississippi’s Stennis
Space Center, the figure is the same as the previous March estimate – 200. In FY 2008
Stennis had 400 in the space program. Back in March NASA estimated Michoud
Assembly Facility in New Orleans would lose between 800 and 1,300 jobs in the
transition. The latest estimate settles on 800. Michoud in FY 2008 had 1,900 workers.
(Source: Tcp, 10/09/08)
Cyber command fades
BILOXI, Miss. – Air Force senior leaders met in Colorado Springs last week and decided
to establish a nuclear major command rather than a separate Air Force cyber command.
Biloxi and other cities around the country had put in pitches to be chosen as
headquarters for the cyber command. Now it will be a numbered air force within space
command. (Source: The Sun Herald, 10/09/08)
Michoud reduces job losses
NEW ORLEANS, La. – Three dozen workers were laid off Wednesday at the Michoud
Assembly Facility in eastern New Orleans, far fewer than the 200 job losses expected in
the first round of employment reductions as the space shuttle program winds down. Cuts
in the Lockheed Martin Corp. workforce had been expected as the company'’s contract to
build the shuttle's external fuel tanks comes to an end. All of the tanks needed to fly the
shuttle before its 2010 retirement are already in production. (Source: New Orleans Times-
Picayune, 10/09/08)
Florida airport expansion delayed
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Uncertainties in the financial markets led officials at
Northwest Florida Regional Airport – the former Okaloosa County Airport – to delay an
expansion of the ticketing area, concourse and baggage claim. The airport recently
received a $250,000 grant from the Florida Department of Transportation for the first
phase of work. They will likely decide later this year whether to move forward or to wait
some more. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 10/08/08)
New Orleans airport eyes privatization
NEW ORLEANS, La. – Even as the state ponders a possible takeover of Louis Armstrong
International Airport, airport officials are exploring the idea of turning it over to private
management. Airport officials laid out the idea of privatizing Armstrong at a meeting of the
council’s Aviation Committee on the same day the Chicago approved turning Midway
Airport to a private operator. (Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune, 10/08/08)
Contract: DRS-C3, $8.7M
DRS-C3 Systems Inc., Fort Walton Beach, Fla., was awarded an $8.69 million firm fixed
price contract for 564 tube-launched optically-tracked wire guided missile launchers.
Work will be performed in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., with estimated completion date of July
31, 2010. U.S. Army Aviation & Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the
contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 10/08/08)
Drone system delivered for demo
EADS North America delivered a jet-powered target drone system, DT35/DT45, to the
Army for operational evaluation in the training of missile defense crews. The system
delivered to New Mexico’s McGregor Range consists of multiple subscale aerial targets,
catapult launcher and two ground control stations. The DT35/DT45 contract was
awarded to Applied Geo Technologies Inc., a tribally-chartered aerospace and defense
services corporation of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, with corporate offices in
Choctaw and a unit at Stennis Space Center. EADS North America is a principal
subcontractor and supplier to AGT. (Source: EADS North America, 10/07/08)
Eurocopter UH-72A hits milestone
EADS North America marked an industrial milestone for the U.S. Army’s UH-72A Lakota
Light Utility Helicopter program, delivering its first final assembly line aircraft from the
production facility at Columbus, Miss. The Lakota is built by American Eurocopter, a
business unit of EADS North America. (Source: EADS North America, 10/07/08)
FOIA request regarding F-35: $1.5M
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The documents being sought in a Freedom of
Information Act request will take 51,428 hours to complete and cost the city of Valparaiso
nearly $1.5 million. The Air Force denied a requests that the fee be waived. Valparaiso
filed suit seeking records relating to BRAC, the Joint Land Use Study and draft
Environmental Impact Statement. The city is concerned about the noise that a new F-35
joint training center will bring to Eglin Air Force Base. Valparaiso has not yet served the
papers. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 10/07/08)
Gunship commander wins award
WASHINGTON – The aircraft commander of an AC-130H Spectre gunship won the
Cheney Award for providing close-air support to troops on the ground in Afghanistan in
May 2007. Capt. Chad Bubanas, 18th Flight Test Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla., and his
crew were on routine patrol when they were radioed about a crashed CH-47. The
gunship provided overhead support when survivors came under hostile fire. The Cheney
Award is named for 1st Lt. William Cheney, killed in an air collision over Italy in 1918. The
award is presented each year to aviators who demonstrate an act of valor, extreme
fortitude or self-sacrifice in a humanitarian venture. (Source: Air Force, 10/07/08)
Hurricane threat to Panhandle down
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The Atlantic hurricane season runs through Nov. 30, but
the Eglin Air Force Base Weather Squadron is confident the threat to the Panhandle has
declined sharply. Upper level winds across the Gulf of Mexico now resemble those
expected in late October or November with persistent wind shear. Richard Henning,
meteorologist with the 46th Weather Squadron, said that “shut to door about a month
early on any more hurricane activity that might threaten the Panhandle.” (Source:
Northwest Florida Daily News, 10/06/08)
Schools likely to be impacted by F-35 noise
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – A new report from the Environmental Protection Agency
says having F-35 fighters at Eglin Air Force Base children may have trouble learning in
five Okaloosa County schools because of the noise levels. It also says some homes
exposed to 75 decibels or higher should be bought from willing sellers. The report was
obtained by Channel 3 News. (Source: WEAR TV3, 10/06/08)
Talks continue over tanker termination fee
EADS North America and its KC-45 prime contractor Northrop Grumman are still in talks
with the Air Force about termination of its tanker contract. Defense Department
leadership killed the award after congressional auditors cited flaws in the process, in part
spotlighted by a Boeing protest. After an initial attempt to speed through a new
acquisition award this year, Pentagon leaders have since decided to punt the massive
program to the next presidential administration. (Source: Aviation Week, 10/06/08)
Navy orders UH-72s
The U.S. Navy has ordered five UH-72 Light Utility Helicopter built by EADS North
America. They will be used for pilot training at the Naval Test Pilot School at Patuxent
River, Md. The Navy joins the active Army and the Army National Guard in acquiring UH-
72 Lakotas. The Navy’s firm fixed-price order is valued at more than $24 million.
Deliveries are scheduled from October 2009 through January 2010. The aircraft are
produced in Columbus, Miss., under the management of American Eurocopter. (Source:
EADS North America, 10/06/08)
NASA awards future vehicles contracts
WASHINGTON - NASA has awarded research contracts worth a total of $12.4 million to
six industry teams to study advanced concepts for subsonic and supersonic commercial
transport aircraft that could enter service in 25 to 30 years. The teams are led by Boeing,
GE Aviation, Lockheed Martin, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Northrop
Grumman. The separate 18-month study contracts are valued at some $2 million each.
(Source: NASA, 10/06/08)
Student-designed lunar tools sought
WASHINGTON – A new NASA contest challenges college-level students to design tools or
instrument packages that could be used on the next generation of human-driven moon
rovers. Full-time students enrolled in universities, colleges, trade schools, community
colleges and professional schools in the United States or its territories can compete as
individuals or teams. (Source: NASA, press release 09/30/08)
Contract: Northrop Grumman, $23.2M
Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems of San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a contract
modification for $23.2 million. This action will provide for Long Lead associated with 5
Global Hawk Air Vehicles. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting
activity. Global Hawk fuselages are built in Moss Point, Miss. (Source: DoD, 10/03/08)
Work begins on joint AF, Navy school
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Ground was broken Thursday at Naval Air Station Pensacola for the
$45 million Air Force Navigator Training Hangar and Combat Systems Officer Instruction
Facility. When finished next year, it will begin training about 400 Air Force and Navy
students each year as navigators, weapons systems officers and electronic warfare
officers. It replaces an Air Force school in San Antonio, Texas. (Source: Pensacola News
Journal, 10/03/08)
Valparaiso delays serving suit to AF
VALPARAISO, Fla. – The city of Valparaiso has not yet served to the Air Force a lawsuit
filed Sept. 22. The City Commission met in executive session Thursday after some
commissioners disagreed with the decision to file the Freedom of Information Act suit.
The city is seeking additional information on the Joint Strike Fighter mission at Eglin Air
Force Base. Residents are concerned about noise and other issues. (Source: Northwest
Florida Daily News, 10/02/08)
Avalex makes Inc. list
Aircraft display maker Avalex made Inc. Magazine’s 2008 list of 5,000 fastest growing
private businesses in America. Pensacola-based Avalex, which makes displays for
military and surveillance aircraft, was in the 2,583rd spot with $9.2 million in reported
2007 earnings. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 10/02/08)
Contract: Rolls-Royce, $90M
Rolls-Royce Defense Services Inc., Indianapolis, Ind., was awarded a $90.4 million
contract for intermediate and depot level maintenance and related support for T-45 F405-
RR-401 Adour engines at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas, NAS Meridian, Miss., NAS
Pensacola, Fla., and NAS Patuxent River, Md., to be completed in Sept. 2013. Naval Air
Systems Command, Patuxent River, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 10/01/08)
Contract: DTS Aviation, $14M
The Air Force is modifying a CLINS contract with DTS Aviation Services Inc., Fort Worth,
Texas, for $14 million for aircraft backshop maintenance, munitions, and equipment
support for the Air Armament Center and for Air Armament and Command, Control,
Communications, Computers, and Intelligence Systems Testing for 12 months. 96
CONS/MSCB, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD,
10/01/08)
SEPTEMBER 2008
Northrop CEO open to split tanker buy
The Pentagon has said buying aerial tankers from both Northrop Grumman/EADS and
Boeing would be too expensive, but CEO Ron Sugar of Northrop is open to the idea. He
told Reuters his company would be supportive of whatever the government wants to do.
Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., has proposed buying from both companies. Northrop won the
contract in February to assemble the tankers n Mobile, Ala., but the GAO sided with
Boeing’s protest. Last month the Pentagon punted to the next administration. (Source:
Reuters, 09/30/08)
Counties win state defense awards
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties will receive state
defense grants designed to improve Florida’s position as a host for military installations
and activities. Florida on Tuesday awarded $2.25 million in two categories of defense
grants: defense reinvestment and defense infrastructure. The Economic Development
Council of Okaloosa County, Team Santa Rosa Economic Development Council and
Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce will receive grants from both categories.
(Source: governor’s press release, 09/30/08)
Official address F-35 noise concerns
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. – An Air Force official says the F-35 fighters will have about
the same noise level as an F-22 or F-18. Major General Charles Davis spoke Tuesday to
a group at Okaloosa Island to address concerns, mainly from Valparaiso residents, that
jets will be too noisy and lower property values. Eglin Air Force Base will become a joint
training center for F-35 pilots from all branches of the military, and it’s expected to bring
nearly 10,000 new people to Okaloosa County in the next 10 years. (Source: WEAR-TV3,
09/30/08)
Contract: U of Florida, $30M
University of Florida of Gainesville, Fla., is being awarded a contract for a maximum of
$30 million to promote/enhance local graduate level engineering education by fulfilling
research, development, test, and evaluation requirements for Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.
The tasks will result in insertion of real-world scenarios into the curriculum. Theoretical
and/or applied research in areas including aerodynamic and computational fluid
dynamics, computer science/software engineering, electro-magnetic/optics, engineering
mechanics, guidance and control technology, systems engineering, and signal
processing is contemplated. Air Force Research Laboratory AFRL/RWK, Eglin, is the
contracting activity. (Source: DefenseLink, 09/30/08)
Contract: Boeing-SVS, $30M
Boeing-SVS, Inc., Albuquerque, N.M., is being awarded a contract for a maximum of $30
million to provide Advanced Tactical Laser Extended User Evaluation. The ATL EUE is an
effort to operate and evaluate the single residual systems developed during the ATL
Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration. This proprietary system integrates a high-
energy laser into an Air Force C-130 aircraft. 687 ARSS/PK, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is
the contracting activity. (Source: DefenseLink, 09/30/08)
Contract: New Mexico State U, $9.9M
New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, N.M., is being awarded a cost reimbursement
no fee contract for a maximum of $9.95 million. This contract will establish Unmanned
Aerial System Program for UAS research, development, test, and evaluation, including
USS operations in the National Airspace System. AAC/PKET, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.,
is the contracting activity. (Source: DefenseLink, 09/30/08)
Cabana leaving Stennis for Kennedy
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – Bob Cabana is leaving as director of John C. Stennis
Space Center in mid-October to become director of the John F. Kennedy Space Center
in Florida. Cabana replaces William Parsons, who is leaving NASA to pursue
opportunities in the private sector. Stennis Deputy Director Gene Goldman will become
acting director at Stennis. Goldman, who began his NASA career in 1990, joined Stennis
in October 2006. Prior to that he was manager of the Space Shuttle Main Engine Project
at NASA's George C. Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. (Source: NASA,
09/30/08)
Airbus committed to Mobile
MOBILE, Ala. – Airbus passed the 100-employee mark at its aircraft engineering center in
Mobile, and the company remains committed to expanding, according Allan McArtor,
chairman of Airbus Americas. The Mobile Engineering Center formally opened at the
Brookley Field Industrial Complex in February 2007 with 32 employees. Initially assigned
to interior design work on the A350 aircraft, its mission has grown. (Source: Mobile Press-
Register, 09/30/08)
Contract: Del-Jen, $20.3M
Del-Jen, Inc., Gardena, Calif., has been awarded $20.3 million by the Navy to exercise
the first option period under a previously awarded contract with award options for Base
Operations Support (BOS) services at Naval Air Station Pensacola and surrounding
areas - Saufley Field, Corry Station, and Bronson Field. (Source: DefenseLink, 09/29/08)
Contract: DynCorp, $9.6M
DynCorp International LLC, Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a $9.6 million
estimated value modification to a previously awarded contract to exercise an option for
aircraft maintenance and life cycle support for 12 Navy UC-35 aircraft. Sixteen percent of
the work will be performed at Naval Air Station New Orleans. (Source: DefenseLink,
09/29/08)
Fire Scouts wins 2nd year low-rate run
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Northrop Grumman’s Fire Scout helicopter drone has moved into its
second year of low-rate initial production with a $32.9 million contract award from the
Naval Air Systems Command. It’s the second of three planned LRIP buys. The Navy plans
to conduct technical evaluation of the Fire Scout aboard an FFG-7 in early 2009.
(Source: Northrop Grumman, 09/29/08)
Congress affirms commitment to space
The NASA Authorization Act cleared Congress on Saturday and provides funding for
space programs and aeronautics research and development. Provisions include $20.2
billion for the agency, with an additional $1 billion dedicated to accelerated development
of the Orion spacecraft and Ares 1 launch vehicle. Michoud Assembly Facility in New
Orleans and Stennis Space Center in Mississippi are key players in those programs.
(Source: PR Newswire, 09/29/08)
Valparaiso to discuss suit
VALPARAISO, Fla. – The city commission meets Thursday behind closed doors to
discuss the suit the city filed against the Air Force. Under Florida’s Sunshine Law,
commissioners can discuss strategy and give lawyers directions related to pending
litigation while in executive session. In the suit, the city alleges that information about
Base Realignment and Closure measures has been withheld. The city is requesting all Air
Force records relating to BRAC, the Joint Land Use Study and the draft Environmental
Impact Statement. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 09/28/08)
Destin to weigh in on F-35 noise
DESTIN, Fla. - At a special meeting Monday night, the City Council will weigh the merits of
a boost to the Emerald Coast economy compared to the drawbacks of added noise
overhead. At issue are plans to base the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the related
equipment and personnel at Eglin Air Force Base. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News,
09/26/08)
Rolls-Royce to power BAMS
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Rolls-Royce says it will be providing AE 3007H engines to power
the Navy’s Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Unmanned Aircraft System. The BAMS
project uses Navy versions of the Global Hawk and will provide intelligence, surveillance
and reconnaissance for the fleet. Global Hawk is built in part in Moss Point, Miss.
(Source: Business Wire, 09/25/08)
Contract: L-3 Vertex, $42.5M
L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Miss., was awarded a $42.5 million
modification to a previously awarded contract to exercise an option for logistics support
for 123 TH-57B/TH-57C aircraft. Work will be performed at Naval Air Station Whiting
Field, Milton, Fla. and NAS Patuxent River, Md. (Source: DefenseLink, 09/25/08)
Contract: Sikorsky, $132.8M
Sikorsky Support Services Inc. of Pensacola, Fla., was awarded a $132.8 million
modification to a previously awarded contract to exercise an option for contractor logistics
support services for the T-34, T-44, and T-6 aircraft. Work will be performed at more
than a dozen locations, including Pensacola, Milton, Fla., and Fort Rucker, Ala. (Source:
DefenseLink, 09/25/08)
Riley: Mobile will build tankers
MOBILE, Ala. – Alabama Gov. Bob Riley told some 250 real estates agents that Air Force
refueling tankers will be built in Mobile. “Absolutely,” said the governor. Northrop/EADS
won the contract in February and planned to build them in Mobile, but Boeing’s protest
was upheld. Early this month the Pentagon decided to scrap the competition and let the
next administration decide. (Source: Mobile Press Register, 09/26/08)
Project eyes LIDAR on UAVs
KILN, Miss. – The House-passed defense authorization bill includes $1.2 million for a
project exploring the use of commercially available LIDAR on unmanned aerial systems.
Optech International of Kiln is leading the effort. LIDAR has a similar goal to radar but
measures scattered light rather than radio waves to “see” distant objects. Lidar-equipped
military UAVs could be used in the littoral zone over shallow waters. (Source: Tcp,
09/25/08)
Fire Scout test aimed at Coast Guard
The first flight of a Fire Scout with multimode maritime radar has removed a major
obstacle to U.S. Coast Guard interest in the shipborne vertical-takeoff-and-landing
unmanned air vehicle. Mike Fuqua, Fire Scout business development manager for
builder Northrop Grumman, says the Coast Guard has made clear its interest in the Fire
Scout for operation from its new National Security Cutter. Fire Scouts are built in part in
Moss Point, Miss. (Source: Aviation Week, 09/25/08)
Bill: Tanker fight would consider subsidies
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Norman Dicks, D-Wash., says the defense authorization bill
passed Wednesday contains a provision requiring the Defense Secretary to review the
impact of subsidies on the tanker replacement program. Dicks said a new competition is
expected to be launched by the next administration after a WTO ruling on the subsidy
complaint. (Source: news release, 09/24/08)
Gates rules out split buy
Defense Secretary Robert Gates has ruled out a potential compromise on the U.S. Air
Force tanker contract that would split the order between Boeing Co. and Northrop
Grumman Corp., saying the cost of such a proposal would outweigh any benefit to the
military. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 09/24/08)
Pensacola to get Siemens baggage system
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Siemens has been awarded a $7.19 million design-build contract for
the new in-line baggage screening system at Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport.
Siemens will provide 438 meters of baggage handling conveyor, 11 high-speed diverters,
four explosives detection systems and four sort units. (Source: Pensacola News Journal,
09/24/08)
Valparaiso sues Air Force
VALPARAISO, Fla. – The city of Valparaiso has sued the Air Force, alleging that
previously requested information about Base Realignment and Closure measures have
been withheld. The city wants all Air Force records relating to BRAC, the Joint Land Use
Study and the draft Environmental Impact Statement. City officials and residents are
worried about noise generated by the Joint Strike Fighter mission’s F-35s that that will
stand up at Eglin Air Force Base beginning in 2011. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily
News, 09/23/08)
Employee wins Tyndall suit
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – A former Tyndall Air Force Base employee has won
nearly $1 million in damages from the U.S. Air Force. A federal jury last week found that
Bridgett Keegan was a victim of gender discrimination when she was passed over for
promotion twice in 2005 for two men who were less qualified, according to Keegan’s
attorney and employees at the federal courthouse in Panama City. (Source: Florida
Freedom Newspapers, 09/24/08)
AFSOC buying more aicraft
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. – While the broader Air Force is bogged down in some of its
aircraft programs, its Special Operations Command is moving ahead to replace refuelers,
helicopters, buy small cargo aircraft and boost gunship capabilities. One of its new
aircraft, the Bell-Boeing CV-22, is slated to be deployed next month to Africa. The
command has nine CV-22s, five at Hurlburt and four at Kirtland AFB, N.M. The final
seven MH-53 Pave Low helicopters being replaced by the CV-22 will be retired by the
end of this month. (Source: Aviation Week, 09/21/08)
Contract for science center awarded
NASA has awarded the Infinity site development contract to Gottfried, LLC of Covington,
La. The $4.4 million contract marks the official start of construction of the science center
in Hancock County, Miss., just a short distance from the Louisiana-Mississippi state line.
(Source: Infinity, 09/22/08)
Fire Scout shows tracking capability
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – A Northrop Grumman-owned Fire Scout drone helicopter
demonstrated it can search for, detect, and track multiple targets during a test
surveillance mission Sept. 19 at the Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz. test center. The ability is
crucial for the littoral combat missions. The Fire Scout is build in part in Moss Point, Miss.
(Source: Northrop Grumman, 09/22/08)
NASA, Air Force eye centers
WASHINGTON – NASA and the Air Force are looking for university and industry partners
as they work to advance hypersonic research. NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission
Directorate in Washington and the Air Force Research Laboratory's Office of Science
Research at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, have released a broad
agency announcement describing their intent to establish three national hypersonic
science centers. As much as $30 million will be used to fund the centers over five years,
with a maximum grant of some $2 million a year. Details: http://www.grants.gov. (Source:
NASA, 09/22/08)
DayJet suspends operations
Air taxi start-up DayJet has suspended air taxi operations. DayJet has struggled to obtain
financing to reach the critical mass of operations necessary to achieve profitability. The
FAA said DayJet retains its operating certificate and that company officials did not
indicate whether the carrier was permanently going out of business. DayJet has operated
out of Pensacola since October 2007. (Source: Aviation Week, 09/19/08)
Luke eyed as F-35 training center
GLENDALE, Ariz. – Luke Air Force Base will be scrutinized next month a team from the
Air Education and Training Command to see if it’s a viable location for an Air Force Joint
Strike Fighter Pilot Training Center. Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the initial F-35
Integrated Training Center for the Air Force, Navy and Marines. But Eglin is projected to
reach capacity in 2014. Each branch is looking at bases to determine their own future
operational requirements. A decision is expected in 2011. (Source: The Glendale Star,
09/19/08)
Raytheon missile logs key flight
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – An Air Force F-15C completed the first captive carry test
of a Raytheon AIM-9X Block II air-to-air missile. The infrared-guided missile faced the
same stressors that it would encounter in an operational mission. The test shows the
hardware and software perform in combat-like conditions. The test also proved the
missile could be integrated on the F-15C Eagle. A test firing will occur before year’s end
and operating capability in 2010. (Source: Military & Aerospace Electronics, 09/19/08)
Boeing delivers 200,000th JDAM tailkit
Boeing this week delivered the 200,000th Joint Direct Attack Munition tailkit. The
guidance kit converts free-fall bombs into guided smart weapons. Boeing began JDAM
production in 1998 at its weapons manufacturing facility in St. Charles, Mo. Lynda
Rutledge, director of the 708th Armament Systems Group at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.,
said the JDAM has had over 23,000 combat drops. (Source: WebWire, 09/19/08)
Northrop entitled to termination fee
Northrop Grumman is entitled to a termination fee after the U.S. withdrew its contract to
build aerial refueling tankers. The Defense Department will negotiate with Northrop for a
fee in the range of “tens of millions of dollars,” Undersecretary of Defense John J. Young
Jr. said. (Source: Bloomberg, 09/19/08)
Contract awarded for CV-22 support
WASHINGTON – Bell-Boeing Joint Program Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a
$9.7 million not-to-exceed modification to a previously awarded cost plus incentive fee
contract to exercise an option for interim contractor support for the CV-22 operational
flight at Hurlburt Field, Fla., and potential deployed locations. Work will be performed at
Hurlburt (60 percent) and Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, N.M. and is expected to
be completed in January 2009. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is
the contracting activity. (Source: DefenseLink, 09/18/08)
Tanker deals differed by $3 billion
WASHINGTON – The Northrop Grumman/EADS proposal was $3 billion less expensive
than the deal offered by Boeing, the Pentagon’s top buyer said. John Young,
undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, admitted the
Pentagon may have created confusion for bidders by failing to prioritize the 800 or so
“tradable” features on its wish list for the new tanker. (Source: Washington Post,
09/18/08)
Aerospace operations honored
MILTON, Fla. – Two companies in the aerospace field, AeroVironment and MTI Specialty
Silicones, were recognized by TEAM Santa Rosa Economic Development Council during
an annual Industry Appreciation Awards luncheon. (Source: Pensacola News Journal,
09/18/08)
Tanker incentives extended
MOBILE, Ala. – Local and state governments are in the process of renewing the $120
million-plus incentives package meant to lure the aerial refueling tanker project to
Brookley Field Industrial Complex. The deal is set to expire Sept. 30, and they want to
keep the incentives in place. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 09/18/08)
Boeing doing internal assessment
WASHINGTON – Boeing is doing an internal assessment of “lessons learned” from the
$35 billion tanker competition that became so heated it was canceled. “I don't think
anybody ... wants to go through this again," David Bowman, vice president of the Boeing
tanker programs, told Reuters during the annual Air Force Association meeting. (Source:
Reuters, 09/16/08)
Tanker deal years away?
WASHINGTON - Top Air Force officials said Monday it could take up to four years to
complete a new competition for an aerial refueling tanker contract. Acting Air Force
Secretary Michael Donley said the service is struggling to find a solution that would get
the troubled program back on track. Gen. Norton Schwartz, the Air Force's chief of staff,
told reporters it could take eight months to four years to pick a winner, depending on how
the next administration chooses to proceed. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 09/16/08)
Global Hawk pulls hurricane duty
An unmanned aircraft most closely associated with missions over Iraq and Afghanistan
pulled hurricane duty over the weekend. In its first use over a hurricane, a Global Hawk
from Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., flew a 24 hour mission and was over
Hurricane Ike for 13 hours. The aircraft took over 600 images. (Source: Tcp, 09/15/08)
New air cargo facility opening
GULFPORT, Miss. - The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport has a new $22-million,
46,000 square-foot cargo facility that will add to the import/export capabilities on the
Mississippi Gulf Coast. (Source: Harrison County Development Commission, 09/15/08)
EADS denies it may bail on tanker
PARIS – The European Aeronautic Defence & Space Co. denied Sunday that it’s
considering not bidding for a $40 billion Air Force tanker contract. German magazine Der
Spiegel in its issue to be published Monday quoted an EADS official as saying a bid will
only be submitted if EADS can be assured of a fair chance. But a spokesman for EADS
told Dow Jones Newswire the company is “still keen to go ahead” and is “resolutely
behind our American partner Northrop Grumman.” (Source: Dow Jones, 09/14/08)
FWB resolution supports F-35 mission
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. – City officials approved a resolution supporting Eglin Air
Force Base’s upcoming Joint Strike Fighter mission, a stark contrast to concerns raised
in Valparaiso. The Fort Walton Beach City Council says the mission will help bolster the
local economy. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 09/13/08)
Is a tanker split buy the only answer?
MOBILE, Ala. – Could the intensity of the tanker fight lead to a “split buy?” The Air Force
has said buying from both Boeing and Northrop Grumman/EADS would be expensive. “I
would hate to see that happen,” said Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., a member of the Senate
Armed Services Committee. “But it may be the only way to get the thing going.” (Source:
Mobile Press-Register, 09/14/08)
Obama praises tanker punt
Barack Obama on Friday praised the Pentagon for its decision to call off the Air Force
tanker competition and suggested he would favor Boeing Co. for the contract if elected
president. Obama told members of an aerospace union with close ties to Boeing that, if
elected, he would do everything in his power to “create and defend American jobs.”
(Source: Mobile Press-Register, 09/13/08)
Boeing strike could be long
Nearly 27,000 machinists have stopped work at Boeing Commercial Airplanes in the midst
of a boom cycle, largely because they want more say in the company’s outsourcing
strategy. (Source: Aviation Week and Space Technology, 09/12/08)
Flying non-stop into Ike
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. – The Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters have
been flying nonstop for more than three weeks into hurricanes Gustav, Hanna and now
Ike. That hurricane will make landfall near Galveston Saturday. The 403rd Wing, flying
WC-130J Hercules aircraft, pass through the eye every three hours to send data to the
National Hurricane Center in Miami. The mission ends once the hurricane makes landfall.
(Source: Air Force Reserve Command News Service, 9/12/2008)
BAE Systems closing Geneva plant
GENEVA, Ala. – BAE Systems will close its Individual Equipment manufacturing and
warehouse facilities in Geneva Sept. 26. Over the last three years, BAE Systems
increased its workforce to meet the rising demand for individual protective products. But
the need is now declining. The plant has 197 employees. (Source: BAE Systems,
09/10/08)
Moon rocket passes key test
NASA’s new moon rocket passed a key design milestone late Wednesday. Senior NASA
management unanimously approved the preliminary design review of the planned Ares I
rocket that would launch astronauts into space by 2015 and back to the moon by 2020.
Portions of the craft are to be built at Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. (Source:
AP, 09/11/08)
Combat ID system demonstrated at Eglin
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – BAE Systems has demonstrated a new system that
gives combat pilots a previously unavailable view of friendly forces on the battlefield and
could significantly reduce “friendly fire” during combat. The capability combines existing
communications, combat identification, and target identification systems and gives pilots
ready access to information about friendly forces in the area. (Source: BAE Systems,
09/11/08)
Mobile officials blast tanker decision
MOBILE, Ala. – Not surprisingly, Mobile area officials Wednesday were highly critical of
the Pentagon’s decision to cancel the Air Force tanker project and punt to the incoming
administration. One says the Pentagon put politics in front of fairness and the safety of
soldiers. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 09/11/08)
Pentagon ends tanker competition for now
Defense secretary Robert Gates is shutting down competition for the aerial refueling
tankers until the next presidential administration. Boeing and Northrop Grumman were
notified earlier in the day. The request for bids was withdrawn because there was not
enough time left by the end of President George W. Bush's final term in January.
(Source: Multiple, 09/10/08)
Tanker meeting held
WASHINGTON – Reuters says Pentagon and Air Force leaders met Tuesday to finalize
plans for the tanker competition. A statement may come later this week. Boeing, whose
27,000 machinists have been on strike since Saturday, and a team made up of Northrop
Grumman and EADS are competing for the tanker contract. (Source: Reuters, 09/09/08)
EADS eyes more acquisitions
BERLIN – The chief of the European Aeronautic Defense & Space Company says his
company is eyeing more acquisitions in the United States. Louis Gallois told defense and
security officials in Berlin that EADS wants to expand its presence in the United States
further after April’s acquisition of emergency response service company PlantCML. He
says it’s necessary to commit long-term and not for just one project. EADS and Northrop
Grumman are ompeting against Boeing for an Air Force tanker contract (Source: AP,
09/09/08)
Tech park could mean more research
SHALIMAR, Fla. – The planned Emerald Coast Research and Technology Park near
Eglin Air Force Base could bring more research to the Gulf Coast, according to Larry
Sassano, executive director of the Okaloosa County Economic Development Council. He
said Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and BAE Systems have operations near Eglin,
but they don’t do research here. Groundbreaking is expected in the spring. (Source:
WEAR-TV3, 09/08/08)
Stennis open house postponed
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – The Sept. 10 open house and public engine test
event at NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center has been postponed due to the uncertain
approach of Hurricane Ike. A new date for the event will be announced later. Vehicle
passes for the original date will remain valid when the event is rescheduled. (Source:
NASA, 09/08/08)
Demand for drones growing
It’s been a rough year in Afghanistan, and growing violence is forcing the Pentagon to
dispatch 12,000 additional troops. The manpower shortages have created an insatiable
demand for unmanned aerial vehicles and the pilots who fly them remotely, sometimes
from halfway across the globe. (Source: U.S. News & World Report, 09/1/08)
Comments will be in final report
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Two Air Force officials say they’ve followed the
comments made by the public over Eglin Air Force Base’s upcoming role as the F-35
Joint Strike Fighter Integrated Training Center, and they welcome them. Bob Arnold,
chairman of Eglin Air Force Base’s Mission Enhancement Committee, said every issue
mentioned in comments will be included in the final Environmental Impact Statement. Most
comments have concerned noise. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 09/07/08)
Boeing workers strike
Picket lines went up Saturday at Boeing aircraft factories. More than 27,000 machinists
are on strike after last-minute contract talks collapsed. Boeing’s last offer included an 11
percent wage hike over 3 years. It comes at a time Boeing is a year behind schedule with
the new 787. (Source: NPR, 09/06/08)
MH-53 now museum piece
SHALIMAR, Fla. – An MH-53 Pave Low helicopter arrived at the Air Force Armament
Museum Friday – the first time in the museum’s history that an aircraft has actually flown
in to take it’s place on display. (Source: WEAR-TV, 09/05/08)
Airport authority gets new chief
MOBILE, Ala. – The Mobile Airport Authority voted Thursday to hire Bill Sisson as its new
executive director beginning Oct. 6. Sisson, vice president of economic development for
the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, replaces Bay Haas. (Source: Mobile Press-
Register, 09/05/08)
Michoud reopens
NEW ORLEANS, La. – NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility is back in full operations today.
The workforce conducted safety inspections in order to resume production operations of
the space shuttle external tank’s assembly line on Monday. There facility had closed with
the approach of Hurricane Gustav. (Source: NASA, 09/04/08)
StenniSphere reopens Friday
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – StenniSphere, the visitor center at NASA’s John C.
Stennis Space Center, will reopen Friday after closing due to Hurricane Gustav. Tours to
the space center will resume a regular schedule of Wednesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.
m., with the last tour bus departing at 2 p.m. each day. Tours originate from the Launch
Pad adjacent to the I-10 Welcome Center in Hancock County. (Source: NASA, 09/04/08)
New Orleans airport back to normal
NEW ORLEANS, La. - Louis Armstrong International Airport expects a return to normal
operations today. The airport closed on Sunday evening as Hurricane Gustav
approached, and reopened Tuesday to a small number of private flights. (Source: New
Orleans Times-Picayune, 09/04/08)
General just wants tankers
WASHINGTON – A four-star general says he doesn’t care which plane wins the tanker
competition, he just wants new planes. Gen. Arthur Lichte, who runs Air Mobility
Command, wants the Pentagon to resolve the issue quickly. A delay of another year or
more would force the Air Force to fly the Eisenhower-era tankers past 2040. Northrop
and partner EADS want to build the planes in Mobile, Ala. (Source: AP, 09/03/08)
Okaloosa airport changes name
EGLIN AIR FORC BASE, Fla. – Okaloosa Regional Airport is changing its name to
Northwest Florida Regional Airport. It’s the second airport in the region to announce a
name change. Pensacola Regional Airport earlier said it’s changing its name to
Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport. Both airports say the name change helps in
marketing. (Source: WEAR-TV3, 09/03/08)
Stennis reopens Thursday
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center will reopen
Thursday, officials said. The facility came through Hurricane Gustav without any
problems, but because of the storm’s impact on employees who live in Louisiana and in
South Mississippi, the facility will remain closed tomorrow. (Source: NASA, 09/02/08)
AUGUST 2008
Vertex gets contract
L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Miss., has been awarded a $111.4
million contract to provide logistics services and materials for organizational,
intermediate, and depot level maintenance to support 71 T-45A and 108 T-45C aircraft
at Naval Air Station Meridian, Miss., NAS Kingsville, Texas, and NAS Pensacola, Fla.
(Source: DoD, 08/28/08)
Sides may up tanker ante
The Pentagon this week is expected to release its final bid request for a new tanker. And
it may end up with two new planes from which to choose. Boeing has asked for more time
to prepare a proposal with a larger plane that could carry more fuel and cargo. Now it
appears Northrop Grumman/EADS may offer the A330-200, the freight version of the
plane it’s already offered. (Source: Business Week, 08/28/08)
Stennis shuts down for Gustav
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center is closing at 4:
30 p.m. due to the approach of Hurricane Gustav. Normal operations at the facility are
expected to resume when conditions permit. Public tours to StenniSphere, the visitor
center at Stennis, will be suspended. When conditions allow the visitor center will return
to its regular hours of operation. (Source: NASA, 08/29/08)
Unmanned hurricane hunter
MOSS POINT, Miss. – If Gustav becomes a big enough threat, Global Hawks may be
used to check it out. That’s according to Ed Walby, director of business development for
the Global Hawk. He says an Air Force Global Hawk in California could fly to the
hurricane and provide persistent coverage for 18 hours before having to fly back.
(Source: The Sun Herald, 08/28/08)
Flight academy given a go
PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Secretary of the Navy has given the green light to the National
Flight Academy, which will begin construction at Naval Air Station Pensacola early next
year. The academy, to be built at the National Museum of Naval Aviation, is designed for
students in grades 7-12 and expected to open in 2011. (Source: WEAR-TV, 08/27/08)
New center on track for growth
MOSS POINT, Miss. – More growth is in store for Northrop Grumman’s Unmanned
Systems Center. The Navy’s Broad Area Maritime Surveillance program will need 68
Global Hawks rather than the 40 originally expected, and the Air Force now wants more
as well. The numbers were mentioned at a lunch Northrop held today for area dignitaries
at its nearly three-year-old plant that does center fuselage work for the fixed-wing Global
Hawk and finishing work for the Fire Scout helicopter drone. Northrop officials also said
Global Hawks may wind up being used for persistent coverage of hurricanes, a move that
could improve predictions about the track of hurricanes. (Source: Tcp, 08/27/08)
Tanker guidelines delayed
WASHINGTON – Reuters is reporting that the Pentagon said it may wait until next week
before issuing a final request for proposals in its rerun of a $35 billion aerial tanker
competition between Boeing Co and Northrop Grumman Corp. Pentagon spokesman
Bryan Whitman said the announcement was not likely Tuesday and could “certainly”
lapse into next week. (Source: Reuters, 08/26/08)
Southwest cuts flights
NEW ORLEANS, La. - Southwest Airlines will cut nonstop daily flights to both Birmingham
and Houston in January. That will leave the airline with two nonstop daily flights to
Birmingham and 10 between the city and Houston. With the reduction, the number of
flights out of Louis Armstrong International Airport, which was 162 the week before
Katrina, will fall to 123. (Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune 08/26/08)
Crash blamed on pilot error
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The Air Force says pilot error was to blame for a
February jet crash over the Gulf of Mexico that killed one airman and injured another.
Two F-15s collided during air-to-air combat training. (Source: WEAR-TV3, 08/25/08)
Airport wins award
GULFPORT, Miss. – The Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport Authority’s Air Cargo Facility
won the Sun Herald’s Engineering Honor Award. It was chosen by jurors from Mississippi
State University. Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport will soon open a new 40,000-square-
foot air-cargo terminal to further the Mississippi Gulf Coast region’s presence in the
import/export industry. (Source: The Sun Herald, 08/25/08)
Boeing union rejects offer
A Boeing union has called the latest wage proposal “insulting,” increasing the likelihood
of a strike. A spokeswoman for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace
Workers said the union expected a wage increase in keeping with the industry trend. The
current contract expires Sept. 3. (Source: Reuters, 08/24/08)
Crash report to be released today
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board
is expected to release its report Monday on a February jet crash over the Gulf of Mexico
that killed one airman and injured another. Two F-15s collided during air-to-air combat
training. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 08/24/08)
INFINITY nears groundbreaking
HANCOCK COUNTY, Miss. – Groundbreaking for the INFINITY Science Center is getting
near. This month the board of directors reviewed plans to begin accepting bids for the
$40 million center that will be built along Interstate 10 across from Stennis Space Center.
The final $4 million is now being raised. A large sign at the I-10 Welcome Center
promises a 2010 opening. (Source: The Stennis News, August 08 issue)
Avalex wins chamber award
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Avalex Technologies was named small business of the month by
Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. Avalex, which makes aircraft displays,
digital recorders and digital moving map systems, was recently named to Inc. 5,000’s list
of fastest growing companies. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 08/23/08)
American Eagle cuts flights
MOBILE, Ala. – American Eagle will cut two daily round trips between Mobile Regional
Airport and Dallas-Fort Worth International Nov. 2. American Eagle also will cut daily
round trips from Dallas to Pensacola Regional Airport from six to five. (Source: Mobile
Press-Register, 08/23/08)
Boeing says it needs more time
Those reports that Boeing may not bid on the $40 billion aerial tanker have resurfaced,
this time in the Wall Street Journal. Boeing, which is competing against Northrop
Grumman and EADS, says it needs six months, but the DOD has given competitors 60
days. Says Jim Albaugh, chief of Boeing’s defense unit: “I think the option we would have
if we were not given the six months, there is a really high likelihood that we would no-bid
the program.” (Source: Wall Street Journal, 08/22/08)
ADO chief: Mobile will build jets
MOBILE, Ala. – The director of the Alabama Development Office says the Northrop/EADS
aerial refueling tanker deal is going to happen. “We are going to be building jets in
Mobile, Ala.,” Neal Wade said at a luncheon presented by the Mobile Area Chamber of
Commerce. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 08/22/08)
Euro Hawk fuselage nears rollout
MOSS POINT, Miss. – The first Euro Hawk center fuselage is slated to roll out of the
Northrop Grumman Unmanned Systems Center in Moss Point next month. Germany in
2007 awarded a contract to a joint-venture company formed by Northrop Grumman and
EADS to develop, test and support the Euro Hawk unmanned signals intelligence
surveillance and reconnaissance system. The center fuselage that will come out of the
Moss Point facility is a derivative of the Block 30 Global Hawk. (Source: Northrop
Grumman, 08/21/08)
Final guidelines on tanker due
Final guidelines will be released next week, perhaps as early as Monday, for the latest
round of bidding on the $35 billion aerial tanker project. Boeing and Northrop Grumman
officials met again this week with defense officials at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in
Dayton, Ohio. Northrop wants to build the planes in Mobile, and Boeing wants to build
them in Washington State. (Source: Multiple, 08/21/08)
Fire Scout begins tests with payload
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - The Fire Scout recently completed its first flight test with a payload
and integrated tactical data link. The flight was earlier this month at Naval Air Station
Patuxent River, Md. Doug Fronius, MQ-8B Fire Scout program director, says starting this
series of tests is a major milestone and puts Fire Scout one step closer to shipboard
testing. Final assembly of Fire Scouts is done in Moss Point, Miss. (Source: Northrop
Grumman, 08/20/08)
Airspace issue addressed
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The Defense Department, area bases and communities
plan to work together to figure out how to share skies that promise to get more congested
in the Gulf Coast region. Bob Arnold, Eglin Mission Enhancement Committee, says
civilian traffic throughout the country is getting more congested, and the Air Force aircraft
also require more space. DoD will be gathering flight request information over the next
few months and hope to have a plan in place by the end of 2010. (Source: WEAR-TV 3,
08/20/08)
Northrop discusses program at lunch
MOSS POINT, Miss. – Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems will hold an invitation-only
luncheon for next week at its Moss Point Unmanned Systems Center to provide invited
guests with an overview of the Northrop Grumman unmanned systems program. The
center opened in 2006 and does final assembly of the Fire Scout and fuselage work on
the Global Hawk. (Source: Tcp, 08/20/08)
Impact statement delayed
VALPARAISO, Fla. – Eglin Air Force Base said the final draft of the Joint Strike Fighter
Environmental Impact Statement has been pushed back past the original September
deadline. Eglin will be home to the newly established F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Integrated
Training Center, but residents have been concerned about noise and safety issues.
(Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 08/19/08)
Boeing machinists to consider offer
WICHITA, Kan. – Boeing and the machinists union begin a final round of talks this week
on a new contract. Union members vote Sept. 3 on the company’s latest offer to replace
the current contract that expires Sept. 4. The Machinists union represents hourly workers
at Boeing in Wichita and in Puget Sound. (Source: Wichita Eagle, 08/19/08)
Engine test series for Ares I done
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – NASA has completed a series of tests on a key component of the J-
2X engine that powers the upper stage of the Ares I rocket. The test Aug. 15 was for the
gas generator, driver for the turbopumps that start the engine. Both Michoud Assembly
Facility in New Orleans and Stennis Space Center in Mississippi are involved in the
Constellation Program that will bring astronauts to the moon and beyond. (Source: NASA,
08/18/08)
NASA holds Ares I briefing
WASHINGTON - NASA will host a media teleconference Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. EDT to
discuss possible solutions to concerns raised about the early designs of the new crew
launch vehicle that will be carried by the Ares I. Michoud Assembly Facility in New
Orleans will build portions of Ares I and the crew vehicle. (Source: NASA, 08/18/08)
Cyberspace Command future unclear
There are multiple reports that the bid to establish an Air Force Cyberspace Command is
on hold. Nextgov reported it last week, and the Associated Press says it obtained an Air
Force memo that said manning and budget transfers for the command have been
suspended. AP says the Pentagon and Air Force are expected to make a decision later
this month on the command’s fate. Many areas, including the Gulf Coast, have been
competing to become headquarters of the command. It’s interim location is Barksdale Air
Force Base, La. (Source: Associated Press, Nextgov, others, 08/18/08)
Northrop names new Global Hawk chief
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Northrop Grumman has appointed George Guerra vice president of
High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Systems. Guerra is responsible for overall
program performance and growth of the family of RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned systems.
HALE is based in San Diego and has production facilities in Palmdale, Calif., and Moss
Point, Miss. Current domestic and international programs include systems for the Air
Force, Navy and Germany. (Source: Northrop Grumman, 08/18/08)
Tanker requirements release looms
The Defense Department is expected to issue its final set of requirements this week for
the $40 billion Air Force tanker project. Competitors Northrop Grumman and Boeing will
then have 45 days to submit final proposals. Both companies met with defense officials
Saturday at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio to discuss the amended bid
proposal. That was prompted when Boeing’s protest of the award to Northrop was
upheld. Boeing wants to build tanker in Washington State and Northrop and partner
EADS want to build them in Mobile. (Source: Bloomberg, Financial Times, 08/17/08)
Mini robots topic of meeting
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. – Navigation systems for miniature autonomous systems
will be the topic of a workshop Oct. 20-22 in Fort Walton Beach. “Challenges for
Miniature Autonomous Systems” is sponsored by Eglin Air Force Base’s Air Force
Research Lab/Munitions Directorate. Trends show that future autonomous systems will
be less than 20 pounds, air-launched from small UAVs and used in greater numbers than
current systems. But ongoing technical challenges include navigation, sensors and
payloads. (Source: Inside GNSS, 08/17/08)
Airport breaks ground on expansion
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Ground was broken Friday on Pensacola Regional Airport’s $45
million terminal upgrade. It includes an expanded ticket lobby, in-line baggage screening
and new restaurant facilities. The expansion is the second of a three-phase project
totaling some $71 million. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 08/16/08)
Gunships training with WWII rounds
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. – Rising ammunition costs forced AC-130 aircrews to train with
World War II armor-piercing rounds that have been sitting in storage bunkers. It’s plentiful
and cheap, $8 per round in 1940s dollars compared to $200 for today’s rounds. The
problem was the old rounds contained no explosives and crews could not tell when they
hit targets with their 40mm Bofors cannons. So weapons specialists and the Air Force
Research Laboratories at Eglin Air Force Base came up with a modified round with a
pyrotechnic spotting charge. Some 350,000 of the old rounds are available and plans are
to modify them on a large scale. The savings? Up to $20 million a year. (Source: Air
Force Times, AFPN, 08/14/08)
Northrop to support NASA UAV
Northrop Grumman Corp. received a five-year, $25 million contract to support NASA’s
Global Hawk unmanned aircraft program for earth sciences research. Northrop will
provide engineering and technical services to support two of the aircraft as well as
ground control and other systems under an award by NASA’s Dryden Flight Research
Center in Southern California. Portions of the Global Hawk fuselages are built in Moss
Point, Miss. (Source: Northrop Grumman, 08/14/08)
New Eglin mission could be a boon
PANAMA CITY, Fla. – Eglin Air Force Base’s new Joint Strike Fighter training mission
should bring economic benefits to the central Panhandle, including Panama City. That’s
the thinking of Randy Curtis, director of the Panama City-Bay County International
Airport. “It’s going to bring in quite a few operations, and I think greatly expand the
activities at Eglin Air Force Base,” says Curtis. About 100 F-35 fighters will be stationed
at Eglin, adding some 4,800 people to the area. (Source: WMBB-News 13, 08/14/08)
Impact of new Eglin mission discussed
VALPARAISO, Fla. – Officials held a public hearing Tuesday to discuss the impact of
Eglin Air Force Base’s Joint Strike Fighter training mission on the city. Much of the
concern has centered around noise. A draft version of a study funded by the Air Force
recommends, among other things, new building codes and retrofitting older buildings to
abate the noise. The study also suggests the city consider purchasing the land in the
immediate vicinity of the runway. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 08/13/08)
ST Engineering profits decline
Profits at Singapore Technologies Engineering inched back in the second quarter as the
company grappled with the declining value of the U.S. dollar and increased costs in its
aerospace operations. The company is the parent of ST Mobile Aerospace Engineering,
which employs about 1,600 people at Mobile's Brookley Field Industrial Complex, and VT
Halter Marine, which employs more than 1,000 people at shipyards in Pascagoula and
Moss Point, Miss. Profits fell to about $85 million, down 2 percent from the same period
last year. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 08/13/08)
Pensacola airport changing name
PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Pensacola Regional Airport is changing its name, and will be
known as the Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport. The airport director says the name
is more descriptive of the area the airport serves. The airport is expected to announce on
Friday a new terminal expansion. (Source: WEAR-TV, 08/12/08)
Boeing still in tanker fight
Boeing apparently will remain in the competition for an Air Force tanker contract,
according to the Associated Press, Financial Times and others. Officials from Boeing and
Northrop Grumman met with defense officials at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio
to discuss the second round of bidding on the tanker program. There has been
speculation Boeing might not bid again. (Source: Multiple, 08/12/08)
GAO rejects BAMS protest
WASHINGTON – Reuters reports that the Government Accountability Office has rejected
a protest by Lockheed Martin over the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Project that was
awarded to Northrop Grumman Corp. The Navy chose the RQ-4N Global Hawk as the
platform for the $1.16 billion BAMS program. The fuselages will be built in part at a
Northrop facility in Moss Point, MS. (Source: Reuters, 08/11/08)
Boeing may opt out of tanker bid?
Boeing is reportedly "strongly" considering not submitting a bid in the competition to build
the next generation of Air Force aerial tankers. That's what was reported today by
Aviation Week, citing multiple sources familiar with Boeing's internal communications.
(Source: Aviation Week, 08/11/08)
F-35 noise potential concerns schools
VALPARAISO, Fla. - Okaloosa County School District officials are concerned about the
possible effects of Eglin Air Force Base’s plans to train thousands of F-35 fighter pilots.
The Air Force wants to base 117 of the jets at Eglin in about two years. The Air Force
says the jets generate 65 decibels of noise. A middle school and two elementary schools
may be impacted. There will be a town hall meeting Tuesday about the issue. (Source:
Northwest Florida Daily News, 08/10/8)
T-2 going into retirement
PENSACOLA, Fla. – The T-2 Buckeye aircraft is ending its long career training Naval
aviators. On Friday the last two naval students flew their final flights using the aircraft.
The T-2 Buckeye went into service in 1959, but it’s being replaced by the T-45 Goshawk.
The official retirement ceremony is scheduled for Aug. 22 at NAS Pensacola. (Source:
WEAR-TV3, 08/08/08)
Fuel tank heading for Kennedy
NEW ORLEANS, La. – The latest external fuel tank for the Space Shuttle is heading for
Kennedy Space Center in Florida and is expected to arrive Monday. It’s the second tank
in less than a month that the Michoud Assembly Facility in eastern New Orleans has
delivered to NASA. The shuttle will launch Oct. 8 on a mission to service the Hubble
Space Telescope. The tanks, which stand 15-stories tall and nearly 28 feet in diameter,
are constructed by Lockheed Martin at the Michoud Assembly Facility. (Source: New
Orleans Times-Picayune, 08/08/08)
Boeing backers not happy
WASHINGTON – Although the Pentagon has issued new guidelines in the competition
between Boeing and Northrop Grumman to win the tanker contact, some Boeing backers
are not happy. U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said in a press release that several
issues already raise “red flags,” and U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks, D-Wash., said the draft
request appears “to favor a tanker larger than any real-world scenarios would require.”
The Pentagon will now consider long-term operating costs, likely to help Boeing, and give
points for exceeding the basic requirements, likely to help Northrop. (Source: Mobile
Press-Register, 08/07/08)
Northrop, Boeing get new bidding terms
WASHINGTON – The two companies vying for a $40 billion contract to build the next
generation of Air Force aerial refueling tankers have received revised terms of the
renewed contest. The new request for proposals provided to Boeing and Northrop
Grumman addresses concerns of the General Accountability Office. The contract was
originally awarded to Northrop Grumman/EADS in February, but Boeing protested.
Northrop wants to build the planes in Mobile and Boeing wants to build them in
Washington State. A decision will come late this year or early next. (Source: Multiple,
08/06/08)
Stennis slates engine test, open house
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - The public is invited to an open house and engine
test-firing Sept. 10 at Stennis Space Center. Gates open 9:30 a.m. and open house
continues until 12:30 p.m. at the StenniSphere. Later, guests will be transported to the
Propulsion Text Complex viewing site to see a test of a Space Shuttle main engine.
Passes will be available 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 12 at Wal-Mart in Picayune, 10 a.m. to 3 p.
m. Aug. 19 at Northshore Mall in Slidell, La., and Edgewater Mall in Biloxi, and 10 a.m. to
3 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Kiln and Bay St. Louis libraries. Passes will also be available Aug.
11-30 at the Launch Pad at the Mississippi Welcome Center. Call 800-237-1821 or 228-
688-2370 for information. (Source: Stennis Space Center, 08/06/08)
Martinez: Best tanker deal, not jobs, comes first
PENSACOLA, Fla. – U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, during a visit to Pensacola, said that he can’
t back an aerial tanker project going to Mobile simply because he represents its neighbor
state. The Orlando Republican said he’s sympathetic and wants the tanker to go to
Mobile, but he says it should not become “a provincial issue of where jobs go." The
contract in February was awarded to the Northrop Grumman/EADS team, but the General
Accountability Office backed a protest by Boeing and determined the Air Force made
errors in awarding the contract. It’s being rebid. (Source: Pensacola News Journal,
08/06/08)
First of two converted Boeing jets delivered
MOBILE, Ala. – ST Mobile Aerospace delivered the first of two converted Boeing 757 jets
to the Royal New Zealand Air Force Monday. The $38 million contract is for two planes.
The second plane is supposed to be delivered by year’s end. Freighter conversion is a
key part of the business at MAE. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 08/05/08)
Michoud to begin trimming workforce
NEW ORLEANS, La. - Lockheed Martin in October will begin a two-year process of
cutting its Michoud Assembly Facility work force by about 70 percent – to some 600
workers. The reduction, announced to workers Friday, has been expected as the
contract to make fuel tanks for the Space Shuttle winds down. Some employees may
transition to other projects. Lockheed was chosen to build the Orion crew exploration
vehicle at the site and Boeing will build the Ares rocket, both components of NASA’s
Constellation program, a fleet of next-generation spacecraft. (Source: New Orleans
Times-Picayune, 08/02/08)
Delegation writes letter to Gates
WASHINGTON – The Pentagon should work “with care and diligence” in meeting its goal
of awarding a new aerial refueling tanker contract by year’s end. That’s what four
Alabama lawmakers wrote in a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates. They urged
Gates to resist demands to restructure the competition beyond the problems identified by
the Government Accountability Office. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 08/01/08)
JULY 2008
Fewer flights will leave New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS, La. – There will be nine fewer flights and 382 fewer seats leaving Louis
Armstrong International Airport in November, compared with the same month last year, as
the capacity cuts announced by airlines earlier this summer go into effect. Airlines are
responding nationwide to fuel costs by cutting service. (Source: New Orleans Times-
Picayune, 07/31/08)
Farnborough trip results in leads
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Escambia and Santa Rosa officials who attended the Farnborough
International Air Show say they returned with several leads. Evon Emerson, president
and CEO of the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, said one lead resulted in a
proposal sent out last week. About 90 officials from Alabama, Florida and Mississippi
attended the show in England this month. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 07/31/08)
Avalex wins award
PENSACOLA, Fla. - Avalex Technologies is the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of
Commerce’s Small Business of the Month for August. Avalex has more than 15 years of
experience in the manufacture of aircraft display systems, digital recorders and digital
moving map systems. The Avalex offices are in downtown Pensacola. (Source: Pensacola
News Journal, 07/31/08)
Northrop Grumman profits up
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Strong performances by the aerospace and shipbuilding units
led to a strong performance by Northrop Grumman. The company reported second-
quarter profit up 8 percent and sales up 10 percent. The Los Angeles-based company
reported net income of $495 million in the quarter ending June 30 and revenue of $8.63
billion. (Source: Multiple, 07/30/08)
StenniSphere closed Wednesday, reopens Thursday
BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. - Normal operations at StenniSphere, the visitor center at NASA’s
John C. Stennis Space Center, will be suspended July 30 due to technical issues. The
visitor center will resume normal operations July 31 at 10 a.m. StenniSphere is open to
the public 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. (Source: Stennis Space
Center, 07/29/08)
New projects discussed at Farnborough
Discussions at the recent Farnborough International Air Show could increase aerospace
activity in South Mississippi. George Freeland, executive director of the Jackson County
Economic Development Foundation, said he and other representatives from Mississippi
met with about 50 companies. Larry Barnett, executive director of the Harrison County
Development Commission, said the controversy over the aerial tanker project generated
a lot of interest in the Gulf Coast. But there are other opportunities outside the tanker
project. Freeland said those other projects are close to starting site selections. He
expects follow-up meetings. (Source: The Mississippi Press, 07/29/08)
Abbreviated competition begins for tanker contract
WASHINGTON - The Pentagon will re-open the competition to build the next generation
of Air Force tankers, but on an abbreviated schedule. Defense Secretary Robert Gates
said at a news conference that eight issues highlighted by the General Accountability
Office in sustaining a protest will be addressed. The new contract will be awarded in
December. In addition, Defense Department Undersecretary John Young will be the
selection source authority, rather than the Air Force. The $40 billion contract pit Boeing
against the Northrop Grumman/EADS team. Northrop was chosen as the winner in
February, but Boeing protested. GAO last month sustained the protest on eight of more
than 100 issues brought up by Boeing. Northrop and EADS want to build the planes in
Mobile, and Boeing wants to build them in Washington. (Source: Tcp, 07/09/08)
JUNE 2008
Larger Global Hawk delivered
The latest upgrade of the Northrop Grumman Global Hawk, the Block 20, has been
delivered to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale AFB, Calif. The Block 20 has a
bigger airframe and a wider wingspan than the Block 10. Northrop will also produce Block
30 and Block 40 models of the Global Hawk, which are scheduled to be fielded in 2011.
Portions of the fuselage of the newly delivered Global Hawk were built in Moss Point,
Miss. (Multiple, 06/30/08)
Hixardt gets contract with Eglin
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Hixardt Technology, a Pensacola-based information technology firm,
received a five-year, $18 million contract from Eglin Air Force Base. Hixardt will provide
base level software support and manage all software purchases and licensing for Eglin.
(Source: Pensacola News Journal, 06/27/08)
Alabama Aircraft taking contract fight to court
Alabama Aircraft Industries Inc. said it is taking its fight for a tanker maintenance contract
to federal court. Birmingham-based Alabama Aircraft, formerly Pemco Aviation Group
Inc., said it would file a lawsuit in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims challenging the Air
Force’s s selection of Boeing Co. for a $1.1 billion deal to maintain refueling tankers.
Alabama Aircraft had also protested the award to the Government Accountability Office.
The GAO in December sided with Alabama Aircraft in its objection to the a cost/price
evaluation in the contract award. Despite the GAO’s ruling the Air Force earlier this
month gave Boeing the go-ahead to do the maintenance work. (Source: Mobile Press-
Register, 06/27/08)
American cuts service
American Eagle flights to Chicago from Mobile, Ala., Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach,
Fla., Gulfport, Miss., and Baton Rouge, La., will be cut as part of the company’s belt-
tightening. The cuts will end direct flights to Chicago from anywhere in the Central Gulf
Coast except from New Orleans. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, The Sun Herald,
06/27/08)
Faulkner State to offer avionics
Faulkner State Community College hopes to begin avionics classes in 2009, part of a
continuing state push to expand the training of aerospace workers. The Mobile Aviation
Center will likely lease a new building for students to work on planes, replacing a
damaged hangar. Gary Branch, president of Baldwin County's Faulkner state, said he
hoped the aviation electronics program would begin on the Bay Minette campus with 25
to 30 students. That program still needs state approvals. (Source: Mobile Press-Register,
06/26/08)
Groundbreaking canceled in Mobile
MOBILE, Ala. – Northrop Grumman has postponed the planned June 28 groundbreaking
for two facilities designed to produce Air Force tankers. The announcement comes in the
wake of the Government Accountability Office siding with Boeing in its protest over the
awarding of the $35 billion contract to Northrop and partner EADS. The Air Force, which
awarded the contract in February, now faces the possibility of having to open the
competition to re-bidding. The Air Force has 60 days to respond to the ruling. No new
date has been set for the groundbreaking. (Source: Multiple, 06/20/08)
Gulf Coast attendees at Farnborough will still promote region
Next month members of a delegation from Alabama, Mississippi and Florida will be in
London for the Farnborough International Air Show. One aim of the group had been to
attract suppliers connected to the Northrop Grumman-EADS aerial tanker project. But
Wednesday’s decision by the Government Accountability Office upholding Boeing’s
protest puts a different spin on the visit. “I think we say to people, we are a burgeoning
aerospace community. That has not changed,” said Bill Sisson, vice president of
economic development for the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. Cindy Anderson,
executive director of Florida’s Team Santa Rosa Economic Development Council, says
aerospace and defense has been a target industry for her county for the last decade and
that won’t change with the tanker deal. In Mississippi, George Freeland, executive
director of the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, said regardless of
the GAO decision, “the assets within this aerospace corridor are still relevant.” (Sources:
Mobile Press-Register, Mississippi Press, 06/19/08)
GAO sides with Boeing
WASHINGTON – The Government Accountability Office has sided with Boeing in its
protest of the $35 billion contract the Air Force awarded to Northrop Grumman and EADS
to build aerial tankers. The agency recommended the competition be re-opened. That
process could delay the tanker a year or longer. Northrop and EADS had planned to
build the tankers in Mobile, and Boeing wants to build them in Washington State.
(Source: Multiple, 06/18/08)
Goodrich wins contracts
FOLEY, Ala – Goodrich Corp. said Tuesday that it has won contracts worth $600 million
to build nacelles and engine pylons as part of a downsized U.S. Air Force overhaul of its
C-5 Galaxy cargo planes. Goodrich's Foley facility is expected to assemble pylons and
also put together jet engine nacelles. Most of the nacelle parts will be made at the
company’s factories in Chula Vista and Riverside, Calif. Almost 800 employees work at
Goodrich’s Foley plant, with 415 working to make new components. Jeff Raley, the
general manager for new equipment, said no new jobs are expected from the C-5
program. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 06/18/08)
Mistake made in long-term cost of tanker
The Boeing Co. said Thursday the U.S. Air Force erred in its calculation of the long-term
costs of its bid versus that of the Northrop Grumman/EADS North America team. Chicago-
based Boeing made the assertion in a filing with the Government Accountability Office,
which is set to issue a ruling next week on Boeing’s protest. A copy of the document, filed
with GAO on April 25, was reviewed by the Press-Register Thursday. Boeing claimed its
KC-767 tanker would cost less to operate over a projected 25-year life span than the KC-
45 offered by the Northrop team. Boeing claimed the mistake raised larger questions
about the integrity of the Air Force’s evaluation. (Source: Mobile Press-Register,
06/13/08)
Northrop exec says tanker will impact region
PENSACOLA, Fla. – A Northrop Grumman vice president predicts Boeing’s protest of
Northrop Grumman’s winning bid to provide aerial tankers for the Air Force will be
rejected by the Government Accountability Office. That’s what Leroy Barnidge told
members of the Gulf Coast Economics Club during a Tuesday luncheon. Barnidge, a
retired Air Force general, also thinks the GAO report’s release next week will launch a
political wrestling match among rival congressional delegations. Northrop and its partner,
EADS, plan to build the KC-45s in Mobile. Boeing wanted to build its aircraft in
Washington State. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 06/11/08)
Segers Aero moving headquarters to Fairhope
FAIRHOPE, Ala. – Segers Aero Corp. has purchased a 130,000 square foot facility that
formerly housed L3 Crestview Aerospace in Fairhope and will employ about 100 people
at the site. Howard Hadley, president and CEO, says the company will relocate the Rolls-
Royce T-56/501 turbine engine repair and overhaul facility from Opa Locka, Fla., and
corporate headquarters in Crestview, Fla., to the Fairhope facility. Segers specializes in
parts management and logistics as well as engine maintenance repair and overhaul. It’s a
unit of privately held Segers Aviation SA, based in Gibraltar. The Mobile Press-Register
reported the company is expected to invest between $3 million and $6 million and said
operations could begin within three months. In 2005, the company said it would move the
Opa Locka operation to Crestview, but it never erected its planned building. Hadley said
Segers wanted to leave Opa Locka because of concerns about finding workers in South
Florida in the future. "We think Alabama, northwest Florida and southeast Mississippi
probably has a better potential for aerospace workers than our current location," he said.
(Source: Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance, Mobile Press-Register,
06/06/08)
Lockheed CEO speaks in favor of tanker contract
Lockheed Martin Corp. CEO Bob Stevens spoke in favor of the Air Force’s decision to
award a tanker contract to the transatlantic team of Northrop Grumman and EADS.
Speaking at a defense industry conference in Brussels, Stevens said international
partnerships like this are indispensable in a global economy. The Air Force decision, he
said, is an example of the growing willingness of the United States to look to global
sources for vital equipment.” The Air Force chose the Northrop-EADS team in February,
but losing bidder Boeing challenged. The Government Accountability Office is scheduled
to issue a ruling by June 19. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 06/04/08)
Commuter flight sought
PASCAGOULA, Miss. – The Jackson County Airport Authority is applying for a grant to
help secure a commuter flight from Trent Lott International Airport to New Orleans as part
of a larger plan to boost federal funding for the airport. Airport Director Carol Snapp said
there are 230,000 air passengers in the county and of those, 42 percent fly out of
Gulfport, 39 percent out of Mobile and 19 percent out of New Orleans. What they’re
working toward is securing a small commuter flight to New Orleans so that businessmen
and other passengers can make connections to other cities. (Source: The Sun Herald,
06/03/08)
MAY 2008
CEO predicts contract will stand
Ron Sugar, chief executive of Northrop Grumman Corp., told investors at a conference in
New York Friday he expects the company will keep a U.S. Air Force jet tanker contract
despite a protest by rival Boeing Co. Northrop won the potential $40 billion contract on
Feb. 29, but Boeing filed a formal protest with the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
A ruling by GAO is expected by June 19. Northrop and partner EADS North America plan
to construct a $600 million, 1,500-worker assembly plant at the Brookley Field Industrial
Complex. Airbus, an EADS subsidiary, also plans to assemble A330 freighter aircraft at
the facility. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 05/31/08)
Brookley to close runway
MOBILE, Ala. – Airport officials are getting ready to shut down a runway at Brookley
Industrial Complex to make way for two new plants. Much of the 7,800-foot north-south
runway would disappear under the planned aircraft plants where EADS North America will
assemble airplanes and Northrop Grumman Corp. will modify some of them for use as
military refueling tankers. Plans hinge on the federal government not overturning the $40
billion tanker contract on appeal. An application is being readied for the Federal Aviation
Administration, asking for the closing of runway 18-36. (Source: Mobile Press-Register,
05/25/08)
Groundbreaking for tanker complex set
MOBILE, Ala. – Northrop Grumman and EADS North America set June 28 as the date to
break ground on an aerial tanker assembly complex at Brookley Industrial Complex. The
two companies, which beat Boeing in the contract to build tankers for the Air Force, will
hold a ceremony marking the beginning of construction on two adjoining assembly plants.
Boeing is contesting the award. A decision is expected to come down next month from the
Government Accountability Office. Ronald Sugar, Northrop Grumman chairman and chief
executive officer, said the company is “committed to transforming Mobile into the
centerpiece of an expanding aerospace corridor.” (Source: Multiple, 05/12/08)
New test and evaluation center discussed
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The Air Force on Monday discussed a new plan that
would put the 46th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base under a new Air Force
Developmental Test and Evaluation Center. That center would be at Edwards Air Force
Base in California. In 2006 the Air Force proposed moving the 46th Test Wing to
Edwards, but the new plan would place the wing under the center but keep it at Eglin, as
least for now. (Source: WEAR-TV 3, 05/12/08)
First series of Ares engine tests completed at Stennis
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – NASA engineers Thursday completed the first series
of tests in the early development of the J-2X engine that will power the upper stages of
the Ares I and Ares V rockets that will be used in the Constellation Program. Ares I will
launch the Orion spacecraft that will take astronauts to the International Space Station
and then to the moon by 2020. The Ares V will carry cargo and components into orbit for
trips to the moon and later to Mars. NASA conducted nine tests of heritage J-2 engine
components from December to May to verify heritage J-2 performance data and explore
performance boundaries. Data from the tests will be used to refine the design of the J-2X
pumps and other engine components to provide the additional performance required.
The J-2X engine is being designed to produce 294,000 pounds of thrust; the original J-2
produced 230,000 pounds of thrust. Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne will design, develop,
test and evaluate the engine. (Source: NASA, 05/09/08)
UAV flight tests in South Mississippi get nod
MOSS POINT, Miss. – Beginning in August, Fire Scout unmanned aerial systems can be
flight tested in the same location where final assembly is done – South Mississippi. The
FAA issued to the Navy the authorization for tests from Trent Lott International Airport
south to the Gulf of Mexico. Fire Scouts are unmanned helicopters that will be used by
the Navy for reconnaissance. Final assembly is done at the Northrop Grumman
Unmanned Systems Center in Moss Point. (Source: Tcp, 05/07/08)
Goodrich to expand work
FOLEY, Ala. – Goodrich Corp. said it won a deal to build and maintain housings for
engines that will go on two new regional jet models, opening up a new line of business for
the company’s nacelle division, which employs about 800 people in Foley. The company
said the business could be worth $5 billion in the 25 years after the Mitsubishi Heavy
Industries and Bombardier planes begin flying commercially in 2013. The work is for Pratt
& Whitney, the engine maker. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 05/01/08)
APRIL 2008
Northrop wins BAMS contract
The Navy has chosen Northrop Grumman for a $1.6 billion contract to develop an
unmanned surveillance system using Global Hawks. Some of the work will be done at
Northrop’s Unmanned Systems Center at Moss Point, Miss., which builds fuselages for
the high-altitude, combat-proven UAV. Northrop beat Lockheed Martin and Boeing for the
project. Just two months ago Northrop beat Boeing for the Air Force aerial refueling tank.
The latest contract is the largest investment by the Navy in UAVs to date. (Source:
Multiple, 04/22/08)
Stennis Space Center chosen as historic site
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and
Astronautics designated NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center as a historical aerospace
site. Stennis is the fourth NASA site given the designation. Stennis, chosen in 1961 as
NASA’s engine test site, conducted its first test firing in 1966. Stennis has a trio of engine
test complexes, including the A and B test complexes used for Saturn and space shuttle
main engine testing, and the E Test Complex. Workers are also constructing a new A-3
stand for testing the J-2X rocket engine under development for the Constellation
program. The institute established the Historical Aerospace Sites Program in 2000, and
has so far designated 42 sites in 21 states and six countries as historical sites. Other
sites include Kitty Hawk, N.C., White Sands Missile Range, N.M., the first balloon launch
site in Annonay, France, and Tranquility Base on the moon. NASA sites already on the
list are Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., Johnson Space Center in
Houston and Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va. (Source: NASA, 04/10/08)
Decision nears on Navy drone
A report by Reuters says the Pentagon’s acquisition chief and other top defense officials
were slated to review this week the Navy’s $3 billion Broad Area Maritime Surveillance
program, and that a contract winner could be announced as early as next week.
Lockheed is proposing the Predator, Boeing the Gulfstream G550 and Northrop
Grumman the Global Hawk. If Northrop wins, some of the work will be done at its UAV
center in Moss Point, Miss. (Source: Reuters, 04/07/08)
Goodrich to repair parts for Airbus
FOLEY, Ala. – Goodrich signed an agreement with Airbus to repair wing elevators, flaps
and slats, landing gear doors, and engine ducts at the Foley plant. Repairing Airbus
parts will help Goodrich Corp. diversify the work at its south Baldwin County plant, and
could lead to more jobs, officials said. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 04/02/08)
NASA worried about gap between shuttle, Constellation
NEW ORLEANS, La. – The phase out of the space shuttle program could mean the loss
of up to 1,300 jobs at the Michoud Assembly Facility during the next five years. That’s
according to a report presented to Congress on Tuesday. But hundreds of new jobs will
be created in NASA’s Constellation program, which involves replacing the shuttle with a
new manned space exploration vehicle. It’s the gap between the two programs that
concerns NASA officials. (Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune, 04/02/08)
MARCH 2008
Global Hawk sets new endurance record
An RQ-4 Global Hawk set an endurance record for a full-scale, operational unmanned
aircraft this past weekend when it completed a flight of 33.1 hours at altitudes up to
60,000 feet over Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Officials say the UAV still had two hours
of fuel remaining. Portions of the Global Hawk are built in Moss Point, Miss. (Source:
Northrop Grumman, 03/25/08)
Lockheed wins supercomputer contract
Lockheed Martin won a $344 million contract from the Defense Department to operate
and maintain supercomputers at four research centers. The contract awarded by the
General Services Administration in Atlanta includes a one-year, $85 million base and four
one-year options. The computer systems are at the Naval Oceanographic Office at
Stennis Space Center, MS, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center
in Vicksburg, MS, the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
in Ohio and the Laboratory at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. (Source: Lockheed Martin,
03/24/08)
Cyber Command to be virtual with multiple locations
Several locations linked in a virtual command will apparently end up with pieces of the
new Air Force Cyber Command. The service, which named the command the 24th Air
Force, has yet to announce how it will split 541 headquarters positions. The new
command's mission is to protect computers and networks while trying to disrupt an
adversary's access. The Cyber Command’s provisional headquarters will remain for now
at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier, La. Several bases, in addition to Barksdale, have
made pitches to land the headquarters. The list includes Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi,
Miss., Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Neb., Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Va.,
and Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colo. The command’s provisional
boss, Maj. Gen. William Lord, said he has to get the command running by Oct. 1.
(Source: Multiple, 03/15/08)
Aircraft engine testing ends at Hucknall
Rolls-Royce announced that it has stopped testing aircraft engines at its Nottinghamshire
plant, according to a story in the Worksop Guardian of England. Rolls-Royce said it’s still
committed to the Hucknall site, which employs more than 850 people producing engine
parts, and no jobs will be lost. Engines will now be checked in the United States. The
company in 2001 decided to move testing to the United States. It later chose NASA’s
John C. Stennis Space Center, where it refurbished a test stand at the South Mississippi
facility. (Source: Press Association, 03/14/08)
Northrop Grumman increases employment estimates
Northrop Grumman Corp. says its 230 suppliers in 49 states have completed a review of
their employment projections and found the KC-45A aerial tanker project will add 48,000
direct and indirect jobs in the United States. The total does not include additional jobs
that will be created in the U.S. with the future production of commercial A330 freighter
aircraft in Alabama. The company said that in the early stages of the proposal process it
used a conservative model on the number of jobs – 25,000 – that would be created. Four
new factories will eventually be built in the United States to support the program. Two of
those will be in Mobile, Ala. Another will go in West Virginia. General Electric is
considering locating final assembly of the KC-45A engines in a new facility in Evendale,
Ohio. (Source: Northrop Grumman, 03/11/08)
Boeing files protest
The Boeing Co. on Tuesday formally protested the Air Force decision to award a $35
million to $40 million contract to Northrop Grumman and EADS to building aerial refueling
tankers. The General Accountability Office has 100 days to consider the protest. Under
the contract to Northrop, the planes are to be assembled in Mobile, Ala. (Source:
Multiple, 03/11/08)
Northrop Grumman gets sensor award
WASHINGTON — Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems has received a $73.6 million Air
Force contract to procure radar system materials, according to the Defense Department.
The company will procure parts to begin production of three sensors for new radar
systems to be installed in Air Force Global Hawk unmanned aircraft. The sensors can
detect and track moving vehicles. (Source: The Associated Press, 03/11/08)
Boeing to protest Air Force tanker contract
Boeing Co. said Monday it would protest a U.S. Air Force decision to award a $40 billion
tanker contract to Northrop Grumman and EADS. The protest is expected to be filed
Tuesday with the U.S. Government Accountability Office. Chicago-based Boeing was
considered the favorite to win the contract to replace 179 air-to-air refueling tankers. It’s
the first of three awards worth up to $100 billion. Boeing proposed the 767 and
Northrop/EADS the A330. Should the award be upheld, the planes will be assembled in
Mobile, Ala. (Source: Multiple, 03/10/08)
Boeing protest hinges on debriefing
A top Boeing Co. official said the company will protest the U.S. Air Force tanker contract
only if it finds errors in the selection process. Jim Albaugh, who led Boeing’s tanker bid as
chief executive of its Integrated Defense Systems division, told investors at a New York
conference that the decision will be made after the Air Force debriefing Friday. He said
Boeing has never protested an award in his 33 years with the company. The Air Force
last week awarded the contract to build tankers to the Northrop Grumman/EADS team.
The planes will be assembled in Mobile. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 03/06/08)
FEBRUARY 2008
Northrop Grumman winner of tanker contest
Northrop Grumman and EADS have won the $40 billion contest to build 179 aerial
tankers for the Air Force, beating out Chicago-based Boeing. The planes will be built in
Mobile, Ala., at the site of a former Air Force base. The announcement was a major win
for Mobile, a mid-size city along the Gulf Coast that has just last year also won the
ThyssenKrupp steel plant. The tanker project is expected to have an impact as well on
both Mississippi and Florida. (Source: multiple, 02/29/08)
Decision on tanker draws near
It’s down to the wire, now. The Air Force may say as early as Monday which of two
competing proposals will land a $40 billion, 179-plane aerial tanker contract. The
Pentagon’s Defense Acquisition Board will meet Monday and could announce a decision
shortly later. Boeing is offering the KC-767 tanker, while the Northrop Grumman and
EADS team is offering the KC-30. Should Boeing win the planes will be built in Everett,
Washington, while the Northrop team plans to build them in Mobile, Ala. (Source: multiple,
including the Mobile Press-Register, Seattle Times, Reuters and AP, 02/24/08)
New proposal would not move test wing
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Cutting costs and using the savings to buy new
warplanes is the premise behind another proposal involving the 46th Test Wing. But this
one doesn’t involve moving the unit. The Air Force Materiel Command is looking at
realigning three units, including the test wing, into a new test center headquartered at
Edwards Air Force Base or Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. If implemented, the
proposal means the test wing would report to the test center instead of the Air Armament
Center, but would stay at Eglin Air Force Base. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News,
02/15/08)
NASA taking applications for program
BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. – Students grades 9-12 can apply for NASA’s Interdisciplinary
National Science Project Incorporating Research and Education Experience. Called
INSPIRE, it’s designed to reinforce students’ aspirations to pursue science, technology,
engineering and mathematics education and careers. Applications may be downloaded
at: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/postsecondary/programs/INSPIRE_Project.
html. Contact Joy Smith at 228-688-2118 or e-mail her at Joy.L.Smith@nasa.gov with
questions. (Source: NASA, 02/08/08)
GAO rejects Air Force appeal
The Government Accountability Office rejected an appeal from the U.S. Air Force
regarding an aircraft maintenance contract awarded to Boeing Co. The decision keeps
alive a bid from Birmingham-based Alabama Aircraft Industries Inc. Alabama Aircraft is
challenging the Air Force’s September decision to award the contract to Boeing. The
GAO on Dec. 27 upheld at least part of Alabama Aviation’s protest, faulting the Air Force
for failing to document its analysis of the cost and risks associated with Boeing’s bid.
(Source: Mobile Press-Register, 02/05/08)
JANUARY 2008
Star Aviation to pursue marine work
MOBILE, Ala. – Star Aviation, an aircraft component engineering and manufacturing firm,
wants to move into the marine engineering market. It hired Garland Borowski, who had
led Borowski Engineering & Analytical Services. Star Aviation believes it can transfer its
expertise from aviation work to ships. Borowski provided computer modeling and
simulation and had one full-time and one part-time employee. Star Aviation has more
than 110 employees. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 01/31/08)
Gulfport-Biloxi among the fastest growing metro areas
The three-county Gulfport-Biloxi Metropolitan Statistical Area is ranked 9th fastest
growing small metro areas, according to the latest list in Forbes. The metro area’s gross
metropolitan product – the value of goods and services produced – is expected to grow
23.12 percent between 2007 and 2012. Its population alone will increase by nearly 17
percent. Forbes looked at the nation’s 363 metro areas and split the list between large
and small metro areas. Forbes used projections by Moody’s Economy.com. Topping the
list of small metro areas was Mobile. The GMP for Mobile will rise 34 percent between
2007 and 2012. The top large metro area was Austin, Texas. (Source: Tcp, 01/30/08)
South Mississippi vying for Cyber Command
BILOXI, Miss. – Add another base to the list of those vying for the Air Force Cyber
Command. Keesler Air Force Base has joined bases in Virginia, Nebraska, Colorado and
Louisiana in the competition for the command that’s been temporarily set up at Louisiana’
s Barksdale Air Force Base. The command is tasked with defending the nation’s strategic
computer systems against electronic warfare. Air Force officials say a list of three or four
candidate locations will be decided in February. Keesler is the electronics training center
for the Air Force. (Source: multiple, 01/24/08)
Ground broken on R&D building
NEW ORLEANS, La. – NASA and Louisiana leaders broke ground in December for a $40
million, five-story Research and Development Administration Building at NASA’s Michoud
Assembly Facility. Managed by the Marshall Center in Huntsville, Ala., Michoud contains
one of the largest production buildings in the nation, which includes a vertical assembly
building for stacking external tank components for the Space Shuttle Program. Michoud
was chosen by NASA to support major projects for the Constellation Program, which is
developing the next-generation of exploration and launch vehicles. The facility will
manufacture the upper stage of the Ares I crew launch vehicle, the core stage and Earth
departure stage of the Ares V cargo launch vehicle and the Orion crew exploration
vehicle, and conduct final systems integration and checkout of Ares I avionics systems.
The new facility will include 350 offices; education and training resources; a top-level
conference center; and collaborative research and development space for NASA and
Michoud’s key partner organizations. The building is scheduled to open in December
2010. (Source: NASA, 01/17/08)
Airport Authority hires architect for office building
MOBILE, Ala. – The Mobile Airport Authority hired Mobile-based TAG, The Architects
Group, to design the first of up to five office buildings planned for Brookley Field
Industrial Complex. The first building is projected to cost $4.5 million and have 28,000
square feet, said Marc Pelham of the Mobile Airport Authority. The idea is to provide
office space for suppliers to Brookley anchors like ST Mobile Aerospace Engineering, the
Airbus engineering center, and the proposed Northrop Grumman and EADS airplane
plants – should those companies win an Air Force contract to build tankers. The buildings
are planned for land across the street from the Airbus building. (Source: Mobile Press-
Register, 01/16/08)
Mississippi tax system gets high marks
A new report lists Mississippi with high marks for having a mechanism in place to review
its tax systems in light of the changing economy. A study by the Pew Center on the States
says effective tax systems are important for a state’s competitiveness. Good ones
provide stable revenue, efficient tax collection, transparent information about incentives
and give localities a say in how tax dollars are used. The study says many state tax
systems fail on these measures and lack the ability to support new economic engines. In
addition to Mississippi, other states with effective systems are Iowa, Maine, Minnesota,
Nebraska, New Jersey, Texas and Utah. (Source: Governing, 01/08)
Mississippi No. 2 in R&D earmarks
The top 10 state recipients of R&D earmarks receive nearly half the total, according to an
analysis by American Association for the Advancement of Science. Mississippi received
$250 million, second only to California. Excluding earmarks divided among three or more
states, the 10 states receive 44 percent of all R&D earmarks in 2008 by value. The 10
represents a mix of the most populous states and smaller states with members of
Congress in key appropriations committee chairmanships. Congress inserted nearly $4.5
billion in federal R&D earmarks, spread over 2,526 projects, in spending bills for fiscal
year 2008, according to AAAS. The earmarks are for projects not included in agency
budget requests. After a one-year moratorium in the 2007 fiscal year for most domestic
earmarks, Congress resumed the practice for the 2008 fiscal year with new disclosure
requirements. (Source: AAAS, 01/07/08)
Final air tanker bids submitted
Boeing and the Northrop Grumman-EADS team Thursday submitted final proposals for
the $40 billion Air Force air tanker program. The tanker that wins will replace the Air
Force’s Boeing-built KC-135 tankers. Boeing is proposing the KC-767 and Northrop the
KC-30. If Northrop wins, the planes will be built in Mobile, Ala. A decision is expected in
the first quarter of this year. (Source: multiple, 01/04/08)