Contract: L-3, $6.1M

The Air Force is awarding a contract to L3 Communications Corp., Integrated Systems Joint Operations of Lexington, Ky., for $6,156,863. The contract exercises the remaining option for the production and installation of dual rails to the MC-130P. The work will be performed in Crestview and Fort Walton Beach, Fla. WR-ALC/580th ACSSG/Contracting, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 01/30/09)

Satellite completes key test

SUNNYVALE, Calif. - The first Space-Based Infrared System geosynchronous orbit satellite, built by Lockheed Martin for the Air Force, has completed a key test using new flight software. The SBIRS program is designed to provide early warning of missile launches and support other missions, including technical intelligence and battlespace awareness. The spacecraft will be delivered to the Air Force in fiscal year 2010 and launched aboard an Atlas V. (Source: Lockheed Martin, 01/29/09) Gulf Coast note: SBIRS work locations include the SBIRS Wing at Los Angeles Air Force Base, Sunnyvale, and Azusa, Calif.; Boulder, Denver, and Colorado Springs, Colo.; Gaithersburg, Md.; Valley Forge, Pa.; and Lockheed Martin Space & Technology Center at Stennis Space Center, Miss.

Navy holds meeting about trainer

SUMMERDALE, Ala. - The Navy held a public meeting in Summerdale Thursday to discuss how the Navy’s new training aircraft may impact residents who live near outlying fields used for touch-and-go training. About 200 people showed up at the Summerdale Community Center. The Navy is upgrading its trainer to a more powerful T-6B, and that will require more runway space at outlying fields. Whiting Field in Milton, Fla., which trains naval pilots, operates 13 outlying landing fields in the region. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 01/30/09)

Cargo plane possibility impresses Murtha

MOBILE, Ala. - A Congressman who will play a key role in the battle between Boeing and the Northrop Grumman/EADS over the Air Force tanker project said he was impressed to learn cargo planes would also be built in Mobile if Northrop/EADS wins the contract. Rep. John Murtha from Pennsylvania said after the visit to Mobile that the Pentagon is moving forward and expects to have a request for proposals in the spring. But he added that during the appropriations process his committee is looking at alternatives, though he did not provide specifics. But the Mobile Press-Register reports that during a luncheon, Murtha said the Air Force should buy aircraft from both Boeing and Northrop/EADS in order to break the stalemate. "I'm trying to work this problem out. Because I don't think it's going to work the way the Defense Department is trying to work it out," Murtha said. "I'm not going to say publicly a lot more because, obviously, I have to convince a lot of other people. But I have convinced myself." The Northrop/EADS team won the contract last February to build the tankers in Mobile, but a Boeing protest was upheld. The Pentagon later decided to let the new administration take on the issue. (Source: Tcp, 01/29/09)

Hurricane Hunters pull winter duty

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. - Keesler Air Force Base airmen and two WC-130J Hurricane Hunter aircraft deployed to Anchorage, Alaska, earlier this month for a month-long mission in support of the 2009 Winter Storm Reconnaissance Program. The 403rd Wing team includes Reserve aircrews, operations, maintenance, aerial porters, and others to improve winter storm forecast models. Operations are directed by the National Centers for Environmental Prediction, part of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. (Source: AFNS, 01/28/09)

Split tanker buy gaining traction?

As the Pentagon attempts to craft a way forward to replace the KC-135 aerial refueling fleet, the option of a split buy between Boeing and EADS/Northrop is gaining attention on Capitol Hill. The idea may be a topic of discussion as Rep. John Murtha of Pennsylvania visits Mobile, Ala., today, where Northrop Grumman and EADS want to assemble the planes. Murtha is expected to visit Boeing’s Washington state facility in the coming weeks. The Pentagon has opposed duel-sourcing, but some are beginning to think a split buy is the only politically palatable way to move forward. (Source: Aviation Week, 01/29/09)

Raytheon 4Q report

WALTHAM, Mass. - Raytheon Co. announced fourth quarter 2008 adjusted income from continuing operations of $466 million or $1.13 per diluted share, compared to $420 million or $0.96 per diluted share in the fourth quarter 2007. Reported fourth quarter2008 income from continuing operations was $421 million or $1.02 per dilutedshare compared to $634 million or $1.45 per diluted share in the fourth quarter 2007. (Source: PRNewswire, 01/29/09) Gulf Coast note: Raytheon has operations in Northwest Florida

Airbus won't bid on Air Force One

EADS, which still hopes to build aerial tankers in Mobile, Ala., said it will decline an invitation to bid on a contract to replace Air Force One. The European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. wants to remain focused on military contracts. EADS North America spokesman Tim Paynter said building the presidential jet won’t help the company meet its business objective in the United States. The decision likely makes Boeing the sole contender to build Air Force One. (Sources: multiple, including AFP, Mobile Press-Register, 01/29/09) Gulf Coast note: EADS also operates the American Eurocopter plant in Columbus, Miss., and an EADS CASA maintenance facility in Mobile, Ala.

Northrop gets new RQ-4 contract

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - The Air Force awarded Northrop Grumman a contract valued at $276 million for operations and maintenance support of the RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned reconnaissance aircraft. The contract calls for training and peacetime operations support for fiscal years 2009 and 2010. It will also provide operational assistance for new forward operating locations in Guam and Italy. Northrop Grumman's contract teammates are L-3 Communications, Raytheon and Rolls-Royce. (Source: Globe Newswire, 01/28/09) Gulf Coast note: Global Hawks are made in part in Moss Point, Miss.

ATK to make fan cases for XWB engine

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - Alliant Techsystems has agreed to a contract valued in excess of $200 million with Rolls-Royce to produce composite aft fan cases for the new Trent XWB engine. The Rolls-Royce Trent XWB will power the Airbus A350 XWB aircraft. Rolls-Royce has received orders for over 1,000 XWB engines. ATK will also integrate additional components into the cases. (Source: PRNewswire, 01/28/09) Gulf Coast note: The Trent XWB engines will be tested at Stennis Space Center in Mississippi by 2010 or 2011; ATK has an operation in Northwest Florida; Goodrich was selected by Airbus to supply wheels and carbon brakes for the A350 XWB. It has a service center in Foley, Ala.

Tanker rematch reheating soon?

Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Tuesday in Washington that he's committed to launching a new competition for the Air Force's tanker contract as quickly as possible. Gates told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee that he plans to meet with top Air Force officials in the next few weeks to begin planning for a rematch between Boeing and a team led by Northrop Grumman and EADS North America. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 01/28/09) Gulf Coast note: All three companies have operations in the Gulf Coast. If the Northrop Grumman/EADS team wins, it plans to assemble the planes in Mobile, Ala.

General Dynamics Q4 report

FALLS CHURCH, Va. - General Dynamics reported that earnings from continuing operations in the fourth quarter of 2008 were $630 million, or $1.62 per share on a fully diluted basis, compared to 2007 fourth-quarter earnings from continuing operations of $578 million, or $1.42 per share fully diluted. Revenue increased to $7.9 billion in the quarter, compared to fourth-quarter 2007 revenue of $7.5 billion. Earnings from continuing operations for the full year of 2008 were $2.48 billion, or $6.22 per share on a fully diluted basis, an increase of 19.1 percent over 2007 full-year earnings from continuing operations of $2.1 billion, or $5.10 per share fully diluted. Revenue for the full year of 2008 was $29.3 billion, compared with $27.2 billion for 2007, an increase of 7.6 percent. (Source: PRNewswire, 01/28/09) Gulf Coast note: General Dynamics has operations in Northwest Florida and South Mississippi.

Boeing 4Q report

CHICAGO - Boeing will cut 10,000 jobs in the wake of a dismal fourth-quarter showing. Boeing said net income declined to a loss of $56 million, or $0.08 per share, reflecting the now-settled machinists' strike, a charge related to the 747 and a litigation-related reserve. Revenues for the quarter declined 27 percent to $12.7 billion, due primarily to the effects of the strike which reduced commercial airplane deliveries by about 70 units and revenues by an estimated $4.3 billion. For the full year of 2008, net income fell 34 percent to $2.7 billion, EPS was $3.71 per share and revenue fell 8 percent to $60.9 billion. Full-year results were impacted by the strike, the 747 charge, the litigation-related reserve, and higher costs for AEW&C announced in the second quarter, which reduced full-year EPS by an estimated $2.56 per share. The 10,000 jobs includes the 4,500 previously announced. (Source: Boeing, 01/28/09) Gulf Coast note: Boeing has operations in New Orleans and Northwest Florida.

Contract: Hensel, $121.1M

Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Orlando, Fla., was awarded a $121,144,000 firm fixed price contract for construction of the FY09 Special Forces Complex at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Work includes clearing, grubbing, earthwork and erosion control of some 350 acre containment site and 130 acre access road, construction of road system and electrical and communications distribution, water wells and elevated water storage tanks, water distribution, wastewater collection and storm drain systems. Buildings include group headquarters, 4-battalion headquarters/company operations facility, combat readiness training facility, group support battalion headquarters/company operations facility, dining facility and audio visual equipment purchase and installation. Estimated completion date is Aug. 1, 2011. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 01/27/09)

F-16 pilots picked as F-35 instructors

Two pilots from F-16 Fighting Falcon squadrons at Luke Air Force Base, Texas, are among the pilots tapped to form the initial cadre for the F-35 Lightning II. Both are instructor pilots for Air Education and Training Command. They'll be part of the initial group of 10 instructors in the F-35 training program at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and will be responsible for training subsequent instructors. (Source: Air Force Times, 01/26/09) The Marine Corps earlier this month selected six pilots for their version of the F-35 and will arrive at Eglin later this year or early next. (Story)

Lunar lander engine tested

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne's Common Extensible Cryogenic Engine successfully demonstrated capabilities required for NASA's Altair lunar lander. The engine performed with stable operation at the widest throttle range of any known high performance cryogenic engine during its third series of ground tests at the company's West Palm Beach, Fla., test facility. The CECE is a variant of the RL10 upper-stage engine that has helped place military, government and commercial satellites into orbit and powered space probe missions to planets in the solar system. (Source: Pratt & Whitney, 01/26/09) Gulf Coast note: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne has an operation at Stennis Space Center, Miss.

Link between funding, job probed

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Gov. Charlie Crist asked for an inspector general's inquiry to see if the director of a new space-tourism medical program at the Andrews Institute in Gulf Breeze, Fla., got his job after setting up the $500,000 in state grants to create it. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 01/27/09)

Airbus picks Goodrich for service

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Airbus selected Goodrich Corp.to deliver broad maintenance, repair and overhaul as well as asset management services as part of a package of support for Singapore Airlines' fleet of 19 leased Airbus A330 aircraft. The support agreement, which includes Goodrich evacuation, lighting, actuation, sensors, de-icing and power products, covers the aircraft for an initial period of five years. The maintenance work will be conducted at various Goodrich MRO facilities in Asia, Europe and North America. (Source: PRNewswire, 01/27/09) Gulf Coast note: Goodrich has its Alabama Service Center in Foley, Ala.

Orion integration building readied

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The High Bay Facility of the Operations & Checkout Building at Kennedy Space Center is ready to begin preparations to build the new Orion crew exploration vehicle. Built in 1964, the O&C facility has been the final integration and checkout building for manned spacecraft beginning with the Apollo program. The State of Florida, Lockheed Martin and NASA invested $55 million renovate the facility for the Constellation Program. Flight hardware is being fabricated at locations nationwide for final integration at the O&C facility, including Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Louisiana, Maryland, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas, Utah and Virginia. (Source: PRNewswire, 01/26/09) Gulf Coast note: Lockheed will build large structures and composite parts for Orion at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans

Union defends 'Buy America' provision

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Monday called on Congressional leaders to reject a campaign by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to strip "Buy America" provisions from the pending $825 billion economic stimulus package. In a recent letter to House and Senate leaders, the chamber, business roundtable and 13 lobbying organizations warned Congressional leaders against any use or expansion of "Buy American" provisions. (Source: PRNewswire, 01/26/09)