Boeing delivered the first C-17 Globemaster III to the Royal Australian Air Force. The newly delivered aircraft features the "Block 17" configuration - the most modern variant of C-17s built, has an upgraded software and avionics. The C-17 will be operated by RAAF's No. 36 Squadron, an airlift unit that will be based in Amberley, west of Brisbane. The aircraft is expected to arrive at the base on Dec. 6. The second Australian C-17 is scheduled for delivery in 2007, and the final two aircraft will be delivered in 2008.

Raytheon Demonstrates New Communicator for Land warrior

Raytheon Company successfully demonstrated a new Communications Network Radio System (CNRS), designed to provide multimedia connectivity to the dismounted soldier on the battlefield. The new radio was tested during a recent Land Warrior system test, conducted at Fort Lewis, Washington, where CNRS provided dismounted soldiers with connectivity to the battlefield network. The radio provides real-time voice and data connectivity through a self-healing, self-forming network. The system is currently undergoing communications security Type-1 certification with the National Security Agency. The new radio is scheduled for deployment in 2007.

GDLS Awarded More M1A1/A2 Retrofits

In addition to the contract for the modernization of 180 M1A2 SEP announced yesterday, General Dynamics Land Systems was awarded additional US$353 million for the modernization of 350 M1A1 tanks into M1A1 Abrams integrated management (AIM) vehicles, to be completed by Dec. 31, 2010. An option for 50 additional tanks was also included in the contract. Under a parallel order, GDLS received an order amounting about 40% of a US$48 million order for loader's thermal weapon sights for the M1A1 and M1A2 Abrams Tanks. These sights will be part of the Tank Urban Survivability Kits (TUSK) currently being installed on U.S. Army Abrams M1A1 and A2 tanks.

DRS To Develop Miniature EO/IR Payload for FCS Class I UAV

DRS Technologies will produce a lightweight electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor systems for the U.S. Army Future Combat System (FCS) program Class I Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs) produced by Honeywell. The sensors are expected to provide imagery for Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition (RSTA) for FCS units, aiding line-of-sight (LOS), non-LOS and beyond LOS targeting. System emulators and prototypes of an EO/IR system conforming to the Class I UAV / RSTA application are expected to be ready by September 2008. The US$7 million contract was awarded to DRS by Northrop Grumman Corporation’s Integrated Systems sector, California Microwave Systems unit, acting as the airborne systems integrator on the Future Combat System program.

More Armor Kits for RAF Chinook Helicopters

Plasan Sasa from Israel has received a follow-on contract from Permali Gloucester, the Royal Air Force's (RAF) sole source for the Chinook armoring program. The project, valued at several million dollars, follows the successful completion of a previous contract, which was awarded in 2003. Plasan will supply several batches of ballistic-protection upgrade kits to protect the cabin and cockpit floors and walls for RAF's Chinook helicopters. A first batch was delivered in summer 2006. An additional order is expected in 2007.

Elop to Supply Thermal Imagers for Korean Tanks

Elbit Systems' Electro-Optics Elop will supply Thermal Imaging kits for the Gunner Periscope Sights of the Korean Tank K1A1. The contract is valued at approximately $19 million. Samsung–Thales Company, the prime contractor for the project will supply, install and test the systems.

Armor Holdings, Supply AM General with Armor Components

Armor Holdings will supply AM General armor components worth $53.3 million, to be used for the production of armored M1151, M1152 and M1165 Up-Armored HMMWVs.

DuPont Introduces Add-On Fire protection for Soldiers

DuPont has introduced the Nomex Limitedwear fiber designed for the fabrication of lightweight garment capable of protecting soldiers from flash fires. The garment fits comfortably over most uniforms and can be vacuum packed for compact storage and mobility. In simulated flash fire tests lasting three seconds in duration, Nomex Limitedwear garments were worn on top of the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) demonstrating Total Predicted Body Burn of less than 10 percent. Nomex flame resistant, high temperature fibers are already protecting firefighters, pilots and combat vehicle's crews. The new garments will now provide add-on fire protection for dismounted troops facing fire hazards.

U.S. Army Orders More Persistent Threat Detection Systems

Lockheed Martin will deliver additional tethered aerostat surveillance systems to protect U.S. Forces in Afghanistan and Iraq under an $77.5 million contract awarded by the U.S. Army. The Persistent Threat Detection Systems (PTDS) provides continuous area surveillance, threat detection and communications support covering a wider perimeter around deployment areas where coalition forces are operating.