Former Head of FAA Aircraft Maintenance Division Joins AAR

January 7, 2009

WOOD DALE, Ill., Jan. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — AAR CORP. (NYSE: AIR) announced today that Dave Cann, former head of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Flight Standards Service, Aircraft Maintenance Division has joined AAR as Vice President, Regulatory Compliance responsible for quality and safety at the Company’s repair station businesses.

Cann retired from the FAA in January 2008 and was most recently responsible for the overall direction of federal aviation regulations and national standards related to the airworthiness and maintenance of commercial aircraft. Additionally, he served as the FAA’s central point of contact for the aircraft maintenance industry and represented the agency with international regulatory agencies, congressional members and staff, industry organizations, and other government agencies, including the National Transportation Safety Board. In his new role, Cann will report to AAR’s senior quality officer, Mickey Cohen.

“Dave has a deep understanding of aircraft maintenance operations, safety programs and regulatory requirements,” said David P. Storch, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AAR CORP. “He is an excellent addition to an already strong team in our Quality organization and we look forward to his contributions toward the advancement of AAR’s quality culture.”

AAR is a leading provider of products and value-added services to the worldwide aerospace and defense industry. With facilities and sales locations around the world, AAR uses its close-to-the-customer business model to serve aviation and defense customers through four operating segments: Aviation Supply Chain; Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul; Structures and Systems; and Aircraft Sales and Leasing.

Sikorsky Aerospace Services Announces $4M Contract to Provide Presidential Airways with Heads Up Display Systems

January 7, 2009

TRUMBULL, Conn., Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ — Sikorsky Aerospace Services today announced the signing of a $4 million contract with Presidential Airways to provide Heads Up Display (HUD) systems. The distribution of these systems will be performed by Helicopter Support Inc., a Sikorsky Aerospace Services company. Sikorsky Aerospace Services is the aftermarket business of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

Heads Up Display allows pilots to see flight instruments and other helicopter information through an eyepiece in their helmet without having to look down at the instrument panel. The system can be used during day and night operations.

“The HUD systems are an innovative technology designed to promote safer missions because pilots can maintain a forward-looking focus,” said Frank DiPasquale, Vice President, Business Development, Sikorsky Aerospace Services. “We are pleased to be able to provide Presidential with a solution that meets their mission requirements. This is their first order for HUD units, and we look forward to continuing this successful business relationship.”

Presidential Airways is a Worldwide Services company based in North Carolina.

Sikorsky Aerospace Services provides comprehensive support to rotary and fixed wing aircraft around the world. It offers its military and commercial customers a full portfolio of support services through its aftermarket companies, Derco Aerospace, Inc., Helicopter Support, Inc., Sikorsky Support Services, Inc., Composite Technology, Inc., and Sikorsky Aircraft Australia – Helitech.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. The company’s long commitment to safety and innovation is reflected in its mission statement: “We pioneer flight solutions that bring people home everywhere … every time(TM).” United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.

Boeing P-8I Selected as Indian Navy’s Long-Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft

January 7, 2009

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The Government of India has selected The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) to provide eight P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft to the Indian navy. The P-8I is a variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing is developing for the U.S. Navy.

India is the first international customer for the P-8. Boeing will deliver the first P-8I within 48 months of the contract signing, and the remaining seven by 2015.

“The men and women of The Boeing Company are pleased that India has selected the P-8I,” said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems (IDS). “This aircraft will provide outstanding capabilities tailored to India’s unique maritime-patrol requirements.”

The P-8I is a true multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) that features greater flexibility and a broader range of capabilities than MPAs currently in service. The P-8I can operate effectively over land or water while performing anti-submarine warfare missions; search and rescue; maritime interdiction; and long-range intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance.

The P-8I provides India with speed, reliability, persistence and room for growth to satisfy the country’s requirements now and well into the future. The aircraft features an open system architecture, advanced sensor and display technologies, and a worldwide base of suppliers, parts and support equipment.

“Throughout the negotiations, both sides worked diligently to give India the most advanced anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare aircraft in the world today,” said Vivek Lall, Boeing IDS vice president and India country head. “The result of these efforts will bring the Indian navy advanced technology that is unmatched in maritime reconnaissance aircraft, and the reach and capability it needs to defend India’s vast coastline and maritime waters.”

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems (http://www.boeing.com/ids/) is one of the world’s largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.1 billion business with 71,000 employees worldwide.

BVR Systems Awarded an Additional License Agreement for its Airborne Embedded Training Patents

January 7, 2009

ROSH HA’AYIN, Israel, January 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — BVR Systems (1998) Ltd. (OTC Bulletin Board: BVRSF), announced today it has entered into a license agreement, valued at approximately $US 2.9 million, with a major European Defense company pursuant to which BVR granted the company a worldwide, non exclusive license to BVR’s Embedded Virtual Avionics (EVA) patents. In addition to this agreement BVR and the company will further evaluate joint business opportunities in the area of live and virtual training.

“We are very pleased by this agreement,” responded BVR CEO Ilan Gillies. “This award is a further achievement in our long term strategy to capture a major share in the rapidly evolving global embedded training market, and an additional recognition of the added value of our unique IP. We will continue to lead the market with innovative and mature solutions while protecting our IP rights.”

About BVR Systems BVR Systems (1998) Ltd. is a world leader in advanced defense training and simulation systems. The Company offers highly efficient, cost-effective solutions to the simulation, training and debriefing needs of modern air, sea and ground forces.

Airbus Delivers 12 A380s IN 2008

January 5, 2009

Airbus today reached its target of delivering 12 A380 aircraft in 2008, bringing the total number of A380s delivered to date to 13.

The first A380 was delivered to Singapore Airlines on 15th October 2007, with five more delivered to the airline in 2008.  Qantas received three A380s in 2008, and Emirates four – the most recent of which was delivered on the 30th December 2008 from the Airbus delivery centre in Hamburg, Germany.

“We have met our 2008 delivery schedule”, said Tom Enders, Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer.  “That was only possible thanks to a tremendous team effort.  This gives us a good basis to further ramp up our production in 2009.  With the in-service fleet steadily growing, our airline customers are benefiting from lower operating costs while their passengers are benefiting from unequalled cabin comfort and quietness. The environment is benefiting too. With lower emissions and noise, the A380 is the most eco-efficient aircraft in service today.”

The in-service A380 fleet has flown more than 21,000 revenue flight hours in more than 2200 commercial flights carrying more than 890,000 passengers.  The world’s first full double-deck aircraft is now connecting four continents and flying on seven major international routes.  A380s in service link Singapore with Sydney, London and Tokyo, Dubai with New York and London, and Sydney and Melbourne with Los Angeles.

Being greener, cleaner, quieter and smarter, the A380 is setting new standards for air transport and the environment. In addition to the quiet and spacious double-deck cabin, the A380 is also setting new industry-standards for the environment. The in-service experience has shown that the A380 consumes 20 percent less fuel per seat than the previous largest aircraft, representing the lowest fuel burn of any large aircraft ever.

The A380 not only complies with today’s noise limits, it is also significantly quieter than any other large aircraft flying today. With a range of 8 200 nm / 15 200 km, and seating 525 passengers in a standard three-class layout while being much more eco-efficient, the A380 is the ideal aircraft to alleviate traffic congestion at busy airports, while coping with growth.

Orders for the aircraft stand at 198 from 16 customers.

Airbus is an EADS company

Embraer Makes the First Delivery of the Phenom 100 Executive Jet

January 5, 2009

Entry level aircraft delivered to U.S. customer São José dos Campos, December 31, 2008 –
Embraer announces that it made the first delivery of the Phenom 100 jet, on December
24, in São José dos Campos. The aircraft, which landed today in the U.S. after successfully
completing its ferry flight, was recently certified by Brazil’s National Civil Aviation
Agency (Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil- ANAC) and by the U.S. Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA).
“What an exciting day! This is what we have been working towards, since May 2005, when
we launched the Phenom 100,” said Luís Carlos Affonso, Embraer Executive Vice President, Executive Jets. “It is truly an honor to deliver the first Phenom 100 to Jim and Betsy Frost, who have been with us since day one, not onlyas customers, but also as invaluable contributors on the program advisory board.”
James and Elizabeth Frost, the first Phenom 100 customers, live in Houston, Texas, where
Mrs. Frost runs a family partnership in real estate and mineral holdings and Mr. Frost
manages new business projects. Mr. Frost has been flying since the age of 16, and Mrs. Frost,
who began flying in the mountains of Colorado, is a Certified Flight Instructor and has logged
several thousand hours over the last 15 years.
“The Phenom 100 is fast, easy and fun to fly. I had the most fun in years while flying it during
training in Texas and while in Brazil,” said Elizabeth Frost. “We wanted a plane with which
we could entertain our family and friends on quick trips between Houston and Colorado as
well as to other destinations, and with plenty of baggage space. The Prodigy avionics system
is really easy to operate and very friendly, always providing full situational awareness.”
“The Phenom 100 is fabulous! The high degree of automation makes it a great single-pilot jet
and, as an owner/operator, I think I am already spoiled by the amazing cockpit,” said James
Frost. “The Phenom 100 completes our normal mission using less fuel and in much less time
than the turboprop it is replacing. We are looking forward to realizing the benefits of the
advanced digital design of the aircraft in lower maintenance costs and less down time.”

Following the success of the Legacy 600, the Phenom 100 entry level jet was launched in
2005, along with the Phenom 300 light jet, confirming Embraer’s commitment to the business
aviation market. In 2006, the Company introduced the Lineage 1000 ultra-large jet, which has
been certified, and its deliveries will begin in early 2009. In 2008, the Legacy 500 and the
Legacy 450 were launched in the midsize and midlight categories, and are scheduled to enter
service in 2012 and 2013, respectively.
The design, development, certification, and first delivery of the Phenom 100 took just over
three-and-a-half years, which is a distinctive achievement in the industry.
Brazilian certification was granted by the National Civil Aviation Authority (Agência
Nacional de Aviação Civil – ANAC), on December 9, 2008. Embraer also received ANAC’s
certification (CHE) to produce the Phenom 100. EASA certification is expected for the
second quarter of 2009.
A second Phenom 100 aircraft was delivered on December 29, in São José dos Campos, Brazil.

LAMA SALUTES KEY MOVES by TOM GUNNARSON and EARL LAWRENCE

January 5, 2009

January 6, 2009 — LAMA, the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association, salutes two key figures in the success of the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) movement, on their recent career enhancements.

Tom Gunnarson, former president of the United States Ultralight Association and most-recently President and Board member of LAMA, has accepted a position with the Federal Aviation Administration, in the Light Sport Aircraft office. Tom was instrumental in guiding the formation of the LSA Rule and, at LAMA, was a key figure in developing the industry audit system, which aids manufacturers in self-policing compliance with the industry consensus standards that made the new category possible. Dan Johnson, Chairman and President of LAMA, said, “Though we’ll certainly miss Tom’s daily participation, we know that his dedication to our industry continues within the FAA. The FAA’s gain is not our loss – it is our gain, as well.”

Earl Lawrence, vice president of industry and regulatory affairs at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), has filled Gunnarson’s former seat on LAMA’s Board of Directors, adding his insight and experience in dealing with both the technical and political sides of regulation, and reinforcing LAMA’s preeminent position in the LSA industry. Johnson was pleased with Earl’s acceptance of the Board position. “Earl Lawrence has long been a source of both energy and wisdom in his advocacy and understanding of the role of Light Sport Aircraft. His addition to our Board will have immediate and long-term benefits to our industry.”

The LAMA Board of Directors includes Johnson and Lawrence, Chairman Emeritus and LAMA Founder Larry Burke, Cessna Chairman Jack Pelton, Jo Konrad, chairman of the German Ultralight Association, abbreviated as DULV (Deutscher Ultraleichtflug Verband) and founder of the European Microlight Foundation, former Kitplanes magazine editor, naval aviator and aircraft builder Dave Martin, and aircraft designers, pilots, and business leaders Phil Lockwood and Tom Peghiny, who is a member of the EAA Ultralight Hall of Fame.

LAMA, the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association, is the light aviation industry’s trade association. Founded in 1984, LAMA represents nearly 100 members of the Light-Sport Aircraft business community including airframe manufacturers; producers of engines, avionics, and components; suppliers, distributors; flight schools; and other aviation businesses. LAMA provides the LAMA Compliance Audit to producers wishing to demonstrate third party oversight and the organization uses the LAMA Label on compliant Light-Sport Aircraft to convey this verification to consumers.

NASA Seeks Concept Proposals for Ares V Heavy Lift Rocket

January 5, 2009

WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — On Monday, Jan. 5, NASA issued a request for proposal for the Ares V rocket that will perform heavy lift and cargo functions as part of the next generation of spacecraft that will return humans to the moon. The request is for Phase I concept definition and requirements development for the Ares V rocket. Proposals are due to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., no later than 1 p.m. CST on Feb. 9.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081007/38461LOGO)

The request for proposal defines the procurement approach for Phase I of the Ares V acquisition. The contract work will include developing products to enable NASA to successfully complete the system requirements review and system definition review, critical milestones in the development of the rocket. Completion of the system definition review will verify the design concept and demonstrate mission objectives can be met.

The solicitation includes five separate work packages available for bid. Work packages one through four include the payload shroud that will protect the Altair lunar lander during launch, the Earth Departure Stage, the core stage, and avionics and software. The products for these work packages include assessing point of departure architecture, assessing risks and opportunities, trade studies and analysis, assessment of NASA requirements and a final report. The fifth work package includes a first stage concept for an upgraded solid rocket fueled booster.

Marshall will manage the contracts, which will be awarded through a full and open competition. The selections will be made in the spring of 2009. The period of performance for each contract is 18 months with two, one-year options.

For more information about the request for proposal, visit:

http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/sol.cgi?acqid=131145#Draft%20Document

For information about NASA’s Ares rockets, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ares

Goodrich Appoints President, Engine Control and Electrical Power Systems

January 5, 2009

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 5, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Goodrich Corporation (NYSE: GR) has appointed Bob Yancey as President of its Engine Control and Electrical Power Systems business unit. Yancey, formerly President of the Engine Components business, will report to Curtis Reusser, Segment President, Electronic Systems. Yancey replaces Mike Gardiner who now leads Aero Engine Controls, the joint venture formed by Goodrich and Rolls-Royce.

Commenting on the changes, Reusser said, “Bob has made a strong contribution to our Engine Components business. His 28 years of experience in a variety of roles at Goodrich including operations, engineering, product support and business development provides a solid foundation for him as he transitions into his new position. In addition, I thank Mike for his contributions to the Engine Controls and Electrical Power Systems business. His experience is a great fit for the new Aero Engine Controls joint venture.”

Yancey joined Goodrich’s Aircraft Wheels and Brakes team in 1980, and has held positions of increasing responsibility and leadership in several Goodrich businesses. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kettering University in Michigan and an MBA in International Business from Wright State University in Ohio.

Yancey’s appointment is effective January 1, 2009.

Goodrich Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a global supplier of systems and services to aerospace, defense and homeland security markets. With one of the most strategically diversified portfolios of products in the industry, Goodrich serves a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and service facilities. Goodrich Corporation operates through its divisions and as a parent company for its subsidiaries, one or more of which may be referred to as “Goodrich Corporation” in this press release.

Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Coast Guard Exercise $13.25 Million Contract Options to Provide Mission Systems for the HC-130J Aircraft

January 5, 2009

ROSSLYN, Va., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ — Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and the U.S. Coast Guard exercised contract options valued at $13.25 million to install mission systems aboard two additional HC-130J aircraft. Once delivered, these aircraft will complete the Coast Guard’s planned inventory of six missionized HC-130Js.

The aircraft’s new mission equipment and sensor packages deliver enhanced search, detection and tracking capabilities in maritime search and rescue, law enforcement and homeland security missions.

“The mission equipment makes the Coast Guard’s HC-130J an incredibly versatile aircraft, critical to meeting today’s increased mission requirements,” said Mike Fralen, Deepwater Aviation lead for Lockheed Martin.

The mission-equipped HC-130J aircraft provide increased mission capability with improved fuel efficiency, higher availability and greater range and endurance. The HC-130J aircraft mission system leverages the technology that was developed for the HC-144A (“Ocean Sentry”) Maritime Patrol Aircraft and its mission system pallet. The aircraft modifications include installation of a belly-mounted surface search radar, which provides superior visibility and 360-degree coverage to assist in search and rescue missions. Modifications also include a nose-mounted Electro-Optical/Infra-Red imaging system, a flight deck mission operator station and a mission integrated communication system.

The Lockheed Martin mission system on the HC-130J is integrated into the flight area, which allows for the operators to directly coordinate with the rest of the flight crew when responding to critical missions. And unlike the HC-144A pallet solution, the HC-130J configuration leaves the cargo space fully useable.

Previously delivered HC-130J aircraft have proven their capabilities in the field. In a recent deployment, the aircraft’s mission system enabled Coast Guard operators to identify, track and assist in the interception of suspected vessels, leading to the confiscation of 10 tons of cocaine.

Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

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