Posts Tagged ‘Homeland Security’

A unique partnership of industry, public sector, regulatory and academic bodies has reconvened a programme to research, develop and validate the necessary technologies, systems, facilities and procedures to enable the safe, routine and unrestricted use of unmanned air systems (UAS) in the UK.

Phase 2 of a series of research projects to support the ASTRAEA (Autonomous Systems Technology Related Airborne Evaluation & Assessment) programme has been launched with funding totalling £30m from a number of public bodies and defence and aerospace organisations. It is part of a six-year programme that seeks to introduce unmanned air systems into civil operations.

Simon Jewell, ASTRAEA Chairman, says: 'There is considerable potential for civilian unmanned systems to offer low cost services that include incident monitoring and reporting, coastline environmental patrols and supporting police operations. However, we recognise that significant development is required before unmanned systems can be used alongside manned aircraft, and that current regulations will need to be redefined. Following a very successful first three years the team are looking forward to working with the Civil Aviation Authority on the next phase of the programme.'

Iain Gray, Chief Executive of the Technology Strategy Board, says: "We are supportive of ASTRAEA which will seek to further develop the outputs of the first three years. As a programme embedded in the National Aerospace Technology Strategy, ASTRAEA will continue to develop UK capabilities to further enable the markets of autonomous systems, an area that we are supporting elsewhere through our Innovation Platforms and Knowledge Transfer networks."

ASTRAEA is working with the CAA regulator, partner companies and academic institutions to ensure that the regulatory framework is in place to gain access to the best technology and skills. ASTRAEA will thoroughly test and validate options with the aim to enable the presence of unmanned aircraft in UK air space.

The technology is being developed under two research projects: 'separation assurance & control'; and 'autonomy & decision making'. These will address issues such as ground operations and human interaction; communications & air traffic control; UAS handling; routing; collision avoidance; multiple air vehicle integration; prognostics & health management; and decision modelling. The programme will include verification and demonstration of the technologies, either singly or as integrated systems.

Funding for ASTRAEA is being provided by public sector organisations – the Technology Strategy Board, the Welsh Assembly Government, Scottish Enterprise, NWDA, SWRDA and SEEDA - and from UK companies: BAE Systems, Thales UK, Rolls-Royce, EADS, QinetiQ, Cobham and AOS, plus a number of universities and SMEs.

— WebWireID120223 —

SEATTLE -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and its subsidiary Insitu Inc. announced today that they successfully demonstrated a high-performance Narrowband Relay communications system aboard a ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in June. The relay was designed to meet the needs of small distributed forces operating in areas where Line of Sight (LOS) communications would not normally be possible.

The U.S. Defense Department has widely deployed handheld narrowband radios as the primary method of communications among small, distributed forces. However, these radios are limited in range and cannot communicate where the radios do not have a direct path to one another. The Boeing-developed Narrowband Relay, deployed aboard a small UAV, will provide a dramatically longer range and LOS capability over hills and buildings.

"This technology can make a dramatic difference in providing key communications capabilities to warfighters operating in geographically challenging environments around the world," said Nancy-Kim Yun, director, Integrated Shipboard Systems, Boeing Network and Tactical Systems (N&TS). "Our Payloads team has demonstrated the best of Boeing – they took on a challenge and found a solution that is easy to implement and cost-effective for potential customers."

To demonstrate the capability, two Thales PRC-148 JEM-compatible radios were driven more than 1,100 miles around central Washington state and northern Oregon, an area that has geography similar to the terrain in Afghanistan – hilly, with many obstacles preventing direct radio contact. As a ScanEagle UAV, outfitted with the Narrowband Relay, flew above the Boeing Boardman, Ore., facility, testers were able to use the relay to communicate with the radios.

"This flight demonstration was the culmination of a number of laboratory- and land-based tests, in many environments and with other radios, including PSC-5, PRC-117, and PRC-152," said Dick Paquette, Boeing Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence [C4I] Payloads Program manager. "This capability expands on our previous in-flight demonstrations that integrated C4I payloads and UAVs in support of the warfighter."

The U.S. Special Operations Command, the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command have expressed interest in the results of the Boeing-funded demonstration.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security 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 Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

— WebWireID120219 —

WASHINGTON -- Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), and Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:LMT) will compete jointly for the contract to replace the U.S. Air Force's fleet of combat search and rescue helicopters.

The two companies signed a teaming agreement formalizing their intent to offer an advanced version of Sikorsky's UH-60M BLACK HAWK helicopter for the Air Force's HH-60 Personnel Recovery Recapitalization program (HH-60 Recap). The agreement positions Sikorsky as prime contractor, with Lockheed Martin as the major subsystems supplier.

The HH-60 Recap program seeks to replace the 112 existing HH-60G PAVE HAWK™ helicopter fleet with an equal number of new aircraft requiring minimum airframe modification or mission systems development. The initial operational capability of eight aircraft — four trainers and four mission-ready aircraft, plus test aircraft — is expected in fiscal year 2015.

'Our team has the resources and experience to rapidly deliver the proven UH-60M airframe design with mature situational awareness sensors and mission systems,' said Scott Starrett, president of Sikorsky Military Systems. 'We believe a UH-60M aircraft missionized for the complexities of the combat search and rescue mission will fit seamlessly into established Air Force training and logistics operations, thus providing a fiscally responsible and reliable platform for rescue operations.'

Sikorsky submitted a response to the U.S. Air Force's HH-60 Recap request for information on April 23. The document details how the UH-60M helicopter would be manufactured and integrated as a low-risk, off-the-shelf solution for the combat search and rescue mission.

Operational with the U.S. Army (including as a medevac helicopter in the HH-60M configuration), the UH-60M features a strengthened airframe, wider rotor blades and more powerful engines than earlier-design BLACK HAWK helicopters. Sikorsky has delivered 200 'M' model helicopters to the U.S. Army since 2005.

Lockheed Martin has provided integrated avionics and mission systems for other H-60 aircraft, including U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force special operations helicopters, and Air Force combat rescue helicopters. Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin also have a well established working relationship over 38 years, delivering more than 400 SH-60B and MH-60R/S mission-ready aircraft to the U.S. Navy.

'Lockheed Martin has 25 years of experience integrating mission systems for special operations and combat rescue helicopters,' said Dan Spoor, vice president of Lockheed Martin Aviation Systems. 'We also can bring to the HH-60 Recap program the mature systems and readiness from our work on the prior CSAR-X competition.'

In April, the companies announced a teaming agreement to compete jointly for the U.S. Navy's revived VXX Presidential Helicopter program. The companies will share facilities, experience and engineering talent for both opportunities.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 136,000 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 2009 sales of $45.2 billion.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. 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.

This press release contains forward looking statements regarding the HH-60 Helicopter Recap program that involve uncertainties and could change, such as future government funding allocations, changes in government procurement priorities and challenges in developing and servicing new technologies. Such uncertainties could affect investment decisions and outcomes.

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CHENGDU, Sichuan - Rockwell Collins and China Electronics Technology Avionics Co. Ltd (CETCA) have signed a letter of intent with Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Ltd. (COMAC) to provide communication and navigation solutions for its new C919 family of single-aisle aircraft. A signing ceremony took place to commemorate the agreement in Chengdu, Sichuan.

Rockwell Collins and CETCA also have signed a memorandum of agreement to establish a China-based joint venture, which is expected to sign the formal supply agreement with COMAC by the end of this year.

Rockwell Collins has a long history of work with the Chinese aviation industry and its suppliers. The company's equipment is installed in many airplanes manufactured in China (ARJ21, MA60/600, Y8, Y12, K8, and H425), and is on nearly every Western airliner operated by China's airlines.

Governor of Sichuan Province Jiang Jufeng extended a warm welcome to the new joint venture anticipated to be established in Chengdu, Sichuan. He anticipates this venture may help to stimulate the economy in the province.

Quotes:
"Rockwell Collins is the industry-leader in development of civil communication and aviation electronic solutions, while CETCA is a domestic supplier specializing in civil avionics solutions," said Jin Zhuanglong, president of COMAC. "I believe, by working together, Rockwell Collins and CETCA will successfully fulfill the mission of developing communication and navigation systems for C919 to meet the requirements of the C919 technical scheme as well as the airworthiness regulations."

"We'll work closely with Rockwell Collins to deliver the world-class systems for C919 program, making it soar in the sky as early as possible," said Wang Zhigang, president of CETC.

"This is an outstanding opportunity to continue our solid track record with COMAC, while further expanding our 25-year commitment in China, which remains a key growth market for our company," said Kent Statler, executive vice president and COO, Commercial Systems for Rockwell Collins.

"The joint venture also will allow Rockwell Collins to put into practice our philosophy of 'building trust everyday,' which will strengthen our 'guanxi' with our partners and COMAC," added TC Chan, vice president and managing director of Asia Pacific for Rockwell Collins.

About COMAC
Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) is a state-owned limited liability company founded by the State Council of the People's Republic of China.

About CETC and CETCA
China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) is a state-owned enterprise group founded in March 2002, administered by the State Council directly. Constituted by 47 institutes, CETC has strong capabilities in the design and production of communications, navigation and surveillance systems for aviation applications. CETC and its subsidiaries have participated in many Chinese aircraft programs including fixed wing and rotor wing platforms. China Electronics Technology Avionics Co.Ltd (CETCA) is a newly established company with in CETC focusing specifically on the C919 and other civil aircraft programs.

About Rockwell Collins
Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL) is a pioneer in the development and deployment of innovative communication and aviation electronic solutions for both commercial and government applications. Our expertise in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission communications, information management, and simulation and training is delivered by nearly 20,000 employees, and a global service and support network that crosses 27 countries. To find out more, please visit www.rockwellcollins.com.

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MARION, Mass. -- A Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT]-led industry team has completed a successful critical design review for a system that will give U.S. Navy submarines real-time, two-way communications without requiring platforms to proceed to periscope depth. The review clears the way for the team to begin producing hardware and to deliver engineering design models in early 2011.

Currently, submarines must come to periscope depth to communicate with other ships, aircraft or shore facilities. This increases the submarine's detection vulnerability and may result in a large delay in tactical communications. The new system, which can be installed on all classes of submarines, is called Communications at Speed and Depth (CSD).

'The CSD program fills a major gap identified in the Undersea Dominance Roadmap,' said Brent Starr, the Navy's CSD principal acquisition program manager. 'Successfully completing this review is a key indicator that we have designed a robust family of systems.'

Lockheed Martin will deliver three types of two-way communications buoys and associated equipment for installation aboard submarines and ashore. Two tethered expendable communications buoy systems – for Iridium satellite and ultra high frequency communications – will be launched from submarines. The third is an acoustic-to-radio-frequency gateway system that can be launched from submarines and aircraft. The $35 million contract was awarded to Lockheed Martin in January of 2009 and includes the production of buoys for development tests and operational assessments.

'The CSD systems will keep submarines connected to the Global Information Grid far beneath the water's surface, helping submariners remain safe and hidden from enemy radars,' said Rod Reints, Lockheed Martin's senior program manager for CSD. 'Submarines are most vulnerable when they must surface to use communication systems. This program eliminates that vulnerability.'

The Lockheed Martin-led CSD team includes; Ultra Electronics Ocean Systems and ERAPSCO, a joint venture between USSI, Inc. and Sparton Corporation.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 136,000 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 2009 sales of $45.2 billion.

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ST. LOUIS -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today submitted a proposal to the U.S. Air Force to provide the service with a next-generation aerial refueling tanker aircraft. Based on Boeing's 767 commercial airplane, the NewGen Tanker would replace 179 of the 400 Eisenhower-era KC-135 aircraft currently in the Air Force fleet.

The 8,000-page NewGen Tanker proposal, hand-delivered to the KC-X program office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, offers an American-made, 767-based multi-mission tanker that will satisfy all 372 mandatory Air Force requirements and be capable, survivable, and combat-ready at the lowest cost to the taxpayer. The proposal was created by an integrated "One Boeing" team from various sites across the company, including employees from the Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space & Security; and Engineering, Operations & Technology organizations.

"We are honored to support our U.S. Air Force customer and submit this proposal to meet the critical mission needs of this nation," said Dennis Muilenburg, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. "Boeing has more than 60 years of experience developing, manufacturing and supporting tankers for America's warfighters, and we're ready to build the NewGen Tanker now. This revolutionary tanker will deliver widebody capabilities in a narrowbody footprint, operate in any theater or from any base, and -- with the lowest operating cost of any tanker in the competition -- save the Air Force and the American taxpayers billions of dollars."

"As the only company in this competition with rich experience in developing and manufacturing derivative aircraft for the warfighter, Boeing brings the talent and resources of our existing team and facilities to fully meet the requirements of the U.S. Air Force," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "With our Boeing commercial and defense teams and a proven supplier network, we have delivered more than 1,000 commercial derivative aircraft to U.S. government customers and military customers around the world. Add to that our experience as the only company to deliver a combat-tested aerial refueling boom, and we are ready to provide the right tanker for the Air Force and the best value for taxpayers."

Based on the proven Boeing 767 commercial aircraft, the NewGen Tanker is a widebody, multi-mission aircraft updated with the latest and most advanced technology and capable of meeting or exceeding the Air Force's needs for transport of fuel, cargo, passengers and patients. It includes state-of-the-art systems to meet the demanding mission requirements of the future, including a digital flight deck featuring Boeing 787 Dreamliner electronic displays and a cockpit-design philosophy that places the pilot in command rather than allowing computer software to limit combat maneuverability. The NewGen Tanker also features an advanced KC-10 boom with an expanded refueling envelope, increased fuel offload rate and fly-by-wire control system.

More cost-effective to own and operate than the larger and heavier Airbus A330 Tanker being offered by the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. (EADS), the Boeing NewGen Tanker will save American taxpayers more than $10 billion in fuel costs alone over its 40-year service life because it burns 24 percent less fuel. The Boeing tanker also will cost 15 to 20 percent less to maintain than the A330, which means it will save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars in maintenance costs.

Nationwide, the NewGen Tanker will support approximately 50,000 total U.S. jobs with Boeing and more than 800 suppliers in more than 40 states. That is tens of thousands more jobs in the United States than an Airbus A330 tanker that is designed and largely manufactured in Europe.

Boeing has the capacity and capability to meet the production rate at whatever level the Air Force determines -- with a low-risk approach to manufacturing that relies on a trained and experienced U.S. work force and existing Boeing facilities in Washington state and Kansas. Boeing will use a proven and cost-effective in-line production system similar to that used on the company's successful P-8 program for the U.S. Navy.

In addition to building the U.S. Air Force KC-135 and KC-10 fleets, Boeing has delivered four KC-767Js to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and is on contract to deliver four KC-767As to the Italian Air Force.

To learn more about the NewGen Tanker and Boeing's bid for the KC-X tanker competition, visit www.UnitedStatesTanker.com.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security 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 Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

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ST. LOUIS -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] is commencing today, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Vortex Merger Sub Inc., a cash tender offer to purchase all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Argon ST Inc. [NASDAQ: STST]. Boeing announced on Wednesday, June 30 that it had entered into a merger agreement with Argon ST.

Upon successful completion of the tender offer, shareholders of Argon ST will receive $34.50 in cash for each share of Argon ST common stock validly tendered and not validly withdrawn, without interest and less any required withholding taxes.

The board of directors of Argon ST has unanimously determined that the offer and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are fair to and in the best interests of Argon ST's stockholders, and has recommended that Argon ST's stockholders tender their shares in the offer.

The tender offer is scheduled to expire at 12:00 midnight, Eastern time, at the end of the day on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010, unless the tender offer is extended.

The consummation of the tender offer is conditioned upon the tender of a majority of the outstanding shares of Argon ST's common stock on a fully diluted basis, as well as receipt of antitrust clearance and other conditions that are specified in the offer documents. Following completion of the tender offer and, if required, receipt of stockholder approval, Boeing expects to consummate a merger in which remaining Argon ST stockholders will receive the same cash price per share as paid in the tender offer. There is no financing condition to the tender offer. Following the merger, Argon ST will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Boeing and a new division of Boeing Network & Space Systems, a business within the Boeing Defense, Space & Security operating unit.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security 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 Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

# # #

Additional Information
This press release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell securities. The tender offer is being made pursuant to a tender offer statement (including an offer to purchase, letter of transmittal, and related tender offer documents), which will be filed by Boeing and Vortex Merger Sub Inc. with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on July 8, 2010. In addition, on or about July 8, 2010, Argon ST Inc. will file a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 with the SEC related to the tender offer. Stockholders of Argon ST are strongly advised to read the tender offer statement and the related solicitation/recommendation statement that will be filed by Argon ST with the SEC, because they will contain important information that stockholders should consider before making any decision regarding tendering their shares. The tender offer statement and certain other offer documents, as well as the solicitation/recommendation statement, will be made available to all stockholders of Argon ST at no expense to them. These documents will be available at no charge on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. The tender offer statement and related materials may be obtained for free by directing a request by mail to the information agent for the tender offer, Innisfree M&A Incorporated, 501 Madison Avenue, 20th floor, New York, New York 10022 or by calling toll-free (888) 750-5834.

Forward-Looking Information Is Subject to Risk and Uncertainty
Certain statements in this release may be "forward-looking" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "intends," "projects," "believes," "estimates," "targets," "anticipates," and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements regarding the proposed acquisition of Argon ST include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expected timetable for completing the transaction, future business prospects, our guidance relating to 2010 and 2011 financial and operating performance, product development and benefits and synergies of the transaction, as well as any other statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions about future events that may not prove to be accurate. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements. As a result, these statements speak to events only as of the date they are made and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by federal securities laws. Specific factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the effect of economic conditions in the United States and globally, the ability of the parties to satisfy the transaction conditions and consummate the merger, the risk that competing offers will be made, our ability to successfully integrate Argon ST's business and realize anticipated synergies and other important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

— WebWireID119667 —

RAAF BASE AMBERLEY, Queensland -- Six new Boeing [NYSE: BA] F/A-18F Super Hornets arrived at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Amberley on July 6, expanding the RAAF's fleet to 11 next-generation, multi-role air combat aircraft.

The RAAF's first five Super Hornets arrived in Australia on March 26.

"With the arrival of these six new Super Hornets, we will continue to broaden our training as we prepare to achieve Initial Operational Capability later this year," said Group Capt. Steve Roberton, Officer Commanding 82 Wing, which includes the Super Hornet and F-111 aircraft. "Our aircrews and support teams continue to be very impressed with the Super Hornet's remarkable capabilities, performance and reliability."

Australia announced in March 2007 that it would acquire 24 of the advanced Block II versions of the Super Hornet, all of which are equipped with the Raytheon-built APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. Boeing will deliver Australia's 24th Super Hornet in 2011. The first 11 were delivered ahead of schedule and on budget.

"The Super Hornet's proven technologies -- including its fully integrated AESA radar, advanced sensors, two-engine design and network-centric data-sharing environment -- are providing the RAAF with a broad spectrum of new capabilities," said Carolyn Nichols, Australian Super Hornet program manager for Boeing. "The RAAF Super Hornets enable the two crew members to conduct simultaneous air and ground operations with unprecedented situational awareness."

The Boeing Super Hornet is a multirole aircraft, able to perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum, including air superiority, day/night strike with precision-guided weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defenses, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and tanker missions. Boeing has delivered more than 430 F/A-18E/Fs to the U.S. Navy. Every Super Hornet produced has been delivered on or ahead of schedule and on budget.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security 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 Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

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* Acquisition advances Boeing's strategy for growth in C4ISR, cyber and intelligence markets
* Combined business will offer affordable, network-based capabilities to meet the mission-critical needs of Boeing's domestic and international customers
* Combination creates robust synergy opportunities by leveraging Boeing's platform solutions with Argon ST's deep expertise
* Acquisition expected to have an immaterial impact on earnings

ST. LOUIS -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Argon ST [NASDAQ: STST] today announced that they have entered into an agreement for Boeing's acquisition of Argon ST in an all cash tender offer and merger for $34.50 per share, or approximately $775 million, net of cash acquired.

The agreement to acquire Argon ST, a leading developer of command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) and combat systems, advances Boeing's growth strategy and expands the company's capabilities to address the C4ISR, cyber and intelligence markets.

"Combining the strength of Boeing with the experience of Argon ST will significantly accelerate our capabilities in sensors, communications technologies and information management," said Dennis Muilenburg, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. "Today's announcement follows two years of partnering with Argon ST's talented employees who, like Boeing employees, take pride in developing and deploying world-class engineering solutions for our customers."

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Fairfax, Va., Argon ST develops sensors and networks designed to exploit, analyze and deliver information for real-time situational awareness. In fiscal 2009, the company generated $366 million in revenues. Argon ST has operating locations in Virginia, California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Florida, Maryland and Texas, and has approximately 1,000 employees.

"We're very pleased to join The Boeing Company," said Terry Collins, chairman and chief executive officer of Argon ST. "Our employee teams know each other well, and we are excited to now continue our combined support to warfighters and first responders as one company."

Once acquired, Argon ST will be a stand-alone subsidiary of Boeing and a new division of Boeing Network & Space Systems, a business within the Boeing Defense, Space & Security operating unit. Argon ST will continue to be led by Collins and his management team, which will help ensure a seamless transition for employees and customers.

"As part of Boeing, Argon ST will continue to provide leading-edge network-based communications solutions for domestic and international customers including the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Air Force and the Department of Homeland Security so they can continue to execute their critical missions," said Roger Krone, president of Boeing Network & Space Systems. "We're confident that this combined team will be able to achieve great things together in the future."

The transaction is expected to close by the end of the third quarter 2010. The completion of the transaction is subject to a majority of the outstanding Argon ST shares being tendered, as well as satisfactory completion of other customary closing conditions, including U.S. regulatory approval.

The definitive agreement was unanimously approved by Argon ST's board of directors, and Argon ST's board intends to recommend that the company's stockholders tender their shares in the offer.

Boeing plans to fund the transaction with existing cash. The acquisition is expected to have an immaterial impact on Boeing's earnings.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security 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 Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

# # #

Additional Information
This press release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell shares of Argon ST. Vortex Merger Sub, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, has not commenced the tender offer for the shares of Argon ST stock described in this release. Upon commencement of the tender offer, the Vortex Merger Sub will file with the SEC a tender offer statement on Schedule TO and related exhibits, including the offer to purchase, letter of transmittal, and other related documents. Following commencement of the tender offer, Argon ST will file with the SEC a tender offer solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9. These documents will contain important information about The Boeing Company, Argon ST, the transaction and other related matters. Investors and security holders are urged to read each of these documents carefully when they are available. Security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the tender offer statement, the tender offer solicitation/recommendation statement and other documents filed with the SEC through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. In addition, security holders will be able to obtain free copies of these documents from The Boeing Company or Argon ST by contacting: Scott Fitterer of The Boeing Company at 312-544-2294 or Aaron Daniels of Argon ST at 703-995-5610.

Forward-Looking Information Is Subject to Risk and Uncertainty
Certain statements in this release may be "forward-looking" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "intends," "projects," "believes," "estimates," "targets," "anticipates," and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements regarding the proposed acquisition of Argon ST include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expected timetable for completing the transaction, future business prospects, our guidance relating to 2010 and 2011 financial and operating performance, product development and benefits and synergies of the transaction, as well as any other statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions about future events that may not prove to be accurate. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements. As a result, these statements speak to events only as of the date they are made and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by federal securities laws. Specific factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the effect of economic conditions in the United States and globally, the ability of the parties to satisfy the transaction conditions and consummate the merger, the risk that competing offers will be made, our ability to successfully integrate Argon ST's business and realize anticipated synergies, and other important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

— WebWireID119261 —

Nammo and Thales Australia signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) at Eurosatory today for a
planned cooperation on the next generation aircraft ammunition.

This is driven by Norway and Australia's involvement in the F-35 fighter program and the need for a new ammunition round capable of meeting all requirements and ensuring lethality against both soft and hard targets. This will include cooperation on the Norwegian ammunition concept, APEX, and a special training round as well as Thales' frangible ammunition round called APFI. The APEX development and
qualification effort is now fully funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Defense and Nammo.

'This cooperation will create a new platform for ammunition business between two industry leaders. Nammo's APEX concept is based on more than 20 years of heritage in the aircraft ammunition business with presence on nearly all fighter aircraft of NATO and in the western world. This will give the air forces superior performance both in the air combat role and in the close air support role' said Kjell Kringsjå, the Executive Vice president of Nammo's Medium and Large Caliber Division.

Chris Jenkins, CEO of Thales Australia, said: 'I have high expectations for this cooperation. Not only will this create a broader basis for further business development, but it will also pave the way for industrial participation related to the F-35 programme and entry into the aircraft ammunition area.'

'Our significant expertise in ordnance, combined with our world-class propellant technology, is the basis of what will be a highly productive partnership with Nammo and a product offering that will appeal to a wide range of international customers.'

The Nammo Group
The Nammo Group is an international defense group specializing in design and production of ammunition products, shoulder fired weapon systems, missile and space propulsion systems and demilitarization services. The Nammo Group employs 1900 people in 7 countries.

Thales
Thales is a global technology leader for the Aerospace and Space, Defence, Security and Transportation markets. In 2009, the company generated revenues of 12.9 billion euros (equivalent of AUD 22.7 billion) with 68,000 employees in 50 countries. With its 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers as local partners.

— WebWireID118770 —