EMBRAER BEGINS MODERNIZATION OF 53 AMX JETS OF THE BRAZILIAN

São José dos Campos, August 31, 2007 – Embraer received the first AMX jet from the Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira – FAB) to have its systems and technology updated. The goal of the modernization project for the AMX jets, called A-1 by the FAB, is to keep the fleet of 53 on active duty for another 20 years. The AMX is one of the most
efficient combat planes in activity in the country and was manufactured by Embraer from 1989 to 2000.

The upgrading of the AMX will incorporate the most advanced avionics systems, weaponry and sensors, and most of the components used are made in Brazil. Thus, the aircraft will achieve the same operational level as the most advanced combat planes available on the market.

“We are highly honored to meet the needs of the FAB as it fulfills its constitutional mission of defending the Nation,” said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, Executive Vice-President, Defense and Government Market. “Once again, we have the opportunity to be the integrating force for new technologies, involving other companies from the defense industry in Brazil,” added Aguiar, who remembers that this modernization process is not only highly important for the FAB, but also for the aeronautics industry and for Embraer, itself.

“The AMX is the pro-Brazil differential in South America, due to its operational capacity obtained when complying with requirements established in the ‘70s and ‘80s. The technological updating of the airplane seeks to introduce new capacities, which will permit it to fulfill its mission over the next 20 years,” explained Mayor General Nôro, Deputy Director of Development and Programs (Subdiretor de Desenvolvimento e Programas – SDDP) and President of the Coordinating Committee for the Combat Aircraft Program (Comissão Coordenadora do Programa Aeronave de Combate – COPAC).

About the AMX
The AMX, called the A-1 by the FAB, is an air-to-surface attack jet which is also used on aerial reconnaissance missions. In 1977, the Italian Air Force held a public bid for developing

Source: Embraer

Rockwell Collins signs Dispatch 100 contract with Singapore Airlines

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (August 30, 2007) - Rockwell Collins was recently awarded a Dispatch 100 service contract with Singapore Airlines for their fleet of 19 A380s. Delivery of the A380s is scheduled to begin in October 2007.

“It’s exciting to note that this is not only our first Dispatch 100 agreement with Singapore Airlines, it also marks this successful product’s entry into the  Asia Pacific region,” said Kent Statler, Executive Vice President, Services for Rockwell Collins. “Singapore Airlines has been a long-time customer of our avionics system, and our proven track record helped us secure this contract and enter into an important service market for our company.”

Under the terms of the ten-year contract, Rockwell Collins will provide Singapore Airlines with spares ownership, logistics management, maintenance repair and on-site technical support under a single per flight hour price and a single point of contact.

Boeing Keeps F/A-18s Flying through Performance-Based Logistics Program

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 30, 2007 — A Boeing [NYSE: BA] field service representative, left, works with a U.S. Navy maintenance specialist to troubleshoot an F/A-18 Super Hornet at Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., using an Integrated Electronic Technical Manual. Boeing manages the F/A-18E/F Integrated Readiness Support Teaming (FIRST) performance-based logistics program, which has maintained a 73 percent availability rate for the U.S. Navy during the first half of this year.

Boeing, Norwegian Air Shuttle Sign Order for 42 Next-Generation 737s

Oslo-based low-cost carrier orders 42 airplanes with 42 additional purchase rights

Largest Next-Generation 737 order from a European carrier in 2007

SEATTLE, Aug. 30, 2007 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and low-fare carrier Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA today announced an order for 42 Boeing Next-Generation 737-800s. The order is valued at $3.1 billion at list prices. The airline has secured purchase rights for an additional 42 737-800s.

Today’s order is the largest ever from any Scandinavian carrier and is the largest European order this year for the 737. This direct purchase comes on top of Norwegian’s recent decision to add 11 Boeing 737-800s to its fleet through lease agreements. All of the 737-800s, including those on lease, will be fitted with advanced-technology Blended Winglets, which reduce aerodynamic drag and therefore reduce fuel consumption and related carbon emissions by 3 to 5 percent.

With headquarters in Oslo, Norwegian selected the Next-Generation 737 to form the foundation of its fleet as it expands its route network throughout Europe. With its recent acquisition of Stockholm-based FlyNordic, Norwegian now ranks as Europe’s fourth largest low-cost carrier as measured by 2006 passenger traffic. The carrier said the new 737s will help establish it as a preferred low-cost option far beyond its home base of Scandinavia.

“The new airplanes will strengthen Norwegian’s competitive position in the Norwegian, Nordic and European aviation markets,” said Bjørn Kjos, CEO of Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA. “Also, the airplanes are significantly more environmentally friendly than the ones we use today. These airplanes will reduce Norwegian’s CO2 emissions and bring down fuel costs, while noise levels are considerably lower than for other airplanes.”

On a typical Norwegian Air Shuttle 820 nautical-mile mission, the 737-800 with Blended Winglets burns 22 percent less fuel and produces 22 percent less CO2 per passenger than the Classic 737-300 currently operated by Norwegian.

“The Next-Generation 737′s reliability, passenger appeal, low-cost operations and lower maintenance costs have helped keep the 737 the preferred airplane for low-fare airlines. Its versatility will allow Norwegian to operate it very economically on both its short-haul and long-haul routes,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales, Europe, Russia & Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 737 works hard to make more money for its owners. Taking the fuel-efficient Blended Winglets as an option also demonstrates Norwegian’s commitment to improving fuel efficiency and reducing environmental impact, a commitment that Boeing shares.”

Boeing routinely seeks environmental improvements throughout its product development process. In the case of the Next-Generation 737, improved aerodynamics, a lighter airframe, and a lighter and more powerful engine produced by the French-American partnership CFMI, have led to major environmental gains compared to previous models. More than 75 percent of Boeing’s research and development investment will benefit environmental performance.

The 737 is the most successful commercial airplane family in history. Boeing has more than 1,700 unfilled orders for the Next-Generation 737 worth more than $120 billion at current list prices.

Source: Boeing

Boeing Demonstrates Future On-Orbit Servicing Capability with Orbital Express

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 30, 2007 — A four-month demonstration conducted in space of the Boeing [NYSE: BA] Orbital Express system culminated in an unqualified success.

The mission, sponsored and led by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to validate on-orbit servicing technologies, tested the system from March 8 to July 2. Orbital Express met or exceeded all of its test objectives to become the world’s first spacecraft capable of performing autonomous on-orbit servicing functions.

With the successful demonstration of Orbital Express, Boeing has shown that it can provide satellite customers with a capability to extend spacecraft lifespan through refueling and component replacement, and offer robotic support for space operations.

“Boeing has opened a new market with Orbital Express, and this capability will benefit the satellite industry as well as space exploration ventures,” said Alex Lopez, vice president, Boeing Advanced Network and Space Systems. “We see a great future in providing global space customers options they’ve never had before.”

Orbital Express consists of the Autonomous Space Transport Robotic Operations (ASTRO) servicing spacecraft developed by Boeing. Ball Aerospace’s NextSat served as a prototypical modular next-generation serviceable client spacecraft.

The demonstration comprised eight scenarios that were performed in different lighting conditions and approaches. Mated operations included battery and fuel transfers and computer replacement. Unmated operations involved separation of the spacecraft to various ranges, far-and near-field rendezvous, proximity operations, approach, capture and mate.

“The purpose of Orbital Express was to demonstrate technologies needed for satellite servicing, autonomous free flight, rendezvous and capture, and transferring fuel and components to a satellite — and we accomplished that,” said Bob Friend, Boeing Orbital Express chief engineer and program manager.

The demonstration successfully validated Boeing’s Autonomous Rendezvous and Capture Sensor System. The system identified NextSat more than 400 kilometers away, enabling ASTRO to approach within a few meters of NextSat while determining its exact position, attitude and best mating location.

Boeing sees many applications and benefits of on-orbit servicing and proximity operations that can be accomplished by Orbital Express.

In addition to spacecraft fuel and component replenishment, the open standard interfaces such as the docking and re-fueling systems enable increased value and utility for next-generation spacecraft. The advanced robotic arm can support precision robotics work, on-orbit assembly or contingency operations and can be used to move satellites into proper orbit or position satellites and space debris for safe de-orbit. Orbital Express also supports Operationally Responsive Space needs.

DARPA de-commissioned Orbital Express in mid-July to conclude one of the most complex missions ever attempted in space.

Orbital Express team members included NASA; Ball Aerospace; Northrop Grumman Space Technology; MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.; the Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc.; and Starsys Research.

Source: Boeing

Boeing Resumes Flight Testing of Japan KC-767 Tanker

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 30, 2007 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s (JASDF) first KC-767 Tanker has resumed flight testing following the completion of scheduled ground modification work.

After departing Boeing Integrated Defense Systems facilities in Wichita, Kan. Aug. 21, the aircrew performed a series of functional checks during the three-hour flight. The flight allows the aircraft to begin additional certification testing requested by the customer.

“Our team is squarely focused on meeting our Japan customer’s needs by resuming flight test activities, resolving some flight deck communications issues and expanding the FAA certifications already received for this tanker aircraft,” said George Hildebrand, Boeing KC-767 Japan program manager. “We’ll also provide upgrades to their night aerial refueling operations lighting system, allowing for greater visibility when refueling other aircraft.”

Prior to the month-long modification work that included a series of wiring system upgrades, the first tanker for Japan successfully completed auxiliary power unit testing to support extended twin-engine operations (ETOPS). Since the Aug. 21 flight, Boeing has completed four subsequent test flights and is scheduled to deliver the aircraft in the first quarter of 2008.

The Japan KC-767 Tanker, a military derivative of the proven 767-200 commercial airplane, was selected over its competitor, the Airbus A-310, in a direct competition in 2001. It has been configured with a fifth-generation air refueling boom and the Remote Aerial Refueling Operator (RARO II) system.

Under contract to receive four KC-767 Tankers, the JASDF has selected the convertible freighter configuration, which will provide flexibility in carrying cargo or passengers, while maintaining its primary role as an aerial tanker.

Boeing has logged 273 flights and 806 hours on the KC-767 Tanker for Italy and Japan. Since the beginning of 2007, the company has demonstrated its advanced refueling systems by transferring fuel through its fifth-generation boom to multiple receiver aircraft, and extending and retracting refueling hoses from the wing aerial refueling pods and centerline Hose Drum Unit.

In addition to flight-testing the KC-767 for international customers, Boeing is offering the KC-767 Advanced Tanker for the U.S. Air Force’s KC-X Tanker competition.

Pratt & Whitney Wins US$330 Million V2500 Engine Deal from Tiger Airways

EAST HARTFORD, Conn., August 30, 2007 – Singapore-based Tiger Airways has selected the International Aero Engines V2500 to power up to 50 new Airbus A320-family jets.  The order for engines to power 30 firm and 20 option aircraft is valued at more than US$330 million for Pratt & Whitney if all options are exercised.  The engines will be backed by a long-term V2500SelectSM service agreement.  Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company, is a major partner in International Aero Engines.

“Tiger Airways has quickly become one of Asia’s top low-cost carriers and we are proud that the V2500 has played a part in the airline’s strong growth,” said Todd Kallman, president of Pratt & Whitney Commercial Engines and IAE board member.  “Tiger Airways is demonstrating their continued confidence in the V2500 with this order for additional engines.”

The 22,000-33,000lb of thrust V2500-A5 is available in seven different thrust settings to power the Airbus A319, A320 and A321 family of aircraft as well as the A319 Corporate Jet.

IAE is a multinational aero engine consortium whose shareholders comprise Pratt & Whitney (NYSE: UTX), Rolls-Royce (RR.L.), the Japanese Aero Engines Corporation and MTU Aero Engines.  More than 1,400 V2500-powered aircraft have been delivered and the worldwide fleet has accumulated over 50 million flying hours.

Pratt & Whitney has over 17,000 aircraft engines installed with hundreds of airlines around the world. Additionally, Pratt & Whitney is a leading partner in two joint venture companies that manufacture commercial aircraft engines: International Aero Engines, which makes the V2500 for the Airbus A320 family of aircraft, and the Engine Alliance, whose GP7200 engine is FAR 33 certified for the new Airbus A380.

Congressman warns against five-year NASA hiatus from manned flight

The gap between the retirement of the space shuttle program in 2010 and the anticipated rollout of the Orion program five years later should be narrowed, according to Rep. Dave Weldon, R-Fla. The congressman says the effect of the hiatus on foreign policy should be considered. “Do we, the richest country on the face of the Earth, want to be dependent on Russia to launch our men and women into space?” he said. “To me, it’s not a good scenario.”

Brazil’s TAM Airlines Orders 1,000th Boeing 777

(TAM order also marks 100th order for the Boeing 777 this year)

SEATTLE, Aug. 29, 2007 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced that an order from Brazil’s TAM Airlines [BOVESPA: TAMM4 and NYSE: TAM] for four additional 777-300ERs brings to 1,003 the number of 777s ordered since the first order of the popular widebody in 1990. Today’s announcement also means that, to date in 2007, Boeing has received orders for 100 of the popular 777s.

TAM is Brazil’s largest airline, flying both domestic and international routes. TAM became the first Latin American airline to incorporate the 777-300ER into its long-range fleet plan when it booked its initial order for four 777-300ERs earlier this year. TAM’s first 777-300ER is scheduled to be delivered in June 2008. Prior to ordering these eight 777s, TAM was an exclusive Airbus operator.

“TAM’s recent orders confirm airline preference for the 777 family which commands more than a 65 percent market share in its category because of its lower operating costs, passenger pleasing cabin and unmatched reliability, ” said Larry Loftis, vice president, Boeing 777 Program. “We have continually enhanced and improved the performance of the 777 family of airplanes. Today, we have grown that family to include two, new, longer range 777s and a freighter version that will enter service in the fourth quarter of 2008.”

Marco Antonio Bologna, TAM’s CEO said the 777-300ER acquisitions are an important step for TAM’s growth in the long-haul international market. “The Boeing 777 provides TAM with unmatched revenue-generating capability, beginning with fuel savings and environmental benefits,” Bologna said. “Further, this is a plane long-haul passengers recognize for its spaciousness, comfort and award-winning interiors.”

The fuel-efficient 777-300ER is the world’s largest long-range twin-engine jetliner capable of carrying 365 passengers up to 7,880 nautical miles (14,594 kilometers). The efficient twin-engine design provides the lowest fuel consumption and overall operating costs in its class.

Boeing to Promote 787 Dreamliner, 777, 737 and 747-8 at Asian Aerospace 2007

SEATTLE, Aug. 29, 2007 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], the world’s largest aerospace company, will present an exhibit, briefings and other activities at Asian Aerospace 2007 beginning Sept. 3 in Hong Kong.

“Asian Aerospace showcases this exciting and dynamic market,” said Larry Dickenson, senior vice president, Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “In addition to featuring our products and services, Boeing will take the opportunity to underscore its strong commitment to customers, partners and suppliers,” he said.

With the new show’s focus on commercial aviation, Boeing will be represented by its Commercial Airplanes unit, with participation by the Commercial Aviation Services team, Alteon Training and others. Boeing’s schedule begins on Monday, Sept. 3, when Larry Dickenson discusses the commercial aviation fleet and the market outlook for the Asia-Pacific region in a presentation to the Air Transport Strategy Conference.

Additionally, on Tuesday, Sept. 4, Boeing Regional Marketing Director Jim Edgar will conduct a press briefing on the global air cargo market; including the latest Boeing freighter fleet forecast data. Air cargo traffic growth to, from and within Asia is forecast to exceed the world average during the next 20 years.

Boeing also will be well represented at a number of conferences during the show. The programs are noted below:

(Note: All times listed below are local to Hong Kong)

Monday, Sept. 3

Noon – Boeing Presentation – Air Transport Strategy Conference

Larry Dickenson, Boeing Commercial Airplanes senior vice president of Sales, will discuss Boeing’s Asia Pacific airplane market in a presentation entitled “Fleet and Evolving Market Outlook in Asia Pacific.”

1:30 p.m. – Boeing Presentation – Aircraft Expo

Alan Anderson, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, director of The Concept Center and chief engineer Payload Systems, provides a fresh look at interiors standardization.

2 p.m. – Boeing Presentation – Aircraft Expo

Klaus Brauer, Boeing Commercial Airplanes director – Passenger Satisfaction and Revenue, will provide a presentation entitled “The Changing Economy Product Mix” — a look at how airlines are evolving their passenger cabins.

2 p.m. – Boeing Presentation – APATS 2007

Capt. Brad Thomann, COO/EVP, Alteon Training L.L.C., will provide a presentation on pilot command training.

Tuesday, Sept. 4

2:30 p.m. – Boeing Presentation – Master Class Program

Joe Brummit, Boeing Commercial Aviation Services, director – Integrated Materials Management, will participate in a panel discussion on new customer care programs for air transport maintenance.

Wednesday, Sept. 5

10:05 a.m. – Boeing Presentation – Aerospace Technology Conference

John Bruns, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president – China Operations, will provide a presentation on “Boeing’s partnership with China.”

10:15 a.m. – Boeing Presentation – Air Freight Asia

Jim Edgar, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, regional director – Cargo Marketing, will participate in a panel discussion on feeder airplanes for cargo in China.

11:30 a.m. – Boeing Presentation – Master Class Program

Dennis Floyd, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, director – Aviation Information Services, will participate in a panel discussion on “Learning the lessons from successful East-West partnerships.”

2 p.m. – Boeing Presentation – APATS 2007

Paul Niles, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, manager – Maintenance Training, Asia Pacific, Alteon Training L.L.C., will provide a presentation on maintenance training.

LOCKHEED MARTIN ANNOUNCES IPV6 TRANSITION PILOT

Pilot Program Will Simulate Government Transition from IPv4 to IPv6

Bethesda, Md., August 29, 2007 — Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] announced today that it will transition a portion of its global network to Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6). The pilot program will work through all phases of a full-scale IPv6 transition, similar to one that a government agency would undertake.

“Lockheed Martin strongly believes in the benefits of IPv6,” said Ray O. Johnson, Lockheed Martin Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. “We see IPv6 as an important enabler of robust, network centric operations. Through our pilot program, we will create a comprehensive transition roadmap and develop best practices for future customer efforts.”

IPv6 is the next-generation Internet protocol, which provides an exponential increase in the number of addresses available to networked devices. For the military, IPv6 will enable global, net-centric operations that translate an information advantage into a decisive edge for the warfighter.

In 2005, the Office of Management and Budget mandated the entire federal government upgrade from the current Internet Protocol version 4 to IPv6. The Government Affairs Office estimates that the transition will cost the federal government approximately $25 billion over the next 25 years.

Lockheed Martin’s IPv6 Center of Excellence will lead the transition project, upgrading a network that spans laboratories in 10 different cities, from California to the United Kingdom.

“We’ve been working on IPv6 for the past seven years, and we understand that transitioning to IPv6 requires a great deal of prep-work before you actually transition to this new protocol,” said Frank Cuccias, director, Lockheed Martin IPv6 Center of Excellence. “A thorough understanding of the process is critical to a successful implementation, and this pilot program will enhance our ability to guide customers through their network upgrades.”

The Lockheed Martin-led team includes leading commercial IT vendors who will collaborate on the IPv6 transition pilot.

 India invites bids for $10 billion combat plane contract

India has invited six aircraft manufacturers, including Boeing and Lockheed-Martin, to bid by March 3 on a combat plane contract worth up to $10 billion. Russia’s MIG-35, Sweden’s JAS-39, France’s Dassault Rafale, Lockheed’s F-16, Boeing’s F/A-18 and the Eurofighter Typhoon are all in the running. India plans to buy 126 of the warplanes.

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