29 mai 2020 | International, Aérospatial

Italy defense minister commits to F-35 after calls to suspend program

ROME – Italy's defense minister has thrown his weight behind the F-35 program to counter demands from within his coalition government to suspend purchases of the aircraft to help Italy's coronavirus-stricken economy.

Lorenzo Guerini said he “confirmed that the program would continue,” after calls from Italy's Five Star party to halt F-35 purchases for a year as Italy seeks cash to help rebound from the virus, which has killed 33,000 in Italy.

In an interview with Italian publication Formiche, Guerini said defense spending was often slashed during economic crises, but claimed cuts to Italy's planned 90-aircraft buy would hurt high-tech jobs and damage an industrial sector which “offers very significant economic returns to our nation.”

Italy has currently taken delivery of 15 F-35 aircraft including 12 F-35A's and three F-35B's. Final assembly of the aircraft occurs at Italy's own facility at Cameri Air Base in the north of the country, which is due to become a maintenance hub for the aircraft.

Guerini hails from the center-left Democratic Party, which is a minority partner with the Five Star party in a coalition government formed last year. Previously, Five Star had governed alongside the anti-migrant League party.

Five Star has had a turbulent relationship with the F-35 program. Prior to first entering government in 2018 it vowed to scrap the program altogether, before giving ambiguous signals about the aircraft once it was in power.

Italy's coronavirus outbreak, which started in late February and prompted a strict, nationwide shut-down, has only now eased, with most restrictions on movement dropped on May 18.

But after two months of lockdown the economy is in tatters, from manufacturing to services to tourism, which accounts for 13 percent of GDP. The government has been slow off the mark to pay furlough wages and economists see GDP shrinking by up to ten percent this year.

In late March, 50 Five Star members of parliament signed a motion backing a suspension of ongoing F-35 purchases for one year to free cash for health spending. “We would also consider renegotiating and resizing this program,” one Five Star member in the group said at the time.

In his interview, Guerini backed F-35 but also supported Italy's historical alliance with the United States and NATO, which was thrown into doubt by an April poll asking Italians which countries they considered “Friends”.

Some 52 percent indicated China, followed by Russia on 32 percent and the United States on 17 percent. Compared to a similar survey carried out in 2019, China leaped 42 percent, Russia by 17 percent, while the U.S. dropped 12 percent.

Asked which country Italy should ally with in the future, 36 percent said China while only 30 percent said the United States.

The survey followed very visible visits by Chinese and Russian doctors to Italy to help during the virus outbreak.

Last year, Italy announced plans to sign up to China's controversial Belt and Road global trade routes plan, incurring criticism from U.S. diplomats, who warned the program was designed to help China more than its partners.

https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/05/28/italy-defense-minister-commits-to-f-35-after-calls-to-suspend-program/

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25 septembre 2019 | International, Aérospatial, C4ISR, Sécurité

Northrop launches new divisions focused on space, cyber, unmanned tech
By: Jaleah Dortch WASHINGTON — Northrop Grumman has created four new operating sectors — Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems, Mission Systems and Space Systems — the company announced in a news release. Aeronautics System will serve as a manned and unmanned air system provider. Defense Systems will be a broad provider of critical technology services, modernization and sustainment. It will handle battle command systems, directed-energy technology, tactical weapons and information systems, and focus on solutions for national security, the military and civilian customers. Mission Systems will cover cybersecurity and software-defined systems for defense and intelligence applications. Space Systems will provide space and launch systems that served national security, civil and commercial customers. “This new operating structure allows us to take full advantage of our company's portfolio by aligning businesses that have shared markets, customers and technologies," said Kathy Warden, the head of Northrop. The company also announced the planned retirement of two executives: Patrick Antkowiak, corporate vice president as well as chief strategy and technology officer; and Christopher Jones, corporate vice president and president of the Technology Services division. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2019/09/20/northrop-launches-new-divisions-focused-on-space-cyber-unmanned-tech
4 novembre 2020 | International, Aérospatial, Naval, Terrestre, C4ISR, Sécurité

Contract Awards by US Department of Defense -November 03, 2020
ARMY RC Construction Co. and Millstone Weber JV, Greenwood, Mississippi, was awarded an $81,499,929 firm-fixed-price contract for removal and replacement of existing electrical equipment, including airfield lighting and lighting vault equipment, and the reconstruction of Runway 05-23 at Pope Army Airfield. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with an estimated completion date of May 1, 2021. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $81,499,929 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah, Georgia, is the contracting activity (W912HN-21-C-3001). Phylway Construction LLC, Thibodaux, Louisiana, was awarded a $59,310,781 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of hurricane protection features in Plaquemines Parrish, Louisiana. Bids were solicited via the internet with six received. Work will be performed in New Orleans, Louisiana, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 10, 2024. Fiscal 2020 civil construction funds in the amount of $59,310,781 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg, Mississippi, is the contracting activity (W912P8-21-C-0002). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Medtronic USA Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been awarded a maximum $62,658,150 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for spinal orthopedic procedural packages. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This is a one-year base contract with four one-year option periods. Location of performance is Minnesota, with a Nov. 2, 2021, ordering period end date. Using customers are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2021 through 2022 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE2DE-21-D-0001). NAVY Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Chandler, Arizona, is awarded a $57,096,626 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract provides for the manufacture and delivery of 19 full rate production Lot 14 GQM-163A Coyote supersonic sea skimming targets; 16 for the Navy and three for the government of Japan. Additionally, this contract procures associated technical and administrative data. Work will be performed in Camden, Arkansas (43%); Chandler, Arizona (35%); Vergennes, Vermont (8%); Cincinnati, Ohio (4%); Oconomowoc, Wisconsin (4%); Lancaster, Pennsylvania (4%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (2%), and is expected to be completed in December 2023. Fiscal 2020 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $48,081,369; and Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $9,015,257 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N00019-21-C-0005). Detyens Shipyards, Charleston, South Carolina, is awarded an $18,144,376, 76-calendar day, firm-fixed-price contract (N32205-21-C-4015) for the regular overhaul dry-docking availability of the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Leroy Grumman (T-AO 195). The contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the total contract value to $18,144,376. Funds will be obligated Nov. 3, 2020. Work will be performed in Charleston, South Carolina, and is expected to begin Jan. 20, 2021, and be completed by April 5, 2021. Contract funds in the amount of $17,554,850, excluding options, are obligated for fiscal 2021 using working capital funds (Navy). This contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited via the beta.sam.gov website and three offers were received. The Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. HDR Engineering Inc., Charlotte, North Carolina, is awarded a firm-fixed-price task order modification (N40085-19-F-6080) at $8,492,340 under architect/engineer, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for post award construction services in support of Hurricane Florence Recovery Package 2, located at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Hurricane Florence Recovery Package 2 consists of eight separate military construction projects. Work will be performed in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and is expected to be completed by October 2024. Fiscal 2020 military construction (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $8,144,376 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N40085-18-D-0601). Sealift Inc. of Delaware, Oyster Bay, New York, is awarded an $8,030,000 option for the fixed-price portion of previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract N32205-17-C-3510 with reimbursable elements to exercise a one-year option period to support Military Sealift Command's Sealift program for U.S.-flagged container vessel M/V MAJ Bernard F. Fisher to support the Air Force for the prepositioning and transportation of cargo. The contract includes one 116-day firm period of performance, four one-year option periods, and one 212-day option period, which if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $42,579,948. Work will be performed worldwide and is expected to be completed, if all options are exercised, by June 11, 2022. Transportation working capital funds in the amount of $7,238,000 are obligated for fiscal 2021 and will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. Contract funds in the amount of $792,000 for the remainder of Option Four are to be provided for fiscal 2022 and are subject to the availability of funds in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.232-18. This contract was a small business set-aside with more than 50 companies solicited via the Federal Business Opportunities website and four offers received. The Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N32205-17-C-3510). AIR FORCE Supertel Network Inc., Melbourne, Florida, has been awarded a $9,099,694 cost-plus-award-fee contract for the Minuteman III Remote Visual Assessment program. Work will be performed in Ogden, Utah; Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana; Minot AFB, North Dakota; and F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 3, 2021. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $2,181,000 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, Hill AFB, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8214-21-C-0001). *Small business https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2403972/source/GovDelivery/
11 juin 2019 | International, Aérospatial

Relativity to Build New Autonomous Rocket Factory and Expand Testing Facilities at NASA Stennis Space Center in Mississippi
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Relativity, the world's first autonomous rocket factory and launch services leader, today announced that it has secured an agreement with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and an incentive package from the Mississippi Development Authority to expand facilities and infrastructure at NASA's historic Stennis Space Center in Hancock County, Mississippi. Through this agreement, Relativity will leverage valuable existing NASA infrastructure and capital investment incentives from the Mississippi Development Authority to build and integrate a pioneering robotic 3D printing rocket factory and an expanded testing facility for autonomous production of Relativity's Terran 1 rocket launch vehicles. The agreement with NASA includes exclusive use of 220,000 square feet within building 9101 at Stennis Space Center for a 9-year lease. The facility includes an 80-foot high bay, multiple bridge cranes, and extensive industrial infrastructure. The agreement also includes an option to extend the lease for an additional 10 years. Relativity's partnership with the Mississippi Development Authority is supported by a significant cost reimbursement and tax incentive package for Relativity's employment and capital investments for advanced aerospace manufacturing and technology development in the State of Mississippi. Disrupting 60 years of global aerospace manufacturing, Relativity is developing the first and only aerospace platform to integrate machine learning, software, and robotics with metal 3D printing technology to build and launch rockets in days instead of years. Traditional aerospace manufacturing relies on fixed tooling, a complex supply chain, and extensive human labor. Relativity's groundbreaking autonomous rocket platform is highly reconfigurable, with a radically simplified supply chain and no fixed tooling, reducing part count 100x. On path to first orbital launch in 2020, Relativity will be building out first stage assembly, engine integration and testing, and a full 3D printing and robotics-enabled production line at the site. The technologies developed through Relativity's Stennis Factory site are the first step toward the company's long term vision of 3D printing the first rocket made in Mars and expanding the human experience in space. Through the factory build-out and expansion, the company will create a total of 200 jobs and invest $59 million in the state of Mississippi. This partnership between Relativity, NASA and the Mississippi Development Authority advances innovation, economic development, and job growth in the Gulf Coast, and progresses Relativity's leadership in American aerospace development. Relativity will invest in regional workforce development programs, university and education outreach, and community engagement initiatives. The infrastructure and resource incentives will enable the company to accelerate development and scaling of its technology and shorten lead times to launch. “We are excited to partner with NASA and the Mississippi Development Authority to bring our patented 3D printing rocket platform to Hancock County,” said Jordan Noone, cofounder and CTO of Relativity. “We believe this groundbreaking technology is the future of aerospace manufacturing, and we look forward to bringing this innovation to the Gulf Coast.” “This partnership will foster innovation, investment, and growth in Mississippi,” added Tobias Duschl, VP of Operations at Relativity. “The integration of our 3D printing rocket production and testing facilities at one site will also enable Relativity to offer greater flexibility to commercial and government entities needing faster, more frequent, and lower cost access to space.” “This agreement demonstrates again NASA's commitment to work with our industry partners to expand commercial access to low-Earth orbit. This helps NASA maintain focus on the ambitious Artemis program that will land the first female and the next male on the south pole of the moon by 2024. Relativity is a valuable member of the Stennis federal city and we look forward to building on our already successful partnership. This is a significant expansion of their presence at Stennis and we appreciate their confidence in making south Mississippi an integral part of their future,” said Dr. Rick Gilbrech, Director, Stennis Space Center. “The Mississippi Gulf Coast has a strong aerospace presence, and Relativity's expansion at Stennis further positions our state as a leader in this prominent sector,” Governor Phil Bryant said. “The important work that will be done for Relativity by our skilled workforce will play a crucial role in developing new methods to connect to outer space and other planets.” Relativity is accelerating growth of a customer manifest including leading global satellite operators, commercial companies, and government payloads. Recently, the company announced customer agreements with Telesat, the renowned global satellite operator, to support their LEO constellation; mu Space, the innovative Thai satellite and space technology company, to launch their first LEO satellite; and Spaceflight, the leading satellite rideshare and mission management provider, to launch Spaceflight's dedicated smallsat rideshares. Relativity is on track to conduct its first orbital test launch at the end of 2020 and enter commercial service in 2021. With this expansion at Stennis, Relativity is increasing infrastructure fourfold to over 280,000 square feet of operations, production, testing, and launch facilities and is on track to reach over 350,000 square feet of space in 2019. In the past year, the company increased team size over 6x from 14 to 90 employees. Relativity became the first venture-backed company to secure a launch site Right of Entry at Cape Canaveral Launch Complex-16 from the U.S. Air Force, and has a 20-year exclusive-use Commercial Space Launch Act (CSLA) agreement at the NASA Stennis Space Center E4 test complex, as well as membership on the National Space Council advising the U.S. White House. Relativity is also securing a polar and Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO) capable launch site this year. About Relativity Relativity is the first autonomous rocket factory and launch services leader for satellite constellations. The company's vision is to build the future of humanity in space -- starting with rockets. Disrupting 60 years of aerospace technology, Relativity's platform vertically integrates intelligent robotics and 3D autonomous manufacturing technology to build the world's first entirely 3D printed rocket, Terran 1. Terran 1 has 100x lower part count than traditional rockets, a radically simple supply chain, and will be built from raw material to flight in less than 60 days with unparalleled iteration speed. Relativity deploys and resupplies satellite constellations with industry-defining lead time, flexibility, and cost, better connecting and securing our planet. Relativity is backed by leading investors including Playground Global, Y Combinator, Social Capital, Phillip Spector formerly of Intelsat, and Mark Cuban. For more information, please visit https://www.relativityspace.com/. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190611005304/en

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