Oct 18, 2011, post by Artur Nowak
L-3 Communications announced that it has formed a cooperative partnership in cybersecurity research and development with Virginia Tech’s Ted and Karyn Hume Center for National Security and Technology (Hume Center). A key element of this relationship will be the establishment of L-3′s Cybersecurity Solutions Center, which will be co-located with Virginia Tech’s Cybersecurity Innovations Lab in Northern Virginia. L-3′s STRATIS division, an industry leader in cyber, intelligence and IT service and solutions, will lead this effort.
This new partnership will enhance L-3′s ability to deliver innovative national security solutions. L-3 will offer, in collaboration with Virginia Tech and additional emerging technology and government partners, customized cyber solutions that enhance customers’ ability to secure critical networks against exploitation and attack. L-3 is focusing its efforts on the most pressing cybersecurity disciplines, including advanced analytics; cloud, virtualization, communications and mobile security; and cybersecurity training and education.
“This new relationship with Virginia Tech is an important centerpiece in our ongoing cybersecurity solutions development, as it provides us with access to proprietary academic and scientific research and development,” said Les Rose, president of L-3 STRATIS. “We firmly believe that combining Virginia Tech’s and L-3′s expertise in cybersecurity research and development, technology and services will lead to the development of advanced solutions that enhance security for our nation’s cyber capabilities across the Federal Government, Defense, Intelligence and critical infrastructure communities. Our goal is to not only develop advanced cyber solutions, but also speed the transfer of these solutions to our customers.”
“We are very pleased and excited to have L-3 Communications as a partner in the important fields of cyber and national security, and especially to have them decide to locate in the new Virginia Tech Research Center — Arlington,” said Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger.
“L-3 is a recognized leader in developing information security products for our nation’s security. Virginia Tech offers multidisciplinary opportunities in cybersecurity research and education. This co-location of L-3 Communications with our Hume Center represents a truly comprehensive industry partnership that builds bridges from research to solutions addressing our vital interests,” Steger added. “We very much look forward to this public-private partnership.”
The Ted and Karyn Hume Center for National Security and Technology is a unique organization at Virginia Tech focusing on developing future leaders for the US Federal Government, and is part of the College of Engineering and is supported by the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science. With an emphasis on intelligence and defense sectors, the Hume Center promotes educational and research programs geared toward this mission.
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications employs approximately 61,000 people worldwide and is a prime contractor in C(3)ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems, aircraft modernization and maintenance, and government services. L-3 is also a leading provider of a broad range of electronic systems used on military and commercial platforms. The company reported 2010 sales of $15.7 billion.
To learn more about L-3, please visit the company’s website at: www.L-3com.com
Jun 22, 2011, post by Artur Nowak
Asco Industries and Alenia Aeronautica have signed a life of program contract at the Paris Airshow for the supply of large titanium machined parts for the Boeing 787 Program. First deliveries are planned end 2011.
With this contract Asco further expands its customer base and consolidates as a confident partner in the supply of complex components. The award is in line with Asco’s strategy to continuously and globally expand its capabilities and grow its business through innovative and competitive products.
According to Asco’s mid-term goal horizon program (2012-2018), objective is stated to achieve a company that keeps adding value and technology to the aerospace industry.
Major recent successes in 2011 articulate into the program. These include a.o. prolongation contracts with Goodrich Corporation, Goodrich Landing Gear Division, and Triumph Aerostructures, Vought Aircraft Division.
Further, Asco’s continuous benchmark supply performance of large, complex titanium components for the Airbus A380 to Goodrich Landing Gear resulted in a follow-on commitment till end 2017. Asco is responsible for the manufacture of most titanium & aluminium components for the A380 Body Landing Gear. The statement of work includes the largest titanium component on the A380.
In the business jet sector, Asco was awarded a contract extension for the supply of more than 75 hard metal components for the Gulfstream G550 wing, assembled by Triumph’s subsidiary Vought.
Another success that further consolidates the presence of the company in the business aviation is the award of 2 new contracts on Bombardier’s Learjet 85. Asco will manufacture spoilers and trunnions in its subsidiaries in Germany and Canada, respectively.
Fastly growing into military applications, Asco has started delivery of key titanium bulkheads for the Joint Strike Fighter / F-35 to Lockheed Martin. Furthermore, Asco was granted contract to supply F-35 titanium hinges for the folded wings of the Carrier version.
Other reported successes by Asco in 2011 are the prolongation contracts with Goodrich Corporation, Goodrich Landing Gear Division, and Triumph Aerostructures, Vought Aircraft Division.
The continued support of large titanium components for the Airbus A380 to Goodrich Landing Gear has resulted in a prolongation of the current contract. Asco is responsible for the supply of titanium and aluminium components for the A380 body landing gear. The statement of work includes the largest ti-component of the A380, and covers deliveries until the end of 2017.
In the business jet sector, Asco was awarded a contract extension for the supply of more than 75 metal components for the Gulfstream G550 wing, assembled by Triumph Aerostructures, Vought Aircraft Division.
Another success story in the regional jet business was the award of Bombardier’s Learjet 85. Asco has signed two contracts, one for the spoilers and one for the trunions. These parts will be manufactured in Asco’s subsidiaries in Germany and Canada, respectively.
Asco received two JSF Lockheed Martin contracts, the first one for aluminium parts related to the forward fuselage structure, and the other one for titanium bulkheads and longerons. Asco manufactures these parts in its Canadian facility just outside of Vancouver, British Columbia. Asco will also deliver key titanium bulkheads. It has made its first delivery in June 2011.
About Asco
Asco is a privately owned Belgian company incorporated in 1954.
The aerospace business started in 1979 and is currently the sole activity of the Group.
Asco is a proven technology specialist and supply chain integrator in design, development, precision machining, processing and certified assembly of complex, high strength, metallic aircraft components (high-lift devices, landing gear components, and engine attachments). Material used is mainly titanium, high strength steels and various aluminium alloys.
The Asco Group is headquartered in Zaventem, Belgium; operating from three sites including subsidiaries in Gedern Oberhessen, Germany and in Delta, British Columbia, Canada; combined with an office in São José dos Campos, Brasil.
Today, the Asco Group employs just over 1,100 people; its worldwide, 100% Aerospace customer base includes most aircraft manufacturers as well as many related Tier-1 and Tier-2 suppliers.
Mar 23, 2011, post by Artur Nowak
It used to be that spying on military aircraft required the sort of technology and training that only a government-backed espionage outfit could manage. Those days are long gone. Now, with a few hundred dollars’ worth of radio gear and a little Web savvy, a private citizen can gather a surprising amount of information about supposedly secret government and military operations.
Dutch radio enthusiast and digital forensics specialist “Huub” snagged a rather interesting recording of a Commando Solo psyops plane flying over Libya, broadcasting a not-so-subtle threat to Libyan ships in the harbor: “If you attempt to leave port, you will be attacked and destroyed immediately.”
Read more: www.switched.com
