MBN The Monte Bubbles Network

Mar 19

 Two Boeing [NYSE: BA] Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) weapons, each equipped with an Australian-designed and -built modular wing kit, were successfully released from a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F/A-18 Hornet during recent flight tests.

Flying at 20,000 feet over the Woomera Prohibited Area in South Australia, a RAAF F/A-18 released the 500-pound Mk-82 JDAM Extended Range (ER) weapons and scored a direct hit on their respective targets. Each weapon demonstrated extended range flyout performance well exceeding that of a baseline JDAM.

"We have demonstrated the impressive capability enhancement that an affordable modular wing kit can bring to JDAM weapons, while simultaneously setting the engineering foundation that will facilitate the fielding of an Australian-designed wing kit to JDAM users around the globe," said Bart Volpe, Boeing JDAM International program manager.

The AIR 5425 JDAM ER test program is a joint effort with the Australian Defence Materiel Organisation, Hawker de Havilland Aerospace Pty. Ltd., and Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. The test team conducted the technology demonstration under the Australian Capability Technology Demonstrator Program, managed by the Australian Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO).

The JDAM ER vehicle utilizes a modular wing kit developed by Hawker de Havilland, based on technology licensed by DSTO. The ER wing kit provides more than three times the range of a baseline JDAM and is designed to be installed in the field to existing JDAM weapons. The affordable ER wing kit enhances the already highly capable JDAM into one of the most mission flexible, low-cost weapons available in the world today.

Boeing is working actively with the Commonwealth to develop a roadmap for fielding a JDAM wing kit capability not only for the RAAF, but for other JDAM users worldwide. Many of Boeing's 16 international JDAM customers are showing interest in procuring an extended range capability for their existing JDAM assets.

 Mar 16

ST. LOUIS, March 16, 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today delivered the 200^th T-45C Goshawk to the U.S. Navy, marking a significant milestone in naval aviation.

"The T-45 serves as a foundation for the aviation careers of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps pilots by preparing them to fly some of the most sophisticated aircraft available today," said Rick Heerdt, Boeing T-45 program manager, during a delivery ceremony in St. Louis. "We have a well-established team in St. Louis and abroad that produces a great aircraft that helps a generation of young men and women become great naval aviators."

The fully integrated T-45 Training System, which includes the two-seat carrier-suitable aircraft, high-fidelity operational and instrument flight simulators, computer-assisted classroom instruction and a management asset that tracks all training activities, is the only system available that trains specifically to perform carrier landings. More than 3,000 Navy and Marine Corps fighter pilots have received instruction on the system at naval air stations in Meridian, Miss., and Kingsville, Tex., before earning their coveted "Wings of Gold."

"The T-45 is a special aircraft," said Capt. Charles "Win" Everett, U.S. Navy T-45 program manager. "No one is born an aviator, you become one. Training in the T-45 is one of the most important steps a future Navy pilot takes. The fact that we are celebrating the 200th delivery milestone today is a major accomplishment, but there will be others, because this plane will be around for a long, long time."

The T-45 Goshawk is a heavily modified naval variant of the Hawk, a land-suitable trainer produced by U.K.-based BAE Systems. BAE continues to provide the T-45's center and aft fuselage sections, wing set and main landing gear. Current U.S. Navy requirements call for 223 aircraft, and undergraduate fighter-pilot training in the T-45 is slated to continue until at least 2035.

Mar 9

Boeing to Supply Six 767 Freighters to Re-fleet DHL U.S. Operations 

Boeing [NYSE: BA] and DHL agreed on an order for six 767-300ER (Extended Range) Freighters. DHL, wholly owned by Bonn, Germany-based Deutsche Post World Net, is a leading international express delivery and logistics company. The order is valued at $894 million at list prices. This order has previously been accounted for on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries Website.

The Boeing 767 Freighter has excellent fuel efficiency, operational flexibility and low noise levels. The airplane meets and exceeds international Chapter 3 noise requirements.

"Adding the wide-body 767 Freighter to our network allows us to grow our business considerably," said John Mullen, CEO DHL Express. "This acquisition will support the DHL Express strategy with particular emphasis on renewing and updating the network supporting operations that serve the U.S. market." DHL has successfully established a solid number 3 market position in the U.S. and is striving to expand its overall leadership in the global express business.

In its annual World Air Cargo Forecast, Boeing predicts a market demand over the next 20 years of 841 airplanes in the 767-size, medium wide-body category of which 244 will be new production freighters. Since the 767 Freighter's launch in 1993, seven customers have ordered a total of 83 airplanes.

"DHL's high-volume express operations require a freighter that has proven capabilities in terms of utilization and schedule reliability. The 767 Freighter has exactly those attributes," said Marlin Dailey, vice president Sales for Europe, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Boeing's complete line of freighter airplanes allows us to offer our customers the right product to match their needs."

Boeing offers its customers a complete line of production and conversion freighters ranging in size from the standard body of 18 tonnes (Boeing 737-700 Convertible) and under 45 tonnes (757 Freighter) to medium wide-bodies such as the 767 (40-75 tonnes) and large freighters over 75 tonnes such as the Boeing 777 and 747.

 A Boeing-led [NYSE: BA] industry team today announced the successful launch of Orbital Express, a demonstration spacecraft that is part of a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) program aimed at demonstrating fully autonomous on-orbit spacecraft servicing capabilities.

Liftoff occurred yesterday at 10:10 p.m. EST from Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. Following a nominal flight, the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket deployed the spacecraft to a low-Earth orbit.

The three-month mission will demonstrate various functions of the new system.

"Orbital Express is a revolutionary system that will offer customers with appropriately configured on-orbit assets new options to enhance the operation of their systems," said George Muellner, president of Boeing Advanced Systems. "This demonstration mission is the first step toward developing an operational system that can service satellites and support other space operations. Orbital Express continues our success in delivering solutions that shape new markets through the integration of people, innovation and technology."

Orbital Express consists of the Autonomous Space Transport Robotic Operations (ASTRO) servicing spacecraft developed by Boeing Advanced Network and Space Systems; and NextSat, a prototypical modular next-generation serviceable client spacecraft developed by Ball Aerospace.

The demonstration mission will validate capabilities critical for the development of emerging and future space systems. When operational, the new integrated rendezvous proximity operations and capture system will provide satellite and spacecraft operators with a routine on-orbit servicing capability for such things as fuel and component transfer, relocation, inspection, safe de-orbit and on-orbit assembly.

Major test objectives include:

• Autonomous operations, including rendezvous from 7 km with a capability to support rendezvous at separation distances up to 1,000 km and beyond
• Onboard relative navigation and guidance systems
• Robotic arm system
• Multiple captures of the NextSat client spacecraft performed directly and using the robotic arm
• Sub-meter range autonomous station-keeping
• Fluid and component transfer
• Passive, targetless rendezvous sensor systems

"Today's launch is a major milestone for the Orbital Express program," said Alex Lopez, vice president, Boeing Advanced Network and Space Systems. "Our team has worked very hard to prepare for this important mission, and I congratulate them on their accomplishment. We're looking forward to a successful demonstration for our customer and moving forward with developing and deploying the first operational system."

DARPA selected Boeing as the prime integrator for Phase II of the Orbital Express Advanced Technology Demonstration program in March 2002.

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

-- A Boeing [NYSE: BA] KC-767 Tanker aircrew transfers fuel to the first F-15E ever produced. The company uses F-15E1 under a cooperative research and development agreement with the U.S. Air Force.

"The boom performed extremely well," said Rickey Kahler, Boeing KC-767 chief test boom operator. "The fly-by-wire system has optimized the flight controls, making it both precise and first rate."

During the March 6 flight test, the aircrew demonstrated the stability of the new tanker's advanced boom by making multiple contacts with the F-15E and passing 5,500 lbs. of fuel. The KC-767 also transferred 10,000 lbs. of fuel to a B-52 on March 5.

"By refueling a B-52 and an F-15E in the same week, our KC-767 team demonstrated the phenomenal performance of this fifth generation boom while dramatically reducing the risk for future tanker customers like the U.S. Air Force", said Ron Marcotte, vice president and general manager of Boeing Global Mobility Systems

Mar 6

ST. LOUIS, March 06, 2007 -- Six Boeing-built [NYSE: BA] AH-64D Apache Longbow multi-role combat helicopters for the Kuwait air force debuted today in Kuwait during a rollout ceremony. The U.S. Army delivered the aircraft to the Kuwait air force over the past several months through a foreign military sales contract.

The helicopters are part of a 16-aircraft order signed in 2002 between Kuwait's Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense. The delivery schedules for the remaining 10 aircraft and contract details have not been announced.

Kuwait is the seventh international defense force to select the AH-64D and the 11th Apache customer worldwide.

"Delivery of these Apache Longbow aircraft on schedule for the Kuwaiti air force reinforces our 'promises made, promises kept' commitment to our customers and further strengthens the long-term customer relationships we have in this region," said Tommy Filler, director of Boeing International Apache Programs. "Boeing remains committed to sustaining the advanced capabilities of the Apache Longbow and ensuring that our Kuwaiti customer has the support needed to effectively operate and maintain this important asset."

The AH-64D Apache Longbow, produced by Boeing in Mesa, Ariz., features fully integrated avionics and weapons plus a state-of-the-art modem that transmits real-time, secure, digitized battlefield information to air and ground forces. The Apache Longbow has the ability to rapidly detect, classify, prioritize and engage stationary or moving enemy targets at standoff ranges in nearly all weather environments.

Mar 4

Due to the lack of U.S. government and new international orders for the C-17 military cargo aircraft, The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] is stopping procurement of parts for any new C-17s not under contract or firmly committed. This move is the first step in an orderly shut down of the production supply chain, should no further orders be received from the U.S. government or international customers. Without further aircraft orders, significant workforce reductions will begin in early 2008 as the production line heads toward complete shutdown in mid-2009.

"The C-17 remains an operational workhorse around the world in the Global War on Terrorism, and the nation's need for modern, reliable airlift continues to grow dramatically," said Dave Bowman, vice president and C-17 program manager. "We had hoped to keep the production line active and viable to protect this important national asset affordably while the U.S. government completed its decision process on the future of the C-17 program, especially in light of current concerns over the aging C-5A fleet."

Boeing is on contract for 190 U.S. Air Force C-17s, and independent analysis shows a requirement for at least 222 of these aircraft. Based on the 34-month lead time necessary to build a C-17, Boeing needed a commitment now to avoid a break in production. The Department of Defense did not request funding for new C-17s in the Fiscal Year 2008 budget, released in early February. Consequently, maintaining the C-17 supply base and production line at current production rates will require funding for up to 16 C-17s when Congress finalizes the FY2008 budget.

Last year, Boeing accepted significant risk and used company resources to fund the supply base and production line for 22 aircraft until mid-August. Boeing took this risk because of significant international customer interest and the Air Force's designation of additional C-17s as the number one priority on its FY2007 Unfunded Priorities List (UPL). This year, the Department of Defense has not requested funding for new C-17s in the FY2008 defense budget, new international interest is significantly less than it was a year ago and the Air Force has identified only two C-17s on its FY2008 UPL.

"We are disappointed that the UPL did not identify continuation of the C-17 line as a priority, particularly in light of the Air Force's stated interest in retirement of C-5As," said Bowman. "Without DOD or international customer commitments, we're compelled to take this regrettable but necessary action."

Today's notice to suppliers will ultimately affect more than 7,000 Boeing jobs in California, Missouri, Georgia, and Arizona, directly tied to the C-17, and the program's nationwide supplier workforce that totals more than 25,000 people. Nearly 700 companies in 42 states provide parts and services that go into each C-17.

Boeing is assessing the potential financial impact of the U.S. government not ordering additional C-17s. The company may incur costs beyond those that would be recoverable from the government.

Boeing is on contract to design, build, deliver and support the 190 U.S. Air Force C-17s. Additional orders and commitments from the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force, Canada's Department of National Defence, and other international customers, mean C-17 production will continue until mid-2009.

Feb 28

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 28, 2007 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] has delivered the first of 60 production Conventional Air-Launched Cruise Missile (CALCM) / Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) Test Instrumentation Kits (CATIK) to the U.S. Air Force under a $38 million contract.

The Air Force uses the kits to monitor in-flight missile performance. The kits also allow for remote command-and-control and flight termination of ALCMs and CALCMs during operational testing, transmitting the information to the flight test control center.

"These CATIKs enable the Air Force to continue its flight test program to verify reliability and accuracy of the missiles through 2030," said John Griffith, Boeing ALCM/CALCM program manager.

ALCM is a self-guided weapon that carries a nuclear warhead. CALCM, designed in the 1990s, carries a conventional warhead. CALCMs are produced by converting surplus nuclear-armed AGM-86B missiles into the AGM-86C missile. When launched, ALCM weapons fly to their targets using terrain correlation mapping, while CALCM weapons use GPS guidance. During flight tests, both weapons fly a preprogrammed course over the range for up to four hours.

Feb 24

Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Azerbaijan Airlines have signed an order for three 787-8 Dreamliners and two Next-Generation 737-900ERs (Extended Range).

Azerbaijan Airlines, based in Baku, Azerbaijan, becomes the first airline throughout the republics of the former Soviet Union to order the 787 and the 737-900ER. The order is valued at $609 million at list prices.

"This order is a momentous step in our history," said Jahangir Askerov, director general of Azerbaijan Airlines. "With the twin-aisle 787, we will enter the long-haul market for the first time. By expanding our fleet with long-haul twin-aisle airplanes, we will offer our customers many more choices for far-away destinations. We are eager to enter this new chapter in our proud history, and are delighted to do it with the most capable and comfortable airplanes in the world."

The carrier will operate the 787 on routes to the East, Southeast Asia and North America. The 737-900ERs will be placed on routes to Europe, Russia and other regional destinations.

"We are proud of our partnership with Azerbaijan Airlines," said Craig Jones, Boeing vice president of Sales for Central Asia and Russia. "Since Azerbaijan Airlines took delivery of its first Western-built aircraft in 2000, a Boeing 757, we have worked very successfully with Azerbaijan Airlines. We look forward to being a valued contributor to its future success. We are confident the 787 and 737-900ER will be powerful tools that allow Azerbaijan Airlines to continue its leadership and expand its services for passengers."

Azerbaijan Airlines selected the General Electric GEnx engine to power its 787s. Launched in April 2004, the 787 Dreamliner is the world's newest and most technologically advanced commercial jetliner. It offers a broad inventory of innovations that make it more fuel efficient, more economical for airlines and more comfortable for passengers.

The 787 will use 20 percent less fuel than today's airplanes of comparable size and provide airlines with up to 45 percent more cargo revenue capacity. Its long range allows carriers to offer passengers the point-to-point service they prefer, bypassing inconvenient connections at crowded hub airports.

The first flight of the 787 is scheduled for 2007, with entry into service in 2008. With 468 orders from 37 customers around the world, the Dreamliner is the most successful new airplane introduction in history.

The 737-900ER is Boeing's newest addition to the popular line of 737 single-aisle aircraft. Boeing launched the 737-900ER in 2005 as a higher-capacity, longer-range complement to the 737 family. The 737-900ER is the largest member of the Next-Generation 737 airplane family. It seats up to 215 passengers and flies up to 3,200 nautical miles (5,900 kilometers), making the range comparable to the 737-800. The 737-900ER features Blended Winglets, which enable an additional three to five percent improvement in fuel efficiency.

The 737-900ER shares the same industry-leading reliability of the other Next-Generation 737 series models. The Next-Generation 737s are ten years newer and fly higher, faster and farther than competing models. Boeing has sold nearly 3,700 Next-Generation 737s, and has a backlog exceeding 1,500 airplanes worth nearly $100 billion.

Feb 22

  Boeing [NYSE: BA] Business Jets today unveiled concepts of luxury and comfort for the 787 VIP airplane. Concept renderings of custom interior designs for the advanced-technology widebody VIP jet were displayed at the Middle East Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition in Dubai.

"A Boeing 787 VIP affords its owner complete accommodation," said Steven Hill, president of Boeing Business Jets. "The spacious cabin and the technology of the 787 enable an owner to design a beautiful environment that exactly meets preferences and needs. Whether you are looking for a flying palace or a business office in the sky -- or both, the possibilities are endless."

"Aboard a 787 VIP owners can fly anywhere in the world nonstop, and on those long-distance flights, it is critical to have amenities and a cabin environment that allow passengers to be completely comfortable and productive," Hill added.

Boeing Business Jets has commissioned several design firms to develop preliminary concepts for 787 VIP interiors. A number of other airplane interior design firms and completion centers have developed a variety of innovative interior design concepts for the 787 VIP as well.

Boeing does not design or install interiors in VIP airplanes. Boeing delivers VIP airplanes in so-called "green" condition, meaning the airplane does not have interior furnishings or exterior paint. Customers then work with certified designers and interior completion centers to develop personalized interiors.

The VIP-configured 787-8 offers 2,404 square feet (223.3 square meters) of cabin space and a range of 9,590 nautical miles (17,760 km) while the VIP-configured 787-9 offers 2,762 square feet (256.6 square meters) of cabin space and a range of 9,950 nautical miles (18,425 km).

To date, undisclosed customers have ordered five 787 VIP airplanes -- two 787-8s and three 787-9s -- direct from Boeing. Two additional 787-8s are being provided to VIP customers through leasing companies. The first commercial version of the 787 is scheduled to make its first flight later this year

Feb 21

Boeing [NYSE: BA] and GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS) today announced a 39-airplane order that includes 15 Boeing 777s -- a mix of seven 777-300ER (Extended Range) passenger jetliners and eight 777 Freighters -- and 24 Next-Generation 737-800s.

The order, valued at approximately $5.34 billion at list prices, was booked in 2006 and previously listed on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website as unidentified. The order nearly doubles the number of 777s GECAS has ordered directly from Boeing, and increased the total number of orders placed by GECAS in 2006 to 69 airplanes. Deliveries of both the 777s and 737s will begin in 2008 and extend through 2010.

"Our airline customers tell us that the 777 is an ideal aircraft for their long-haul passenger and cargo needs," said Henry Hubschman, president and CEO of GECAS. "Because of this demand for future capacity expansion in the 2008-2010 timeframe, we already have customers lined up for many of these aircraft."

"We have nearly finished leasing all of the Next-Generation 737 aircraft we previously ordered in 2006, so these additional aircraft will help us meet our customers' demand," Hubschman added.

"Having shared a long-standing and valued partnership with Boeing, GECAS is a leader in contributing to the tremendous market success of both the 777 and 737 and equipping airlines worldwide with hundreds of Boeing airplanes," said John Feren, vice president of Sales, Leasing and Asset Management, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The Boeing 777 has generated extraordinary market preference and global popularity, endorsed by industry leaders such as GECAS. The 737 family is valued as a strong investment by operators and lessors alike, reaffirmed by remarkable sustained demand."

GECAS has long been an important Boeing customer, offering the 737, 747, 757, 767 and 777 to operators. GECAS has been highly successful in placing Boeing airplanes with operators around the globe, including many of the world's most prestigious airlines. Since GECAS placed its first order with Boeing in 1995, the leasing company has accumulated 372 orders for Boeing airplanes.

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today said that Air New Zealand has finalized an order for four additional 787-9s, following on from the airline's announcement in December that it would be placing an order. This is the airline's third order for the popular 787 Dreamliner. With today's announcement, Air New Zealand has ordered a total of eight 787-9 Dreamliners.

Deliveries of these four airplanes will take place from 2011 through 2013. The value of the new order is approximately $700 million at list prices. The airplanes were added to the Boeing Orders & Deliveries Web site last week, attributed to an unidentified customer.

Air New Zealand was the second airline to order the 787, placing its initial order for two airplanes in 2004. The following year, Air New Zealand ordered two additional Dreamliners. The first of the airline's 787s will be delivered in 2010.

"Air New Zealand has proven itself to be a very progressive airline in managing its costs while maintaining high levels of service and reliability," said Stan Deal, vice president, Sales - Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are very proud to partner with Air New Zealand in providing the airplanes that will allow the airline to build upon its great international reputation."

"These new aircraft are important to Air New Zealand's growth plans over the next decade," said Rob Fyfe, CEO of Air New Zealand. "Their long-haul capabilities will reach to a variety of destinations in Africa, India, the Americas and Asia, bringing some exciting prospects that we can pursue. Additionally the 787 has an industry-leading emissions profile which furthers Air New Zealand's environmental initiatives."

Air New Zealand, during its December announcement, said it was committed to launching at least one new international route every year.

The technologically advanced 787 is an entirely new airplane incorporating composite technologies and new engines that contribute to operating efficiencies and performance characteristics exceeding conventional airframes.

Boeing now has 468 orders and commitments from 37 customers for the 787 since its launch in April 2004.

Boeing (NYSE: BA) is showing steady progress toward building the first 787 Dreamliner with the rollout of its second specially-modified freighter and a successful first pickup of 787 parts from Japan.

The load consists of section 43, a forward fuselage section made by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and section 11/45, the center wheel well and center wing tank, made by KHI and Fuji Heavy Industries and joined at FHI. These were loaded onto the 747-400 Large Cargo Freighter -- now known as the Dreamlifter -- earlier today at Centrair Airport in Nagoya. The large composite parts are destined for Charleston, S.C.

"Today is an exciting day for Boeing and our Japanese partners," said Scott Strode, 787 vice president of Airplane Development and Production. "Transporting these parts from FHI and KHI is the first step in assembling the first 787. We're very pleased with how it went and with the quality of the parts received."

In another sign of production readiness, the second Dreamlifter rolled out of the hangar Jan. 7 in Taipei, Taiwan, sporting its distinctive new white and blue livery. The airplane will take its first flight in the next several weeks.

Three Dreamlifters are being modified by Evergreen Aviation Technologies Corporation at its facility at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today unveiled a life-size sales display of the interior for the new 747-8 Intercontinental. The two-story display showcases the dramatic interior architecture of the 747-8.

The 747-8 applies interior features from the 787 Dreamliner that includes a new curved, upswept architecture giving passengers a greater feeling of space and comfort, while adding more room for personal belongings. The interior architecture is accentuated by new lighting technology that creates a perception of airy brightness and provides smooth lighting transitions to offer a more restful environment.

In addition, the 747-8 integrates features from the 777, including windows that equal those on the 777 (15.3 inches/38.8 centimeters tall and 10.76 inches/27.3 centimeters wide), and are larger than those on the 747-400.

"The 747 family's unique interior and structural design have provided passengers with memorable flying experiences for decades," said Dan Mooney, vice president, 747/747-8 Program. "By incorporating 787-style interior features, the new 747-8 Intercontinental will provide a significantly enhanced passenger experience. Passengers will know they are on a brand new airplane the moment they step on board the 747-8, and will experience a whole new way to fly."

Door two, where passengers normally enter a 747, represents the most noticeable change from the 747-400. The welcoming entryway features a dramatic sweeping staircase leading to the upper deck.

"The new entryway will greatly enhance the passenger appeal and create a strong first impression," said Doug Ackerman, engineering interior team leader for the 747-8. "However, the entryway provides more than just aesthetic appeal. It also was designed to facilitate improved passenger flow during boarding and deplaning."

The 1,750-square-foot (533-square-meter) sales display, located at the Boeing Customer Experience Center in Renton, Wash., focuses on the airplane's door-two entryway, staircase and upper deck. It also highlights the business-class section forward of the entryway and economy class aft of the entryway.

Additional Information

Boeing [NYSE: BA] Business Jets and Rockwell Collins today introduced an Enhanced Vision System (EVS) offering for Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) operators. The offering will be available to BBJ customers through Boeing and Rockwell Collins service bulletins, and certification for the system is expected by early 2008.

The Rockwell Collins EVS presents an image of the external environment on the Head-up Guidance System (HGS^®) and head-down displays to enhance pilot situational awareness of terrain and the airport environment in low-visibility situations. When displayed on the HGS, EVS allows the pilot to descend below minimums, if the visual references to the intended runway are visible using the EVS.

"The EVS upgrade will increase safety and operational capability of the aircraft by enhancing situational awareness at night or in poor weather conditions," said John Desmond, vice president, Rockwell Collins HGS. "We look forward to working closely with Boeing to deliver this offering to their BBJ customers."

"Boeing is pleased to collaborate with Rockwell Collins to provide EVS capability on BBJs," said Boeing Business Jets President Steven Hill. "Boeing constantly evaluates and adds cutting-edge technology that brings value to our customers and enhances the performance and efficiency of a great product like the BBJ."

Rockwell Collins has teamed with Max-Viz to complete the certification of EVS on the BBJ. Rockwell Collins will incorporate a Max-Viz multi-wavelength infrared sensor into the Rockwell Collins HGS. BBJ operators that upgrade to the new EVS system will require an upgrade to their HGS 4000, as well as the infrared camera.

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced it has concluded its purchase of C-Map, a leading provider of digital maritime cartography, data services and other navigational information. C-Map will become a part of Jeppesen's marine division. Jeppesen is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Boeing Commercial Aviation Services.

"We are excited to welcome the employees of C-Map to Boeing and Jeppesen," said Lou Mancini, vice president and general manager of Boeing Commercial Aviation Services. "C-Map supports Boeing's strategy of providing its customers with innovative products and services to help them operate their businesses more efficiently."

"Jeppesen's reputation for excellence is a direct result of delivering very high quality, essential navigational and operational information to customers around the world for the last 73 years," said Mark Van Tine, Jeppesen president and COO. "With the acquisition of C-Map, Jeppesen has the opportunity to establish a new standard of information solutions in the maritime industry. We bring exciting new capabilities and technology to the marine markets that have made aviation safer and more efficient."

C-Map has significant operations in Italy, the United Kingdom, Norway, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Australia and the USA.

The companies are not disclosing terms of the transaction, which will not impact Boeing's financial guidance.

For more information on C-Map, visit www.c-map.it. For more information on Jeppesen, visit www.jeppesen.com.

A Boeing [NYSE: BA] flight test crew deployed the air refueling boom on the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's (JASDF) future KC-767 Tanker for the first time Feb. 17 in the skies over western Kansas.

After departing Boeing Integrated Defense Systems facilities in Wichita, Kan., the flight crew deployed the fly-by-wire boom and flew it to several vertical and horizontal positions to demonstrate its full functionality. The flight also verified boom flight control handling qualities and the integration between the aircrew operator and the world's most advanced refueling systems.

"Now that we've deployed the boom on Japan's first tanker, we will push forward and complete testing so we can deliver the most advanced air refueling platform to our Japanese customer," said Joe Shaheen, director of Boeing International Tanker Programs.

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 also recently extended and retracted the refueling hose from the centerline Hose Drum Unit on the first KC-767 for Italy, and will deliver the first tanker to that country in 2007. In addition to flight-testing the KC-767 for international customers, Boeing announced Feb. 12 that it will offer the KC-767 Advanced Tanker for the U.S. Air Force's KC-X Tanker competition.

Boeing has been designing, building, modifying and supporting tankers for nearly 75 years. The company has more than 220 flights and 680 hours on the KC-767.

 Boeing [NYSE: BA] has successfully completed a critical design review of key Ultra High Frequency (UHF) payload subsystems for the U.S. Navy's Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) program. Boeing will provide its Legacy UHF payload to Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT], prime contractor for the MUOS program.

MUOS is a third-generation narrowband, beyond line-of-sight tactical satellite communications system. It will supply interoperable voice, video and data communications services to U.S. mobile and fixed-site terminal forces worldwide, at sea, in urban canyons and in mountainous terrain. It will replace the current UHF and UHF Follow-on (UFO) constellation.

The Legacy payload, built by Boeing, and an advanced Wide Band Code Division Multiple Access payload, built by Lockheed Martin, ensure continued, critical UHF services as the current UFO constellation ages, and ease terminal transition to the new capability.

"Our MUOS team did an outstanding job in this review, and it's a big step toward realizing the Navy's increasing need for modern UHF communications services," said Charles Toups, vice president, Boeing Navigation and Communication Systems. "Completing this review establishes a detailed design solution based on comprehensive analysis of subsystems and demonstrated performance. Our manufacturing and verification plans demonstrate that our MUOS construction plans are achievable."

The UHF payload critical design review (CDR) is one of 14 subsystem CDRs completed since the end of the preliminary design review phase in October 2005. The Lockheed Martin-led team is progressing on-schedule toward completion of the entire System CDR phase in March that will validate the detailed design of the overall MUOS system to ensure it meets warfighter requirements.

Boeing's extensive history designing and delivering the existing UHF constellation provides a low-risk approach to meeting the Navy's mission requirements. Boeing is working under a September 2004 Risk Reduction and Design Development contract to Lockheed Martin Space System Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., for the design, development, production and test of heritage UHF payload and User-to-Base hardware for the first two flights. The first MUOS satellite is scheduled for on-orbit handover to the Navy in 2010 along with the entire ground system.

Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor for MUOS development, deployment and operations support. It is supplying the satellites and is responsible for overall system engineering and integration. The Navy's Program Executive Office for Space Systems, Chantilly, Va., and its Communications Satellite Program Office, San Diego, Calif., are responsible for the MUOS program.

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