Rapid Fire 2011-07-28: High Altitude Long Endurance-Demonstrator (HALE-D) Launch

* Northrop-Grumman reports second quarter 2011 sales of $6.56 billion compared with $7.26B for the previous year’s period. Lower US Department of Defense (DoD) outlays among the factors identified as contributing to reduced quarter sales. * Meanwhile, General Dynamics’ Second Quarter 2011 Results saw revenues totaling $7.9 billion, a decline from 2010’s figure of $8.1 billion. Orders for defense materiel contributed to a total backlog of $57.1 billion across all the company’s products. * Following Beijing’s recent confirmation of its aircraft carrier program, a number of Asian countries reiterate their concerns over China’s naval buildup. Australia’s Minister of Defence uses his visit to the United States to re-emphasize the importance of India to the wider region. * Lockheed Martin announces the launch of its High Altitude Long Endurance-Demonstrator (HALE-D) airship from the Airdock in Akron, Ohio. Despite a successful launch, a technical anomaly eventually forced the flight to be abandoned. * Rolls-Royce’s Half-Yearly 2011 Results reveal that underlying profit before tax is up by 28% to £595 million ($973 million). The engine-maker also benefited from one-off contract termination settlements resulting from the UK’s Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR). * BAE Systems is also confident that it has delivered a robust set of half year results in the face of challenging market conditions. The company reports headline sales of £9.2 billion ($15 […]