Because Monday, Jan 21/08 was Martin Luther King Day in the USA, DID is repeating Monday’s articles for the benefit of our many readers in the American military who would have missed them.
Readers interested in reading some military-themed material concerning this day can peruse Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates’ speech at the Pentagon’s 23rd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Observance, or read the Korean War saga of Lt. Tom Hudner (Congressional Medal of Honor) and Ensign Jesse Brown (Distinguished Flying Cross).
“The French Connection: Libya Seeking Arms Deals” covered Libya’s growing reintegration with the international community, and the follow-on sales opportunities to replace its dilapidated military infrastructure. On Jan 17/08, Finmeccanica subsidiary Alenia Aeronautica announced [PDF] that Libya’s Interiors Ministry has signed a EUR 31 million (about $45.5 million) contract for one (1) ATR-42MP Surveyor maritime patrol aircraft, plus pilot and systems operator training, logistic support, and spare parts.
The aircraft will be delivered during 2009, and will be used by the Libyan General Security Agency for territorial surveillance and control. Its configuration will be similar to the 5 ATR-42MP aircraft in service with the Italian Coast Guard, with a mission system that includes a maritime radar, an electro-optical sensor set, and the ability to air-drop equipment for sea rescue. It is designed for sea surveillance, search & rescue, sea-pollution monitoring (incl. oil spills and chemical substances), and national waters and economic exclusive zones control.
The ATR 42 MP is a maritime patrol version of EADS ATR-42 regional transport turboprop, developed by and proprietary to Alenia Aeronautica. The ATR family is currently the world’s most widely-sold regional turboprop aircraft, and the ATR-42MP has now been ordered by Italy (4 customs police, 2 coast guard), Nigeria (2), and Libya (1). It competes with aircraft like EADS-CASA’s CN-235MPA Persuader, and derivatives of Bombardier’s Dash-8/Q200.
Small business qualifier Chemical Specialists and Development, Inc. in Conroe, TX received a minimum $11.6 million fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract for fuel system icing inhibitor. This is a 12 month contract with a 30-day carryover period, and the date of performance completion is January 30, 2009.
Work will be performed in Conroe, TX and in Georgia, New Jersey, California, and Washington. The proposals were originally solicited by FBO with 3 responses to the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC) at Fort Belvoir, VA (SP0600-08-D-0752).
