Ceradyne, Inc. Receives $77 Million XSAPI Body Armor Order

Ceradyne, Inc. Receives $77 Million XSAPI Body Armor Order

COSTA MESA, Calif.---Ceradyne, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRDN) announced that it has received a delivery order for approximately $77 million for XSAPI ceramic body armor plates. Ceradyne will begin shipping this XSAPI production release in the second quarter of 2009 and expects to complete the order in the fourth quarter of 2009. The release was issued under the $2.37 billion five- year ID/IQ (Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity) contract announced earlier in October 2008. The Company also announced it has successfully completed all First Article Testing and associated lot testing on its related ESAPI and XSAPI designs.

This approximately $77 million initial XSAPI production order replaces the $73 million XSAPI production order announced by Ceradyne on October 9, 2008; that order was subsequently withdrawn when a competitor protested the award.

As is Ceradyne’s policy, we book as orders only actual releases with firm delivery dates. Therefore, this release of approximately $77 million will become part of our backlog and not the $2.37 billion five-year ID/IQ contract.

David P. Reed, Ceradyne President North American Operations, commented: “We are extremely pleased to have been awarded this XSAPI contract. Although it was delayed, we intend to ship this release in its entirety in calendar 2009. Our large installed industrial base should allow us to provide the Army its XSAPI requirements with on-time deliveries and high quality. We believe that our track record on ESAPI and our vertically integrated strategy; i.e., from powder to final product, has been instrumental in our winning over 70% of the government’s needs.

“This new armor system was designed by Ceradyne’s extensive ceramic, polymer and ballistic research team here in Costa Mesa and Irvine, California. The XSAPI design is the most robust ballistic protection available to our American fighting men and women. It not only stops the most lethal ‘X’ ballistic threats, but also defeats other threats that the former ESAPI and SAPI systems were designed to address as well.”

Reed further commented: “During the balance of 2009, our engineers and senior staff will be working with the military to more clearly define battlefield threats and deployment plans through the year 2013.”

Ceradyne develops, manufactures and markets advanced technical ceramic products and components for defense, industrial, automotive/diesel and commercial applications. Additional information about the Company can be found at www.ceradyne.com.

Except for the historical information contained herein, this press release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and the future performance of Ceradyne that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” “future,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contacts Ceradyne, Inc.David Reed, President North American Operations714-549-0421, x8245orSilverman Heller AssociatesPhil Bourdillon/Gene Heller, 310-208-2550

Defense Stocks Sector Close-Up, Defense Stocks Up with Markets -Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN ) up 7.71%

Defense Stocks Sector Close-Up, Defense Stocks Up with Markets
Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN ) up 7.71%

POINT ROBERTS, Wash., DELTA, B.C. –March 26, 2009 – www.HomelandDefenseStocks.com, a leading global investor and industry portal for the defense and security sector, within Investorideas.com, presents a sector close-up on leading defense stocks following another positive day in the markets.

Defense stocks trading as of close- March 26, 2009:

American Science and Engineering Inc (NasdaqGS: ASEI) closed up $ 2.81 (5.46% ).
Honeywell International Inc. (NYSE:HON) had gains of $ 1.46 (5.04%).
L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL ) closed at $ 70.73, up $ 2.30 (3.36%).
Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) end the day at $ 72.67, up $4.19 (6.12%).
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) closed up (5.25%).
Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN ) closed up at 40.10, moving up $2.87 (7.71%) on the day.

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BAE Systems Receives $55.7 Million Soldier Equipment Orders from U.S. Department of Defense

BAE Systems Receives $55.7 Million Soldier Equipment Orders from U.S. Department of Defense
PHOENIX March 25 2009 --BAE Systems has received two orders valued at $55.7 million from the U.S. Army and Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for production of Modular Lightweight Load Carrying Equipment (MOLLE) Core Rifleman sets, Ruck sets and components.

MOLLE is the primary field equipment system for the U.S. Army and each set incorporates a load-bearing vest, pockets, backpacks and a hydration system. The MOLLE system is a highly adaptable platform that enables soldiers to carry equipment and supplies critical to their mission.

“The MOLLE system's adjustable design allows it to be scaled for specific operational environments which contribute to the overall performance and effectiveness of the individual,” said Joe Coltman, vice president of Personnel Protection Systems for BAE Systems.

The $35.7 million DLA order is part of a $374 million multi-year contract awarded to BAE Systems in June 2008. To date, approximately $128.4 million of that contract has been obligated.

The $20 million U.S. Army order is part of a $258.9 million contract awarded to BAE Systems in February 2008. To date, approximately $207.9 million of that contract has been obligated.

Production for both orders will be completed at facilities located in Arizona, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Tennessee with deliveries scheduled for completion by July 2009 and March 2010 respectively.

BAE Systems has produced over 1.5 million MOLLE sets over the last four years. Employing nearly 2,000 employees at its Personnel Protection Systems' facilities in Arizona, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Tennessee, BAE Systems' Security & Survivability Systems is a technology leader in light weight materials and products including composite, ceramic and transparent armor technologies, integrated vehicle armor systems, vehicle and aircraft survivability components and accessories and soldier protection equipment.

About BAE Systems

BAE Systems is the premier global defense, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (U.S. $34.4 billion) in 2008.

Contacts BAE SystemsHeather Russell, +1 602-643-7260Mobile: +1 602-373-8625heather.russell@baesystems.comorShannon Smith, +1 703-907-8257Mobile: +1 703-967-3854Shannon.n.smith@baesystems.com

www.baesystems.com

LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSOCIATES TRANSITIONS TO PROFITABILITY ON 39% INCREASE IN FULL-YEAR REVENUE; FOURTH QUARTER REVENUE INCREASES 92% VERSUS PRIOR-YEAR

LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSOCIATES TRANSITIONS TO PROFITABILITY ON 39% INCREASE IN FULL-YEAR REVENUE; FOURTH QUARTER REVENUE INCREASES 92% VERSUS PRIOR-YEAR PERIOD

Full-year operating income improves by $1.9 million versus fiscal 2007

RALEIGH, N.C. - Mar. 23, 2009 - Law Enforcement Associates Corporation (LEA) (OTCBB: LAWE), the largest U.S.-based developer and manufacturer of electronic surveillance equipment, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.

Fourth quarter revenue increased 92% to $3.0 million from revenue of $1.6 million in last year's fourth quarter. Income from operations was $198,000, an improvement of $1.5 million when compared to a loss from operations of $1.3 million reported in last year's fourth quarter. Net income in the fourth quarter was $124,000, or less than $0.01 per share, versus a net loss of $784,000, or $0.03 per share, in the 2007 fourth quarter.
For the full fiscal year, revenue increased 39% to a record $9.2 million from $6.7 million in fiscal 2007. Full-year operating income was $243,000, a $1.9 million improvement when compared to a loss from operations of $1.6 million in fiscal 2007. LEA transitioned to full-year profitability, reporting net income of $72,000, or less than $0.01 per share, versus a net loss of $1.0 million, or $0.04 per share, in fiscal 2007.
"Our financial growth and operational success during fiscal 2008 was especially encouraging given the current economic climate," said Paul Feldman, president. "Our results reflect an aggressive effort to expand our product offering and increase sales within our traditional law enforcement markets, while also establishing a broader presence in various non-core sectors. Recent large orders from the state of New Jersey and the U.S. Census bureau are clear measures of our success at expanding our customer base.
"During the past year, we also implemented a focused program designed to improve operational efficiencies and streamline our cost structure. These efforts led to an $825,000, or 23%, reduction in our full-year operating expenses, and were critical in our overall effort to return LEA to profitability."
Feldman said that during fiscal 2009, LEA is positioned to deliver improved profitability and top-line growth that could be comparable to the rate achieved in 2008. "Although we are still in the first quarter, the combined value of orders we have booked so far in 2009 are more than 60% of the record revenue we reported in all of 2008.
"Budgets have been very tight throughout the domestic law enforcement sector for several years, and this has created a backlog of demand for specialized surveillance and security equipment. With nearly $4 billion of funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act being directed at the law enforcement sector, we believe LEA will soon benefit from a rebound in capital spending by our customers."
Paul Briggs, chief financial officer, said LEA's balance sheet should strengthen considerably by the mid-year point of fiscal 2009, as the Company completes deliveries on its record $5.7 million order from the U.S. Census Bureau. "We have no long-term debt and will be highly focused on enhancing our cash balance in the months ahead."
LEA will host a conference call and simultaneous webcast to discuss its 2008 results, as well as the Company's general business outlook. The event will begin at 10 a.m . Eastern on March 26, and will be accessible via the "Investor Relations" page of LEA's website, located at http://www.leacorp.com, or by dialing into the teleconference at 877-407-9205 (201-689-8054 for international callers).
Webcast participants should access the website at least 15 minutes early to register and download any necessary audio software. A replay of the webcast will be available for 90 days and a telephonic replay will be available through March 30, 2009, by calling 877-660-6853 (201-612-7415 for international callers) and entering account number 286 and conference ID number 317016.
About Law Enforcement Associates Corporation LEA is a leading security and surveillance technology company that manufactures and markets a diverse product line to the worldwide law enforcement, military, security and corrections markets. The company's Audio Intelligence Devices (AID) division has been serving the law enforcement sector for more than 30 years and is one of the most respected names in the surveillance equipment industry. LEA's products are used by a wide variety of government and non-governmental agencies, as well as public and private companies. These include military bases, nuclear facilities, embassies, government installations, oil refineries, United Nations and NATO locations. The company enjoys close working relationships with other prominent players in the security and surveillance industry, such as Smith & Wesson, one of the world's largest manufacturers of quality firearms and firearm safety/security products. LEA's products have been used at high-profile events such as the Summer & Winter Olympics, Super Bowl, U.S. Golf Championship, and the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. Its products include the Under Vehicle Inspection System (UVIS), Smith & Wesson-branded UVIS Swift, EDK123 (Explosive Detection Kit), Bloodhound and Birddog GPS Tracking Systems, Graffiti Cam, Letter-bomb Visualizer Spray, and a wide variety of Audio & Video Surveillance Equipment. Headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., the company has been featured in many industry publications and websites. For more information, please visit www.leacorp.com.
Forward-Looking Information:
The statements in this news release contain forward-looking information within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that use words such as "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "could," "plan," "expect," "project," "predict," "forecast," "outlook," "potential," "continue," "may," "future," "can," "enhance," and "should," or the negative of these, as well as similar expressions, can be used to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including the inability to generate and secure the necessary product sales, or the lack of acceptance of the company's products by its customers. In each case actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. The company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results (expressed or modified) will not be realized.

Verizon Business Awarded Department of Defense Contract Valued at Up to $2.5 Billion

Verizon Business Awarded Department of Defense Contract Valued at Up to $2.5 Billion

Company to Provide Network and Data Services to Military Installations Around the World

ASHBURN, Va., March 10 2009 -- Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), will provide network and data services at U.S. Department of Defense installations around the world under a new contract awarded by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA).
Under the Defense Information System Network Transmission Services - Pacific II (DTS-P II) contract, Verizon Business will provide telecommunications services at military installations and other government sites located in the Asia-Pacific region, Canada, the Caribbean, Central America and South America, the Middle East and the United States. The contract term is 10 years, if all options are exercised, and has a maximum value of $2.5 billion.

The network services Verizon Business will provide under the agreement range from individual circuits to fully managed transmission services, for bandwidth ranging from 64 Kbps (kilobits per second) to 10G wavelength over fiber or satellite, or both. Verizon Business will also provide managed data services including Internet protocol, Ethernet and Internet services.

The DTS-P II network, part of the Defense Information System Network (DISN), is managed by Verizon Business round-the-clock, 365 days a year. It supports many aspects of the military operations around the globe and other authorized Defense Department requirements.

"As a long-time communications provider for defense agencies, we have seen the government's demands for advanced, network-centric communications evolve, and we look forward to helping military installations remain on the cutting edge of the latest technology," said Marlin Forbes, regional vice president, Verizon Federal, a sales organization within Verizon Business dedicated to serving federal government customers. "As the leading provider of communications to the federal government, we have unmatched experience helping the U.S. military meet its missions around the globe."

Verizon Business previously had provided the network services under the predecessor contract, the Defense Information System Network Transmission Services - Pacific (DTS-P).

Verizon Business is the largest provider of communications services to the U.S. federal government and one of the largest providers of advanced communications and information technology services globally. The company offers local-to-global network capabilities coupled with a broad range of telecommunications products and services -- including advanced Internet protocol (IP) services, professional services, managed network services and systems integration -- to all levels of government. With this broad portfolio of services, Verizon Business can provide federal agencies with one-stop shopping for their communications or connectivity needs. The company has built the next-generation services that are helping to transform the way government customers -- and their constituents -- do business.

About Verizon Business

Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), is a global leader in communications and IT solutions. We combine professional expertise with the world's most connected IP network to deliver award-winning communications, IT, information security and network solutions. We securely connect today's extended enterprises of widespread and mobile customers, partners, suppliers and employees -- enabling them to increase productivity and efficiency and help preserve the environment. Many of the world's largest businesses and governments -- including 96 percent of the Fortune 1000 and thousands of government agencies and educational institutions -- rely on our professional and managed services and network technologies to accelerate their business. Find out more at www.verizonbusiness.com.



VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high-quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at www.verizon.com/news. To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases. SOURCE Verizon Business

Investing In Defense – It’s Good for the Economy, Too

Investing In Defense – It’s Good for the Economy, Too

Tim Wilson
Original article published at Family Security Matters
http://www.familysecuritymatters.org/publications/id.2788/pub_detail.asp
With unemployment at serious levels and still climbing, “shovel ready” programs seem to be in short supply. Much of the “Stimulus” Bill spending is still far in the future and the focus has been on creating work through what will be, in effect, short term government contracts for laborers, a relatively few “green” jobs and a considerable increase in the size of government at local, State and Federal levels.

more -
http://www.familysecuritymatters.org/publications/id.2788/pub_detail.asp

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT ), Hellenic Air Force Celebrate Inauguration of Newest Advanced F-16 Fighter

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT ), Hellenic Air Force Celebrate Inauguration of Newest Advanced F-16 Fighter

FORT WORTH, Texas, March 19 2009 -- Ceremonies were held today at Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT ) in Fort Worth, Texas, to commemorate the F-16 Peace Xenia IV program for Greece. The ceremony marks an important production milestone, demonstrating that the program is on schedule and on budget. This F-16 acquisition is the fourth for the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) and the nation of Greece.Lt. Gen. Ioannis Giagkos, chief of the Hellenic Air Force General Staff, accepted the first Peace Xenia IV F-16 Block 52 advanced aircraft on behalf of his nation and expressed satisfaction with its timely delivery. "I am grateful to everyone who contributed to the design and construction of this ultra-modern weapon system. With these new aircraft, the defense and deterrent force of the Hellenic Air Force will be significantly enhanced," he said.

U.S. officials attending the ceremony included Bruce Lemkin, deputy undersecretary of the Air Force for International Affairs. Hosting the ceremony were Ralph D. Heath, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin and president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics; Dennys Plessas, vice president of business development in Greece; and John Larson, vice president of F-16 Programs.

"Lockheed Martin is pleased that through this government-to-government agreement, we are able to offer for the first time, a fully integrated and comprehensive weapon system, including a self-protection system, weapons and other subsystems which make this advanced version of the F-16 particularly effective for the operational needs of the Hellenic Air Force," said Plessas. "The recent completion of the infrastructure facilities as a special project in conjunction with this aircraft buy at Araxos Air Base, 116 Combat Wing guarantees the immediate use of this weapon system by the Hellenic Air Force."

"The F-16 we see before us today is a symbol of our 66-year friendship with the Hellenic Air Force, providing a path for the future to the next generation in aircraft with the F-35, as we continue to deliver on our promises between Lockheed Martin and the country of Greece," said Larson.

The Peace Xenia IV purchase program raises the total fighters ordered by the HAF to 170. The aircraft rolled out today is the first of 30 Block 52 Advanced F-16s being produced in the newest lot. The HAF received the F-16 Block 30 version starting in 1988, the Block 50 version starting in 1997 and the Block 52+ version in 2003. Greece has been a Lockheed Martin customer since 1943, when it acquired its first squadron of Martin A-30 Baltimore Mk III, IV and Vs.

The Peace Xenia IV program includes 20 F-16Cs and 10 F-16Ds, all powered by the Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engine. This first aircraft - a single-seat F-16C model - was accepted by the U.S. government (as agent for Greece in the Foreign Military Sales process) in January 2009, one month ahead of schedule. The U.S. government also accepted the first two-seat F-16D version in January. The first four aircraft will be ferried to Greece in May with the remainder following in 2009 and 2010.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The F-16 is the choice of 25 nations. More than 4,400 aircraft have been delivered worldwide from assembly lines in five countries. The F-16 program has been characterized by unprecedented international cooperation among governments, air forces and aerospace industries. Major upgrades to all F-16 versions are being incorporated to keep the fleet modern and fully supportable over the aircraft's long service life.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

High resolution photo will be available this afternoon at Web site:

http://www.lockheedmartin.com

F-16 is a registered trademark of Lockheed Martin Corp.

Source: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company