Kazakhstan Outlines Priorities for OSCE Chairmanship Before Congressional Panel

The Republic of Kazakhstan’s Secretary of State-Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev today told the U.S. Helsinki Commission in Congress that challenges and threats in Afghanistan would top the list of priorities during Kazakhstan’s year-long chairmanship of the 56-nation Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

“Afghanistan is a priority focus for the United States, and it will be for the OSCE during our chairmanship,” said Saudabayev, who serves as the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office. Kazakhstan has already contributed to Afghan reconstruction efforts by donating $50 million to build roads, schools, hospitals, and other facilities, as well as to provide vocational training for 1,000 Afghan citizens at Kazakh universities.

“This support,” added Saudabayev, “will help the Afghan people transform their war-torn country into a peaceful, productive society. This will contribute greatly to increasing global security and reducing illicit drug trafficking, a major source of terrorist funding.”

Improving the mechanisms for combating human trafficking, particularly in children, is another top priority. Given Kazakhstan’s recognized leadership in nuclear nonproliferation, Saudabayev stated that he will work to increase the organization’s contribution to achieving the goals of UN Security Council Resolution 1540 and supporting global nuclear disarmament efforts.

“One of our top priorities is to strengthen the OSCE’s cooperation with other international organizations and institutions and to focus on unifying the member states through a summit. Our nations are faced with unprecedented challenges and together we can develop viable solutions to ensure peace and prosperity for all our citizens,” said Saudabayev. The last OSCE summit was held nearly 11 years ago in Istanbul.

“We are deeply gratified and encouraged by the strong support that Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL), who co-chairs the U.S. Helsinki Commission; panel member Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA); as well as Del. Eni Faleomavaega (D-American Samoa) expressed for Kazakhstan’s OSCE summit proposal at today’s hearing,” said Saudabayev. “Support and momentum for a summit continue to build.”

OSCE member states unanimously selected Kazakhstan to lead the organization in 2010. It is the first former Soviet state, the first predominantly Muslim country, and the first nation east of Vienna to be accorded this honor.

Saudabayev attributed Kazakhstan’s selection to lead the OSCE to international recognition of the country’s signal achievements under the transformative leadership of President Nursultan Nazarbayev: “Since our country gained its independence in 1991, President Nazarbayev has led Kazakhstan in becoming a strong and evolving democracy with a vibrant economy. He has also demonstrated Kazakhstan’s commitment to regional and global security, specifically through its renunciation of the world’s fourth largest nuclear arsenal and elimination of the second largest nuclear test facility.”

Insitu Demonstrates Electronic Fuel Injection Technology on Heavy Fuel Engine

BINGEN, Wash., Jan. 21, 2010 – Insitu Inc., successfully flight-tested electronic fuel injection (EFI) on its heavy fuel engine (HFE). This achievement is a key risk-reduction milestone for the company’s small tactical unmanned aircraft system (STUAS)/Tier II offer, the Integrator unmanned aircraft system (UAS). The EFI HFE technology will be incorporated into Insitu’s entire family of UAS.

Introduction of EFI into the HFE is a technological leap in small engine UAS performance, providing overall improvements—especially in extreme temperatures and at high altitudes, including mountainous terrain. In addition to providing accurate fuel metering under varying atmospheric and engine conditions, important engine data and system status are provided by the EFI controller to the ground station. This allows for improved engine performance monitoring and more effective control of the aircraft to achieve mission success.

“Electronic fueling enhances the overall performance and reliability of our unmanned systems,” said Insitu Chief Technology Officer Charlie Guthrie. “We have been researching and evaluating electronic fuel systems for a couple of years, and we now have the key components in place to support this development. This technology will be incorporated into our entire family of unmanned systems.”

The HFE EFI conversion is a field-level upgrade and will be available for existing ScanEagle UAS early in the summer of 2010.This technology is also being incorporated into the development of the Integrator UAS for the STUAS/Tier II program and Insitu’s commercial release of Integrator.

Heavy fuel, a kerosene-based fuel commonly used in jet aircraft engines, is used as a safer alternative to gasoline and is more readily available and cost-effective in theater on both land and sea. Insitu’s HFE aircraft recently logged more than 3,800 operational flight hours meeting the system safety and logistics requirements aboard maritime vessels, while increasing system endurance. The HFE technology was a critical requirement of the U.S. Navy when deciding to place Insitu UAS on DDG-class ships.

Insitu Inc., located in Bingen, Washington, is a wholly owned independent subsidiary of The Boeing Company. Insitu designs, develops and manufactures UAS and provides associated services for commercial and military applications. With a small footprint and expeditionary focus for both land and sea operations, the company’s family of UAS solutions is serving the needs of the global defense community, achieving more than 265,000 operational flight hours and 33,000 sorties to date. Visit www.insitu.com for more information.

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Contact: Jill Vacek Insitu 509-493-6439 jill.vacek@insitu.com

Insitu Demonstrates One Launch and Recovery System for Family of Unmanned Aircraft

BINGEN, Wash., Dec. 9, 2009 - Insitu Inc., a Boeing [NYSE: BA] subsidiary, announced today the successful demonstration of its interoperable unmanned aircraft (UA) launch and recovery system. The SkyHook wing-tip recovery system and next generation launcher support all of the company’s UA–Integrator, ScanEagle and NightEagle–reducing the overall operational footprint in challenging terrain.

The rugged and powerful launcher is based upon the same pneumatic technologies that have proven reliable and effective on some 15 ship classes as well as on land. SkyHook eliminates the need for runways or complicated net captures and enables safe shipboard recovery and expeditionary capability for tactical missions on land or sea.

“Insitu is focused on helping customers achieve successful mission results without being encumbered with additional ground support elements. We are pleased that we can offer customers who currently use ScanEagle—and choose to incorporate Integrator and NightEagle into their in-theatre assets—a common launch and recovery system,” said Bill Clark vice president of emerging technologies at Insitu. “This enables aircraft to fly in various locations, yet share a single base for launch and recovery operations without increasing costs over the product life cycle.”

The field-proven ScanEagle has completed 249,000 operational flight hours and 31,000 land and maritime sorties to date. NightEagle offers nighttime vision comparable to daytime imagery with a cooled mid-wave infrared camera and has a National Imagery Interpretability Rating Scale rating of 7.3.

Integrator, the company’s next generation UA due for commercial release in the third quarter of calendar year 2010, is the company’s solution for the Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (STUAS)/Tier II competition. Insitu Inc., a wholly owned Boeing subsidiary located in Bingen, Wash., designs, develops and manufactures unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and provides related services for commercial and military applications. With a small footprint and expeditionary focus for both land and sea operations, the company’s family of UAS solutions is serving the needs of the global defense community. Visit www.insitu.com for more information.

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Contact: Jill Vacek Insitu 509-493-6439 jill.vacek@insitu.com

University of North Dakota Selects Insitu ScanEagle for Unmanned Aircraft System Operations Study Program

BINGEN, Wash., Nov. 25, 2009 - Insitu Inc., a Boeing [NYSE:BA] subsidiary, has provided the University of North Dakota (UND) with its ScanEagle unmanned aircraft system (UAS), to be used in Department of Defense (DOD) contracted research providing data for UAS national airspace integration.

"Unmanned aircraft systems are the latest advance in aviation technology and will play an increasingly significant role in worldwide aviation. Complementary postsecondary education programs established to educate and train students for careers in the rapidly developing UAS industry are critical," said Insitu Business Development Executive Paul McDuffee.

"The University of North Dakota's program will bring tremendous value to the UAS industry. We look forward to the evolution of this new field of study and are pleased that ScanEagle will help facilitate its development," added McDuffee.

UND is a designated State Center of Excellence for UAS Research, Education and Training. The funds for the acquisition of the ScanEagle were provided by an Air Force research contract.

The ScanEagle is widely deployed with U.S. and other armed forces worldwide. Its versatile and wide-ranging capabilities, including low personnel requirements, portability, runway independence, in-field component replaceability, "persistent stare" daytime and nighttime imagery and 24-hour flight endurance make it one of the best in-class UAS.

"Our program requires an optimal system--one with a proven operational track record, reliability and effectiveness to support our educational and research activities. ScanEagle is market-validated and well-positioned to deliver to our requirements," said UND Associate Professor of Aerospace Mark Askelson.

The UAS system will enable UND to work with state-of-the-art equipment and collect invaluable research data.

"To date, the university's only fully trained operators and maintenance technicians are UND employees and primarily flight instructors. We hope to integrate a ScanEagle system into our curriculum and allow students to fly the system against a radar test bed, while learning to operate the UAS itself," said UND Associate Professor of Aviation and Director of Program Development for the UAS Center of Excellence, Douglas Marshall.

Insitu Inc., a wholly owned Boeing subsidiary, located in Bingen, Wash., designs, develops and manufactures UAS and provides related services for commercial and military applications. With a small footprint and expeditionary focus for both land and sea operations, the company's family of UAS solutions is serving the needs of the global defense community, achieving more than 230,000 operational flight hours and 28,000 sorties to date. Visit www.insitu.com for more information.

The University of North Dakota, located in Grand Forks, is at the forefront of UAS education, research, and training. UND recently initiated the first and only undergraduate program offering a bachelor's degree in UAS Operations. In 2006, the UAS Center was designated a State Center of Excellence for UAS. The Center is a key player in ongoing efforts to facilitate the integration of unmanned aircraft into the national airspace and leveraging its 40 years of success in commercial aviation education, is developing a national UAS training center in North Dakota. For more information on UAS activities at UND, visit www.uasresearch.org

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Contact:
Jeff Kappenman University of North Dakota 701-777-5061 jkappenman@aero.und.edu

    Jill Vacek
    Insitu
    509-493-6439
    jill.vacek@insitu.com

Insitu’s ScanEagle Conducts Successful Maritime Demonstration For Canadian Navy

BINGEN, Wash., Nov. 24 2009 - Insitu Inc., a Boeing [NYSE: BA] subsidiary, today announced a successful flight demonstration of its first ScanEagle unmanned aircraft system (UAS) aboard Canadian Naval vessel HMCS GLACE BAY (MM 701). HMCS GLACE BAY is a Kingston-class coastal defence vessel that has been serving the Canadian Forces since 1996. “The ScanEagle performed flawlessly during the demonstration. It allowed military personnel from the Canadian Army, Navy and Coast Guard to see first-hand the value that ScanEagle provides to our Forces.” said Commanding Officer of GLACE BAY LCDR Sid Green.

The demonstration conducted by the Canadian Forces Maritime Warfare Centre (CFMWC) consisted of an in-flight handoff of the ScanEagle by Canadian Navy personnel aboard HMCS GLACE BAY to a land-based ground control station (GCS) operated by Canadian Army personnel in the Halifax Naval Base.

The mission of the demonstration included locating and tracking pre-positioned vessels, suspicious activity organized ashore, as well as objects and divers in the water. It was the first launch and recovery of a fixed wing aircraft from a Canadian Naval vessel since 1968.

“ScanEagle has proven its value time and again as it has contributed to and helped warfighters achieve missions in theater in many parts of the world,” said Insitu Vice President of Sales and Marketing Alvin Jackson. “We look forward to serving the Canadian Naval Forces with the same skill, experience, and consistency that our customers have come to expect from the ScanEagle and our operations team, particularly when it is critically needed whether over land or at sea.”

Insitu Inc., a wholly owned Boeing subsidiary, located in Bingen, Wash., designs, develops and manufactures UAS and provides related services for commercial and military applications. With a small footprint and expeditionary focus for both land and sea operations, the company’s family of UAS solutions is serving the needs of the global defense community, achieving more than 245,000 operational flight hours and 30,600 sorties to date. Visit www.insitu.com for more information.

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Contact: Jill Vacek Insitu 509-493-6439 jill.vacek@insitu.com

As Smoking Rates Rise, Electronic Cigarettes Offer Viable Alternative to Harmful Combustible Tobacco

Washington, DC—November 17, 2009| The Electronic Cigarette Association (ECA) today urged decision-makers to seek alternatives to combustible tobacco that reduce Americans’ exposure to the multitude of harmful chemicals and toxins found in cigarettes. His remarks came in response to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study released last week showing that smoking rates among U.S. adults have risen for the first time since 1994.

“We applaud the valiant campaigns designed to encourage people to quit smoking and urge that federal, state, and local governments continue to warn people about this unhealthy and deadly habit,” said ECA President Matt Salmon. “However, we also believe, given the CDC data, that harm-reduction strategies are desperately needed to reduce smokers’ exposure to the thousands of harmful chemicals and toxins that are delivered through combustible cigarettes.”

Salmon said that electronic cigarettes, battery-operated products that deliver an inhalable nicotine vapor, offer a viable and much-needed alternative to combustible tobacco. More than one million Americans have tried electronic cigarettes since they became available in the United States in 2007. Many use electronic cigarettes to avoid the toxins of combustible cigarettes and to protect nonsmokers from inhaling secondhand smoke, which is known to cause cancer, heart disease, and other health problems.

“According to the report, 46 million Americans smoke, costing the nation $96 billion in annual health care costs,” said Salmon. “More than 400,000 people die every year as a result of their exposure to the toxins found in cigarettes. If we are unable to reduce the number of people who quit, surely we should look for alternatives that will at least lower the number of people who die each year from this harmful habit.”

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About the Electronic Cigarette Association

The ECA (www.ecassoc.org http://www.ecassoc.org) is an association of private sector companies engaged in electronic cigarette technologies. Its mission is to provide the tools and information necessary for policy-makers, opinion leaders, media, and private sector companies worldwide to make informed decisions about the management and use of electronic cigarette technologies. The association institutes and promotes industry-wide standards and a code of conduct, works to maintain sound professional practices, educates the public and policy-makers on the industry’s activities and potential, and works to ensure the ethical use of electronic cigarette technologies.

Kazakh Officials Unveil Human Rights Action Plan and Progress Report

Human Rights Commitment Reaffirmed as Nation Prepares for OSCE Chairmanship

Washington, D.C.—November 17, 2009 | Human rights officials from the Republic of Kazakhstan today released an action plan and progress report in advance of the nation’s chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in 2010.

Tastemir Abishev, secretary of Kazakhstan’s Commission on Human Rights, unveiled the “National Human Rights Action Plan of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 2009-2012,” [ADD HYPERLINK], and Askar Shakirov, Ph.D., Kazakhstan’s National Ombudsman for Human Rights, delivered the “2008 Ombudsman’s Activity Report,” [ADD HYPERLINK] detailing the nation’s efforts to address human rights issues and achieve significant progress in this area.

“This is a historic occasion and opportunity on the eve of Kazakhstan assuming leadership of the OSCE,” said H.E. Erlan Idrissov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United States, commenting on the presentation of the two reports that took place in the U.S. Capitol. Kazakhstan is the first former Soviet Union state to be given the honor of chairing the world’s foremost human rights organization.

The event, attended by members of Congress and non-governmental organizations working with Kazakhstan to advance human rights, focused on the presentation and included a roundtable discussion among Kazakh officials, lawmakers, and human rights organizations. Several organizations within and outside Kazakhstan contributed to the action plan that will outline and guide Kazakhstan’s activities during its OSCE chairmanship.

“This document details a compelling action agenda as Kazakhstan leads the OSCE during the next two years,” said Abishev. “ It underscores, once again, our commitment to human rights advocacy, and we are encouraged about what lies ahead and the progress we can achieve by working with other members within the OSCE.”

Shakirov presented a report summarizing efforts and outcomes as the emerging democracy addresses human rights. “Our report shows the progress we’ve made in promoting human rights in just one year,” said Shakirov. “These are encouraging results and demonstrate the kind of progress that Kazakhstan will help lead when it chairs the OSCE next year.”

The Honorable Kairat Mami, Prosecutor General of the Republic of Kazakhstan, also made remarks following the presentations.

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Insitu Unveils Integrated Learning Environment

BINGEN, Wash., Nov. 17, 2009 - Insitu, a Boeing [NYSE: BA] subsidiary, today announced that it has started training Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operators and maintenance personnel in its new Integrated Learning Environment (ILE). Insitu, in collaboration with Corsair Engineering, Inc., developed the ILE to meet customer requirements garnered through five years of in-theatre land and maritime ScanEagle operations.

Insitu UAS Instructors and Corsair’s training system developers collaborated to develop an ILE that fully prepares operator and maintenance personnel for the challenging missions Insitu’s global customers execute. This industry-leading UAS training system was developed in accordance with MIL STD 29612 guidelines to ensure compliance with armed services customer requirements.

“The UAS community has grown so rapidly that operators have had to receive the bulk of their training during actual missions. Noticing this deficit of full-spectrum combat training, we decided to develop an ILE that fully prepares operators for in- theatre challenges—raising the standard throughout the industry,” said Insitu Vice President of Sustainment Operations and General Manager Mary Margaret Evans.

ILE is a blended training solution, integrating highly interactive Computer Based Training (CBT), Instructor Mediated Lessons (IML), simulation events utilizing virtual instruction and full-mission simulation scenarios. The training culminates in a three-day live field exercise in which operators are required to execute all phases of a simulated combat deployment.

Designed and developed for Insitu by Corsair Engineering, Inc., the ILE uses the Envision Training Environment for the Learning Content Management System (LCMS) and Training Management System (TMS) functionality. Envision also provides high fidelity simulation and training tools, integrates with Ground Control System (GCS) software and ensures that configuration-managed CBT, simulation training events and other training media are appropriately scheduled and published.

“Insitu strives to provide our defense customers with the most cost-effective and realistic full-mission, simulation-based training in the UAS industry. We will continue to provide industry leading technology, such as our new ILE, that serves to meet the mission critical requirements of in-theatre operations,” said Evans.

Insitu Inc., a wholly owned Boeing subsidiary, located in Bingen, Wash., designs, develops and manufactures UAS and provides related services for commercial and military applications. With a small footprint and expeditionary focus for both land and sea operations, the company’s family of UAS solutions is serving the needs of the global defense community, achieving more than 242,000 operational flight hours and 30,000 sorties to date. Visit www.insitu.com for more information.

Corsair Engineering is a veteran-owned small business providing government and industry customers with quality, high fidelity training systems, supportability engineering and logistics services.

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Contact: Jill Vacek Insitu 509-493-6439 jill.vacek@insitu.com

Kazakh National Youth Symphony and Traditional Music Ensemble Turan Launch Their U.S. Concert Tour in Beverly Hills

LOS ANGELES—November 12, 2009 | The Symphony Orchestra of the Kurmangazy Kazakh National Conservatory and the Kazakh traditional music ensemble Turan make their U.S. debut this Sunday, November 15, at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, the first stop of their five-city concert tour from November 15-23.

“We are excited to bring this musical experience to the United States for the first time,” said Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the United States Erlan Idrissov. “It’s an honor to share the talents of our Kazakh performers with the people of Los Angeles, a city that has long been a patron of the arts.”

The Symphony Orchestra and Turan will showcase a mixture of the European and Russian classical traditions with a sampling of the rich cultural music of Kazakhstan.

The performance will take place November 15 at 3 p.m. under the direction of French conductor Christophe Mangou and Kazakh conductor Kanat Omarov. The Symphony Orchestra will perform Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet–Overture Fantasy, followed by Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Kazakh traditional music ensemble Turan, an award-winning group of folk artists founded in 2008 by students of the National Conservatory, will then perform a series of traditional songs.

“These young musicians will provide a glimpse of Kazakh culture and introduce their American audiences to the ancient musical traditions of Kazakhstan,” Ambassador Idrissov added. “We hope this will be one of many steps toward increasing understanding and strengthening cultural ties between our two nations.”

In addition to their Los Angeles performance, the Symphony Orchestra and Turan will perform at Zellerbach Hall at UC Berkeley on November 17; the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC on November 20; the Kresge Auditorium in Boston on November 22; and Carnegie Hall in New York City on November 23.

Visit www.kazakhembus.com for more information about the upcoming tour.

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Insitu ScanEagle Receives C4ISR Journal Top Award 2416770c

BINGEN, Wash., Oct. 28, 2009 - Insitu Inc., a Boeing [NYSE: BA] subsidiary was selected as the winner of the 2009 C4ISR Platforms Category Award for its ScanEagle unmanned aircraft system (UAS) at a banquet held in Arlington, Va. on Oct. 19.

“This award is a testament to the dedication of Insitu and Boeing field service representatives who work in theater ensuring ScanEagle is mission-ready to serve and protect the warfighter,” said Insitu Vice President of Sales and Marketing Alvin Jackson. “Insitu produces a field proven, reliable asset which has served our global customers for more than five years in very challenging land and maritime environments. We are grateful this accomplishment has been recognized by C4ISR Journal and the UAS industry.”

The C4ISR Journal, a publication of the Army Times Publishing Company, is an authoritative information source covering intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) issues. The winner of the Top 5 Award is a coveted distinction within the ISR industry and intelligence community conferred by the C4ISR Journal. A panel of editors and reporters, as well as independent experts, nominates award candidates. Finalists are chosen from among the Big 25 winners in five categories: platforms, sensors, network systems, organizations and innovations.

ScanEagle has wide-ranging capabilities including real-time day and night imagery, 24-hour flight endurance, portability and runway independence. The aircraft is completely modular and its critical components can be exchanged quickly to ensure mission readiness. ScanEagle has logged more than 230,000 operational flight hours serving the global defense community.

Insitu Inc., a wholly owned Boeing subsidiary, located in Bingen, Wash., designs, develops and manufactures UAS and provides related services for commercial and military applications. With a small footprint and expeditionary focus for both land and sea operations, the company’s family of UAS solutions is serving the needs of the global defense community, achieving more than 230,000 operational flight hours and 28,000 sorties to date. Visit www.insitu.com for more information.

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Contact: Jill Vacek Insitu 509-493-6439 jill.vacek@insitu.com

Ellen LeMond
The Boeing Company, IDS
314-777-0669
ellen.j.lemond@boeing.com