Reuters

'Afghan officials say scores of people, many of them civilians, were killed when a U.S. F-15 fighter jet called in by German troops struck two hijacked fuel trucks on Friday.'



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ITT News Release
 http://es.is.itt.com/pr2009/pr09_0122.htm

ITT receives USAF contract to install Field Replaceable Connector System
on F-15E Strike Eagle

CLIFTON, N.J. – January 22, 2009 – ITT Corporation (NYSE:ITT) today announced that it has been awarded a contract to deliver Field Replaceable Connector System (FRCS) weapon umbilicals (flexible cable that connects the payload to the aircraft before release) for the F-15E Strike Eagle for delivery in February 2009. This award clears the way for long-term embodiment of the FRCS weapon umbilical across all F-15E squadrons.

Building on the success of providing smart-weapon umbilicals for many of the leading fighter jets including the F-16, F/A-18, A-10, B-1B, AV-8B, Gripen, Harrier GR7/9, Tornado GR4 and Tornado IDS, and Typhoon platforms, ITT has developed the interconnecting system solution for the F-15E Strike Eagle. Work will be performed at ITT Electronic Systems’ Integrated Structures facility in Brighton, United Kingdom.

"We’re pleased to be upgrading this important mission equipment for the F-15, and we remain committed to effectively support the services as they perform in extremely demanding environments," said ITT Electronic Systems President Chris Bernhardt.

ITT’s FRCS, with a push-to-fit design, provides an efficient, jam free, electrical interface on weapon disconnect with predictable and consistent separation force. Previous equipment frequently jammed, causing risk of weapon damage. The FRCS weapon umbilical utilizes flexible cable from W. L. Gore & Associates. Demonstrated through ground trials, the FRCS weapon umbilical assembly life has been certified in more than 100 ejected releases.

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ITT Website

 http://www.es.is.itt.com/WeaponInterfacingMechanical.htm

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EDO MBM Website

 http://www.edombmtech.co.uk/pa.html#frcs

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