Grappling with the arms trade

Article Abstract:

It's a buyer's market for high tech weapons systems after the 1991 Persian Gulf War, which used technology so effectively. Since the war, business for Hughes Aircraft Co, which had 55 electronic systems in use by US and Saudi Arabian forces in the war, has not significantly increased, with the exception of an $837 million contract with Saudi Arabia for an air defense command and control system. Uncontrolled arms sales to the Third World is not safe, the war taught, and arms sales had been in decline before it started because of the end of the Cold War and shrinking defense budgets. Globally, arms trading amounts to only 2.2 percent of the annual $2 trillion world trade. Supply sources, however, are growing worldwide. International efforts to slow development of new missile forces include 15 nations signing the Missile Technology Control Regime, banning the export of missiles or their components with ranges greater than 300 km and payloads of more than 500 kg.

Ammunition, exc. for small arms, not elsewhere classified, Contracts, Middle East, International trade, Weapons, Technology transfer, Hughes Aircraft Co., Cost, Market Analysis, Military, Missiles, Government Contracts

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Making the one-of-a-kind type of product work right the first time

Article Abstract:

ITEK Optical Systems, a division of Litton Systems Inc, manufactures one-of-a-kind high-tech optical and electro-optical products. The company's research and development activities encompass developing the cameras for the Vking Lander on Mars in the 1970s, at which time it was part of Boston University's Physical Research Laboratory, and its current contract with the California Association for Research in Astronomy for development and production of the primary mirror segments for the world's largest astronomical telescope at the W.M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii. ITEK's use of concurrent engineering (CE) and total quality management is part of Litton's plan to improve its divisions; ITEK gets only one chance to make its products, so it has no choice but to get it right the first time. ITEK focuses its CE on the teamwork aspect of design; use of CE at the company is described.

Optical instruments and lenses, Product development, LIT, Optoelectronic devices, Cameras (Photography), Optics, Concurrent engineering, Applications, Manufacturers, Telescopes, Cameras, Case Study, ITEK Optical Systems Div.

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