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Rex C. Curry / The Associated Press A poster shows how BAE System's JETEYE, a missile defense system, would work on a commercial airliner as Burt Keirstead, background standing, program director, describes the system to the media on Thursday at Alliance Airport in Fort Worth, Texas. Iwo companies cite test success in airline defense technology Leslie IDiller THE ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON — Two companies working for the government say they have successfully tested systems to defend passenger airplanes against shoulder-fired missiles. BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman both say they will meet the government’s deadline of producing a workable system by January. It is unclear whether Congress or the Bush administration will require airlines to use the technology and, if they do, who will pay the multibillion-dollar tab for deployment and maintenance. The chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee on aviation is leading the push in Congress to equip U.S. planes with the technology. A bill by Rep. John Mica, R-Fla„ would require the systems on the largest airliner, the Airbus super jumbo A380, which is supposed to go into service late next year. The legislation, if it became law, would affect any A380 that flew in the United States. 'Mica plans to introduce a bill to require systems on some planes that may pose a particular risk, such as international flights. The government may pay for part of the systems, he said. “I don’t believe terrorists will be successful in taking down a domestic aircraft, but I think were overdue for international aircraft to be hit,” Mica said. Congress has agreed to pay for developing technology to counter lightweight ' rocket launchers, but balked at proposals to'spend the billions needed to protect all 6,800 commercial U.S. airliners. No passenger plane has ever been downed by a shoulder-fired missile outside of a combat zone. But terrorists linked with al-Qaida are believed to have fired two SA-7 missiles that narrowly missed an Israeli passenger jet after it took off from Mombasa, Kenya, in November 2002. Under pressure from Congress, the Homeland Security Department last year gave Northrop and BAE $45 million each to adapt military missile defense systems so they can be used by airlines. Military systems require too much maintenance — and fire by mistake too often — to be used on a passenger airliner. BAE and Northrop Grumman conducted flight tests on Wednesday and Thursday to demonstrate that their prototypes were aeronautically sound and would not impair the planes’ ability to fly. An American Airlines Boeing 767 outfitted with BAE’s Jeteye system successfully flew figure eights over Alliance Field in Fort Worth, Texas, while Northrop Grumman’s Guardian system was tested Wednesday on an MD-11 jet that flew around after taking off from Mojave Airport in California. The Guardian system jammed 177 simulated missiles in a separate test, said Northrop spokeswoman Katie Lamb. Both Northrop and BAE systems use lasers to jam the guidance systems of incoming missiles, which lock onto the heat of an aircraft’s engine. Northrop and BAE are required to come up with systems that will cost less than $1 million each to install. They also must require far less maintenance, than the military versions. The Homeland Security Department set a standard of an average of 3,000 hours of flight before the system fails and requires repairs — 10 times longer than the military’s requirement. DPflCE • COflTinUED PROIT11 With bids starting at $15, prices rose fast as audience members were happy to donate money to a good cause. Executive board member and dater-to-be Sam Stokes said he expected more than 100 people to show up for the auction. The auction raised $575 to be donated to the children’s hospital. “We wanted to raise both financial awareness and emotional awareness for the children at Palmetto Health,” said Emily Dawes, a third-year political science student and the event’s organizer. The date auction, originally conceived to replace the talent show traditionally part of Carolinian Creed Week, will raise money and serve as a platform to educate people about Dance Marathon, Dawes said. “I’m nervous that no one will buy me,” said Sam Stokes, a third-year media arts student. To entice bidders to go on a date with him for a tour of the State House followed by dinner at Villa Tronco, Stokes’ listed interests included “living large and being fabulous.” Some of the would-be daters made sure they would be sold. Third-year biology student Mary Alice Hughes lined up a friend to buy her date and give it to Hughes’ boyfriend as a Christmas present. Hughes dressed the part for her date, an hour at a shooting range, wearing a camouflage hat, shirt and pants. Dance Marathon holds fundraisers throughout the year in preparation of the main event in February. Since 1998, dedicated USC students have spent one day a year dancing for 24 straight hours. Dance Marathon can be found at many college campuses nationwide; it originated at Penn State in 1972. Last year’s event raised a record-setting $87,000. Comments-on this story? E-mail gamecocknews@gwm.sc.edu 6RCCH • cormnucD FROm I Center. Sigma Nu team member Ryan Passe, a second-year business student, said the event is not only fun but for a good cause. “Even though we’re completing, we’re all working together for charity,” Passe said. Following the semifinal games, ADPi played host to a barbecue open to the public. Chi Omega member Carter Cox, a first-year education student, said the best aspect of the tournament was “getting to be on a team with you sisters” and donating to a worthy cause. All proceeds of the eat-a-thon benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Columbia, which serves as a home for families of critically ill children. “The Ronald McDonald House is ADPi’s national philanthropy project,” said Jessica Crowder, a first-year print journalism student. “We work with them every week, get to know the children in the house and we see firsthand how it helps them.” Grace Laird, a fourth-year biology student and philanthropy chairwoman, said the sorority has made more than $9,000 so far but looks to exceed last year’s $12,000 total. Funds are raised through donations from businesses and students, the eat-a-thon, and entry fees for the tournament. ADPi also sponsored a “Mr. Basketball” contest. Each fraternity nominated a team member to be Mr. Basketball. The contestant with the most money in his jar won the title. Comments on this story? E-mail gamecocknews@gurm.sc.edu U.S., Europe agree to compromise on expanding Iran’s nuclear plans George Jahn THE ASSOCIATED PRESS VIENNA, Austria — The United States and Europe have agreed on a compromise plan to accept expanded nuclear activities by Iran, but only if the enrichment process — a possible pathway to nuclear arms — is moved to Russia, senior officials and diplomats said Thursday. If accepted by Iran, the proposal could end a tug-of war over whether to refer the Islamic republic to the U.N. Security Council for possible sanctions. The officials and diplomats, who demanded anonymity in exchange for discussing the strategy, said the plan would allow Iran to continue converting raw uranium into the gas that is spun by centrifuges into enriched uranium. But actual enrichment would take place in Russia, they told The Associated Press. Depending on its level, enrichment can be used to generate energy — • Iran’s stated interest — or make nuclear weapons — something the United States and its allies say Tehran wants to do. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice expressed hopes that a deal with Iran could be reached over its nuclear program. But she would not confirm that the United States would back the deal with Europe as described by the officials and diplomats. “There is no U.S.-European proposal to the Iranians,” Rice said. “I want to say that categorically. There isn’t and there won’t be.” “We do hope that if there is a way for the Iranians to accept a way forward that would give confidence that they are not in fact trying to seek, nuclear weapons under Cover of civilian nuclear power that they would take that,” Rice said. In August, Iran resumed uranium conversion. That prompted Britain, France and Germany to break off talks with Tehran meant to dispel fears about its nuclear agenda. It also led a September meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s 35 nation board to approve a resolution clearing the way for Iran’s referral to the U.N. Security Council at a Nov. 24 board session. Rice predicted the United States has sufficient support at the IAEA to send Iran before the Security Council for possible sanctions, but a deal ahead of the session later this month could avert a vote. The IAEA is probing nearly 18 years of covert Iranian nuclear activities, including experiments that could be used in weapons development, which were revealed more than three years ago. Tehran recently agreed to accelerate coopefation with IAEA inspectors to blunt the threat of Security Council action. Publicly, the Americans and France, Britain _and Germany, which are representing the 25 nation European Union in the talks, have insisted Iran needs to stop all enrichment-related activity — including uranium conversion — to. banish the prospect of Security Council referral. But a senior European official told AP the EU and Washington were now prepared to allow Iran to continue conversion as long as the gas produced was shipped to Russia and enriched there. That would allow international control' over the level of enrichment, ensuring it was below the levels that can be used for weapons. IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei “supports the efforts of the countries that are presently engaged in developing ... a proposal” acceptable to all, said Melissa Fleming, a spokeswoman for the Vienna-based agency. She declined to discuss specifics. The New York Times first " reported that the Europeans and the Americans had approved the new offer. But the European official emphasized that neither the Americans nor the Europeans were eager to claim the plan as their own. SG to offer car-care seminar Albany Gault FOR THE GAMECOCK Student Government has partnered with USC Parking Services for an upcoming seminar called “Know Your Vehicle” for students, faculty and staff. SG will work with Parking Services Director Derrick Huggins to teach those who drive home for the holidays how to care for their car in situations such as breakdowns or flat tires. Students and faculty will be informed on fluid indicators and monitors, how to use a tire jack and how to check tire pressure on their automobile. There will also be a discussion on ways to improve gas mileage and how to take care of certain parts of a car. “This is a great program sponsored by Student Government to help students become aGcustom to their own automobiles,” Huggins said. “Police officers will be on hand to instruct you of what to do when your vehicle breaks down and how to contact help.” The seminar will be at Pendleton Street Garage on Nov. 17 at 3 p.m. and is free. The seminar is scheduled to last 30 to 45 minutes. Those who wish to, participate will have to register online at www.sg.sc.edu. “We’re just trying to find a way for students to be safer on the roads,” said SG Treasurer Tommy Preston, a third-year political science student. Comments on this story? E-mail gamecocknews@gwm.sc. edu SEMITE • CODTinUED PROfl) I The amendment now must be approved by USC President Andrew Sorensen before being placed on a ballot for February’s SG elections. The senate also rescinded the two amendments to last week’s resolution congratulating the Gamecocks’ victory against the University of Tennessee in football. The amendments would have sent copies of the amendment to' Tennessee’s football team, its mascot, Smokey, the student newspaper and coach Phillip Fulmer. Sen. John Rabon, the resolution’s original sponsor, called for the amendments’ removal after several senators remarked that constituents were complaining about the legislation’s “unsportsmanlike” demeanor. The amendments were voted to be removed with near unanimous consent. Another piece of legislation passed was a resolution asking professors to post course descriptions and required textbooks online for students before registration. The original language, written by sponsor Piper, called for syllabi to be posted online, but Sen. Nicole Modeen argued that professors are hesitant to release detailed schedules on the Internet because some professors’ original ideas could be copied or duplicated once posted publicly online. “Sometimes faculty will put new ideas (for lectures or projects) in their syllabi, so called intellectual property,” Modeen said. “They get very nervous about their intellectual property being tampered with once it’s online.” Piper submitted an amendment striking “syllabi” from the language. SG Treasurer Tommy Preston, a third-year political science student, said he had consulted the Dean Council and Faculty Senate and plans were under way in both bodies to address posting course information online. u s a simple mailer or student rights,” Piper said. “Students can be better prepared for classes (and will not) be tricked into taking classes that (they) think is one thing and instead is another.” Also passed Wednesday was a bill changing electoral codes, adding some specific restrictions to campaigns for SG positions. Sen. Jonathan Ross’ legislation amended the codes to restrict candidates from using Technology Services-run listservs and other university related blanket mailouts, but allowed the use of non university messaging systems 'like Facebook.com and Yahoo! Groups, provided their use is within other election guidelines. Student organizations now can endorse candidates as well, although the original language of the bill restricted endorsements to organizations not receiving SG funds. An amendment submitted by Ross changed the language. The last provision restricted person-to-person distribution of campaign materials to within organization meetings in the days before elections. Campaigners can still hand Out literature in any fashion on the days of elections as well as reserve campaign display tames for the election period. In other news, Sen. Tyler Ray announced SG was attempting to fund a campus wide broadcast of the Carolina football game against Clemson, in lieu of Jefferson Pilot Sports’ decision not to air the game, a first since 1983. Carolina Productions is already funding a broadcast of the game in the Russell House Theater, said Sen. Chase Stoudenmire. Comments on this story? E-mail gamecocknews&gwm. sc. edu