Hunt Valley, MD - December 16, 2010 - ESL Defense Limited, a strategic business of AAI, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today it has successfully demonstrated to Cassidian Electronics its Phoenix Lite Infrared (IR) Threat Simulator for the A400M program.
In addition to supporting Cassidian and the A400M program, the Phoenix is successfully being used to simulate both missile signatures and hostile fire in test and evaluation programs for United States, United Kingdom and other international customers.
The Phoenix provides long range simulation to both aircraft missile warning systems and hostile fire indicators. ESL has a range of products providing both Red and Blue IR threat emitters utilizing Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) technology. The Phoenix product family can address a number of simulation requirements and also is available in several power ranges. The Phoenix IR Threat Emitter is provided in a modular form ranging from a single laser configuration, the Phoenix Lite, to a four and eight laser configuration, depending on customer requirements.
The successfully demonstrated Phoenix operates in a unique and novel frequency modulated quasi-continuous wave (CW) mode, which offers a number of important benefits to the test and evaluation community. Furthermore, quasi-CW offers a reduced electronics space, weight and power and increased mean time between failure over CW operation. Should the test require, the Phoenix also can operate in a CW mode.
“The progress of the Phoenix IR Threat Simulator has demonstrated a leap forward in providing long range test and training equipment,” said AAI Vice President of Test and Training Systems Bob Peters. “This technology will make a difference, saving lives and increasing mission success.”
About AAI
AAI Corporation and its indirect wholly owned subsidiaries Aerosonde Pty Ltd and ESL Defence Limited design, produce and support industry-leading aerospace and defense products and services, including unmanned aircraft and ground control technologies; high-fidelity training and simulation systems; automated aerospace test and maintenance equipment; armament systems; and logistical, engineering, supply chain and operational support services. AAI Corporation is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at www.aaicorp.com.
About Textron Systems
Textron Systems Corporation has been providing innovative solutions to the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities for more than 50 years. Known for its unmanned aircraft systems, advanced marine craft, armored vehicles, intelligent battlefield and surveillance systems, intelligence software solutions, precision smart weapons, piston engines, test and training systems, and total life cycle sustainment services, Textron Systems includes AAI Corporation, Lycoming Engines, Overwatch, Textron Defense Systems and Textron Marine & Land Systems. Textron Systems Corporation is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at www.textronsystems.com.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.