$10.6 Million Initial Award Includes 50 Systems
HUNT VALLEY, Md., Apr 05, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- AAI Test & Training, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that its Man-Portable Aircraft Survivability Trainer (MAST) has been selected by the U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation, or PEO STRI, under a task order from the Simulation, Training and Instrumentation Omnibus Contract II. Valued at $10.6 million, the initial order includes design, development, production and testing of nine first article systems and 41 production systems. Including four option years, the contract has a total potential for 300 systems at a value of $43 million.
AAI's MAST utilizes a light-emitting diode ultraviolet emitter threat simulator to replicate significant launch characteristics associated with an infrared Man-Portable Air Defense System (MANPADS), training aircrews on how to react to surface-to-air missile (SAM) threats during live training exercises.
The MAST is interoperable with the AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning System and AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning System, resulting in a threat declaration in the aircraft cockpit. It can simulate a SAM engagement sequence including seeker lock and break lock capability based on environmental and situational conditions. In addition, AAI's MAST can record SAM engagements during live training exercises. These visual or infrared recorded engagements are used for preparing after-action reviews and debriefing aircrews. The MAST system also is interoperable with aircraft instrumentation systems such as the Multiple Integrated Laser System and the AH-64D Longbow Apache® Tactical Engagement Simulation System. This enables force-on-force and force-on-target training at Maneuver Combat Training Centers and aviation unit home stations.
"AAI's MAST takes full advantage of the company's proven experience in aircraft survivability equipment training, flight line testing and long-range electro-optic/infrared test and training solutions," says Senior Vice President and General Manager of AAI Test & Training Robert Peters. "The MAST meets customer requirements for a threat-representative, realistic MANPADS live training device on the ground that will challenge aircrews and support tactics, techniques and procedures training prior to deployment."
AAI leads an experienced team for the MAST including Inter-Coastal Electronics of Mesa, Ariz., as well as AAI's indirect wholly owned subsidiary ESL Defence Limited of Hamble, England.
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.
AH-64D Longbow Apache is a registered trademark of Boeing Management Company.
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements which may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Changing priorities or reductions in the U.S. Government defense budget, including those related to ongoing military operations in foreign countries;
- Our ability to perform as anticipated and to control costs under contracts with the U.S. Government;
- The U.S. Government's ability to unilaterally modify or terminate its contracts with us for the U.S. Government's convenience or for our failure to perform;
- Performance issues with key suppliers, subcontractors and business partners; and
- Risk that contract options will not be exercised or that orders will be cancelled.
SOURCE: Textron
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