HUNT VALLEY, Md., July 30, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AAI Test & Training, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced today that it has delivered 51 Man-Portable Aircraft Survivability Trainer (MAST) systems to the U.S. Army's Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO-STRI). These low-rate initial production (LRIP) units were delivered under the Simulation, Training and Instrumentation Omnibus Contract II.
The MAST LRIP units follow delivery of nine first article systems in late 2011, as well as successful system integration testing in early 2012. The contract has four additional option years, with a total potential for up to 300 MAST systems.
Aircrews use MAST to assess their responses to surface-to-air threats during live training exercises. MAST replicates significant launch characteristics associated with an infrared Man-Portable Air Defense System (MANPADS) using a light-emitting diode ultraviolet emitter threat simulator.
"The MAST system builds on our proven experience in aircraft survivability training, flight line testing and long-range, electro-optic and infrared test and training equipment," says Senior Vice President and General Manager Robert Peters. "It provides users a high-fidelity, challenging, live MANPADS training experience on the ground — supporting aircrew safety through understanding of tactics, techniques and procedures."
The MAST system is interoperable with the AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning System and AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning System. It creates a threat declaration in the aircraft cockpit and simulates a surface-to-air missile engagement sequence, including seeker lock and break lock, all based on environmental and situational conditions. In addition, MAST is capable of interfacing with a Weapon Effects Simulation System to emulate the visual launch signature of a MANPADS and signify the location where the MAST was fired. Interoperable with aircraft instrumentation systems such as the Multiple Integrated Laser System, the MAST system enables force-on-force and force-on-target training at Maneuver Combat Training Centers and aviation unit home stations. Visual or infrared recordings of the live training exercises enable after-action review and debriefing for a comprehensive, well-rounded training experience.
AAI Test & Training leads an experienced team for the MAST program, including its U.K.-based strategic business ESL Defence Ltd. and Inter-Coastal Electronics of Mesa, Ariz.
Media Contact:
Betania Magalhaes
Textron Systems Corporation
(410) 628-5601
bcmagalhaes@systems.textron.com
About AAI Test & Training
AAI Test & Training has decades of experience designing and manufacturing innovative, high-technology test equipment for the lab, training range, depot, flight line, factory and more — delivering the most reliable, top-performing solutions with superb customer care. In addition, AAI provides high-fidelity training devices and solutions, as well as training needs and systems requirements analysis. Its U.K.-based strategic business, ESL Defence Limited, provides electronic warfare test and training solutions. AAI Test & Training is an operating unit of Textron Systems. More information is available at www.aaicorp.com.
About Textron Systems
Textron Systems has been providing innovative solutions to the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities for more than 50 years. Headquartered in Wilmington, Mass., the company is 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 and operational services. Textron Systems includes AAI Logistics & Technical Services, AAI Test & Training, AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Advanced Systems, Aerosonde, ESL Defence, Lycoming Engines, Medical Numerics, MillenWorks, Overwatch, Textron Defense Systems and Textron Marine & Land Systems. 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.
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The following pictures are available for download:
| [Image] | MAST image |