U.S. Army’s PEO-STRI Orders 52 Additional Man-Portable Aircraft Survivability Trainers from AAI Test & Training

Hunt Valley, Md. — APRIL 8, 2013 — AAI Test & Training, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today a task order from the U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO-STRI) for 52 Man-Portable Aircraft Survivability Trainer (MAST) systems, including production and testing, under the Simulation, Training and Instrumentation Omnibus Contract II. Three additional option years remain on this contract.

This task order follows the MAST system’s designation as a U.S. Army program of record in December 2012, with the approval of the MAST Capability Production Document. 

“MAST’s designation as a U.S. Army program of record validates the system’s reliable performance, as well as the positive results our customer has experienced since adopting the technology,” says Steve Mensh, vice president, programs for AAI Test & Training. “Training with the MAST provides aircrews the confidence they need in their mission-critical missile warning systems.”

AAI Test & Training’s MAST utilizes a light-emitting diode, or LED, ultraviolet emitter threat simulator to replicate the launch characteristics associated with infrared Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS), supporting live training exercises for aircrews addressing surface-to-air missile (SAM) threats. 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 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. It also is interoperable with aircraft instrumentation systems such as the Smart On-board Data Interface Module, or SMODIM, enabling force-on-force training at Combat Training Centers.

“Our MAST takes full advantage of AAI Test & Training’s proven experience in aircraft survivability equipment training, flight line testing and long-range electro-optic/infrared test and training solutions," says Mensh. “It provides threat-representative, realistic MANPADS live training on the ground to challenge aircrews and support tactics, techniques and procedures training prior to deployment.”

AAI Test & Training leads an experienced team for the MAST program, including its U.K.-based strategic business ESL Defence Limited, a leading worldwide provider of electronic warfare, electro-optic, infrared and radio frequency test equipment.

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 Providence, R.I., 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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