L3 Apache Helicopter Training Contract
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L-3 Communications' Link Simulation and Training Division Awarded $10.9 Million Option to Upgrade AVCATT Helicopter Training System LE BOURGET, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 13, 2005--L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL) announced today that its Link Simulation and Training (Link) division has been awarded a $10.9 million engineering change proposal contract to upgrade the AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter configuration on all currently fielded and future U.S. Army Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (AVCATT) - Aviation Reconfigurable Manned Simulator suites. As a result of this award, AVCATT program funding has grown to $213.3 million. To date, Link has received awards to build 11 AVCATT suites. The U.S. Army has approved funding for a total of 23 AVCATT trainer suites. All AVCATT trainer suites are planned for delivery by 2009. This upgrade calls for Link to develop and integrate the U.S. Army AH-64D Longbow Lot 8 core avionics capability into the existing AVCATT system. Work on this upgrade effort is expected to conclude by early 2007 and will be performed at Link's facilities in Arlington, TX; Orlando, FL; Binghamton, NY and Broken Arrow, OK. "This upgrade effort will bring AVCATT's AH-64D reconfigurable trainers concurrent with the latest configuration of the U.S. Army's highly capable Apache Longbow attack helicopter," said John McNellis, president of Link Simulation and Training. "At Link, we are proud of the effective collective training capability AVCATT is providing across five different helicopter platform types flown by the U.S. Army and Army National Guard today. As we look to the future, Link believes that comparable collective training solutions can be developed to meet the unique training requirements of militaries worldwide." Each AVCATT training suite, which is housed in two mobile 53-foot trailers, consists of six reconfigurable simulators, a battle master control room and an after-action review theater. The simulators can be reconfigured to represent any combination of AH-64D Apache Longbow, AH-64A Apache, OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, UH-60L Black Hawk and CH-47D Chinook platforms. During a simulated AVCATT exercise, commanders can mix and match rotary-wing platforms to best support the training objective. Intelligent semi-automated forces, both friendly and opposing, populate the virtual battlefield and contribute to combat realism. Realistic visual, infrared and radio frequency clutter, communications degradation and a variety of adverse weather conditions enhance the challenges of the simulated battlefield environment. AVCATT's battle master control station, which is home to the battle master, training unit observer controller, semi-automated force controller and role players, provides the capability to monitor and record each unit's performance during a mission. When a mission is completed, the recorded data and video is presented in the after-action review theater, where the observer controller conducts a mission debrief with the aircrews to review the unit's performance and determine which skills or tactics need to be further honed. The after-action review theater can also be used to view the conduct of training in progress, if desired. Link Simulation and Training is a systems integration organization that delivers and supports training systems and equipment to enhance operational proficiency. Link's services include conducting front end analysis, program design, simulator design and production and field support. Link has major operations in Arlington, TX, and other key bases of operation in Binghamton, NY; Orlando, FL; Broken Arrow, OK and Phoenix, AZ. Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications is a leading provider of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems, secure communications systems, aircraft modernization, training and government services and is a merchant supplier of a broad array of high technology products. Its customers include the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, selected U.S. Government intelligence agencies and aerospace prime contractors. To learn more about L-3 Communications, please visit the company's web site at www.L-3Com.com. SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
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