CAE acquires RTI International's Technology Assisted Learning, expands its land simulation and training business

Posted by Courtney E. Howard

TAMPA, Fla., 28 Feb. 2011. CAE USA acquired RTI International's Technology Assisted Learning (TAL) business unit to further expand its offering of land simulation and training solutions. Formed as a separate business unit within RTI International, TAL has provided maintenance trainers for the U.S. Army's ground vehicles since the early 1990s. TAL designs, manufactures and delivers full-scale, high-fidelity maintenance trainers, as well as virtual desktop trainers for a range of variants of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, Abrams tanks, and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).

The division employs approximately 35 people in Research Triangle Park, N.C.; Orlando, Fla.; Fort Knox, Ky.; and Columbus, Ga.

"TAL employees are well respected by the U.S. Army for their expertise in helping train soldiers to maintain the Army's fleet of Bradley, Abrams, and HIMARS vehicles, and we are pleased to welcome them to CAE," says John Lenyo, president and general manager, CAE USA. "By leveraging CAE's core simulation technologies and expertise, we will be able to offer TAL's current customers as well as new customers in the U.S. and abroad, a range of new solutions and capabilities. We intend to build upon the solid base that TAL has established in land maintenance training systems to further expand into adjacent ground training opportunities, such as driver trainers and land combat vehicle simulators."

CAE has been providing land simulation and training solutions to armies around the world, including the British Army, German Army, and Indian Army, for more than three decades. CAE's portfolio for ground forces includes constructive and virtual simulation-based training solutions for command, control, and communications; forward observation and close air support; air defence; target recognition; armored fighting vehicle drivers and gunners; and command and staff training.

"I am pleased that CAE, a world leader in military training and simulation, will be leading TAL as it continues to grow within these markets in the United States," says Victoria Haynes, president and CEO of RTI International. "CAE is an exceptional company and I am confident that it will provide these staff members with the resources and opportunities to help ensure their continued success."