Army accepts delivery of 51 MAST trainers from Textron Systems

HUNT VALLEY, Md.2 August 2012. AAI Test & Training, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, 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 units were delivered under the simulation, training and instrumentation omnibus contract II. The MAST LRIP units follow the delivery of the nine first article systems in late 2011, as well as system integration testing in early 2012. The contract has four additional option years, with total potential orders of up to 300 MAST systems. Aircrews use MAST to assess their responses to surface-to-air threats during live training exercises. MAST replicates launch characteristics associated with an infrared man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) using a light-emitting diode ultraviolet emitter threat simulator. The MAST system provides users with a high-fidelity, live MANPADS training experience on the ground - supporting aircrew 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. MAST is also 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 training experience.