HUNT VALLEY, Md., 20 Dec. 2005. AAI Corp. has received a $4.25 million funded order from the U.S. Air Force for 10 Advanced Boresight Equipment (ABE) Model 310 systems, to be used for aligning avionic systems and sensors installed in C-17 Globemaster III heavylifter transport aircraft.
Awarded by the Air Force Warner Robins Air Logistics Center at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., the contract also contains three one-year options for up to 10 units each. Including options, the contract has a potential value of $17.8 million.
ABE Model 310 boresight system technologies provide gyro-stabilized, electro-optical alignment that significantly increases accuracy and repeatability, reduces maintenance time, and lowers operating costs.
"AAI's field-proven ABE Model 310 is the preferred alignment system for aircraft and rotorcraft among U.S. military services, and this decision by the U.S. Air Force further confirms that," said Ed Buffington, vice president of AAI's Test and Training business unit.
"We are proud to have the world's most advanced boresighting system that is capable of supporting an array of aircraft platforms. This equipment enables our military customers to maintain high mission readiness with reduced maintenance time and cost."
The growing worldwide customer base for AAI's ABE Model 310 system includes sensor and weapon station alignment applications aboard aircraft and rotorcraft operated by the armed forces of nine nations including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Singapore, and others.
In addition to the C-17 Globemaster III, ABE boresight systems are compatible with most aircraft and rotorcraft types, including fighters, transports, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Current aircraft applications include the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the Eurofighter EF2000 Typhoon, the C- 130 Hercules transport, and the Nimrod MRA4. Current rotorcraft applications include the AH-64D Apache Longbow, the MH-60R Seahawk, and the AH-1W/Z Super Cobra helicopters.
AAI Corp. is a subsidiary of United Industrial Corp., which designs, produces, and supports defense systems. Its products and services include unmanned aerial vehicle systems, training and simulation systems, automated aircraft test and maintenance equipment, armament systems, logistical and engineering services, and other leading-edge technology solutions for defense needs. The company also manufactures combustion equipment for biomass and refuse fuels. For more information, see www.unitedindustrial.com or www.aaicorp.com.
