HUNT VALLEY, Md., 2 Dec. 2005. AAI Services Corp. has been awarded a $70 million contract by the U.S. Air Force to produce six maintenance trainers in support of C-17 Globemaster III fleet readiness.
The sophisticated, simulator-equipped training devices enable Air Force C- 17 technicians to develop journeyman-level maintenance certification skills through instructional programs, avoiding the cost of using operational aircraft.
AAI will build three test, evaluation, performance, and assessment trainers, two aircraft engine maintenance trainers, and one aircraft maintenance systems trainer in its new Goose Creek, S.C., facility.
Under this sole-source award, finished systems will be delivered to new C- 17 maintenance training centers at Travis Air Force Base in California, Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii, and Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska, beginning in the first quarter of 2008.
AAI previously provided C-17 maintenance training devices to Air Force transport squadrons at Charleston Air Force Base in South Carolina, McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey, and McChord Air Force Base in Washington. An Air National Guard unit at Jackson, Miss., is also equipped with C-17 maintenance trainers from AAI.
"The C-17 is the most technologically advanced airlift aircraft ever built, and as more and more come into service, the use of innovative, sophisticated maintenance training devices from AAI is expanding," said Frederick M. Strader, president and CEO of United Industrial Corp.
"We are proud to be selected again to continue our support of the U.S. Air Force by helping ensure C-17 fleet readiness for national security and humanitarian missions."
AAI Services Corp. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AAI Corp., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of United Industrial Corp.
United Industrial Corp. 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.aaicorp.com or www.unitedindustrial.com.
