Production of Second ATFS-400B Begins
SOUTHAMPTON, Pa., March 15, 2006 -- Environmental Tectonics Corporation (Amex: ETC) ("ETC" or the "Company") today announced the final assembly of the Authentic Tactical Flight Simulator ATFS-400B.
Due to significant interest both in the USA and internationally, ETC initiated production of the second Authentic Tactical Flight Simulator, the ATFS-400B, in January 2005. Final assembly of the ATFS-400B follows successful delivery of the first ATFS-400 and full customer acceptance in December 2005. These accomplishments distinguish ETC as the world's premier authentic tactical flight simulator manufacturer. The ATFS-400B will be installed as the cornerstone of ETC's National AeroSpace Training and Research Center (NASTAR Center) that will open in January 2007.
The ATFS-400B is the latest generation of ETC Tactical Flight Simulators. Using a high performance human centrifuge as a motion platform, it combines the latest available flight simulation technology to optimize flight fidelity including sustained G cues. This technology includes high fidelity aircraft specific cockpits; offensive and defensive mission systems; realistic, wide field of view visual displays; and virtual battle space. Pilots will practice critical combat skills in a safe, controlled and economical environment with realism that is rivaled only by actually flying the aircraft.
Strategic benefits of the ATFS-400B at ETC's NASTAR Center include continually advancing ATFS technology, allowing potential customers to see the latest technology before they make a purchase decision, and offering customers a fully factory tested High Performance Human Centrifuge, thereby eliminating purchase risk.
ETC's first ATFS-400 is in service in Southeast Asia and is being used for high performance aircraft pilot training, tactical flight training, spatial disorientation training and astronaut selection and training. Today, this ATFS-400 sets the benchmark for high performance aircraft simulation. The ATFS-400 was installed in less than one year and was accepted by the customer with no outstanding discrepancies, an unrivaled accomplishment.
According to William F. Mitchell, ETC's President and CEO, "Tactical air maneuvering training in actual combat aircraft (as is the case today) is costly, risky and accelerates aircraft and engine wear-out. ETC has invested over $30 million in the development of the ATFS-400B. The ATFS-400B is a developed and proven technology that is ready to be put to use today to improve combat readiness, reduce training costs, and save lives"
