January 12, 2001 – ASTi announced that they recently shipped digital audio and communications system equipment for the U.S. Army's new Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer-Aviation Reconfigurable Manned Simulator (AVCATT-A) to the program's prime contractor, Link Simulation & Training. Link is a division of New York City-based L-3 Communications (NYSE:LLL).

The AVCATT-A will provide collective training in a high-intensity combat mission training environment for U.S. Army and National Guard rotary wing aircrews. The current simulated platforms include:

• AH-64A Apache
• AH-64D Longbow Apache
• OH-58D Kiowa Warrior
• UH-60A/L Blackhawk
• CH-47D Chinook

Each suite of trainers is designed to be mobile, and will be integrated onto two trailers so that it can be transported to the location of the training requirement. The complex will include six aircrew manned modules. These positions are integrated with other major system elements including the Battle Master Control Station, a semi-automated force (SAF) operator role-player position, and several other trainer components to support mission planning, mission execution and after-action review.

The systems that ASTi is installing into the AVCATT-A simulators will provide realistic 3D simulated sound, seat-shaker cues, and all other audio effects associated with the weapons platforms. ASTi's Digital Audio Communications System (DACS) will also provide the extensive communications environment for the trainees including KY-58, KY-100, AN/ARC-164 Have Quick, AN/ARRC -186, AN/ARC 201 and AN/ARC 220 radio simulations.

Additionally, these transportable helicopter simulators will be networked and interoperate with the Army's other Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (CATT) programs. As such, they must support a fully integrated, realistic training environment. To date, ASTi is the only DIS radio supplier that has successfully demonstrated full CCTT interoperability.

The ASTi DACS will integrate directly into the Army AVCATT-A's systems including: command, control, communications, computers and intelligence systems. This enables staff working at administrative and tactical operations centers to control battlefield support elements and combat forces participating in a simulated engagement.

To maintain their tight schedule and facilitate early integration of equipment, Link also procured similar functionality in a set of ASTi DACS capital equipment previously delivered to their Arlington, TX location.

The first full suite of DACS hardware (including 10 ASTi replica SINCGARS radio panels), cables, and models were delivered to the Link facility on schedule in mid-December, 2000.

About L-3 Communications
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications is a leading merchant supplier of secure communications systems and products, avionics and ocean products, training products, microwave components and telemetry, instrumentation, space and wireless products. Its customers include the Department of Defense, selected US government intelligence agencies, aerospace prime contractors and commercial telecommunications and wireless customers. To learn more about L-3 Communications, please visit the company's Web site at www.L-3Com.com.