AAI Test & Training, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that its Man-Portable Aircraft Survivability Trainer (MAST) has been selected by the U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation, or PEO STRI, under a task order from the Simulation, Training and Instrumentation Omnibus Contract II. Valued at $10.6 million, the initial order includes design, development, production and testing of nine first article systems and 41 production systems. Including four option years, the contract has a total potential for 300 systems at a value of $43 million.

AAI’s MAST utilizes a light-emitting diode ultraviolet emitter threat simulator to replicate significant launch characteristics associated with an infrared Man-Portable Air Defense System (MANPADS), training aircrews on how to react to surface-to-air missile (SAM) threats during live training exercises.

The MAST is interoperable with the AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning System and AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning System, resulting in a threat declaration in the aircraft cockpit. It can simulate a SAM engagement sequence including seeker lock and break lock capability based on environmental and situational conditions. In addition, AAI’s MAST can record SAM engagements during live training exercises. These visual or infrared recorded engagements are used for preparing after-action reviews and debriefing aircrews. The MAST system also is interoperable with aircraft instrumentation systems such as the Multiple Integrated Laser System and the AH-64D Longbow Apache^®Tactical Engagement Simulation System. This enables force-on-force and force-on-target training at Maneuver Combat Training Centers and aviation unit home stations.

“AAI’s MAST takes full advantage of the company’s proven experience in aircraft survivability equipment training, flight line testing and long-range electro-optic/infrared test and training solutions,” says Senior Vice President and General Manager of AAI Test & Training Robert Peters. “The MAST meets customer requirements for a threat-representative, realistic MANPADS live training device on the ground that will challenge aircrews and support tactics, techniques and procedures training prior to deployment.”

AAI leads an experienced team for the MAST including Inter-Coastal Electronics of Mesa, Ariz., as well as AAI’s indirect wholly owned subsidiary ESL Defence Limited of Hamble, England.