News & Events from MT&SN

US Army selects AAI's MAST

The US Army has selected AAI's MAST for AD training.

AAI Test & Training has announced that its Man-Portable Aircraft Survivability Trainer (MAST) has been selected by the US Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (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 uses 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 warning 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 live instrumentation systems such as the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System and the AH-64D Longbow Apache Tactical Engagement Simulation System. This provides opportunities for live force-on-force and force-on-target training.

“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.”

Sub-contractors on the MAST programme include Inter-Coastal Electronics as well as AAI’s indirect wholly owned subsidiary UK-based ESL Defence Limited.