TEAC Aerospace Completes First Lot Shipment of Airborne Mission Data
Recorders for the US Army AH-64 Apache Helicopter Equipped with Arrowhead
FLIR System
(
Montebello, CA – September 30, 2005 ) – TEAC Aerospace
Technologies, Inc. (TAT), the leading provider of rugged airborne video and
mission data recorders, announced that it has successfully completed shipment
of Mission Data Recorders for installation in the U.S. Army’s Apache
helicopters. Developed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing), the U.S. Army has
more than 800 of the twin-engine attack helicopters and more than 1,000 have
been exported. Under the contract, TEAC Aerospace will deliver additional production
units through 2006.
For the Apache, the solid state digital MDR-80 is configured to record critical
video source, with over 180 minutes of high-resolution digital recording capacity
on solid state Removable Memory Modules. The recorded video will be used for
post-mission debrief and analysis.
The new Arrowhead FLIR developed by the Army for the A Model Apache provides
a significantly higher image resolution for the Apache pilot and mission analysts.
When combined with the TEAC MDR-80C Mission Digital Data Recorder (MDDS), in-flight
playback and in-cockpit image analysis will benefit from a video quality significantly
superior in resolution and lack of scanning FLIR artifacts never before seen
in the Apache cockpit. The new MDR is deployed on all models of Apache from A
Models through the latest Lot 9 D Models with the new Arrowhead FLIR installed.
After action review and target image analysis also is improved as a result of
the high resolution, clear digital recorded video from the MDR-80C.
TEAC’s MDR-80 mission data recorders deliver an advanced technical and
cost-effective solution to record both combat and training missions. Playback
of the high-resolution video is used for target acquisition and battlefield assessment
by the tank crew, battle commanders and training officers. TEAC’s mission
data recorders come with removable, expandable memory modules that can handle
Gigabytes of digital video plus HUMS, MFOQA, and 1553 data. The units can also
be used for mission data loading and can provide Ethernet connectivity for comprehensive
battlefield management. The flexible MDR architecture meets today’s requirements
with a built-in upgrade path for operational expansion and technology in the
future without redesign. TEAC currently offers the MDR-80 in 30 COTS configurations.
TEAC’s newest line of Mission Data Recorders, the MDR-80 is already operational
worldwide with deployments in Australia, Bulgaria, France, Italy, Spain, Germany,
Ireland, the Netherlands, South Africa, Sweden, United Kingdom, Japan, S. Korea,
India, Switzerland, and the United States. The MDR-80 is the latest in TEAC's
line of Airborne Mission Data Recorders that fly on over 20,000 fighter aircraft
and helicopters in 50 countries around the world and on the Space Shuttle.
“The Apache is a cornerstone of the Army’s combat arsenal and we
are pleased to have been chosen to support its critical role,” notes David
Husted, president of TEAC Aerospace Technologies.
About the MDR-80
The data and video recording capability of the MDR-80 is user-configurable via
plug-in user application cards (UACs) that define the operational configuration
of the recorder, including the following UACs: single and multi-channel MPEG-2
video recording, multi-channel 1553 recording, multi-channel PCM recording, and
Autonomous ACMI. Optional control protocols for RS-422, Ethernet and 1553 control
systems allow the user to control the recorder and dynamically modify video and
data recording characteristics as well as implement special software applications
within the MDR operating system. Memory capacity is also flexible as the MDR-80
records all data on removable memory modules making the memory size scalable
to meet user needs. The modules interface directly to the ground debriefing system
via an industry standard interface, so the video and data are instantly available
and fully synchronized. The user can easily highlight mission event marks for
rapid hot debriefing and data push. TEAC’s Digital Debrief Stations take
advantage of TEAC’s recording technology to integrate and synchronize video
and aircraft digital data to deliver 21st century mission debrief capabilities,
including 3-D playback or full ACMI capability.
About TEAC Aerospace Technologies
TEAC Aerospace Technologies designs and markets both commercial and military
airborne equipment and systems. TEAC is the leader in airborne video and data
recorders for military and aerospace applications and the frontrunner in the
development of airborne solid-state digital video and data recording products.
TEAC guarantees full configuration control, spare parts availability, technical
and logistics support worldwide for its product lines. In the commercial airline
market, TEAC Aerospace Technologies is the world’s largest supplier of
audio and video reproducers for aircraft. TEAC In-Flight Entertainment (IFE)
Systems fly on over 80% of the largest carriers and are setting new standards
for quality, convenience and reliability. Configuration design and installation
of TEAC Aerospace IFE systems is available through major aircraft interior systems
integrators worldwide and the prime aircraft manufacturers.
For more information on TEAC Aerospace Technologies’ Mission Data Recorders
(MDRs), contact Mr. Al McGowan, director of business development, TEAC Aerospace
Technologies. Tel: 01 323 727 4754. Fax: 01 323 727 4877. E-mail: amcgowan@teac.com
or visit www.teac-aerospace.com
source: TEAC Aerospace Technologies, Inc.
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