FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Al McGowan
National Sales Manager
TEAC – Airborne Video Products Division
7733 Telegraph Road
Montebello, CA 90640
Tel: 323•727•4866
Fax: 323•727•4877
E-mail:
amcgowan@teac.com
www.teac-aerospace.com

 

 
TEAC Aerospace to Supply Digital Mission Data Recorders for the CASA CN-235 300M Aircraft in Support of the U.S. Coast Guard's Integrated Deepwater Systems Program

Montebello, CA - July 11, 2005 - TEAC Aerospace Technologies, Inc. (TAT), the leading provider of rugged digital mission data recorders, has received a contract from EADS CASA of Spain for the initial digital mission data recorders (MDR) for the CN-235 300M aircraft that have been selected by the U.S. Coast Guard for the Integrated Deepwater System (IDS) Program. The TEAC MDR-80 will play a key role in recording all video and audio data from CN-235 missions. The MDR-80 flexible architecture meets today's current requirements while providing a future upgrade path for operational expansion and technology insertion without redesign. With the introduction of the MDR-80, all digital recorder system, all recorded data will be played back on ground-based PCs using the TEAC MDDS Debrief Software. Recorded imagery is especially important as it is used as evidence for law enforcement purposes. The contract amount was not disclosed. Deliveries will be complete in 3rd quarter of 2005.

The CN-235 IDS Program contract complements TEAC's ongoing activities with EADS CASA in providing new aircraft with digital video recording systems. This includes the recent order for the MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) program for the German Air Force that is a joint project of EADS, and Lufthansa Technik. The Airbus A310 MRTT fulfills a wide range of different transport tasks with conversions of just one worldwide deployed commercial aircraft, the Airbus A310-300.

The U.S. Coast Guard's IDS Program is an acquisition program designed to recapitalize the U.S. Coast Guard's aging Deepwater assets by modernizing or replacing them with a state-of-the-market, interoperable system of cutters and aircraft, including their supporting command, control, computer, communications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) and logistics infrastructure. The CASA CN-235-300M is a transport and surveillance, fixed-wing aircraft that will be used to perform search and rescue missions, enforce laws and treaties including illegal drug interdiction, marine environmental protection, military readiness, and International Ice Patrol missions, as well as cargo and personnel transport. Its command, control, computers, communication, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) technology will include a variety of sensors, such as the TEAC MDR-80, multi-mode search radar, and an IR/EO system. First flight of the aircraft is expected in January 2006 and certification is expected in July 2006. The USCG is expected to procure up to 35 aircraft, and EADS-CASA expects additional orders from other military and para-military customers.

About the MDR-80
The COTS MDR-80 digitally records both combat and training missions providing vital tactical and flight information for battle commanders and training officers. It offers a flexible, cost-effective and proven technology for the transition from videotape systems to digital mission recording. The flexible architecture meets today's requirements with a built-in upgrade path for operational expansion and technology insertion in the future, without redesign. The MDR-80 is only part of TEAC's line of Airborne Video Tape Recorders (AVTRs) that fly on over 20,000 fighter aircraft and helicopters in 50 countries around the world and on the Space Shuttle. TEAC's newest line of Mission Data Recorders is already operational worldwide, with deployments in Australia, Bulgaria, Chile, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Oman, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States.

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, Autonomous ACMI, MFOQA, and HUMS. 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. The multi-gigabyte 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 Mission Data Debrief Software, MDDS, provides instantaneous review and replay of the recorded video. The user may choose a single aircraft debriefing with multiple video channels reviewed or add in the video from multiple aircraft for a synchronized review from up to four aircraft including 3-D playback or full ACMI capability. User event log files combined with thumbnail images make for a user-friendly rapid debriefing. Features like frame-by-frame advance, zoom, and brightness make the MDDS unique in the world of digital video review. The ability to mark and export images or segments onto CD/DVD or e-mail, gives the user a new level of data sharing capability that is consistent with today's digital training and battlefield.


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/Defense Systems, 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