ATR orders Mechtronix simulator for new -600 series

World Leading Aircraft Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Renews Its Trust in Mechtronix' FFT X(TM) Concept for New Aircraft Program

FARNBOROUGH AIRSHOW, United Kingdom, July 19 /PRNewswire/ - Mechtronix Systems Inc., an MWC company, a world leading manufacturer of Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTD), today announced that ATR once again selected Mechtronix' novel FFT X(TM) to support the Entry Into Service (EIS) of its new ATR 42/72-600 aircraft program. The FSTD will be the first component of ATR's training equipment suite and will be used for the training of pilot - both conversion and transition courses - as well as maintenance personnel. With this novel simulator, ATR will provide their airline customers with cost-effective training in the latest technology enabling a smooth and efficient entry to service of their new aircraft fleet. The unit will be delivered by spring 2011 and will be deployed at ATR Training Center in Toulouse, France.

"Mechtronix FFT X(TM) is part of the new ATR training policy which we have implemented consisting of the deployment of Reference Training Centers across the world and in the frame of the -600 entry into service," said Jean-Pierre Cousserans, ATR's Senior Vice-President Customer Services. "We know the FFT X(TM) very well as we initiated the concept a few years ago with Mechtronix on the -500 and previous variants. We are satisfied with the performances of the FFT X(TM) and glad to have the opportunity to use it again, as part of the -600 training tools. Furthermore, both technical teams are delighted to meet again and work together on this new project. We are looking forward to beginning to train on the FFT X(TM) for the ATR 42/72-600."

"We are very happy and honored to have been chosen once again by ATR for our world renowned FFT X(TM)," adds Mechtronix Systems President Hervé. "This is the first time that a major aircraft OEM selects Mechtronix for a new aircraft EIS and it is yet another milestone which we have achieved as a simulator manufacturer; this great accomplishment further establishes our company as a true leader on the international flight simulation market. Fact is, the continued support of our ground-breaking FFT X(TM) concept by aircraft manufacturers like ATR, is a real testimony of our continued effort to provide airlines and training organizations with innovative solutions for training and flight operations; we are very grateful to ATR for trusting our technology and company, helping us to develop the FFT X(TM) in the first place."

The FFT X(TM) Upgradeable replicates both the ATR 42-600 and 72-600 flight deck and shows FFS-like quality and fidelity, featuring a new generation 3-DOF actuated seat-based motion cueing system, high-end sound simulation system and FFS IOS tower. The flexible device, which can be upgraded to a FFS Level D according to the customers' needs and requirements, is equipped with a 3 channel 200X40 degrees collimated visual system as well as a EP1000CT Image Generator. The FFT X(TM) will come with a new rehosted Thales avionics suite including features such as CAC, ACARS, T2CAS and weather radar. The FSTD will be evaluated by the French civil aviation authorities (DGAC) for JAR-FSTD A FTD Level 2 and FNPT II MCC qualification.

About ATR and ATR Training Center (ATC)

Formed in 1981, ATR has grown to become the world's leading manufacturer of advanced 50 to 74 seat regional turboprop aircraft. ATR is a joint venture and equal partnership between major European aerospace companies Alenia Aeronautica (a Finmeccanica company) and EADS. ATR has sold more than 1,000 ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft, which are used by over 150 operators in 80 countries. These have accumulated a total of 18 million cycles. The ATR network of Training Centers is made of a major center (ATC) located in Toulouse, France and other centers, developed through partnerships in Thailand, Malaysia, India and North America. To guarantee optimal quality and efficiency of its training programs, ATC constantly updates its technical contents and courseware tuition methods.

About Mechtronix Systems Inc.

Mechtronix Systems Inc. (Mechtronix Systems), an MWC company, specializes in the design and manufacturing of Flight Simulation Training Devices for general, business and commercial aviation. Fuelled by 20+ years of passion and dedication, we are a top leader on the global flight simulation and training market with a presence in America, Europe and Asia. Based in Montreal, Mechtronix Systems offers a full range of products from full flight simulators to flight training devices, setting new industry standards for higher fidelity, reliability, cost efficiency and safety. To support our worldwide customers that include major airlines, training centers and training organizations, we have technical support centers strategically located around the globe. For more information, please visit www.mwc.mechtronix.com.

SOURCE MECHTRONIX SYSTEMS