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U.S. Marine Corps contracts
Arotech’s FAAC Subsidiary to expand its USMC Operator Driving
Simulator to encompass Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles
November
28, 2007 - Arotech Corporation (NasdaqGM: ARTX) announced today
that its Training and Simulation Division's FAAC subsidiary, has
recently received a contract modification from the U.S. Marine Corps
Systems Command, Program Manager for Training Systems (PM TRASYS).
The order calls for FAAC to expand the capabilities of currently
contracted USMC Operator Driving Simulators (USMC ODS) to include
Cougar Category (Cat) I MRAP operations. USMC ODS systems fielded
to major active-duty installations will have the Cougar Cat I MRAP
capability added to the existing systems which currently provide
simulation based training on MK-23 and M1114 Up-Armored HMMWV operations.
FAAC's Operator Driving Simulators are being
taken to the next level by the Marine Corps as they add vehicle
types and increase the tactical training scenarios in an effort
to best prepare Marine operators for deployment. The USMC ODS, using
a generic tactical vehicle cab, interchangeable dash panels, simulated
armor panels, and high-fidelity vehicle dynamics software, provides
the Marine Corps with an extremely capable, cost-effective training
tool.
"With the urgency of need for MRAPs in
theater, maintaining an adequate inventory of vehicles at home-station
for training remains difficult. MRAP driver simulators are key,
in that they provide the Marine Corps the opportunity to maintain
the requisite level of MRAP driver training and still push a high
volume of vehicles to the area of operations. Now, more than ever,
it is imperative that our Marines understand how to and are comfortable
operating this new breed of truck,” said Colonel Frank Kelley,
Commander PM TRASYS. “PM TRASYS appreciates FAAC Incorporated’s
support of this important requisite to safety as we move forward
with the MRAP driver simulation effort and begin familiarizing our
Marines with these important, life-saving assets. The MRAP ODS provides
fielding and operational flexibility to MARCORSYSCOM by training
drivers while maintaining delivery in theater,” concluded
Colonel Kelley.
"FAAC's proactive initiation of
an independent research and development effort at the first indication
of US armed forces' need for MRAP training has allowed this important
capability to be made available on an accelerated schedule to prepare
Marines for deployment," noted Kurt Flosky, FAAC Executive
Vice President. "The USMC's Program Manager for Training Systems
and Marine Corps Training and Education Command continue to lead
the way in identifying those areas in which simulation technology
can significantly increase the individual readiness of Marines as
well as the collective operational readiness of deploying units,
both Active and Reserve.”
About Arotech’s Training and Simulation
Division
Arotech’s Training and Simulation Division develops, manufactures,
and markets advanced high-tech multimedia and interactive digital
solutions for use-of-force and driver training of military, law
enforcement, security, municipal and private industry personnel.
The division’s fully interactive driver-training systems feature
state-of-the-art vehicle simulator technology enabling training
in situation awareness, risk analysis and decision-making, emergency
reaction and avoidance procedures, and conscientious equipment operation.
In addition, the division’s use-of-force training products
and services allow organizations to train their personnel in safe,
productive, and realistic environments. The division also provides
pilot decision-making support software for the F-15, F-16, F-18,
and JSF aircraft, as well as simulation models for the ACMI/TACTS
air combat training ranges.
Arotech’s Training and Simulation Division
consists of FAAC Incorporated and IES Interactive Training Inc.
About Arotech Corporation
Arotech Corporation is a leading provider of quality defense and
security products for the military, law enforcement and homeland
security markets, including multimedia interactive simulators/trainers,
lightweight armoring and advanced zinc-air and lithium batteries
and chargers. Arotech operates through three major business divisions:
Training and Simulation, Armor, and Battery and Power Systems.
Arotech is incorporated in Delaware, with corporate
offices in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and research, development and production
subsidiaries in Alabama, Michigan, and Israel. For more information
on Arotech, please visit Arotech’s website at www.arotech.com.
Except for the historical information herein,
the matters discussed in this news release include forward-looking
statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995, including the results of our restructuring program.
Forward-looking statements reflect management’s current knowledge,
assumptions, judgment and expectations regarding future performance
or events. Although management believes that the expectations reflected
in such statements are reasonable, readers are cautioned not to
place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as they
are subject to various risks and uncertainties that may cause actual
results to vary materially. These risks and uncertainties include,
but are not limited to, risks relating to: product and technology
development; the uncertainty of the market for Arotech’s products;
changing economic conditions; delay, cancellation or non-renewal,
in whole or in part, of contracts or of purchase orders; and other
risk factors detailed in Arotech’s most recent Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, as amended,
and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Arotech
assumes no obligation to update the information in this release.
Reference to the Company’s website above does not constitute
incorporation of any of the information thereon into this press
release.
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