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Arotech’s FAAC Subsidiary
Delivers Stryker Variant Simulators
May
29, 2007 - Arotech Corporation (NasdaqGM: ARTX), a provider
of quality defense and security products for the military, law enforcement
and security markets, announced today that its FAAC subsidiary has
delivered four of nine Stryker Simulators as part of its previously
announced contract with Science Applications International Corporation
(NYSE: SAI), the prime contractor for the Army’s Common Driver
Trainer (CDT) program. SAIC has collaborated with FAAC as its primary
subcontractor for CDT. FAAC responsibilities include the development,
production, integration, delivery, and training of the simulator
units. SAIC provides contractual management and is responsible for
the visual database and the integration of the Army’s OneSAF
(semi-automated forces).
A ribbon-cutting ceremony, as part of the official
unveiling of the new Common Driver Trainer/Stryker Variant Simulators,
was held at Ft. Lewis, WA, where two simulators have been recently
installed. The other two systems were previously delivered to Schofield
Barracks, Hawaii and Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. The remaining five simulators
are being prepared for shipment for installations scheduled over
the next three months.
The simulators contain exact replicas of the
Stryker driver’s compartment. The simulated compartments feature
wrap-around screens that can create the appearance of going through
difficult terrain and countless other environments. Instructors
can monitor and test trainees with exercises that are recorded so
instructors can point out and correct mistakes afterward.
“I would have loved to have it,”
said Lt. Col. Buck James, a former infantry battalion commander
for a Stryker brigade who now directs Ft. Lewis’ Battle Command
Training Center. “This is a really, really good tool.”
Soldiers who drive Stryker’s praised the
simulator’s realism.
“They hit the head of the nail with it,”
said SGT John McDowell, 25, who is assigned to the post’s
newest Stryker brigade, 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. “It’s
dead-on.”
Added SPC Michael Blanchette, 24: “It’s
very realistic — the physics, the way it kind of pushes you
back and forth.”
“The simulator provides a realistic representation
of vehicle performance in accordance with the terrain and enables
the driver to hone their skills without risking injury to other
soldiers or damage to the Stryker vehicle,” explained Kurt
Flosky, FAAC Executive Vice President. “This delivery of the
initial variant of the Common Driver Trainer for Stryker validates
the Army's common simulator approach and paves the way for additional
variants to handle all of the Army's driver training requirements
to include wheeled and tracked vehicles,” added Flosky.
“We are delighted to see the delivery
of the first Stryker simulators obtain this positive reception from
the user community during the recent ribbon cutting ceremony,”
said Robert S. Ehrlich, Arotech Chairman, and CEO.
About Arotech’s Simulation and Training
Division
Arotech’s Simulation and Training 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 Simulation and Training 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:
Armor, Simulation & Training, and Battery & 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.
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; dilution
resulting from issuances of Arotech’s common stock upon conversion
or payment of its outstanding convertible debt, which would be increasingly
dilutive if and to the extent that the market price of Arotech’s
stock decreases; and other risk factors detailed in Arotech’s
most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2006 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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