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February 8, 2008
Huntsville, AL - At a ceremony earlier today, WestWind Technologies delivered its first two CH-47F Transportable Flight Proficiency Simulator units to Redstone Arsenal's Cargo Helicopter Project Management Office which is responsible for the CH-47 fleet worldwide. The delivery came ahead of schedule and marked the first time CH-47 simulators have been built in Huntsville.
The flight simulator contains the most current cockpit and provides soldiers with a dynamic training environment for the heavy lift cargo helicopters. Four prototype units were produced at Patuxent River, Maryland by Manned Flight Systems, and WestWind began full-rate production in the spring of '07.
As a small business in close proximity to the Program Executive Office, Aviation at Redstone, WestWind provides substantial program flexibility for more cost-effective and timely simulator manufacturing. The company's ability to meet and even accelerate production schedules contributes significantly to operational readiness and ensures that the pilots are fully-prepared to fly the actual aircraft.
The new simulators are easily transported and include a cost-saving combination of commercial off-the-shelf and aircraft components as well as realistic graphics. These features combine to save considerable flight training costs while providing an exceptional training environment for soldiers.
Cargo Helicopter Office Project Manager Colonel Newman Shufflebarger said, "These simulators will train the soldiers much better for the future, providing the capability to accomplish the mission. WestWind gave us the cost, schedule, and performance we needed to get these to the soldiers."
WestWind President , LTG (Ret. U.S. Army) Dan Petrosky said, "Realizing the bold vision of PEO Aviation, PM Cargo, and the Logistics Support Facility took a team effort of hard work, expertise and commitment by many people in Army Aviation, at WestWind Technologies, our industry partners, PAX River and NavAir. Everyone on the team played a vital role in bringing the first two simulators in early and under cost. Supporting the soldiers is what matters most to all of the employees at WestWind Technologies, and we maintain our solid commitment to get them the training equipment they need through better, faster, and more cost-effective programs."
He added, "Because of the dedication of the entire team, the CH-47F crews are the winners. They have what they need when they need it."
Redstone Arsenal Army Aviation representatives and local business leaders joined the WestWind team to celebrate the milestone in the simulator production program.
WestWind Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of aviation and land system applications and is located in Huntsville, Alabama. With more than 227,000 square feet of manufacturing and support facilities, the SBA certified Small Business employs nearly 400 and is ISO9001/AS9100 Registered and FAA Part 145 Repair Station Certified. Corporate offices are located at 2901 Wall Triana Hwy, Ste. 200, Huntsville, Alabama 35824.
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