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ATR orders Mechtronix simulator

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 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 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 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 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," 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 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 in the first place."

The FFT XUpgradeable 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 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.