AAR Lightweight Multipurpose Shelter Type V Passes U.S. Army Inspection
June 11, 2013
New product features innovative design and advanced manufacturing technology
CADILLAC, Michigan — AAR (NYSE: AIR) announces that its Lightweight Multipurpose Shelter (LMS) Type V has passed first article testing by the U.S. Army, a critical milestone in the production and delivery of the shelter system. LMS shelters are the primary platform the Army uses to house and operate command and control equipment for situational awareness and tactical support in various theaters of operation.
The LMS variants include the Type I (electromagnetic interference, or EMI, shielded), Type III (EMI shielded with tunnel), and Type V (non-EMI shielded with double rear doors). The durable shelters are designed to be mounted on High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs). The LMS is manufactured by AAR Mobility Systems in Cadillac.
“This milestone is significant in that all three LMS variants have now been approved by the U.S. Army for use in multiple programs that require HMMWV-mounted shelter systems,” said Lee Krantz, Vice President, Technology Products. “The results are a demonstration of our manufacturing innovation capability and our commitment to meeting customer requirements.”
AAR was awarded the competitively procured contract in 2011 based upon its demonstrated experience, proven capabilities, and innovative ASTM-compliant solution, which features a multi-panel design versus the traditional folded two-panel design, manufactured using advanced friction stir welding techniques.
Friction stir welding (FSW) enables metals to be bonded in their natural state, without melting or the use of studs or fasteners. The result is a stronger, lighter weight shelter that is EMI capable, providing added value, isolation and protection for critical in-theater military and defense equipment. AAR is the first U.S. manufacturer of aerospace and defense products to use friction stir welding technology in the development and production of multipurpose mobility structures.
“Through this state-of-the-art manufacturing process, AAR improved the design and durability of these critical defense structures while meeting weight requirements,” Krantz added. “We believe friction stir welding is a breakthrough approach to building these shelters and represents the future in welding and lightweight design. It is another way AAR remains committed to leading innovation in the industry.”
Through its Mobility Systems operating unit, AAR has built a reputation as a leading provider of mobility products to the government and defense industries. AAR Mobility Systems designs, manufactures, and supports a wide variety of rapid-deployment equipment and air-mobile expeditionary systems.
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About AAR
AAR is a global aftermarket solutions company that employs more than 6,000 people in over 20 countries. Based in Wood Dale, Illinois, AAR supports commercial aviation and government customers through two operating segments: Aviation Services and Expeditionary Services. AAR’s Aviation Services include inventory management; parts supply; OEM parts distribution; aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul; engineering services and component repair. AAR’s Expeditionary Services include airlift operations; mobility systems; and command and control centers in support of military and humanitarian missions. More information can be found at www.aarcorp.com.
Media contact: Daniela Pietsch, Vice President Corporate Marketing & Communications, at editor@aarcorp.com or +1 630-227-5100.
This press release contains certain statements relating to future results, which are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on beliefs of Company management, as well as assumptions and estimates based on information currently available to the Company, and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated, including those factors discussed under Item 1A, entitled “Risk Factors”, included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize adversely, or should underlying assumptions or estimates prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described. These events and uncertainties are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many are beyond the Company’s control. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events. For additional information, see the comments included in AAR’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.