November 21, 2006

Sabreliner Performing Work on VIP Helicopters for Army

Sabreliner Corp. has been awarded a contract to upgrade navigation systems and install upgraded interiors in four U.S. Army VH-60 helicopters used to transport VIP passengers in the Metropolitan Washington D.C. area. The work is being performed at Sabreliner’s Perryville, Mo. operation under a subcontract from ARINC Engineering Services, LLC.

Under the terms of the contract, Sabreliner already has installed state-of-the-art Flight Management Systems (FMS) in the four VH-60 helicopters and an additional UH-60 aircraft. The FMS supplies pilots with easily interpreted color displays, providing them enhanced situational awareness and the most efficient data entry methods. This reduces what is called “head down time” for pilots, allowing them to better focus on operating the aircraft, and to seamlessly fly all procedures from takeoff to touchdown. The result is optimized fuel and performance parameters, more precise navigation, better aircraft and crew resource management and an overall increase in the safety of flight.

In conjunction with the FMS installation, Sabreliner has designed and is installing an advanced interior module for the VH-60 that dramatically upgrades the quality of the passenger experience, ease of maintenance and comfort for the flight crew. Two of the interiors have been installed and work on the third is expected to begin in December.

The interior module includes a pair of three-passenger divans, a VIP seat with side table and adjacent crew seat. The forward section of the passenger compartment features a coat closet accessible through a sliding tambour door, and a series of supply compartments. The interior upgrade also includes the addition of sound-deadening insulation to the aircraft.

To ease access to the aircraft’s overhead compartment for regular periodic maintenance, Sabreliner is installing its patented latching mechanism that will allow the overhead panels to drop fully out of the way, both quickly and conveniently.

For flight crew comfort, Sabreliner’s interior modifications include the installation of a second air conditioning duct for the cockpit. Existing aircraft in the fleet have no such duct system, meaning cockpit temperature control in warm environments is a continuing challenge.
The innovative Sabreliner module design and construction is a demonstration of the company’s imaginative abilities and its willingness to address specific needs with detailed and responsive solutions.

The VH-60 helicopters covered in this contract are members of the famed Black Hawk family and are based at Ft. Belvoir, Va. The subcontract was issued by ARINC Engineering Services of Annapolis, Md. under its Rapid Response to Critical System Requirements (R2CSR) program to perform work on the VH-60 helicopter fleet.

Sabreliner envisions undertaking work on additional members of the Black Hawk fleet through its associate contractor relationship with ARINC.

ARINC Inc. is the world leader in transportation communications and systems engineering. The company develops and operates communications and information processing systems and provides systems engineering and integration solutions to five key industries: airports, aviation, defense, government, and surface transportation. Founded to provide reliable and efficient radio communications for the airlines, ARINC is headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, and operates key regional offices in London and Singapore, with over 3,200 employees worldwide. ARINC is ISO 9001:2000 certified. For more information, visit the ARINC web site at www.arinc.com.

Sabreliner is a veteran performer in government aviation. As an original equipment manufacturer, a parts manufacturer, an expert in aging aircraft and a qualified small business, Sabreliner is the responsive and affordable aviation services provider for government and industry. For more information about Sabreliner services, click on www.sabregov.com.