HUNT VALLEY, Md., Aug. 16 (UPI) -- The Royal Australian Navy has ordered technology upgrades from Maryland-based AAI Corp. for its guided missile systems.
AAI is a subsidiary of United Industrial Corp.
The order, worth $8.6 million, is for an upgrade of six On-Board Training systems and two land-based software support centers for the service's guided missile frigates.
Operating over a wide area network, AAI's OBT systems give radar and weapon systems operators and tacticians the ability to practice combat and operational skills.
"This latest award expands our strong relationship with the Royal Australian Navy and is an endorsement of our on-board training technologies and support structure," said Robert J. Peters, vice president of AAI's Training Systems, in a statement. "The fact that the Royal Australian Navy awarded this contract directly demonstrates the confidence the service has in AAI."
AAI will modify the initial systems under the new contract to meet the ships' latest system configurations for inertial navigation and surface-to-air missiles. The new systems will be interoperable with the U.S. Navy's Total Ships Training program.
The Royal Australian Navy's OBT initiative has been supported by AAI since 1999. Deliveries will begin in 30 months and extend through the ensuing four years.
