| AAR COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT USED IN CALIFORNIA FIRE FIGHT
California National Guard Provides Communications Support using AAR Contingency Response Communications System
WOOD DALE, ILLINOIS (November 1, 2007) - AAR CORP. (NYSE: AIR) announced today that National Guard units battling wildfires in California are using the Company's Contingency Response Communications System to coordinate communications between emergency services agencies.
The National Guard is using AAR's Contingency Response Communications System, model IC4UTM (CRCS/IC4U), a radio-interoperability system that makes it possible for different agencies, such as the National Guard, firefighters, police, and medical responders to communicate with each other by bridging the gap between previously incompatible communications systems.
"When emergency first responders are able to communicate, it can mean the difference between life and death," said Tim Romenesko, President and Chief Operating Officer of AAR CORP. "We are proud to provide the National Guard with a system that supports the critical need for communications during disasters such as the California wildfires."
Four CRCS/IC4U systems are currently dedicated to fire-fighting effort. One system was immediately deployed to Qualcomm Stadium, a shelter for evacuees; another was dispatched to Montgomery Airfield, a staging area for this disaster; and two systems were deployed to assist fire-fighting operations.
The CRCS/IC4U system fits in the back of a three-quarter ton pick-up truck or a HMMWV and runs off a regular power source or generator, allowing it to be moved right into the heart of an emergency situation. Cutting-edge software within the AAR CRCS/IC4U enables responders with radios, cell phones, walkie-talkies, CBs, and other technologies to communicate seamlessly.
"This technology allows emergency services leadership to follow the situation as it develops, make critical decisions quickly and deploy resources to where they're needed most," Lee Krantz, General Manager at AAR's Mobility Systems division. "We're keeping on top of the situation as it progresses and have additional equipment available to support the relief effort if needed."
Each system can be customized with equipment specifically designed to work within the region or community for which it is purchased, and can be up and running in less than a half hour with minimal training. Other National Guard units that have purchased this system include Montana and Georgia.
The AAR CRCS/IC4U system will be showcased at the 55th International Association of Emergency Managers Annual Conference and Emergency Management & Homeland Security Expo in Reno, Nevada, November 11-14, 2007. For more information, please contact Michael.Kizziah@aarcorp.com, or visit www.aarmobilitysystems.com.
AAR Mobility Systems is a leading global supplier of rapid deployment equipment and mobile tactical shelters, offering products that enhance military commanders' ability to mobilize, deploy, maneuver and sustain forces. Its products are supported through a network of service centers, field service teams and strategic partners.
IC4U is a trademark of Information Processing Systems.
AAR is a leading provider of products and value-added services to the worldwide aerospace and defense industry. With facilities and sales locations around the world, AAR uses its close-to-the-customer business model to serve aviation and defense customers through four operating segments: Aviation Supply Chain; Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul; Structures & Systems and Aircraft Sales & Leasing. More information can be found at www.aarcorp.com.
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 May 31, 2007 Form 10-K. 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 publicly release the result of any revisions that may be made to 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. |