Developed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing), the U.S. Army has more than 800 of the twin-engine attack helicopters and more than 1,000 have been exported. Under the contract, TEAC Aerospace will deliver additional production units through 2006.

For the Apache, the solid state digital MDR-80 is configured to record critical video source, with over 180 minutes of high-resolution digital recording capacity on solid state Removable Memory Modules. The recorded video will be used for post-mission debrief and analysis.

The new Arrowhead FLIR developed by the Army for the A Model Apache provides a significantly higher image resolution for the Apache pilot and mission analysts.

When combined with the TEAC MDR-80C Mission Digital Data Recorder (MDDS), in-flight playback and in-cockpit image analysis will benefit from a video quality significantly superior in resolution and lack of scanning FLIR artifacts never before seen in the Apache cockpit.

The new MDR is deployed on all models of Apache from A Models through the latest Lot 9 D Models with the new Arrowhead FLIR installed. After action review and target image analysis also is improved as a result of the high resolution, clear digital recorded video from the MDR-80C.

TEAC's MDR-80 mission data recorders deliver an advanced technical and cost-effective solution to record both combat and training missions. Playback of the high-resolution video is used for target acquisition and battlefield assessment by the tank crew, battle commanders and training officers. TEAC's mission data recorders come with removable, expandable memory modules that can handle Gigabytes of digital video plus HUMS, MFOQA, and 1553 data.

The units can also be used for mission data loading and can provide Ethernet connectivity for comprehensive battlefield management. The flexible MDR architecture meets today's requirements with a built-in upgrade path for operational expansion and technology in the future without redesign. TEAC currently offers the MDR-80 in 30 COTS configurations.

TEAC's newest line of Mission Data Recorders, the MDR-80 is already operational worldwide with deployments in Australia, Bulgaria, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, South Africa, Sweden, United Kingdom, Japan, S. Korea, India, Switzerland, and the United States. The MDR-80 is the latest in TEAC's line of Airborne Mission Data Recorders that fly on over 20,000 fighter aircraft and helicopters in 50 countries around the world and on the Space Shuttle.

"The Apache is a cornerstone of the Army's combat arsenal and we are pleased to have been chosen to support its critical role," notes David Husted, president of TEAC Aerospace Technologies.

TEAC Aerospace Technologies