AAR Lightweight Multipurpose Shelter Type V Passes U.S. Army Inspection

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.