Innovative, interactive 3D simulations support maintenance and repair for F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft

05:37 GMT, July 19, 2010 Vancouver, BC | NGRAIN, a leading provider of interactive 3D equipment simulation solutions that maximize the effectiveness of training programs and maintenance support systems, on 16 July announced its support of the Canadian government's decision to acquire the F-35 Lightning II (http://www.lockheedmartin.com/products/f35/)Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft. Maintainers of the F-35 will be using NGRAIN's 3D technology as the backbone for the Low Observable Health Assessment System (LOHAS) which is designed to support the maintenance operations for the aircraft.

In 2005, NGRAIN received a $5-million (CDN) Technology Partnership Canada investment (now run by the Industrial Technologies Office (http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ito-oti.nsf/eng/home)) to enhance its products and technology in support of the advanced capabilities of the F-35. This investment was used by NGRAIN to support opportunities within the JSF program and resulted in the transformation of aircraft damage assessment and repair tracking. With NGRAIN's cutting-edge Virtual Damage Assessment and Repair Tracking software, Canada's aircraft maintainers will record damage and repair information on a true-to-life 3D model of the F-35. The software, which will be delivered on a portable, ruggedized Panasonic Toughbook computer, is designed to increase the accuracy and efficiency of the information maintenance teams' records. The solution is integrated into the F-35 Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) provided to F-35 customers worldwide.

"The investment NGRAIN received from Technology Partnerships Canada gave us the resources to develop breakthrough solutions which are now being used by world-class organizations like Lockheed Martin," said Paul Lindahl, Chief Executive Officer, NGRAIN. "Today, our team is proud to know that our innovative solutions will be used by the Canadian Forces maintaining the F-35 aircraft. The international scope of the F-35 program will deliver our company's technology and products to the global market providing a significant export channel for NGRAIN solutions."

NGRAIN is used across all branches of the Canadian and United States military and by leading aerospace and Defense manufacturers and system integrators, including Lockheed Martin, CAE, Northrop Grumman and Standard Aero to increase first-time-right performance and maximize training throughput. The company, which has defined the de facto standard for interactive 3D equipment simulations, looks forward to expanding its suite of customized solutions for partners seeking to revolutionize their approach to training and maintaining complex equipment.