New York's Senator
CHARLES E. SCHUMER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 13, 2000
SCHUMER ANNOUNCES $35 MILLION
FOR BUFFALO TECH FIRMS IN SENATE DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS BILL
Senator: Buffalo Companies Playing A Crucial Role
In Military Preparedness
US Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that the Defense
Appropriations Bill passed by the Senate includes funding for three
projects that will benefit two Buffalo technology firms. Schumer
worked with Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan to include these projects
in the Senate bill.
Schumer said that the Senate approved $21.4 million to fund further
development of Sierra Research's Unmanned Threat Emitter (UMTE).
This Buffalo-based company manufactures an unmanned, remote control
system that simulates surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft
artillery radar. UMTE will provide Air Force pilots with realistic
simulations for training in a cutting edge electronic warfare environment.
"The battlefield of the future requires specialized training
and advanced simulation, and Sierra has proven that it has the technology
and ability to meet those needs," Schumer said. "In an
increasingly complex world, it is more important than ever to ensure
that our military has the equipment it needs to protect American
interests and security."
The Senate also appropriated $13.5 million for two projects at
Comptek-Amherst Systems, Inc based in Western New York. The first
project could receive more than $7.5 million for further development
and upgrading of their Mobile Remote Emitter System (MRES). Used
in the Navy's realistic training facilities for electronic warfare
simulation, MRES will have the capability of simulating fast-moving
fighter and attack aircraft, as well as surface ships, submarines,
and other military vehicles receiving electronic signals. MRES was
designed to replace the Navy's low fidelity simulators, which lack
MRES' hi-fidelity capability.
Comptek-Amherst could also receive $6 million for its Integrated
Demonstrations and Applications Laboratory (IDAL). The IDAL facility
evaluates advanced sensor technology and equipment for use in combat
systems deployed on aircraft and space vehicles.
"Like Sierra, Comptek-Amherst is using its technological
expertise to protect our men and women in uniform," Schumer
said. "I am going to continue my efforts to see that both the
Sierra and Comptek-Amherst projects are included in the final
defense appropriation that passes Congress."
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