PORTLAND, OR, March 27, 1996 -- ThrustMaster, Inc. (NASDAQ: TMSR) a leading manufacturer of interactive controls for computer entertainment today announced the completion of its contract with Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems, a division of Lockheed Martin Corporation. The contract called for ten space shuttle control sticks and twenty electrical interface circuit boards to be used by NASA. ThrustMaster was asked to develop an authentic and operational reproduction of the Rotational Hand Controller (RHC) used to control the space shuttle. The RHC will be used by shuttle astronauts for ground training, as well as onboard shuttle training simulators, which allows the astronauts the opportunity to practice shuttle landings while still in orbit.
The RHC was developed under the same requirements as the control stick used to fly the space shuttle. The controller is a three axes rotational grip providing input for Yaw, Pitch, and Roll control. The RHC also features three switch inputs including a trigger switch, one push -button, and one 4-way "hat" switch. In addition to the RHC, ThrustMaster also developed twenty electrical interface circuit boards to provide compatibility for the RHC on both NASA's Unix and PC computer systems.
"The enthusiasm we have received from NASA has been overwhelming," noted Bob Martin, ThrustMaster's Vice President of Strategic Planning. "With the completion of this contract, we have been asked to participate in supplying additional products in support of Lockheed's prime contract for NASA."
ThrustMaster may be better known for it's realistic flight controllers for the computer entertainment industry. Designed after real military aircraft, ThrustMaster controls are considered to be the most realistic and fully-functional products for computer-based flight simulators on the market. This reputation within the industry is reinforced by ThrustMaster's close ties with the military. Since its inception, ThrustMaster has been asked to participate in a variety of special military projects. In addition to this contract with Lockheed Martin Corporation, ThrustMaster has participated in projects for McDonnell-Douglas, General Dynamics, Northrup-Grumman, and Pratt & Whitney.
"While not our primary focus, ThrustMaster's involvement with the U.S. military and aero-space industries further attest to our quest for quality and realistic performance," said ThrustMaster's President and Chief Executive Officer, Steve Aanderud. "We are dedicated to maintaining our leadership role in the industry by consistently pushing the edge of the technology envelope in developing new products to broaden our market base. We believe this gives us an edge over others who make interactive controls. We are respected in this industry and we try to live up to our reputation."
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CONTACT: Laura Rawlins of ThrustMaster, Inc., 503-639-3200, ext. 3150/ (TMSR)