MPRI Provides High-Tech Training for Army Convoy and Combat Patrol Drivers at Fort Drum

(May 31, 2007) -- Company Invests in M-1114 HMMWV Trainer and Driving Curriculum to Help Save Soldiers’ Lives

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — MPRI, a global leader in vehicle and maritime simulator products, services and turnkey training facilities, today announced the sale of its M-1114 state-of-the-art convoy and combat patrol driver’s training program to U.S. Army soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum in New York state. Through a collaborative effort with Toronto-based drive for life, the companies are providing a comprehensive simulator-based training program to provide drivers realistic experience in challenging situations in a no-risk environment, uniquely improving both driving behaviors and skills through an integrated training approach.

“Our immersive simulation trainer gives the troops at Fort Drum the ability to structure, conduct, analyze and reinforce combat driver training in an interactive and lifelike environment,” said Terry Tucker, senior vice president of MPRI. “With so many military vehicles currently deployed to other parts of the world and unavailable for training use, our program offers soldiers vital driving experience that may ultimately save lives.”

“We have identified that driving has become a critical combat skill just like shooting, communications and medical skills. As a former battalion commander in Baghdad, I have seen the importance of having confident, competent drivers in the combat zone. So when we had the opportunity to simulate combat driving skills in a very realistic simulator that provides the appropriate context for a fantastic curriculum from drive for life, the 10th Mountain Division took advantage of it,” said Lt. Col. Mark Meadows, chief of future training strategies for the 10th Mountain Division. “Since having the M-1114 simulator at Fort Drum, we have seen an immediate improvement in this critical skill. I am very impressed with this service and convinced that this training will save lives.”

The simulator trains soldiers on three vehicle simulators — a standard commercial vehicle, a standard HMMWV and an M-1114. The three-part training familiarizes drivers with specific differences in maneuverability among the different vehicles, and how to respond to them. More than 50 Fort Drum non-commissioned officers (NCO) have been trained to be assistant instructors, so soldiers can complete the program under their customary reporting structures. The system allows NCOs to gauge the aptitudes of potential drivers and assign roles accordingly.

“Our proprietary ‘SPOT’ training curriculum, Scan, Predict, Options, Taking Action, involves conditioning drivers to fully engage in the driving activity, constantly using their eyes to scan the area and predict what they might encounter,” said John Williamson, founder, drive for life. “That mental preparation and repetitive practice enables them to quickly and automatically evaluate options and effectively take action when necessary — important for combat and other high-pressure situations.”

The M-1114 trainer comes equipped with an Instructor Operating Station that controls every aspect of training “missions,” enabling leaders to seed routine duty sequences with threats like improvised explosive devices (IEDs), coordinated ambushes and convoy stops. A pilot project to evaluate training results was conducted in summer 2006, followed by fine-tuning and additional customization to ensure the utmost applicability to environments that soldiers might encounter upon deployment. Formal training began April 24, 2007.

The M-1114 up-armored High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or “Humvee”) in use by the U.S. military features reinforced steel plating and ballistic-resistant windows as well as other up-armament enhancements and weighs in excess of 14,000 pounds. Two thousand pounds heavier than a standard HMMWV, the M-1114 presents inherent driving challenges such as a longer lead time in braking and frequent occurrence of rollover.

About MPRI
Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., MPRI is a recognized leader in maritime, driver and laser marksmanship simulation technology products, services and training capabilities. Learn more about MPRI at www.mpri.com.

Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications employs over 63,000 people worldwide and is a prime system contractor in aircraft modernization and maintenance, C3ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems and government services. L-3 is also a leading provider of high technology products, subsystems and systems. The company reported 2006 sales of $12.5 billion. To learn more about L-3 Communications, please visit the company's web site at www.L-3Com.com.

About drive for life
drive for life is a Toronto-based company that is leading the development of simulator training environments for drivers (www.driveforlife.ca).

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this news release are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements set forth above involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any such statement, including the risks and uncertainties discussed in the company’s Safe Harbor Compliance Statement for Forward-looking Statements included in the company’s recent filings, including Forms 10-K and 10-Q, with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and the company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

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-- Posted on Thursday, May 31 2007