MTI to provide Air Force engine balancing technology

MTI Instruments Inc., a maker of precision measurement solutions and a subsidiary of Mechanical Technology Inc., has received a $1.14 million purchase order from the U.S. Air Force for the company's portable aircraft engine balancing systems.

The PBS-4100Plus units collect and record aircraft engine vibration data, identify vibration or balance trouble and calculate a solution to the problem, resulting in reduced engine vibration, longer engine life and lower fuel costs.

Military forces, major airlines and aircraft engine manufacturers use the devices.

In addition to the order, the requisition also includes three options for the Air Force to purchase up to an additional $1.14 million in engine balancing systems over the next three years. The contract will total $2.280 million if all options are exercised.

The first shipments will begin immediately, and MTII expects to ship all units by the end of the fourth quarter of 2007.

The PBS-4100Plus system is currently being used in 10 Air Force aircraft platforms, including surveillance, stealth and transport aircraft, attack fighters and strategic bombers.

Mechanical Technology Inc. is headquartered in Albany, N.Y.