MTS Systems Corporation, a leading global supplier of high-performance test systems and position sensors, today announced that it has sold an extensive array of state-of-the-art mechanical testing systems to Wichita State University's National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR). The MTS systems will be used in NIAR's new Aircraft Structural Test and Evaluation Center (ASTEC), one of the world's largest and most sophisticated full-scale structural testing facilities.

At 130,000 square feet, ASTEC has the capacity to host full-scale structural testing for some of the world's largest aircraft or multiple aircraft simultaneously. The center also includes laboratories for component and materials testing, enabling commercial and military aircraft manufacturers to conduct virtually any kind of testing in one location. MTS systems are deployed throughout the center and include FlexTest® Controllers, MTS FlexDAC™ Data Acquisition Systems and AeroPro™ Software for structural test applications, as well as high-force load frames for component and materials testing.

"MTS provides the world's most complete offering of high-performance aerospace testing solutions," said Bill Hardy, MTS Test Worldwide Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "ASTEC has significantly increased their testing capability through the application of synchronized MTS controls and data acquisition hardware and software. NIAR can now offer its customers simplified test setup, accelerated test execution and streamlined post-test data processing which greatly enhances its competitive position as a full-service contract lab."

"MTS technology allows us to efficiently manage resources across the entire spectrum of testing that occurs within ASTEC, and readily accommodate any modifications our clients need to make to their test setups," said Tim Hickey, ASTEC Director. "The integrated control and data acquisition streams enhance the speed and ease of data processing, allowing our clients to quickly verify that a test was successful so they can move on. Because of this, we have a lot of repeat clients; once they realize the full scope of capabilities and equipment we have, they want to do more kinds of testing on additional projects."

"NIAR's Aircraft Structural Test and Evaluation Center exemplifies the pivotal role MTS technology can play in helping our customers overcome the complex test challenges created by aerospace research and development around the world," said Dr. Jeffrey Graves, MTS President and CEO. "We're very excited about the prospect of introducing and supporting advanced testing capabilities such as this in new geographic regions as aerospace manufacturing evolves into a truly global industry."