January 4, 2005: Measurement Systems Inc (Ultra MSI), a subsidiary of Ultra Electronics Holdings plc and a leading designer and manufacturer of human machine interface controls, has been awarded a contract to provide its newest product, the Model 500 miniature Hall-effect joystick, for integration into the Raven UAV Ground Control Station. The Raven is an unmanned aerial vehicle produced by AeroVironment of Monrovia, CA.

Weighing in at four and a half pounds with a five-foot wingspan and stretching a mere 38 inches in length, the Raven is one of the smallest unmanned aerial vehicles in the Army, but its aerial reconnaissance value has earned the respect of battalion commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Ultra MSI is under contract to produce five hundred of the new Model 500 Series miniature Hall-effect joysticks which will be used to navigate the Raven. Utilizing patented Hall-effect technology introduced by Ultra MSI in 1998, the Model 500 joystick is a two axis, displacement style, precision fingertip control which offers the user a cost effective solution that features a 20,000,000 Cycle Reliability Rating with excellent temperature stability, high EMI immunity and low power dissipation. Engineered to meet the most stringent environmental requirements, their small size and weight make them the ideal solution for AeroVironment’s UAV Ground Control Station.

Follow on orders are expected as the Army increases Raven fleet and the popularity of the Raven expands into other military service applications.

Ultra MSI Model 500 Series Miniature Hall-effect Joystick

Ultra MSI, located in Fairfield, CT, is the leader in Human Machine Interface (HMI) solutions, including controls/grips, industrial joysticks and trackball technology. With the broadest line of products and accessories in the industry, and a proven track record of solving customer problems, Ultra MSI is recognized as one of the foremost designers and manufacturers of positioning and tracking controls for both military and commercial applications.