Patriot Antenna Systems Acquires Portable V-STARS S/8 Photogrammetry System from Geodetic Systems 

Photogrammetry Precision Measurement Capabilities Ensures Quality Production of Commercial Antennas

Melbourne, FL -- March 1, 2006 -- Geodetic Systems, Inc. (GSI), a leading provider of portable 3D coordinate industrial measurement systems, today announced Patriot Antenna Systems (Albion, MI) has finalized their acquisition of a V-STARS S/8 photogrammetry system and INCA3 digital photogrammetric camera. Patriot is an ISO 9001:2000 certified manufacturer of satellite communications equipment including mobile antennas and satellite ground station antennas ranging in size from 2 ft. To 54 ft. In diameter. The company serves a worldwide clientele in the military, Homeland Security, broadcast, and deep space industries. V-STARS photogrammetry solutions developed by Geodetic Systems are primarily used for in-place measurement of large objects in unstable industrial environments or outdoors settings, where conditions like vibration, movement, and extreme temperatures exist and pose problems for other metrology instruments.

Patriot Antenna Systems will utilize V-STARS photogrammetry for their R&D and product quality assurance programs. Patriot's current large-scale expansion project will transform their 300,000 square foot facility into a state-of-the-art manufacturing complex. The new renovation enables the high volume production of large earth station antennas up to 18.5 meters to be built indoors on their tracking pedestals. Photogrammetric surveys will be conducted to inspect antenna fabrication, analysis, and assembly. As photogrammetry involves 3D coordinate measurements based on photographs, the digital technology is ultraportable and ideally suited for data acquisition and inspection of antennas in outdoor settings, as well as industrial environments plagued by conditions such as employee traffic, extreme temperatures, and vibration.

"Patriot will utilize V-STARS photogrammetry measurement techniques to inspect and ensure the stringent surface and pointing requirements used to produce Ka-Band quality earth stations and hubs," said Jeff Mathie, President of Patriot Antenna Systems. "Our recent plant expansion allows us to perform our own stretch forming, fabricating of large structures, and far field range testing "in house", thus fulfilling our ISO-9001 Quality commitment. V-STARS will play a major role in our pursuit of superior quality manufacturing."

�We are extremely pleased to deliver our first V-STARS S/8 product to Patriot Antenna Systems,� states John. D. Brown, President of Geodetic Systems. �Metrologists who serve the antenna manufacturing industry face unique challenges in their work. Ensuring precision in satellite production is at the top of their list. Checking remote satellites for deformation after years of use in harsh outdoors environments is also an industry requirement. The no-limit mobility and accuracy of V-STARS photogrammetry outperforms other metrology products for these special measurement applications."

V-STARS photogrammetry consists of one or more INCA3 cameras, a notebook computer with powerful, proprietary software, and various accessories. The entire solution can be carried onboard an airplane, or checked as standard baggage. V-STARS travels easily from factory floor to offsite plants, and has been used for precision measurement applications in the extreme cold of Antarctica to the blistering heat of the Equator.

What is Metrology? What is Photogrammetry? 

The science of measurement is known as the field of metrology. Engineers, manufacturers, scientists, and quality control technicians utilize measurement technology in their own unique disciplines. Photogrammetry is a three-dimensional coordinate measuring technique that uses photographs as the fundamental medium for metrology. GSI offers the most comprehensive product line based on industrial photogrammetry in the marketplace.

About Patriot Antenna Systems 

Patriot Antenna Systems is a quality manufacturer and supplier of satellite communications equipment. Established in 1992, Patriot is a global business with offices and distributors around the world. The company's headquarters is located in Albion, Michigan, which lies at the heart of the largest industrial manufacturing area in the United States near both Detroit and Chicago. Patriot was recently recognized in �The Michigan Fastest 50� by the Edward Lowe Foundation. 

www.sepatriot.com

About Geodetic Systems, Inc. 

Geodetic Systems, Inc. (GSI) is an international supplier of industrial photogrammetry solutions for the industrial measurement/metrology marketplace. GSI develops and markets the V-STARS family of 3D coordinate measurement systems for users involved in measurement and inspection applications in diverse industries such as aerospace, power generation, automotive and shipbuilding. INCA3, the company�s flagship product, is a state-of-the-art digital photogrammetry camera with many progressive features. GSI distributes its products via a worldwide network of industry partners. Founded in 1977, the privately-held company is located in Melbourne, Florida. 

www.geodetic.com

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