Calspan Corporation Opens $13.3 Million Flight Research Center.

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. -- New York State Governor George E. Pataki joined other elected leaders, dignitaries and company officials today as Calspan Corporation officially opened it new $13.3 million flight research center and hangar adjacent to the Niagara Falls International Airport.

The 82,500-square-foot complex will serve as the operational headquarters of Calspan's Flight Research and Systems Engineering groups. The building will also house Calspan's fleet of flight simulation and research aircraft as well as a full-size replica of the X-1, the first plane to break the sound barrier.

"New York State has worked closely with Calspan to ensure the company's flight research operations and jobs stayed here in Niagara Falls, and today, we celebrate an important long-term investment in Western New York," said Governor Pataki. "Calspan is an industry pioneer whose roots are in western New York, and we are pleased that the region will continue to be a part of its future. I commend company leaders for their efforts in developing this innovative complex in Niagara Falls, which also is a tribute to the dedication and hard work of its employees, who will help the company build on its success in the years to come."

Louis H. Knotts, Calspan president, credited the Governor for his continued support. "Governor Pataki and U.S. Congressman Thomas R. Reynolds have gone to battle for Calpsan a number of times in recent years, testifying on our behalf and working behind the scenes to help keep important government and defense-related work in Western New York," Knotts said.

Knotts also said Governor Pataki, New York State Senator George E. Maziarz and New York State Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte all played an important role in helping Calspan develop the new research center and hanger in Niagara Falls and were instrumental in helping secure state funding for the new facility.

Calspan's three Learjet In-Flight Simulators and its Total In-Flight Simulator (TIFS) NC-131H are all based at the new complex.

The Calspan Learjets have supported the development of many military and civilian aircraft and provide customized training for various government and commercial organizations throughout the U.S. and worldwide.

The TIFS NC-131H remains one of the world's most capable research aircraft. It has been used extensively to develop and improve many aircraft designs and has simulated military and NASA aircraft as well as numerous civilian aircraft development projects.

For more information visit www.calspan.com.