EXTRANCHECK: PRE-LICENSE CHECK: STATE

UNCLAS MOSCOW 010434 SIPDIS USDOC FOR 532/OEA/MHAMES/DMUSLU USDOC FOR 3150/USFCS/OIO/CEENIS/MCOSTA USDOC FOR 532/OEE/MO'BRIEN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: BEXP ETRD ETTC RS SUBJECT: EXTRANCHECK: PRE-LICENSE CHECK: STATE RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF AVIATION, MOSCOW, RUSSIA, LICENSE NO. D361241 REFTEL: USDOC 04242 ¶1. Unauthorized disclosure of the information provided below is prohibited by Section 12C of the Export Administration Act. ¶2. Reftel requested a Pre-license check to determine the legitimacy and reliability of the end-user, State Research Institute of Aviation, Moscow, Russia. The company is listed on BIS license application D361241 as the ultimate consignee of a thermal imager, model thermal-eye 2000B. These items are controlled for national security and nuclear non-proliferation reasons under ECCN 6A003. The licensee is L3 Communications Infrared Products, 13532 North Central Expressway, M/S, Dallas, Texas 75243. ¶3. On September 6, 2006 Export Control Attache Donald Pearce and FSN Natalya Shipitsina conducted the requested pre-license check at the offices of Russian Federation State Research Center, State Research Institute of Aviation Systems (Russian acronym GosNIIAS),7 Victorenko st., Moscow, Russia. The export control team met with Gennady Tsibulkin, International Relations and German G. Sebryakov, Chief of Department. ¶4. GosNIIAS was founded 65 years ago as the lead institute for research and development of aviation and air combat systems development. During Soviet times, the Institute employed over 8000, and was primarily concerned with military and government projects. Currently GosNIIAS employs 2500, and conducts research and development projects in the fields of civil aviation, air traffic control, and information systems in addition to air combat systems. GosNIIAS participates in many international cooperative research projects, including projects with U.S. firm Rockwell-Collins/Hughes and the Federal Aviation Administration. ¶5. The imager in reftel will be used in an automotive anti-collision sensor system. The project, which is a collaborative project between GosNIIAS and Toyota, will utilize the imager to allow the system to work in low to no visible light and in inclement weather. Currently the system utilizes two CCD sensor based cameras for daytime use. The addition of a small thermal imaging device will allow for coverage when light conditions prevent effective use of a CCD camera. The system may also be adapted for aviation use, specifically to assist pilots on takeoff and landing to avoid collisions on runways, or in helicopters to avoid power lines or other low- visibility hazards. ¶6. Three to four specialists will have access to the imager. The imager will be secured in a special high- value equipment room with a safe. The facility has an around-the-clock security regime with access limited to authorized persons and escorted guests. ¶7. The company is familiar with export controls, as many aviation related materials require licenses. All military projects are strictly segregated from the civil programs. The imager will only be used for the stated program, as it is not suitable for other uses. x. Recommendations: Post recommends State Research Institute of Aviation, Moscow, Russia, as reliable recipients of sensitive U.S. origin commodities. It is requested that post be notified of the final disposition of the application, and any shipments for this organization in order to conduct appropriate FCS follow-up and statistical reporting. (FCS MOSCOW/SBOZEK/DPEARCE) BURNS