SYSTEMS

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA -- SGI (NYSE: SGI) today announced the completion of the first installation phase for an SGI(TM) Onyx® 3800 visualization system, the largest graphics supercomputer in Israel, located at BVR Systems (Nasdaq: BVRS - news) in Rosh-Ha'Ayin. The $2.7 million SGI(TM) system will be used for the development and production of a highly advanced full-mission flight simulator, which will simulate the operation of a two-seat F-16 fighter aircraft. The SGI Onyx 3800 visualization system will initially consist of four graphics pipes and 16 processors and will be used for the integration and testing phases of the simulator. The fully configured SGI Onyx 3800 system will consist of 44 processors and 11 graphics pipes with a refresh rate of 60 Hz, capable of generating very high-resolution graphics channels. ``The selection of an SGI Onyx 3000 series computer was based on the modularity offered by the SGI NUMAflex approach, SGI advanced graphics and the computer's impressive I/O capability allowing for rapid reading from the database,'' said Ilan Mano, chief system engineer, BVR Systems simulator division. ``The advantage of the modularity lies in the ability of each one of the computer's parts that form the simulator to operate independently as a stand-alone computer and then to unite into one single unit with no special adjustments.'' When fully configured, the simulator's out-the-window display will consist of eight channels, each with a resolution of 1,280x1,024 pixels. One of the graphics pipes will provide pilot trainees with the main target display, which can be presented throughout the entire field of view. Simultaneously, the other graphics pipes will provide the viewing channels within the cockpits and will also provide the simulator instructors with a comprehensive view of the training arena from different angles and fields of view in real time. The simulator includes complex, high-fidelity, geospecific databases that provide a highly realistic virtual mission for the trainee pilots. The large size of these databases dictated the need for an exceptionally large amount of memory as part of the computer's configuration coupled with paging capabilities between the different memory partitions. ``The size and scope of this project, which is one of the largest ever conducted by SGI Israel, is an indication of the close and ongoing cooperation between SGI and BVR in the simulation sector,'' said Moty Grossman, managing director, SGI Israel. ``SGI Israel focuses on closely cooperating with system integrators. In a manner that is unique in the sector, we offer guidance in the development stages, local support and international support-as we are doing in this specific case.'' The second phase of the installation will occur in 2002 at BVR's integration facilities in Ashdod, Israel, and will then be transferred to the client's overseas simulator facility. Customer support will extend through 2004 in Israel and at the overseas customer site. For more information visit www.sgi.com