For more than 15 years, No. 1 Aeronautical Information Documents Unit (No.1 AIDU) of the Royal Air Force has used Laser-Scan's LITES software to create the world's most advanced aeronautical chart production system. The Unit is constantly searching for ways to improve its highly dynamic flowline; in January 2002 No 1 AIDU let a contract to Laser-Scan to develop an Object-Oriented Aeronautical Production System (APS) as well as a web-enabled Internet and Intranet NOTAM (Notices to Airmen) Display System (NDS).

Since that time Laser-Scan has delivered on both projects. The APS and the NDS are the first applications to feature the 'Whole Earth' and 'Temporal' functionality, to create a truly seamless, contiguous, four dimensional database, for the storage and manipulation of dynamic aeronautical data.

Laser-Scan was recently purchased by the company's Management Team. As of 24th July 2003 the ownership of the company passed to the team led by Dr Michael Sanderson, Laser-Scan's Managing Director.

No. 1 AIDU's Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Gary Barber says:

"No. 1 AIDU continues to be delighted with the relationship with Laser-Scan. We feel that this relationship can only go from strength to strength now that Laser-Scan has control over its own destiny. We are happy that this close and fruitful working relationship will continue into the foreseeable future. I would like to take this opportunity to wish the workforce of Laser-Scan all good fortune - the company is in the hands of strong leaders who are committed to its success."

Dr Sanderson comments:

"This is absolutely fantastic news for us. Ministry of Defence contracts are extremely prestigious and are subject to rigorous procurement rules. This continued commitment from No. 1 AIDU is a just reward to Laser-Scan's loyal and professional workforce. "

Laser-Scan is currently working on the continuation of the APS system.