Cablegate: Extrancheck: Pre-License Check: Rirt (Russian

VZCZCXYZ0000
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHMO #3319 1900407
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 090407Z JUL 07
FM AMEMBASSY MOSCOW
TO RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHDC PRIORITY
INFO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1893
RHMFIUU/USCBP WASHINGTON DC
RHMFIUU/HQ BICE WASHINGTON DC

UNCLAS MOSCOW 003319

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

USDOC FOR 532/OEA/MHAMES/LRITTER
USDOC FOR 3150/USFCS/OIO/CEENIS/MCOSTA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: BEXP ETRD ETTC RS
SUBJECT: EXTRANCHECK: PRE-LICENSE CHECK: RIRT (RUSSIAN
INSTITUTE OF RADIONAVIGATION AND TIME), ST.
PETERSBURG, RUSSIA, D374598

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, RIRT,
St. Petersburg, Russia. The company is listed on BIS
license application D374598 as the ultimate consignee
of environmental test chamber with interior dimensions
of 36X36X36. These items are controlled for national
security and missile technology reasons under ECCN
1B018. The licensee is Abbess Instruments and Systems,
Inc., 70 Bartzak Dr., Holliston, MA 01746.

3. On July 4, 2007, Export Control Attache Donald
Pearce and FSN Natalya Shipitsina conducted a pre-
license check at the offices of Russian Institute of
Radionavigation and Time (RIRT), St. Petersburg,
Russia. The export control team met with Oleg Osipov,
Chief Engineer.

4. RIRT was founded in 1957 to study long-distance
navigation systems automation for marine and aviation
use. The institute developed the precision timing
apparatus for major radio navigation networks for the
Soviet Union and the Russian Federation, including
"Alfa" (similar to the U.S. "OMEGA" low-frequency
aviation navigation system), "Chaika" (similar to the
U.S. "LORAN" low-frequency marine/aviation navigation
system), "Parus" (similar to "TRANSIT" satellite
geolocation system) and GLONASS (similar to GPS). RIRT
has been working in joint programs with the United
States since 1991, including the synchronization of
LORAN and Chaika systems as well as integrating
GLONASS technology into GPS equipment. In addition,
the company produces GLONASS/GPS receivers and other
navigational equipment. The institute employs 900 at
a facility located in the city of St. Petersburg.

5. RIRT will utilize the commodity in reftel to test
satellite components, circuit boards and equipment
prior to installation and launch. RIRT produces
precision timing instrumentation for the GLONASS
system, geophysical survey and telecommunications
satellites. The chamber will be used to test boards
in vacuum conditions similar to those encountered in
orbit. The system will not be used for other
purposes, nor does RIRT plan on removing or using the
vacuum pump for other than the purposes stated above.
RIRT plans to purchase two additional test chambers as
well. Mr. Osipov noted that a European model chamber
would have been modular, requiring the pump to be
mated to the chamber. The decision to buy the U.S.
built chamber was the fact that it was integrated.

6. The RIRT facility is a closed area, requiring a
security clearance for entry. All visitors are
escorted, and the building has 24-hour security
services. Access is controlled by a proximity card
system, and employees may not remove equipment from
the building without clearing the movement with
security. Seven specialists will have access to the
equipment. Mr. Osipov is personally responsible for
all the lab equipment, maintains the logbook of
equipment, and conducts yearly inventories. Mr.
Osipov was made aware of the anticipated license
conditions by the exporter.

7. Recommendations: Post recommends Russian Institute
of Radionavigation and Time (RIRT), St. Petersburg,
Russia, as a reliable recipient of sensitive U.S.
origin commodities. It is requested that post be
notified of final disposition of the application, and
of any shipments for this organization in order to
conduct appropriate FCS follow-up and statistical
reporting.
(FCS MOSCOW/SBOZEK/DPEARCE)
BURNS

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