The Air Force recently awarded L-3 Link Simulation and Training a contract to build an F-16 Mission Training Center (MTC) system for delivery to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, according to a company statement.
Each of the MTC systems includes four high-definition simulators, four instructor/operator stations, two brief/debrief systems and a mission observation center. The technology driver behind the F-16 MTC is L-3 Link’s HD World integrated simulation product line. High-definition displays, image generators, databases and physics processing technology combine to create highly realistic and relevant fighter training environments. Boeing [BA] is providing the instructor/operator stations as well as the mission observation centers and brief/debrief systems.
L-3 Link spokesman Rick Oyler said yesterday an example of the enhanced readiness being delivered by the company’s F-16 MTCs is underscored by the ability of pilots training in the systems to detect, determine the orientation of and recognize and identify (DORI) targets with the same fidelity as they would when conducting an actual sortie.
Oyler said the F-16 MTC is scheduled to be delivered to Spangdahlem in 2014. F-16 MTCs are also installed and operational at Nellis AFB, Nev., and Hill AFB, Utah, with another being installed at Shaw AFB, S.C. L-3 Link’s training systems support center in Texas also houses an F-16 MTC.
Oyler said in addition to the F-16 MTC L-3 Link has developed other flight simulators for the F-22, F/A-18 and F-16 platforms. Oyler said “fast jet simulation” is a strength of L-3 Link’s as the company has provided 90 percent of the F-16 flight simulators used by militaries worldwide.
Oyler declined to specify the value of the MTC contract.
L-3 is teaming with BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman [NOC] to compete for the Air Force’s T-X trainer program, offering the Hawk Advanced Jet Training System (AJTS), which will be manufactured in the United States. BAE is acting as prime contractor for the team with L-3 providing the ground based training system. Northrop Grumman will manage the building and final assembling of the aircraft (Defense Daily, Jan. 18).
L-3 Link is a division of L-3 Communications [LLL].