New Training System Designed With Help of CAE

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems bragged about adding "new capabilities to its Predator Mission Trainer" weapon system with some new 'enhanced operating software' "in a move that will be welcomed by many of its international customers.

The Predator Mission Trainer (PMT) simulator inside GA-ASI's North Dakota training center tested out the PMT Plus software, designed by CAE-USA in tandem with the manufacturer. That will allow international flight crews to train on the latest iteration of the Operational Flight Program (OFP) software in use on real-world airframes, in addition to getting experience with the Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability (ATLC). The PMT Plus improves graphics, too, allowing for more 'operationally realistic Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance mission training' over the outgoing system. It can now offer training on maritime missions, too, with less distractingly fake looking imagery.  including the addition of maritime entities. "Train how you fight" is great in theory, but harder in practice when staring at the graphics of a 2005 flight sim, after all. PMT Plus grants improved Instructor capabilities too, allowing them to add elements into training scenarios quicker and more seamlessly in the middle of a simulated operation. The new software even improves comfort, surprisingly. GA-ASI doesn't quite specify how, but they say it "reduces the PMT's footprint, enabling a reduction in electrical and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning demand, while producing a quieter learning environment for students and instructors.

"With this upgrade, our international customers can now train on the latest version of OFP for their fleets of MQ-9A Remotely Piloted Aircraft," said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. "For our MQ-9A customers, the PMT Plus will be an exciting enhancement for them, enabling cutting-edge mission training. In addition, the new software will enable us to efficiently upgrade to future OFPs to meet our customers' operational needs."

FMI: www.ga-asi.com