One Of Six Winners Across The Industry And Defense Sectors

The National Training and Simulation Association selected the F-35 Lightning II Training System for the 2014 Modeling & Simulation Awards.

The award recognizes the U.S. Air Force's 33rd Fighter Wing, the F-35 Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin for delivering an effective, immersive training experience for F-35 pilots and maintainers. The joint team was one of six winners across industry and defense honored for advancing modeling and simulation technologies.

In an effort across 12 nations, the F-35 Lightning II program serves as the centerpiece of the 21st century global security strategy. Unique to the F-35, the majority of pilot and maintainer qualification is accomplished through simulation for efficient mission readiness.

"F-35 pilots and maintainers prepare with a revolutionary training system," said Col. Todd Canterbury, Commander, U.S. Air Force, 33rd Fighter Wing. "We train like we fight to provide the foundation that the United States and our international partners require to take the F-35 into initial operations."

"The comprehensive training technology suite delivers the experiences that enable F-35 teams to maximize the aircraft's sensor information and stealth," said Mary Ann Horter, vice president of F-35 Sustainment Support at Lockheed Martin's Mission Systems and Training business. "Flexibility is fundamental to the design, providing the ability to accommodate the three aircraft variants and all F-35 services."

Formal training began in 2013 at the F-35 Lightning II Integrated Training Center located at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. To date, more than 140 pilots and 1,500 maintainers for the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, the U.K. and the Netherlands have graduated from the F-35 Training System.

(Image provided by Lockheed Martin)

FMI: www.lockheedmartin.com