Networked Battle Simulators Train Helicopter Crews

ANN has learned New York City-based L-3 Communications' Link Simulation and Training (L-3 Link) division won a $51.1 million follow-on production contract to build five additional US Army Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (AVCATT) suites. This brings to 20 the number of suites built, and the total value of L-3 Link's AVCATT contract to $347.6 million.

"This new production award reaffirms our customer's commitment to AVCATT as the collective training solution for Army aviation," said Lenny Genna, Vice President of U.S. Army programs at L-3 Link Simulation and Training. "AVCATT remains unique in its ability to train aviators to successfully execute complex, combined arms missions in the contemporary operational environment."

AVCATT enables multiple suites – each consisting of six reconfigurable simulators – to be networked. Collective training exercises allow simulated attack, reconnaissance, utility and cargo helicopters to interact with friendly and opposing intelligent semi-automated forces. The systems can also be networked with the US Army's Close Combat Tactical Trainer system and other virtual simulators, providing an unprecedented level of training realism involving both rotary wing and mechanized forces.

Each AVCATT suite consists of two mobile 53-foot trailers housing six reconfigurable simulators, a battle master control room and an after-action review theater. The simulators can be reconfigured to represent any combination of AH-64D, AH-64A, OH-58D, UH-60A/L and CH-47D platforms.

The battle master control room has four role player stations enabling individuals to serve as artillery, joint air support, ground, engineer or logistics force commanders. The system allows trainers to monitor and record each unit's mission performance.

An after-action review theater -- complete with recorded data and video -- allows aircrews a thorough review of the battle. It also allows real-time viewing of a simulated battle in progress.

L-3 Link will deliver the first four AVCATT suites under this contract to US Army Reserve Component training sites, with the fifth AVCATT trainer going to a joint use active Army/Reserve Component installation. The first delivery is slated for December 2007, with individual follow-on installations occurring every two months.

L-3 Link delivers and supports training systems and equipment and provides a variety of services including front-end analysis, program design, simulator design and production and field support. L-3 Link has major operations in Arlington, TX, and other key bases of operation in Binghamton, NY; Orlando, FL; Broken Arrow, OK and Phoenix, AZ.

FMI: www.link.com