AWACS Flight Training Provided For Pilots, Navigators, Flight Engineers

L-3 Link Simulation & Training has been awarded a one year $14.4 million contract option from the U.S. Air Force to provide continued support of the service's E-3 Contractor Training and Simulation Services (CTSS) program.

L-3 Link, which as been the prime contractor on the E-3 flight crew training program since 1993, is providing training services for the E-3 CTSS under a contract initially awarded in 1999. Annual contract options could extend L-3 Link's support of E-3 flight crew training through 2014. 

E-3 flight crews are trained at an L-3 Link facility in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma that is adjacent to Tinker Air Force Base. Pilots, navigators and flight engineers initially undergo classroom instruction and computer based training. Depending on their mission role, flight crew members next advance to train on either a navigator part task trainer, flight training device or two high fidelity operational flight trainers. L-3 Link provides student instruction; develops courseware and training materials; performs logistics and maintenance services; and ensures that training materials and equipment remain concurrent with changes to the E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft.

"We value our long-term working relationship with the U.S. Air Force on the E-3 Contractor Training and Simulation Services program and look forward to remaining responsive in providing training solutions that meet a full range of flight crew mission readiness requirements," said David Williams, L-3 Link's vice president of Training Services. "At L-3 Link it remains our mission to provide the Air Force with a learning environment that produces highly qualified Sentry flight crew personnel."

The program's two FAA Level D equivalent E-3 AWACS operational flight trainers enable aircrews to practice takeoffs, landings, instrument procedures, aerial refueling and emergency procedures within a highly realistic flight environment. The operational flight trainers move on a six-degree-of-freedom motion system that replicates the aircraft's flight attitudes. Out-the-window computer generated imagery is projected across a 225º horizontal by 50º vertical visual system display.  

The E-3 AWACS flight training device enables aircrews to receive instruction in essential elements of cockpit resource management and crew coordination within a highly realistic cockpit environment.

FMI: www.L-3com.com