Wed, Jan 27, 2016
Will Build 34 Predator Mission Aircrew Training Systems
The U.S. Air Force has awarded a contract option to L-3 Link Simulation & Training (L-3 Link) to build 34 new Predator Mission Aircrew Training System (PMATS) simulators. The contract was awarded by the U.S. Air Force’s Life Cycle Management Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
“The U.S. Air Force’s and U.S. Air National Guard’s requirements for MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper pilots and sensor operators continue to grow, and the skills needed to complete an expanding set of missions are increasingly complex,” said Frank Casano, L-3 Link’s vice president of programs. “These training devices will provide an unparalleled level of realism and immerse both new and experienced crews in challenging training scenarios based on today’s mission requirements.”
The new PMATS simulators will be used to train Predator and Reaper pilot and sensor operator crews. PMATS training devices, in addition to associated equipment and systems, will be delivered to 15 installations between the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Air National Guard.
The L-3 Link-developed and -produced PMATS training solution has been supporting training for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Air National Guard since initial devices were delivered in 2007. L-3 Link, under previously awarded contracts, has fielded or is continuing to build 33 PMATS devices. This new award for 34 additional PMATS simulators will result in L-3 fielding a combined total of 67 Predator and Reaper trainers to support the services’ crew training objectives.
Under this contract option, L-3 Link will integrate its simulation environment solution with ground control stations supplied by the U.S. Air Force. L-3 Link’s simulation solution combines a physics-based image generator, Synthetic Automated Forces generator, instructor station, and other training system hardware and software. PMATS training devices create a high-fidelity environment that simulates aircraft performance, weapons, sensors, communications, data link operations, emergencies, degraded video feeds and environmental conditions. On these simulators, Predator and Reaper crews undergo initial qualification, mission qualification, continuation and mission rehearsal training.
(Image provided with L-3 Link news release)
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