L-3 Communications' Link Simulation and Training to build F/A-18E/F training system
NEW YORK, 12 Dec. 2006. L-3 Communications' Link Simulation and Training (L-3 Link) division has been awarded a $32 million contract from the Naval Air Warfare Center in Orlando, Fla., and The Boeing Company to provide four F/A-18E/F Tactical Operational Flight Trainers (TOFTs), instructor operator stations, brief/debrief systems, training, and on-site technical services.
This contract also provides the U.S. Navy with the opportunity to order follow-on F/A-18E/F TOFTs to meet future training needs and readiness objectives, options that could grow total contract value to $45 million.
The first two F/A-18E/F training systems are scheduled for delivery to Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore, Calif., in 2008. The second two systems will be used to conduct aircraft concurrency updates and ultimately will be delivered to NAS Oceana, Va.
The F/A-18E/F TOFTs will be the first Super Hornet simulators that are compliant with the Navy Aviation Simulation Master Plan, enabling aircrews to undertake networked missions and incorporate the emissions-based Next Generation Threat System. These trainers will be the first in the Super Hornet configuration that are supported by a brief and debrief capability and enhanced, high-fidelity sensor video recording system, which records and distributes pertinent data and communications for review during and following a training exercise.
A simulated Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System will provide the pilot and weapons system officer with a targeting system that can be used to control sensors and weapons through visual cueing. Both pilot and weapons system officer crew stations will have independent cockpits surrounded by L-3 Link's SimuSphere visual display, which will provide crewmembers with a 360-degree field-of-view of out-the-window computer generated imagery.
