L-3 Link Simulation & Training, a division of L-3 Communications, has provided innovative simulation and training solutions to militaries worldwide for over 80 years. Depending on a customer’s training requirement, Link can provide turnkey aircrew training services, networked simulation devices, advanced visual systems, a full range of training services and aircraft contractor logistics support.
AIRCREW TRAINING SYSTEMS
Link provides a full range of aircrew training capabilities. Beginning with a comprehensive instructional systems design approach to aircrew training system requirements, Link develops effective classroom, computer-based training and flight training devices curricula.
Link provides instructors, develops courseware, performs logistics services, maintains all training equipment, oversees training system management and conducts training system modifications. Aircrew training system programs supported today include: E-3 AWACS Flight Crew Training, Joint Cargo Aircraft Aircrew Training System, E-6B Aircrew Training System and E-8C JSTARS Aircrew Training System.
F-22 PILOT TRAINING DEVICES
Link has built and delivered F-22 pilot training devices, including full mission trainers, weapons tactics trainers and egress procedures trainers. Collectively, these pilot trainers are playing a key role in the F-22 training system’s mission to transition talented aviators into this single-seat, fifth generation fighter
aircraft. The F-22 full mission T trainer consists of a fully populated cockpit on a fixed base.
The simulator is integrated with a high-resolution image generation system that is coupled with Link’s advanced SimuSphere® visual system display. Other pilot devices include weapons tactics trainers and egress procedures trainers.
B-2A TRAINING SYSTEM
Link is responsible for the design, support and upgrade of the B-2A training system. Link performs this work in support of three weapon system trainers, one mission trainer, a suite of maintenance trainers and a system support center. The B-2 Aircrew Training System, which is continuously updated to remain concurrent with the B-2 fleet, presently is undergoing a visual simulation and display technology upgrade on its weapon system trainers.
F/A-18 TACTICAL OPERATIONAL FLIGHT TRAINERS
Link has been a major supplier of advanced F/A-18 flight simulators to both US and international military services, accounting for over 90% of the high fidelity pilot trainers fielded worldwide. F/A-18 tactical operational flight trainers, integrated with Link’s scalable SimuSphere visual display and SimuView™ personal computer based image generation system, deliver tactically relevant single-ship, multi-ship and combat mission rehearsal training.
F-16 SIMULATORS
In addition to supporting the US Air Force and Air National Guard on a number of F-16 simulation programs since the 1980s, Link also has delivered F-16 training equipment to 10 foreign military services. F-16 simulators, which can be networked to support unit training, are integrated with SimuSphere visual displays and PC-based SimuView image generation systems. Link’s F-16 simulators support night vision goggle simulation, coupling the image generator, sensor simulation, head tracking, goggle displays and correlated databases into a single integrated system.
AVIATION COMBINED ARMS TACTICAL TRAINER
The US Army’s Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (AVCATT) has several suites currently fielded. AVCATT suites – which are mobile and can be networked – are providing US Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve helicopter aircrews with simulator mission training for individual, crew, collective and combined arms training.
AVCATT suites are housed in two 53-foot trailers and include a Battle Master Control room, After Action Review theater and six reconfigurable manned modules that support a full spectrum of training associated with the service’s attack, reconnaissance and utility helicopters. Internationally, Link is offering HELCATT – which can be configured to support any helicopter in the global fleet – that provides the same capabilities as AVCATT in either a mobile or fixed base installation design.
PREDATOR MISSION AIRCREW TRAINING SYSTEM
Link’s delivery of Predator Mission Aircrew Training System (PMATS) ground control station simulation units to the US Air Force represents the first time any US military service has used high fidelity simulation to train unmanned aircrews. Link’s PMATS solution has integrated simulation software with actual ground control station hardware that enables Predator crews to undergo fully immersive, mission-based simulated training.