L-3 Link simulation and training (L-3 Link) unit has been awarded a contract to operate the US Air Forces (USAF) C-17 training system (TS) programme.

The initial one-year $976m contract includes four one-year options and an additional option for two more years of training support.

Under the contract, the company will operate the C-17 TS combining the C-17 aircrew training system (ATS) and maintenance training system (MTS) programmes under a single contract.

AAI Corporation will team with L-3 to provide a low-risk transition in support of both C-17 aircrew and maintenance training.

The C-17 TS is USAF’s largest airlift transport training system and operates ten installations throughout the US and at the Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, Australia.