Boeing has delivered the 28th and final C-17 Globemaster III aircrew training simulator to the US Air Force’s (USAF) Shepherd Field Air National Guard Base, Martinsburg, West Virginia.
Production of the training simulators started in 1992. Boeing and the USAF have already established these simulators in 14 US locations and three international locations.
The training centres provide pilot and co-pilot instruction in flight operations, mission planning and emergency procedures through computer-based training, advanced aircraft simulation and other desktop training devices.
Lieutenant colonel John Poland said: "Receiving our simulator avoids sending our local crews on temporary duty at other bases around the country to keep up their flying certifications.
"Boeing’s simulator enables greater training efficiency while reducing aircraft operating costs and increasing the readiness of our servicemen and servicewomen."
The C-17 loadmasters receive computer-based and aircraft training along with training on the loadmaster station, cargo loading models and cargo compartment trainer.
Moreover, the centres will support maintenance personnel for training on engine run procedures.
The network will be able to connect with C-17 trainers and other training systems across the air force for multi-site simulations and cross-mission training.
Meanwhile, 32 Boeing-installed aircrew simulators will now be located at training centres worldwide.
C-17 training chief engineer Jay Lyons said: "Having delivered, maintained and upgraded a long line of C-17 simulators for many years, we understand the significant role they play in mission-readiness and we look forward to continuing our fleet support for decades to come."
The three international locations of the aircrew training simulator are in the UK, Australia and United Arab Emirates. The centre in India will come online later this year.
Image: The USAF’s C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. Photo: courtesy of Staff Sgt. Jacob N Bailey, US Air Force.
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