L-3 Link Simulation & Training (L-3 Link) has established a new facility in Memphis, Tennessee, US, to train the US Air Force’s (USAF) aircrews to operate the C-17 Globemaster III heavy-lift transport aircraft.
The newly opened C-17 Training System (TS) facility has been designed to support training of the 164th Airlift Wing’s C-17 pilots, loadmasters and maintenance engine run technicians.
In particular, the facility will enable the company to deliver more than 1,100 classes and support 1,300 simulator training missions each year.
L-3 Link president Lenny Genna said: "L-3 will provide comprehensive and cost-effective training that directly supports the combat readiness of Memphis Air National Guard C-17 crewmembers."
At the facility, L-3 Link instructors will provide refresher, upgrade and currency training to USAF pilots, loadmasters and maintenance engine run technicians using classrooms.
The trainees will also receive hands-on operations training in a highly realistic C-17 weapon systems trainer and a C-17 loadmaster station trainer.
Working in collaboration with C-17 TS team member AAI, the company will also provide contractor logistics support and maintenance of the site’s training devices.
In November 2010, L-3 Link received a contract to operate the USAF’s C-17 (TS) programme, which is claimed to be the Air Force Air Mobility Command’s largest airlift transport training system.
The agreement included a one-year base period, four one-year options and an additional opportunity for two more years of training support, as well as a maximum potential value of $976m.
The C-17 TS operates 13 installations in the US for aircrew and maintenance training, and one at the Royal Australian Air Force Base in Amberley, Australia.
Annually, the system trains more than 3,500 pilots and loadmasters using 23 variants of aircrew and maintenance training devices.
Image: L-3 Link’s new facility will train the USAF aircrews to operate the Globemaster III heavy-lift transport aircraft. Photo: © 2012 L-3 Link Simulation & Training.
