Quantum3D Government Systems has received a contract to supply its image generation platform in support of a flight crew training system for the US Air Force's (USAF) new airborne warning and control system (AWACS).
The contract was awarded by L3 Technologies' Link Simulation & Training division to replace avionics for global operations and a navigation (DRAGON) upgrade programme between the USAF and Nato.
Under the contract, Quantum3D will supply its MANTIS image generation software, its GeoScapeSE worldwide synthetic environment, and a CatalystSE digital content creation system.
Quantum3D Government Systems president Mike Pavloff said: "Our MANTIS-based systems train military pilots who put their lives on the line every day.
"We're proud to play a role in the AWACS DRAGON technology upgrade by providing the most realistic visual scene generation experience available today."
The contract also includes delivery of a wide range of programme and integration services, starting immediately and continuing throughout the year.
The DRAGON upgrade ensures compliance with current and future air traffic control requirements, giving the AWACS aircraft better ability to conduct operations in airspaces around the world.
It replaces ageing analogue equipment with commercially viable digital avionics and reduces the cockpit crew personnel requirement, from four to three, by providing automated navigation.
The AWACS aircraft has been designed to provide an integrated command and control battle management, surveillance, target detection, and tracking platform.
The aircraft is responsible for providing an accurate, real-time picture of the battlespace to the Joint Air Operations Center.
Image: An E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system aircraft soars over Nevada after a refuelling mission. Photo: courtesy of Val Gempis.
