The US Air Force (USAF) has awarded a contract option to Link Simulation & Training (L-3 Link) for the development of the fifth F-16 mission training centre (MTC).

The F-16 MTC features all of the fighter aircraft’s weapon systems and ordnance, and supports basic as well as the advanced pilot mission training, tactics validation and mission rehearsal.

Each F-16 MTC suite consists of four high-definition simulators that are integrated with the SimuSphere HD visual display component, providing an immersive, 360° field-of-view for detecting and identifying targets.

L-3 Link president Leonard Genna said, "Pilots will be immersed in high-definition, dynamic training scenarios that will enable them to practice air-to-air and air-to-ground missions under any condition that might be encountered during actual flight."

Boeing is providing the instructor / operator stations, mission observation and brief / debrief systems for all MTCs.

Currently, the first F-16 MTC is being fielded at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, US, and it is expected to be complete for operational use by the end of the year.