Lockheed Martin wins C-130 training contract

Lockheed Martin Awarded $24 Million to Upgrade U.S. Air Force C-130 Training Devices

The U.S. Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] a $24 million contract to upgrade weapons systems trainers used in the C-130 Aircrew Training System (ATS) II

The C-130 ATS II program provides a comprehensive academic and simulation training program for C-130 aircrews worldwide. The visual system and imagery databases in the weapons systems simulators will be updated to provide the most advanced and realistic training. The improvements are scheduled to take place through 2014.

“The C-130 training effort continuously evolves with advancements in technology to effectively prepare aircrews for their high precision tactical airlift missions. C-130 aircrews participate in critical military, civilian and humanitarian aid operations, and our goal is to keep aircrews mission ready,” said Stephen Grotjan, C-130 ATS program manager for the U.S. Air Force Materiel Command.

The new visual system will provide enhanced illumination in the cockpit, advanced visual scenes and the latest infrared-enabled night vision training. The visual databases will also be upgraded to the same used by the new C-130J Maintenance and Aircrew Training System, furthering interoperability across aircrew training.

“Lockheed Martin is focused on affordable yet innovative and effective training for the men and women who operate the C-130,” said Jim Weitzel, vice president for training and engineering services in Lockheed Martin’s Global Training and Logistics business. “This effort will extend the training systems’ lifecycle while adding new capabilities.”

Located at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., the C-130 training center of excellence serves the U.S. Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy. More than 25 international partner countries also train aircrews through the C-130 ATS II program.

With extensive experience in the development and delivery of advanced training systems to support C-130, F-15, F-16, F-22 and F-35 aircraft, Lockheed Martin teams with service partners to hone the mission skills of military aviators and maintenance professionals across the globe.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 126,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.8 billion.

C-130 Aircrew Training System (C-130 ATS)

The Lockheed Martin C-130 Aircrew Training System (ATS) program provides an effective and comprehensive academic and simulation training program for C-130 weapons system aircrews and maintenance personnel. Located in Little Rock, Arkansas the schoolhouse is the DoD’s formal C-130 training center for the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard; the capability is also utilized by more than 25 international user countries. Graduates of the formal school are mission-qualified and can then report to operational units in the Air Mobility Command (AMC) and Air Combat Command (ACC). Lockheed Martin provides instruction in ground-based academic and simulator lessons with roughly 150 skilled instructors: average student throughput is close to 12,000 students annually.

Training includes all crew positions, refresher courses, cockpit resource management (initial and recurring), Instrument Refresher Courses, and the Instructor Preparatory Course. A full Training System Support Center (TSSC) supports O&M, research, and development engineering tasks. The C-130 ATS contract also includes a security program, an Environmental Health & Safety program, a scheduling office, student publications library, and learning center operations.

“Enhancing the Way We Train” (Technology Enhancements):

    Upgraded 225 x 40 degree Visual Display System
    PC-based Image Generator with Calligraphic Lighting
    Enhanced geo-specific databases
    State-of-the-art Instructor Operator Station
    Digital Radar Land Mass System (DRLMS) Enhancement
    Computer-Assisted Assessment System (CAAS)
    Updated Aerodynamics Models
    Navigation, Communication, and Planning System (NAVCAP)
    Enhanced Traffic Collision Avoidance System (ETCAS)
    Digitally Enhanced Aural Cueing Systems

Sites:
    Dobbins AFB – GA
    Dyess AFB – TX
    Little Rock AFB – AR (HQ)
    McChord AFB – WA
    Minneapolis ANG – MN
    Pope AFB – NC

Remotes:
    Elmendorf AFB – AK
    Ramstein AB – Germany
    Yokota AB – Japan


Source: ORLANDO, Fla., 09 January 2012 - Lockheed Martin Corporation News (www.lockheedmartin.com)

Photo: The U.S. Air Force C-130 ATS II program (Photo by Lockheed Martin)

Photo Story: Lockheed Martin has been awarded a contract by the US Air Force to upgrade weapons systems trainers used in the C-130 Aircrew Training System (ATS) II. According to the company the contract is worth $24 million.

The C-130 ATS II programme provides a comprehensive academic and simulation training programme for C-130 aircrews worldwide. Under the upgrade work the visual system and imagery databases in the weapons systems simulators will be updated to provide the most advanced and realistic training.

According to Lockheed Martin, the new visual system will provide enhanced illumination in the cockpit, advanced visual scenes and the latest infrared-enabled night vision training. The visual databases will also be upgraded to the same used by the new C-130J Maintenance and Aircrew Training System, furthering interoperability across aircrew training.

The improvements are scheduled to take place through 2014. (By the Shephard News Team, 05 January 2012- Shephard Group / Mil-Log News (www.shephardmedia.com))


(9.01.2012)