Article Posted on : - Dec 24, 2010

C-17 loadmaster.

ST. LOUIS (BNS): Boeing has received a contract from the US Air Force to deliver C-17 training devices to three sites.

The contract value is $44 million initially and up to $72 million if two options are exercised.

USAF Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio will receive the Integrated Training Center (ITC) (first set of device) in the early 2012.

Under the contract, the ITC will consist of a weapon systems trainer, pilot and co-pilot station, loadmaster station and related courseware and support equipment. A second weapon system trainer will be installed at McChord Air Force Base, Washington, in the third quarter of 2012 and a third ITC will go to a new C-17 training site in early 2013.

"Wright-Patterson is set to receive its first of eight C-17s next year and McChord has 54," Mark McGraw, Boeing vice president for Training Systems & Services, said in a an official release.

The ITCs support 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.

C-17 loadmasters also receive computer-based and aircraft training in addition to training on the loadmaster station, cargo loading models and cargo compartment trainer. Additionally, maintenance personnel can use the ITCs for training on engine run procedures.