Article Posted on : - Sep 13, 2011

C-130J Super Hercules. Photo: Lockheed Martin.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA (BNS): The US Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin an $84.3 million contract to provide the first phase of the C-130J Maintenance and Aircrew Training System (MATS) II program.

Under the award, Lockheed Martin will deliver four weapons systems trainers for aircrew instruction and provide program management and engineering services.

The Air Mobility Command, Air Combat Command and Air Force Special Operations Command will begin instruction on the weapons systems trainers in 2014.

The training systems feature the latest simulation technology, including an electronic motion platform, an enhanced visual system and distributed mission operations networking that allows aircrews to train with remote and virtual participants, a company release said.

The equipment allows aircrew and maintenance personnel to engage in extensive ground-based training prior to training on the aircraft. Aircrews also are able to perform real-world mission rehearsals using the immersive and realistic training systems, it said.