Final CH-53E Aircrew Procedures Trainer for U.S. Marine Corps

Lockheed Martin, ORLANDO: Lockheed Martin has received a $10.1 million order to produce the final CH-53E Helicopter Aircrew Procedures Trainer (APT) under the Marine Corps Aviation Simulator Master Plan (MCASMP). 
 
The trainer will be delivered to Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, CA, in mid-2007 and will be the second CH-53E APT ordered by the Marines. As part of this order, Lockheed Martin also will upgrade the first CH-53E APT the Marines received at MCAS New River, NC in July 2003. The upgrade is scheduled for completion in fall 2008. 
 
The CH-53E APT is designed to train Marine Aviators in all aspects of the helicopter's missions. It consists of a fully-functional cockpit for training both pilot and co-pilot positions and an Instructor Operator Station for managing mission scenarios. The CH-53E is compatible with most amphibious class ships and is carried routinely aboard LHA (Landing, Helicopter, Assault), LPH (Landing Platform, Helicopter) and LHD (Landing, Helicopter, Dock) ships. 
 
“Crew training for the CH-53E involves a variety of scenarios,” explained Lorraine Martin, vice president of Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training & Support flight solutions. “The helicopter is used to transport heavy equipment and supplies during amphibious assault ship-to-shore movement and follow-on operations ashore. This APT provides aviators the opportunity to practice all mission aspects in a safe, low-cost environment.” 
 
The CH-53E APT simulates normal operations and emergency procedures under day, night and instrument conditions. The visual systems also support night vision device training. The trainer includes a tactical environment network to provide real-time networked operations with other devices for advanced tactical relevant training in a simulated threat environment. The CH-53E APT provides audio and vibration cues to deliver a more realistic flight environment.  
 
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 135,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2005 sales of $37.2 billion.