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NEW YORK: L-3 Communications announced today that its Link Simulation and Training (L-3 Link) division has been awarded a $32 million contract from the Naval Air Warfare Center in Orlando, Fla. and The Boeing Company to provide four F/A-18E/F Tactical Operational Flight Trainers (TOFTs), instructor operator stations, brief/debrief systems, training and on-site technical services. This contract also provides the U.S. Navy with the opportunity to order follow-on F/A-18E/F TOFTs to meet future training needs and readiness objectives, options that could grow total contract value to $45 million.
The first two F/A-18E/F training systems are scheduled for delivery to Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore, CA in 2008. The second two systems will be used to conduct aircraft concurrency updates and ultimately will be delivered to NAS Oceana, VA.
“L-3 Link looks forward to applying our common architecture baseline capabilities found on Link's other F/A-18 simulators to efficiently enhance the U.S. Navy's F/A-18E/F training capability,” said Mike Wallace, Vice President of Navy and Air Force Programs at L-3 Link Simulation and Training. “The end result should be a complete and comprehensive training capability that will enable F/A-18E/F crewmembers to hone their skills over the Super Hornet's full tactical mission envelope while enhancing their ability to train as a team.”
The F/A-18E/F TOFTs will be the first Super Hornet simulators that are compliant with the Navy Aviation Simulation Master Plan, enabling aircrews to undertake networked missions and incorporate the revolutionary, emissions-based Next Generation Threat System. These trainers also will be the first in the Super Hornet configuration that are supported by a brief and debrief capability and enhanced, high-fidelity sensor video recording system, which records, playbacks and distributes all pertinent data and communications for review during and following a training exercise.
A simulated Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System will provide the pilot and weapons system officer with a targeting system that can be used to control sensors and weapons through visual cueing. Both pilot and weapons system officer crew stations will have independent cockpits surrounded by L-3 Link's SimuSphere(TM) visual display, which will provide crewmembers with a 360 degree field-of-view of out-the-window computer generated imagery.
L-3 Link is a systems integration organization that delivers and supports training systems and equipment to enhance operational proficiency. L-3 Link's services include conducting front-end analysis, program design, simulator design and production and field support. L-3 Link has major operations in Arlington, TX, and other key bases of operation in Binghamton, NY; Orlando, FL; Broken Arrow, OK and Phoenix, AZ.
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications is a leading provider of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems, secure communications systems, aircraft modernization, training and government services. The company is a leading merchant supplier of a broad array of high technology products, including guidance and navigation, sensors, scanners, fuzes, data links, propulsion systems, simulators, avionics, electro optics, satellite communications, electrical power equipment, encryption, signal intelligence, antennas and microwave components. L-3 also supports a variety of Homeland Security initiatives with products and services. Its customers include the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, selected U.S. Government intelligence agencies and aerospace prime contractors.
