Networked Battle Simulators Train Helicopter Crews
ANN has learned New York City-based
L-3 Communications' Link Simulation and Training (L-3 Link)
division won a $51.1 million follow-on production contract to build
five additional US Army Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer
(AVCATT) suites. This brings to 20 the number of suites built, and
the total value of L-3 Link's AVCATT contract to $347.6
million.
"This new production award reaffirms our customer's commitment
to AVCATT as the collective training solution for Army aviation,"
said Lenny Genna, Vice President of U.S. Army programs at L-3 Link
Simulation and Training. "AVCATT remains unique in its ability to
train aviators to successfully execute complex, combined arms
missions in the contemporary operational environment."
AVCATT enables multiple suites – each consisting of six
reconfigurable simulators – to be networked. Collective
training exercises allow simulated attack, reconnaissance, utility
and cargo helicopters to interact with friendly and opposing
intelligent semi-automated forces. The systems can also be
networked with the US Army's Close Combat Tactical Trainer system
and other virtual simulators, providing an unprecedented level of
training realism involving both rotary wing and mechanized
forces.
Each AVCATT suite consists of two mobile 53-foot trailers
housing six reconfigurable simulators, a battle master control room
and an after-action review theater. The simulators can be
reconfigured to represent any combination of AH-64D, AH-64A,
OH-58D, UH-60A/L and CH-47D platforms.
The battle master control room has four role player stations
enabling individuals to serve as artillery, joint air support,
ground, engineer or logistics force commanders. The system allows
trainers to monitor and record each unit's mission performance.
An after-action review theater -- complete with recorded data
and video -- allows aircrews a thorough review of the battle. It
also allows real-time viewing of a simulated battle in
progress.
L-3 Link will deliver the first four AVCATT suites under this
contract to US Army Reserve Component training sites, with the
fifth AVCATT trainer going to a joint use active Army/Reserve
Component installation. The first delivery is slated for December
2007, with individual follow-on installations occurring every two
months.
L-3 Link delivers and supports training systems and equipment
and provides a variety of services including 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.