Navy Recruiting Gets Third F-18 Flight Simulator

Navy Recruiting Command has added a third F/A-18 Super Hornet full-motion simulator to its arsenal of attractions that support recruiting around the country.

The simulator, provided by Pulseworks, is one of three aviation simulators Navy Recruiting uses around the nation. The Navy's partnership with Pulseworks began in 2000, and since then, Navy Recruiting has used two 20-seat simulators to showcase naval aviation as part of the Navy’s “Accelerate your Life™” recruitment campaign.

The new simulator seats eight and will allow for the attraction to set up at venues that the larger 20-seat simulators could not attend due to logistical problems.

“This simulator allows us to visit rural-area and inner-city venues that were challenging for us to target due to the weight of the simulator and its size. The new eight-seat simulator allows for easier maneuverability in small city streets and smaller rural roads,” said Lt. David Shaner, director of recruiter support, Navy Recruiting Command. “This simulator will provide young men and women an opportunity to experience the U.S. Navy’s hi-tech environment and get a sense of what it’s like to be part of a winning team,” he said.

The new mobile simulator is designed around a 39-foot-long tractor trailer. The passenger capsule includes integrated premium quality digital projection and surround sound technology. It will feature the live action ride film experience “F/A-18 Super Hornet,” a pilot’s perspective of a launch and recovery on board an aircraft carrier, as well as low-level flying. This immersing adventure is designed to capture the imagination of prospective Navy recruits.

“I am delighted that Pulseworks continues to be a key ingredient in the Navy recruiting traveling exhibits program. We are excited to get the mobile simulator on the road to demonstrate what the greatest Navy in the world has to offer,” said Raj Deshpande, CEO, Pulseworks.

The simulator is capable of generating thousands of recruiting leads each month. Shaner said that during its peak month in September 2003, one of the simulators generated more than 2,400 quality leads. The age groups of the majority of those leads were 16-25 years old, Navy Recruiting Command’s target age group.

“This simulator is going to increase our coverage area by at least a third and has the ability to increase eligible leads for our recruiter proportionately, as well,” said Shaner.

The simulator made its first stop Jan. 23 at Navy Recruiting District Dallas and will continue to other recruiting events as needed.

FMI:  www.navy.com