ARLINGTON, Texas, 27 May 2007. L-3 Link Simulation & Training in Arlington, Texas, is offering the Predator Mission Aircrew Training System (PMATS), which consists of a form, fit and function user interface for the pilot and sensor operator stations that uses ground control station hardware from General Atomics.

Link has integrated this hardware with training system software to develop a high fidelity training system. PMATS models all Predator MQ-1 systems, sensors and weapons (in the future PMATS will support training on the MQ-9 Predator B aircraft).

Environmental simulations support both initial qualification and mission training, including emergency and abnormal procedures training. PMATS also is integrated with instructional systems including an Instructor Operator Station, which supports brief and debrief capabilities. To support collective training exercises, multiple PMATS units can be linked over both local and long haul networks for Distributed Mission Operations (DMO).

For unmanned aerial vehicle students training within a PMATS the level of realism between simulated exercises and real world operations is transparent. Use of Predator OEM production pilot and sensor operator station hardware helps ensure training exercises have a realistic look and feel.

Further enhancing realism, Link has developed a PMATS training environment that accurately simulates real-world conditions that Predator aircrews experience.

This training environment, which operates within a high fidelity database, simulates challenging conditions including variations in thermals, slope winds, wind shear, visibility, icing and runway conditions.

For more information contact L-3 Link online at www.link.com.