ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 26, 2012. The U.S. Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] a $24 million contract to upgrade weapons systems trainers used in the C-130 Aircrew Training System (ATS) II.

The C-130 ATS II program provides an academic and simulation training program for C-130 aircrews worldwide. The visual system and imagery databases in the weapons systems simulators will be updated to provide realistic training. The improvements are scheduled to take place through 2014.

The new visual system will provide enhanced illumination in the cockpit, advanced visual scenes and the latest infrared-enabled night vision training. The visual databases will also be upgraded to the same used by the new C-130J Maintenance and Aircrew Training System, furthering interoperability across aircrew training.

Located at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., the C-130 training center of excellence serves the U.S. Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy. More than 25 international partner countries also train aircrews through the C-130 ATS II program.

With extensive experience in the development and delivery of advanced training systems to support C-130, F-15, F-16, F-22 and F-35 aircraft, Lockheed Martin teams with service partners to hone the mission skills of military aviators and maintenance professionals across the globe.