Swiss F/A-18C flight trainers getting upgrade from L-3 Link Simulation & Training

Posted by John McHaleARLINGTON, Texas, 14 April 2011. Officials at armasuisse in Berne, Switzerland awarded L-3 Link Simulation & Training (L-3 Link) in Arlignton, Texas, to provide software and hardware upgrades for Swiss air force F/A-18C Tactical Operational Flight Trainers and associated training system equipment concurrent with modifications being made to the service's F/A-18C aircraft.The hardware and software training system upgrades will be accomplished in two phases. During phase one, L-3 Link will integrate the aircraft's 23X(S) operational flight program and simulate the Swiss F/A-18C's Advanced Targeting Forward-Looking Infrared sensor using L-3's HD World database generation technology. Phase two of the program will include integrating the trainers with the aircraft's 25X(S) operational flight program, in addition to simulating the AN/ALR-67(V)3 digital radar warning receiver, solid-state recorder, and upgraded multi-function cockpit displays.The Swiss F/A-18 trainers enable pilots to jointly conduct simulated air-to-air and air-to-ground tactical maneuvers, aerial refueling, normal and emergency procedures, and night vision goggle operations. The trainers are also integrated with a simulated joint helmet mounted cueing system that enables pilots to practice control of aircraft targeting systems and sensors."L-3 Link is very pleased to continue to be the F/A-18 training solution provider for the Swiss Air Force and to be given the opportunity to upgrade the trainers to maintain concurrency with planned aircraft modifications," says Leonard Genna, president of L-3 Link. "This effort will help maintain an effective training balance between the high-fidelity trainers and the Swiss F/A-18 aircraft."