L-3 Link to upgrade F-16 flight simulators to reflect latest jet fighter systems

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio, 31 Aug. 2015. Simulation and training experts at L-3 Link Simulation & Training in Arlington, Texas, will upgrade the flight software of advanced U.S. Air Force F-16 Block 40/50 flight simulators.

Officials of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, announced a $12.9 million contract modification this week to L-3 Link for M7.1 operational flight program for the F-16 Mission Training Center (MTC).

The F-16 Block 40/50 MTC is a sophisticated flight simulator that enables as many as four pilots to practice tactics and mission scenarios.

M7.1 MTC software represents the latest programming for the F-16 MTC that will keep the flight simulators up to date with the latest flight programs and controls aboard F-16 jet fighters.

Related: L-3 to build F-16 Mission Training Center for Air Force pilots in Germany

The networked high-fidelity F-16 MTC simulators model all of the fighter aircraft's weapon systems and ordnance, and support basic and advanced pilot mission training, tactics validation, and mission rehearsal. The MTCs enable F-16 pilots to train individually or together as a team.

This contract modification is a continuation of a $68.2 million contract awarded originally in late 2008 for L-3 Link to provide Block 40/50 F-16 MTCs with options to provide as many as 20 of the flight simulation and training centers for F-16 bases throughout the world.

L-3 Link F-16 MTC simulation and training locations include Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.; Hill Air Force Base, Utah; Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina; Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.; Kunsan Air Base, Korea; Aviano Air Base, Italy; Misawa Air Base, Japan; and Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.

L-3 Link won a separate $22 million modification to the original contract in February 2012 for a fully immersive Block 40/50 F-16 MTC, with continuing options for 20 MTCs.

Related: Air Force to convert 25 F-16 jet fighters to target drones in $28.5 million Boeing contract

Each MTC includes several high-fidelity simulator cockpits, instructor operator stations, a threat server and brief/debrief and mission observation capability, and links to geographically distributed high-fidelity combat and combat support training devices including command and control (C2) and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems.

The F-16 MTC integrates with L-3 Link's next-generation HD World visual and display simulation technologies, and offer high-definition databases, image generation systems, physics-based processing technology, and visual system displays to create realistic training environments.

HD World's visual display component, SimuSphere HD, provides each F-16 MTC with an immersive field-of-view that can display out-the-window imagery at 20/40 visual acuity.

For more information contact L-3 Link Simulation & Training online at www.link.com, or the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at www.wpafb.af.mil/aflcmc.