L-3 Communications announced today completion of the second phase of the Polish Air Force’s F-16 Aircrew Training System (ATS), one of the world’s first F-16 simulation systems to integrate the increased mission capability of the platform’s Modular Mission Computer (MMC) 7000 avionics.
These phase two system capabilities have been integrated and accepted on the Polish F-16C/D Block 52 Squadron Level Trainer at L-3’s Arlington, TX operation.
Second phase modifications also are being made to two F-16 ATS training devices that L-3 delivered to Poland’s Krzesiny Air Base in November 2006. The devices, an F-16C/D Block 52 Full Mission Trainer and an F-16C/D Block 52 Squadron Level Trainer, will be updated with MMC 7000 avionics, new sensors, smart weapons, advanced air-to-air weaponry and an advanced radar warning receiver and electronic countermeasure system.
In addition to the full mission trainer and two squadron level trainers, L-3 – via its subcontractor ETC-PZL Aerospace Industries of Warsaw, Poland – has delivered an F-16C/D Block 52 Egress Procedures Trainer to Krzesiny Air Base and will deliver a similar device to Lask Air Base.
“The Polish F-16 Aircrew Training System was designed from the outset to maintain concurrency with the advanced capabilities of the F-16C/D Block 52 aircraft,” said Mike Wallace, Vice President of Air Force and Navy Programs at L-3 Link Simulation and Training. “We have achieved that milestone with this most recent update and continue to look forward to working with the Polish Air Force to maximize their F-16 pilot training capabilities.”
The F-16 Full Mission Trainer is integrated with L-3’s nine-panel SimuSphere visual display, which provides pilots with a 360° field-of-view. L-3’s SimuViewä personal computer image generation system powers both out-the-window and cockpit sensor display imagery viewed by the pilot.
This high fidelity trainer is being used to reinforce a full range of pilot warfighting skills, including low-level flight, formation exercises, air refueling, takeoffs and landings, and emergency procedures. Pilots are able to acquire and identify targets and deliver a full range of weapons during simulated air-to-air and air-to-ground combat.
F-16 Squadron Level Trainers, which also are integrated with SimuView and a three-panel SimuSphere visual display, are being used to support extensive procedural training to allow pilots to sharpen their aircraft systems operational skills and practice basic flight maneuvers and emergency procedures.
The F-16 Full Mission Trainer and Squadron Level Trainers also are integrated with a geo-specific visual database built by L-3 subcontractor ETC-PZL that encompasses the majority of Poland’s sovereign borders.
Pilots practice all aspects of ground and in-flight egress, in addition to operation of life support systems, within the F-16 Egress Procedures Trainer.