Sponsored by Meggitt Training Systems
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01 Jul 20. LM Delivers F-35 Distributed Mission Training Capability. F-35 Simulators Connect for the First Time with other USAF Aircraft at Nellis AFB. Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), the Joint Program Office and the U.S. Air Force successfully connected the F-35, F-22, F-16 and E3 Sentry in a highly contested simulated environment during a Distributed Mission Training final acceptance test at Nellis AFB, Nevada. This simulated training event was the first time these platforms were connected virtually. Additional platforms such as the F-15 can also connect into this shared virtual environment.
The F-35 DMT capability creates interoperability across military platforms for continuation training and large force exercises. The initial delivery at Nellis AFB is a major step forward as it establishes the framework for F-35 simulators around the world to interconnect.
Previously, F-35 simulators allowed up to four pilots at a facility to fly together in simulated combat. DMT links pilots at Nellis AFB to pilots at other bases through an existing distributed network enabling simulated training events with existing 4th generation and 5th generation platforms. This is the first of many fielded DMT solutions for the F-35 training enterprise.
“This base capability lays the foundation for pilots to truly train like they fight by enabling advanced tactics training through multi-domain operations in a simulated environment,” said Chauncey McIntosh, Lockheed Martin, vice president of F-35 Training and Logistics.
As a next step, the DMT capability is expected to be rolled out to other USAF bases worldwide. The Navy is expected to receive the DMT capability through an accelerated delivery at NAS Lemoore by the end of the year. (Source: ASD Network)
01 Jul 20. US Navy commences TH-73A instructor pilot training programme. The US Navy has initiated an instructor pilot training programme with TH-73A Advanced Helicopter Training System (AHTS). The programme commenced with two instructor pilots from Training Air Wing (TAW) 5 at the AgustaWestland Philadelphia (Leonardo) facility. Under the training, pilots will receive first-hand experience in operating the TH-73A AHTS.
The new system is scheduled to reach Initial Operational Capability next year. TH-73A AHTS is designed to provide necessary training to the next generations of rotary and tilt-rotor pilots for the US and select allied nations, and to further bolster naval aviation capabilities.
In January this year, AgustaWestland Philadelphia (Leonardo) secured a $176.5m contract to manufacture 32 TH-73A helicopters.
Overall, the contract values $648.1m for the procurement of 130 helicopters.
The contract also included the delivery of initial spares, support equipment, flyaway kits, hoists, sling loads, data in excess of Commercial Form Fit Function (FFF) / Operations Maintenance Instructional Training (OMIT) Data.
AgustaWestland Philadelphia (Leonardo) is also responsible for providing ancillary instructor pilot and maintenance personnel training.
The procurement is expected to meet advanced rotary wing and intermediate tilt-rotor training requirements for the navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard until 2050.
These new helicopters will replace the older TH-57s, which lack appropriate cockpit avionics and aircraft performance capability.
Recently, Triumph Group announced support for the US Navy Advanced Helicopter Training System (AHTS) programme. The company will supply mechanical controls. (Source: naval-technology.com)
01 Jul 20. Nato begins Dynamic Mongoose 2020 anti-submarine warfare exercise. Nato has launched the Dynamic Mongoose 2020 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise off the coast of Iceland. The Nato Allied Maritime Command-led (MARCOM) exercise is being conducted exclusively at sea.
Iceland is the exercise’s host nation, offering logistical support in Reykjavik.
It is seeing the participation of vessels, submarines, aircraft and personnel from six allied nations collaborate in the northern Atlantic Ocean.
Participants will be able to improve interoperability and proficiency in ASW and anti-surface training.
Five surface ships, five submarines, five maritime patrol aircraft and around 2,000 military personnel from Canada, France, Germany, Norway, the UK and US are taking part.
Nato Submarines commander rear admiral Andrew Burcher said: “Dynamic Mongoose remains one of the most challenging exercises and an excellent opportunity for Nato nations’ naval forces to practise and evaluate their anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare skillsets in the challenging environment of the North Atlantic.
“This exercise is a unique opportunity to enhance naval forces’ war fighting skills in all dimensions of anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare in a multinational and multi-threat environment.”
Participating units from the British Royal Navy include 500 submariners, sailors and aviators, Trafalgar-class nuclear-powered submarine HMS Trenchant, Portsmouth-based frigates HMS Kent and Westminster and Merlin Mk2 helicopters.
The US Navy is represented by Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Indiana (SSN 789), and two P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
Dynamic Mongoose 2020 is scheduled to conclude on 10 July.
Nato holds two annual anti-submarine exercises, Dynamic Mongoose and Dynamic Manta. Manta is held in Sicily in February. (Source: naval-technology.com)
29 Jun 20. Cubic Teams with Carley Corporation and Northrop Grumman to Support U.S. Navy’s Sailor 2025. Cubic Global Defense and partners pursue Fiscal Year 2021 Ready Relevant Learning Content Conversion contract.
Cubic Corporation (NYSE:CUB) today announced its Cubic Global Defense (CGD) business division has partnered with Carley Corporation and Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) to pursue the U.S. Navy’s potential $93m Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract for the design, development, testing and delivery of products in support of the Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) Ready Relevant Learning (RRL) Content Conversion (CC) program.
The Cubic-led team will use innovative instructional systems design, systems engineering and training assessment approaches in conjunction with new and modernized technologies to support ratings-accession training while simultaneously supporting the broader Sailor 2025 (S2025) overarching goal of improving Sailors’ transfer of training to the operational work environment. The FY21 RRL CC program falls under the ‘Ready, Relevant Learning’ pillar of S2025, which focuses on learning continuums where training is delivered by modern methods to enable faster learning, more effective knowledge retention and delivery for Sailors.
“Cubic is proud of the substantial confidence the Navy has shown in our team through the multiple programs we execute every day in support of Sailor readiness,” said Mike Knowles, president of Cubic Global Defense. “We believe our team’s experience supporting the Fleet, our application of learning strategies and advanced content development tools will accelerate Sailor learning at the point of need. The team includes multiple small businesses and collectively, we have recent and relevant experience supporting all of the program’s cross-warfare ratings.”
The Navy’s S2025 program is designed to improve and modernize personnel management and training systems to effectively recruit, develop, manage, reward and retain future forces. The Navy issued the solicitation in June for the S2025 FY21 RRL CC contract, it is expected to be awarded in March 2021. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
29 Jun 20. Tawazun partners with top defence firms for SEEDS programme. UAE-based Tawazun Economic Council has unveiled an innovative virtual training solution through its partnership with six defence and aerospace companies and four universities to ensure continuance of the Sustain and Enhance Emiratisation in Defence and Security (SEEDs) programme by creating virtual internships.
SEEDS offers international defence companies the opportunity to participate in value-driven capability development and job placement programmes for UAE nationals. The virtual internships ensure the continued collaboration between Tawazun and international defence companies.
Sixty defence and aerospace contractors, including Lockheed Martin, Thales, Nexter Systems, CAE, Diehl Group and Naval Group continue as SEEDS partners even though the students were unable to be physically present at the individual company’s facilities.
Tawazun said that 60 Emirati engineering students benefit from the programme that enables them to complete their summer industrial training at major defence companies.
These students belong to Khalifa University, UAE University, Abu Dhabi Polytechnic and Higher College of Technology. All are required to complete an internship with a reputable company in an engineering-related field in order to complete their respective degree programmes,stated the company.
The tie-up with these defence firms and the universities allows Tawazun to ensure the continuity of the programme amid current pandemic, it stated.
According to Tawazun, training plans were presented by each defence company to the universities, in order to get the necessary approvals, based on their requirements. The candidates then went through a selection process for the positions.
Now instead of a physical internship, each selected student will be participating in an innovative virtual engineering internship.
The engineering majors of the interns include; Communication Science, Computer Science, Software Development, Cyber Security, Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace and Electro-mechanical engineering.
Chief Economic Development Officer Matar Ali Al Romaithi said a key priority for Tawazun was to build on the knowledge and innovation-based economy within the UAE, by supporting the growth and development of its national engineering students.
“We are pleased to be able to work with our partners in such a creative way. Our students will continue to have access to valuable internships that will lead to their future employment, both benefitting themselves and the UAE defense and security industry as a whole,” he added. (Source: Google/TradeArabia News Service)
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Meggitt introduces the next generation of immersive training — the FATS® 180MIL.
Delivering 180° high definition projection and 5.1 surround sound, the FATS 180MIL increases training realism, heightening awareness and proper use of force responses. Three borderless screens fit into almost any space with at least a 10’ tall ceiling, providing a 150” X 84” (16:9 aspect ratio) borderless projection surface. It also includes:
- Military Validation – The same high-fidelity ballistic engine validated by the US Army, USMC and other military customers.
o Provides accurate ballistic characteristics in flight.
o Supports and enforces the proper fundamentals of marksmanship.
- Immersive Training – Supports both 3D Marksmanship and Judgmental training.
- Courseware – Delivered with full array of training courseware.
- Hit Detection System – Three digital cameras interface directly with Off-CPU real-time (OCR) processor used by FATS® 100 system for easy upgrade path.
- Projectors – Ultra short throw projectors provide freedom of movement, displaying stunning visuals in 180°environment.
- Low-Light Subsystem (optional) – Practice in simulated low-light conditions with hand-held and weapon-mounted flashlights.
- Rack – Uses same transportable rack as the FATS 100 system.
- Realistic Sounds – Self-powered audio system plays scenarios in 5.1 surround sound. Using directional sound effects board, the instructor can incorporate unsettling sounds from any direction, including barking dog, crying baby, gunshots and more to elevate situational awareness.
- Supports up to 60 simulated weapons, including FATS weapons and ammunition types. Up to 4 simulated weapons can be assigned to a single user.
With the FATS 180MIL, users feel they’re in the action, facing decision-making pressures while maintaining situational awareness.
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