What is Link Simulation & Training's business?

Link Simulation & Training is a leading supplier of simulators and training services for military forces around the world. The company's technologies and capabilities include simulator production and modification; training systems delivery and management; simulation and training research; and aircraft maintenance trainer design and production. Link has approximately 1,700 employees in the U.S. and worldwide.

Who is your parent company?

L-3 Communications, based in New York, N.Y.

How many years has Link been in business?

The company -- which celebrates its 75th anniversary -- traces is heritage back to 1929, the year Ed Link received a patent on a device he called the "Pilot Maker." The Pilot Maker became the first-ever ground based training device designed to teach pilots how to fly. By adding a hood that enclosed the pilot in the simulator and an instrument panel to cockpit in 1933, the function of the trainer changed from pre-flight to instrument flight training. The first significant military sale of what now had become known as the Link Aeronautical Trainer took place in 1934 when the U.S. Army Air Corps purchased six trainers to develop well-trained and capable instrument pilots.

Link has since evolved into one of the world's leading military training and simulation companies. Today Link is a systems integration company that specializes in building new and modifying existing military simulators, in addition to offering a complete range of training services.

What key fixed wing military platforms does Link support with its simulation and training services capabilities?

Link is the only company to build trainers for the B-2 Spirit and F-117 Nighthawk and today continues to support both platforms with a complete range contractor logistics support services. The company also is the sole developer of F-22 Raptor's Pilot Training Devices and the majority of the F-22 Maintenance Training Devices. On the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F/A-18 Hornet/Super Hornet platforms, Link has provided the vast majority of trainers in use today within both U.S. and international military services. Link also is the sole provider of operation, maintenance and support of F-16 aircrew and maintenance trainers currently being used in the U.S. or by foreign militaries worldwide. All of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps' F/A-18 training assets -- ranging from flight simulators to maintenance trainers to computer-based training equipment -- also is being supported and maintained by Link.

Link also is providing total training support for the E-3 Sentry AWACS.

On the E-3 Flight Crew Training program, Link operates a facility designed to support delivery of a complete range of instruction. From instructor-led classrooms to computer-based training to simulator training, the E-3 Flight Crew Training program is helping to maintain flight crew mission readiness.

How is Link supporting military rotary wing training?

On the rotary wing simulation side, Link is delivering training suites for the U.S. Army's Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (AVCATT) program. AVCATT is designed to provide realistic, collective, networked training involving four (eventually five) Army platforms. Initially, each AVCATT suite -- which is designed as a mobile, transportable training system housed in two 53-foot trailers -- will have reconfigurable manned module simulators for the AH-64A Apache, CH-47D Chinook, UH-60 Black Hawk and OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. The AH-64D Longbow will be added to AVCATT in the future. In addition, each AVCATT suite will have a robust after-action review capability and enable commanders to control the training exercise from a Battle Master Control room.