NEW YORK, NY, July 25, 2000 - L-3 Communications (NYSE:LLL) today announced that its Link
Simulation and Training business has delivered the first-ever F/A-18E/F Super Hornet flight simulators
to the U.S. Navy.
The simulators -- a newly-built F/A-18E/F Tactical Operational Flight Trainer (TOFT) and a major
upgrade to an existing F/A-18C Weapons Tactics Trainer (WTT) to an F/A-18E/F configuration -- enhance
the Navy's ability to train pilots and weapon systems officers to operate the newest version of this strike fighter.
The F/A-18E/F TOFT, which uses the same core software as previously used on the F/A-18 WTT,
is the first simulator to be delivered with Link's new SimuSphere™ visual system display. The five-faceted
SimuSphere display, which provides a 300° horizontal x 70° vertical field-of-view, surrounds the aircrew
with bright and clear out-the-window imagery. Due to its relatively small footprint, the F/A-18 TOFT is
able to fit within a squadron office environment
The newly-modified F/A-18C WTT, which continues to use its 40-foot visual system dome
display providing a 360° field-of-view, has had major upgrades made to its flight aerodynamics,
flight controls, engines, avionics, host computer, simulated displays, emulated mission computers,
instructor/operator station and electrical and hydraulic systems.
These trainers, which are installed at Naval Air Station Lemoore in Lemoore, CA, will enable
Navy aircrews to develop and refine their air-to-air combat skills through realistic interaction with
a wide variety of adversaries. The offensive and defensive skill level of adversaries can be varied
to support a variety of mission scenarios.
Simulated air-to-ground missions will enable aircrews to counter surface-to-air missiles,
antiaircraft artillery, and early warning radar sites while practicing precision weapons delivery
on a variety of land and sea-based models including buildings, bridges, trucks, trains, tanks and ships.
The simulators also will enable aircrews to practice field and carrier takeoffs and landings,
low altitude flight, emergency procedures and operation of radar imagery and targeting forward
looking infrared displays.
The geo-specific data base provided by Link includes seven naval airfields and three
target areas found throughout the United States' West Coast.
Link Simulation & Training is a systems integration organization that specializes
in delivering and supporting training systems and equipment that enhance operational
proficiency. Link's full range of services include conducting front end analysis, program
design, course development and production, interactive distance learning, simulator design
and production, training implementation, training evaluation, training management and field
support. Link has its headquarters operation in Arlington, Tex. and other major bases of
operation in Kirkwood, NY, Orlando, Fla., and Broken Arrow, Okla.
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications is a leading merchant supplier of
secure communications systems and products, avionics and ocean products, training products,
microwave components and telemetry, instrumentation, space and wireless products. Its
customers include the Department of Defense, selected U.S. government intelligence agencies,
aerospace prime contractors and commercial telecommunications and cellular customers.
To learn more about L-3 Communications, please visit the company's website at
www.L-3Com.com.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except
for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this news release are
forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements set forth above involve a number
of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any such
statement, including the risks and uncertainties discussed in the company's Safe Harbor
Compliance Statement for Forward-looking Statements included in the company's recent filings,
including Forms 10-K and 10-Q, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
