Upgrades to three B-2A weapon system trainers and one mission trainer will focus on replacing the devices' original mainframe host computer system. In addition, one of the B-2A weapon system trainers will receive an initial concurrency upgrade that will provide a basic simulation of the aircraft's new Link 16 Center Instrument Display/In-flight Replanning system. All work on the program will be performed at Link's Binghamton, NY operation and at Whiteman Air Force Base, MO.
"These upgrade efforts continue Link's ongoing total system support of the U.S. Air Force's B-2A training program and will result in a significant improvement in processing power and training capability," said David Williams, vice president of training services for Link Simulation and Training. "Since the mid-1980s, we have continued to work closely with both the Air Force and Northrop Grumman, the B-2A Spirit weapons system developer, in the modernization of the B-2 weapon system."
The concurrency upgrade will deliver an initial capability on one B-2A weapon system trainer to simulate the Link 16 Center Instrument Display/In-flight Replanning system - which is used in the B-2 aircraft to exchange real-time information about threats, friendly aircraft, targets and overall air and ground order of battle - and is scheduled for completion in 2005. The computer rehost effort will enable the B-2A aircrew trainers to be capable of supporting not only the Link 16 upgrade, but also future training device weapons and sensors modifications for several years.
This delivery order is part of a trainer modification plan identified in the B-2 Training System Contractor Logistic Support contract Link received in 1998. This indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract calls for Link to provide all contractor-supplied services and product updates for the B-2A Spirit training system through 2008. These modifications are part of an ongoing effort to upgrade the training system to maintain concurrency with the B-2A weapon system.
The B-2A training system has been fielded at Whiteman Air Force Base since the early 1990s. This system supports initial and continuation aircrew and maintainer training in addition to providing rehearsal training for actual combat missions flown by B-2A pilots from the 509th Bomb Wing.
The B-2A weapon system trainer is a full-motion, high fidelity trainer providing out-the-window visual scenes and simulation of all onboard systems. The weapon system trainer allows B-2A pilots to master complex onboard aircraft systems and become proficient in operating the aircraft and its weapon systems under simulated combat situations. The trainers' High Level Architecture networking capability allows aircrews to practice missions in multi-ship formations.
B-2A Spirit pilots use the mission trainer to perfect their skills in operating the aircraft's onboard systems. This trainer, which provides the same level of high fidelity simulation for systems found on the weapon system trainer, does not require a second crewmember to fly the simulated aircraft.
Link Simulation and Training, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary, is a systems integration organization that delivers and supports training systems and equipment designed to enhance operational proficiency. Link's services include conducting front end analysis, simulator design and production, and field support. Link has its headquarters operation in Arlington, TX and other key bases of operation in Binghamton, NY, Orlando, FL, Broken Arrow, OK, and Phoenix, AZ.
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications is a leading provider of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems, secure communications systems, aircraft modernization, training and government services and is a merchant supplier of a broad array of high technology products. Its customers include the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, selected U.S. Government intelligence agencies and aerospace prime contractors.
To learn more about L-3 Communications, please visit the
company's web site at www.L-3Com.com.
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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. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and the company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
