News Review: LM Delivers first F-35 Full Mission Simulator to Eglin AFB | ADM June 2011
Lockheed Martin has delivered the first F-35 Lightning II Full Mission Simulator (FMS) system to Eglin Air Force Base’s 33rd Fighter Wing. Preparation and assembly is underway at the base’s F-35 Integrated Training Center (ITC) for training to commence later this year. RAAF pilots and ground crews are expected to commence their training at Eglin from 2014.
The Joint Strike Fighter FMS includes a high-fidelity 360-degree visual display system and a reconfigurable cockpit that simulates all three aircraft variants. The system is the highest fidelity trainer in the F-35 pilot-training-device suite, accurately replicating all F-35 sensors and weapons deployment.
“JSF training technology brings a revolutionary new capability to the joint services,” Colonel Arthur Tomassetti, 33rd Fighter Wing Vice Commander, said. “The smooth surface, high-resolution dome is a dramatic improvement over legacy fighter simulators. The high visual acuity and utilization of a significant amount of real aircraft parts and source code will allow us to train a wide variety of mission tasks previously not accomplished in simulators. The F-35 FMS will be our primary pilot training device, and we are anxious to start putting it to good use.”
In all F-35 simulators, actual aircraft software is used to give pilots the most realistic experience and allow software upgrades in step with the F-35 development. Small group training events with pilot and maintenance instructors are currently being held at the ITC using maintenance, desktop and mission trainers.
“This is a tremendous milestone for the F-35 training team,” Joanne Puglisi, director of F-35 Training and Support at Lockheed Martin Global Training and Logistics, said. “We are committed to providing the next generation of F-35 fighter pilots and maintainers with the most advanced training systems in the world. The FMS is a key component in that capability.”
The fully-integrated F-35 pilot-and maintenance training centre at Eglin AFB will be home to a full spectrum of the latest courseware, electronic classrooms, simulators and flight events. A balance of skill and knowledge training is woven into the program with interactive courseware, desktop simulators and high-fidelity training devices.