L-3 Communications' Link Simulation and Training Division Debuts Helicopter Combined Arms Tactical Trainer at Farnborough Airshow
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Farnborough International Airshow 2006
FARNBOROUGH, England-July 17, 2006-L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL) announced today at the Farnborough International Airshow that its Link Simulation and Training (Link) division is launching a scalable, reconfigurable and networked helicopter combined arms tactical trainer system designed to provide virtual training for any platform in the worldwide military rotary wing fleet.
"Link's development of scalable and reconfigurable HELCATT(TM) simulation solutions is built upon the combined arms tactical training technologies we have developed in recent years to provide full mission training for attack, reconnaissance, utility and cargo helicopters," said John McNellis, president of Link. "The flexibility HELCATT provides enables Link to offer rotary wing simulation solutions that meet specific service and country training requirements, while enabling aircrews to hone their skills in a realistic, high-intensity virtual training environment."
In addition to networking multiple HELCATT simulator modules, the rotary wing trainers can be linked with other virtual, live or constructive simulations to support joint forces training.
HELCATT scalable simulation solutions can come packaged as one or more fixed-base training devices or, for mobile training requirements, up to six reconfigurable training modules can be housed in two 53-foot trailers. In any configuration, HELCATT also can be integrated with mission control and brief/debrief capabilities. HELCATT trainers today can be reconfigured to support aircrew training for UH-60, CH-47, OH-58D, AH-64A and AH-64D helicopter platforms. In addition, HELCATT trainers can be transformed to represent any military helicopter platform by adding customized cockpit instrument panel overlays and software that accurately simulates a specific aircraft's performance parameters.
HELCATT's system flexibility also extends to being able to support door gunner training on the UH-60 and CH-47 platforms. Gunnery crew positions feature replicas of aircraft seats, communication panels, aircraft weapon mounts and simulated weapons with lifelike functionality. The gunnery trainer capability, which also can be networked to provide collective training, enables crews to master critical tactics and procedures required to succeed in combat.
Pilots, co-pilots and door gunners are visually immersed in training exercises by wearing Link's Advanced Helmet Mounted Display (AHMD), which provides users with a 360 degree field-of-regard of out-the-window computer generated imagery. The AHMD's greater than 60 percent see-through capability enables users to clearly view their surrounding cockpit or aircraft environment. The AHMD's ease-of use is underscored by its ability to attach to a user's helmet in a matter of seconds and align out-the-window imagery for optimum display viewing through the use of simple controls.
"Link's scalable HELCATT solutions have been designed to meet any user's specific military helicopter aircrew training requirements with what truly represents the latest technology advancements in rotary wing simulated training," Mr. McNellis said. "We look forward to demonstrating HELCATT's broad range of capabilities throughout the Farnborough Airshow."
Link is a systems integration organization that delivers and supports training systems and equipment to enhance operational proficiency. Link's services include conducting front-end analysis, program design, simulator design and production and field support. Link has major operations 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. The company is a leading merchant supplier of a broad array of high technology products, including guidance and navigation, sensors, scanners, fuzes, data links, propulsion systems, simulators, avionics, electro optics, satellite communications, electrical power equipment, encryption, signal intelligence, antennas and microwave components. L-3 also supports a variety of Homeland Security initiatives with products and services. 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.
L-3 Communications
Cynthia Swain, 212-697-1111
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Link Simulation & Training
Rick Oyler, 817-619-3536
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Media Contacts: Evan Goetz
212-850-5600
