L-3 Link Simulation & Training (L-3 Link) announced that it has installed a Predator Mission Aircrew Training System (PMATS) at Tucson Air National Guard (ANG) Base and completed upgrades on fielded systems at Holloman Air Force Base (AFB).
“Since 2005, L-3 Link has undertaken a number of Predator Mission Aircrew Training System program initiatives that have enhanced training capability and supported the U.S. Air Force’s plans to meet its future force requirements,” said Leonard Genna, president of L-3 Link. “These most recent efforts continue to underscore our goal to work closely with the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard to ensure that Predator and Reaper combat operators gain highly realistic training that supports each service’s global vigilance, reach and power objectives.”
The PMATS unit at the Tucson ANG Base, which supports the 162nd Fighter Wing, is providing MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper pilot and sensor operator continuation training. This training system, which includes individual instructor/operator and multifunction workstations, was delivered in June 2011.
The upgrades on PMATS units at Holloman AFB are now being integrated on all 26 fielded systems. Constant enhancements to PMATS are enabling MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper pilots and sensor operators to undergo fully-immersive, mission-based simulation exercises.
Each training system uses an actual ground control station that is integrated with L-3 Link’s simulation software and visual system databases to create a high-fidelity environment that simulates aircraft performance, weapons, sensors, communications, datalink operations, emergencies, degraded video feeds and environmental conditions. Predator and Reaper crews can gain initial qualification, mission qualification, continuation and mission rehearsal training on PMATS units.
Source: Press Release