Lockheed Martin Delivers MH-60s Tactical Operational Flight Trainer to the U.S. Navy
MANASSAS, VA, February 8th, 2002 -- LeadLockheed Martin has delivered to the U.S. Navy a state-of-the-art helicopter trainer incorporating the latest open-system, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) architecture and providing Navy MH-60S helicopter pilots with realistic, expandable training. Delivered concurrently with introduction of the MH-60S helicopter into the Fleet, the MH-60S Tactical Operational Flight Trainer (TOFT) is now installed and operational at North Island Naval Air Station in San Diego, Ca. The trainer is equipped with numerous state of the art features allowing pilots to familiarize themselves with the latest aircraft configuration characteristics so they step into the cockpit ready to fly. Features include a leading-edge, wide field of view, day/night high fidelity visual system with a state-of-the-art data base; a common glass cockpit; the ability to use night vision goggles; and expandable hardware and software architecture allowing incorporation of other helicopter missions such as combat search and rescue (CSAR) and airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM) into training scenarios.
"This new trainer is a significant leap forward and will be crucial to keeping our aircrews on the cutting edge," said Navy Captain Greg Hoffman, Officer-in-Charge of the Fleet Introduction Team at North Island. According to Hoffman, the trainer "will provide effective, dynamic and realistic training that will increase Fleet pilot skills, improve operational safety, and raises the bar for realistic training in the future."
The new trainer also offers several advantages over older trainers, the most important advantages being commonality across helicopter platform trainers with a Common Visual System and the realistic, expandable training provided to pilots at a fraction of the cost of traditional TOFTs. Savings on the MH-60S TOFT result from use of newly designed H-60 open system architecture, which is currently being integrated into the SH-60B helicopter trainer systems. This enabled the MH variant to be developed and fielded rapidly with estimated savings to the government of nearly $10 million in development and production costs. Core elements of this trainer will be employed in upgrades to SH-60B and SH-60F helicopter trainers. The installed systems architecture is estimated to provide savings of more than $150 million over the life-cycle of the trainers.
Lockheed Martin Training is a leader in the design, development, installation, operation and integration of training and simulation systems for global defense, civil, and commercial markets. Products and services in the Lockheed Martin Training line of business portfolio span the training continuum of live, virtual, constructive and test-instrumentation domains for flight, naval, and ground systems applications. Addressing this continuum with products ranging from high fidelity virtual simulators to modern wargaming models and full-service schoolhouse operations, Lockheed Martin offers tailored solutions to address readiness needs.
"We are pleased to provide this new, high quality, trainer to the Navy, " said John O'Neill, vice president for Warfare Systems at NE&SS - Undersea Systems. "This system advances trainer technology for the 21st century and helps Navy pilots develop their skills in a safe and realistic environment."
Lockheed Martin, through its training initiatives, focuses the capabilities of six existing companies under a common banner to better meet customer requirements, increase synergy and improve operating efficiency. The businesses are: Information Systems, Orlando, Fl.; Missiles & Fire Control, Dallas, Tx.; Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems, Akron, Oh.; Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems, Manassas, Va.; Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems, Moorestown, N.J.; and Systems Management, Marlton, N.J.
In addition to contributing to Lockheed Martin training initiatives, Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems -Undersea Systems serves the U.S. Navy with leading submarine electronic warfare systems, mine countermeasure systems, surface vessel and undersea warfare systems and sensors. NE&SS-Undersea Systems is headquartered in Manassas, Va., and is a unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation. Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global enterprise principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems products and services.
Carolyn Fray, 703.367.2323, or email: carolyn.fray@lmco.com
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
