Pilots train for real deal
KC-130 simulator enhances flight training
USMC
Story Identification Number: 2003310174810
Story by Sgt. John Sayas
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, Okinawa, Japan (Mar 7, 2003) -- Aircrew members of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron-152 (VMGR-152), 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, received the KC-130T Aircrew Procedures Trainer here recently.
The trainer allows the squadron to practice flight operations and procedures without leaving the ground.
The flight simulator is one of three here, collectively known as the WESTPAC devices, that aircrews will be able to use as refresher training in normal and tactical operations, according to Lt. Col. Brad E. Valdyke, Marine Corps Aviation Liaison, Training Systems Division, Naval Aviation Systems Command.
The other two Aircrew Procedures Trainer devices, delivered here last year, simulate flight training for the CH-53E "Super Stallion" and CH-46E "Sea Knight."
A fourth trainer simulating an AH-1W "Super Cobra" is currently undergoing upgrades and will be delivered at a later date, according to Valdyke.
Unlike the more expensive Weapons Systems Trainers that have a full-motion base and are housed in specialized permanent facilities, the WESTPAC trainers are designed with no motion capabilities and are fully transportable in self-contained, collapsible, all-weather containers. The containers can be transported on both ship and a C-5 "Galaxy" aircraft, and withstand winds in excess of 150 miles per hour.
According to Valdyke, the goal for the WESTPAC trainers is not to replace flight time in an actual aircraft, but to make tactically relevant training for the aircrews - something that cannot be easily duplicated or performed while flying in an actual aircraft.
"Simulation cannot replace `real world,' but it comes close, and it allows aircrews to take some of the burden off of them having to train in an aircraft," Valdyke said. "The advantage of having the devices is when aircraft availability is low. Aircrews will have an alternative to keep readiness at a higher level. When availability is good, anticipation of readiness will be higher, because they can practice and train on things they may not be able to in an aircraft."
The devices share common components and databases that are upgradeable in order to enhance performance as technology changes. One of the key subsystems scheduled for upgrade is the Tactical Environment Network, which allows aircrews to conduct realistic missions while facing a host of real-world threats. Simulated environments include airborne, land-based and water-based threats, electronic warfare, countermeasures and the effects of terrain and weather.
The Tactical Environment Network also allows networking of the devices, providing aircrews with the ability to communicate with each other while performing missions in tactical environments. According to Valdyke, this is a feature that has never been conducted before in other simulations.
"You will find (the WESTPAC) has functionalities other devices in the fleet don't have," Valdyke said. "What is new is that the devices have never been networked to talk to each other. Never before could a pilot flying one simulator look out the window and see a pilot actually flying another simulator sharing the same virtual space."
Squadron aircrews can use the devices to conduct simple cockpit familiarization, ground and in-flight normal emergency procedures and perform advanced mission-oriented training, according to Valdyke. They also include a full range of navigational instrument flight capabilities, including the ability to use night vision goggles in a variety of weather and environmental conditions. The visual database includes mapping of South Korea, Okinawa and the east and west coasts of the United States.
"We can conduct missions in places such as (South Korea) that we cannot just do in a real plane. It's hard getting up to the ranges there to fly," said Capt. William G. Steuber, KC-130 "Hercules" co-pilot, Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron -152, and Rochester, N.Y., native. "With our airplanes getting older, it becomes more difficult to get pilots all their flight time to get them out flying conducting emergencies. So when we are carrying Marines out to the fight and something goes wrong, pilots will have already seen it three or four times in this box."
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