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New Simulator Provides Realistic Training, Improves Readiness

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081028-09
Release Date: 10/28/2008 6:31:00 AM

From Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 4 Public Affairs

NORTH ISLAND, Calif. (NNS) -- Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41, the "Seahawks," unveiled its newest MH-60R flight simulator - the Tactical Operational Flight Trainer (TOFT) III - at Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island Oct. 6.

According to HSM-41's Training Officer Lt. Nate Velcio, the Seahawk's student load will increase "tremendously" as the Navy fully transitions from the SH-60B to the MH-60R.

TOFT III will augment HSM-41's two other TOFT trainers and enhance the training capability of NAS North Island's only MH-60R training squadron.

In addition, TOFT III provides a more robust training vehicle than versions I and II thanks to upgrades that enhance the simulator's communications, navigation, forward looking infrared, radar, weapons and mission planning systems.

"The upgrades are considerable," said HSM-41's Training Devices Officer Lt. Steve Hacker. "They now allow [students] to train to the actual software and hardware load of the aircraft they will be flying in the fleet."

TOFT III is the first Seahawk trainer that has the capability to operate in a "distributed mission" - meaning the simulator can "talk" with simulators in other locations. During combat operations, many different airframes within the strike group work together to complete the same mission. This enhanced communication feature allows HSM-41 students to speak with other flight students training in different types of airframes.

"The way the distributed mission function works," said Hacker, "is the simulator will be able to link up with other aircraft or surface ship trainers. It will provide realistic training with the folks we will actually deploy with . eventually; full-scale exercises will be performed over distributed networks."

TOFT IV is scheduled for delivery to HSM-70 in Jacksonville, Fla., later this year.