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Lockheed Martin delivered and installed the first weapons-load training device to the 33rd Fighter Wing at the F-35 Integrated Training Center (ITC) at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.
The system is configured for all three variants of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and allows maintenance students to hone their skills loading munitions, fuel tanks and missile systems onto the aircraft. The system is the first of up to five weapons-load trainers to be delivered to the ITC.
Designed to replicate part of the F-35, the weapons-load training simulators enable training to take place without removing aircraft from the flight schedule. The systems will complement classroom instruction and hands-on experience.
The arrival of the trainer is the latest step in final preparation of the F-35 ITC, where both pilots and maintenance personnel will be trained. Earlier this year, the first two F-35 full-mission simulators were installed, joining the aircraft systems maintenance trainer, the ejection-seat maintenance trainer, the mission rehearsal trainer and pilot training aids. The full-mission simulator system is the highest-fidelity trainer in the F-35 training suite, replicating all F-35 sensors and weapons deployment.
The ITC will house cutting-edge technology in courseware, electronic classrooms, simulators and flight events. The program balances skill and knowledge training through the use of interactive courseware, desktop simulators and high-fidelity training devices.
