L-3 Link to build F-16 Block 52 FMT for Iraqi Air Force

21 February 2013 airforce-technology.com

L-3 Link Simulation & Training (L-3 Link) has been awarded a contract to build two F-16 Block 52 Fighting Falcon full mission trainer (FMT) systems for the Iraqi Air Force.

Awarded by the US Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), the contract represents the first-ever military simulator sale to Iraq.

L-3 Electronic Systems Group president Steve Kantor said the contract reaffirms the company's commitment to diversify its business, both internationally and commercially.

L-3 Link president Lenny Genna said: "Our immersive, high-definition simulation solution will enable [the] Iraqi Air Force F-16 pilots to gain training credit equivalent to live training while conducting new pilot and advanced skills training."

Integrated with the company's HD World integrated simulation product line, the FMT is designed to provide F-16 pilots with highly-realistic and relevant fighter training environments within a geo-specific visual system database of Iraq.

Equipped with high-definition databases, image generation systems, SimuSphere HD-9 visual displays and physics-based processing technology, the simulator supports basic and advanced pilot mission training, tactics validation and mission rehearsal.

L-3's simulated joint helmet mounted cueing system (JHMCS) provides a 360° in-flight information view to enable the pilot to practice control of the aircraft targeting systems and sensors.

More than 140 F-16 training devices have been delivered by the company to the US Air Force, Air National Guard and ten foreign militaries, since the 1970s.

Manufacturing work as part of the contract is scheduled to be carried out the company's facility in Arlington, Texas, US, while the delivery schedule has not been disclosed by the company.