Army contracts LM for simulator tech

ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 27 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army has contracted Lockheed Martin for simulator technologies that offer smart enemy training for soldiers.

U.S. company Lockheed Martin, under a deal worth $147 million if all options are exercised, was contracted for the production of Close Combat Tactical Trainer Reconfigurable Vehicle Simulator and Reconfigurable Vehicle Tactical Trainer technologies.

Officials say the Lockheed Martin simulation technologies will train U.S. soldiers with skills to counter realistic intelligent adversaries in modern combat zones.

Lockheed Martin says the simulator's development has come from lessons learned over years of urban warfare in Iraq and Afghanistan that will provide soldiers with scenarios applicable to actual conditions on the ground.

"Reconfigurable trainers fulfill one of the Army's desires to increase home station training, giving soldiers more time with their families," Jim Craig, Lockheed Martin Simulation representative, said in a statement.

"It will be the most realistic training environment for convoy operations and will give the Army the flexibility to upgrade scenarios to meet future needs."