L-3 operates Air Force training program

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NEW YORK, May 19 (UPI) -- The U.S. Air Force's C-17 Training System program is being operated by a unit of L-3 Communications under a contract with a maximum value of $976 million.

The contract to L-3's Texas-based Link Simulation & Training unit, originally awarded in November, features an initial one-year base period, four one-year options and an additional option for two more years of training support, the company said Wednesday.

L-3 Link will operate the Air Force's C-17 TS program as the prime contractor, combining the former stand-alone C-17 Aircrew Training System and Maintenance Training System programs under a single contract.

"L-3 Link and our teammate, AAI Corporation, will provide a low-risk transition in support of both C-17 aircrew and maintenance training," said Leonard Genna, president of L-3 Link. "Our goal throughout the life of the C-17 Training System will be to reduce overall contract costs, identify program improvement opportunities, provide innovative solutions and maximize the synergies between all areas of C-17 training operations."

In support of the C-17 TS, L-3 Link will oversee program management, training device modifications, courseware development, instruction and concurrency management between the training system and aircraft platform.

AAI Corp. of Maryland, which has operated the C-17 MTS since 1997, is responsible for maintenance training device production and modification in addition to all C-17 TS contractor logistics support.

AAI will manage the C-17 maintenance training operation, while the U.S. Air Force's Air Education and Training Command will continue to provide maintenance instruction.