L-3 to work on Pakistan F-16 simulators

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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- L-3 Link Simulation and Training has received a contract from the U.S. Air Force to modernize two F-16C Block 52 aircrew training devices for the Pakistani air force.

L-3 Link will install the company's SimuSphere HD-9 visual system display -- the first use of SimuSphere HD-9 on training devices delivered to a foreign nation's air force, an L-3 Link statement said.

SimuSphere HD-9 will provide Pakistan's F-16 pilots with "an increased level of tactical training realism" including high-definition databases and image generators create a highly realistic and relevant training environment over Pakistan.

The F-16C Block 52 simulator units, scheduled for delivery in 2013, will be installed and networked at Shahbaz Air Base at Jacobabad, in Pakistan's Sindh province.

"This award demonstrates the value that SimuSphere HD-9 will bring to military fast jet training," L-3 Link President Leonard Genna said.

"SimuSphere HD-9, combined with the trainers' overall HD World capabilities will allow Pakistan's air force F-16 pilots to gain training credit equivalent to live training."

The upgraded aircrew training devices will support new pilot and pilot-conversion training. Specific exercises include takeoffs and landings, low-level flight and emergency procedures, as well as advanced skills training such as acquiring and identifying targets while delivering a range of ordnance during simulated air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

The simulators also will have a helmet-mounted cuing system enabling pilots to practice control of aircraft-targeting systems and sensors, as well as night-vision goggles to conduct simulated night missions.

Each simulator will have a dedicated instructor and operator station.

Other major fixed wing platforms L-3 Link is supporting through new simulator builds, trainer modifications or training support services include the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, Northrop Grumman's B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber, Boeing's F/A-18 Hornet/Super Hornet and its E-3 AWACS, Lockheed's P-3C Orion and Alenia's transport aircraft C-27J Spartan.

Pakistan received its first in F-16 Fighting Falcon in 1983, built by General Dynamics originally for the U.S. Air Force. It was designed as a day fighter but through improved electronics evolved into an all-weather multi-role aircraft.

More than 4,400 aircraft have been built since production was approved in 1976. The U.S. Air Force no longer buys the aircraft, although updated versions are built for export.

General Dynamics sold its aircraft manufacturing business to Lockheed Corp. which became part of Lockheed Martin after a 1995 merger with Martin Marietta.