New aerial refueling simulator on way

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ANN ARBOR, Mich., June 21 (UPI) -- FAAC Inc. of Michigan has received a $25.3 million contract to design and produce boom operator simulators for the U.S. Air National Guard.

The boom operation simulation systems replicate the boom pods used on KC-135R Block 40 aerial refueling tankers and features computer generated images with an emulation of the actual aircraft boom controls.

"When Air National Guard boom operators leave their civilian jobs, don their uniforms and arrive at base for a training session, they need a system that is easy to power up, loaded with meaningful missions that are easily selectable, and has a reliability that produces the utmost confidence that they will receive effective training," said Kurt Flosky, FAAC's executive vice president.

"Our BOSS solution will provide a safe simulated environment designed for operators to learn and train proper procedures with the right fidelity to ensure their skills will transfer to the actual equipment."

Initially, the company will design and produce 16 units if all options are exercised.

Of the $25.3 million, a total of $4.3 million funds the design and production of the first unit. With the exercise of the contract options, production of additional units would be undertaken. The company would also provide logistics support.

FAAC is part of the Arotech Corp.s Training and Simulation Division.