Air Force orders more Predator/Reaper training simulators

ARLINGTON, Texas, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- L-3 Link Simulation & Training reports it is building 34 new Predator Mission Aircrew Training System simulators for the U.S. Air Force.

The new Predator simulators come from the service's exercise of a contract option.

The new PMATS simulators -- plus associated equipment and systems -- will be delivered to 15 Air Force and Air National Guard installations to train Predator and Reaper pilot and sensor operator crews.

"The U.S. Air Force's and U.S. Air National Guard's requirements for MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper pilots and sensor operators continue to grow, and the skills needed to complete an expanding set of missions are increasingly complex," said Frank Casano, L-3 Link's vice president of programs.

"These training devices will provide an unparalleled level of realism and immerse both new and experienced crews in challenging training scenarios based on today's mission requirements."

L-3 Link PMATS simulators were initially delivered in 2007.