Kratos Defense & Security providing training devices to Marines

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy has contracted Kratos Defense & Security Solutions to provide aircrew training devices to the Marine Corps.

The five reconfigurable Marine Common Aircrew Trainers. Or MCATS, are designed to train enlisted personnel flying on CH-53E Super Stallion, MV-22B Osprey and UH-1Y Venom aircraft.

Skills to be taught include aerial gunnery, external lift operations, combat scenarios, standard and emergency flight procedures, hoist operations and crew coordination in simulated day or night all-weather conditions.

"The MCAT will leverage Kratos' years of experience developing aircrew training systems and the most comprehensive technology solution sets we have developed through our research and development efforts," said Jose Diaz, senior vice president of Kratos Training Solutions. "Advancing Aircrew Training solutions will continue to be one of our primary focuses to provide our customers with the latest technology that maximizes their training proficiency and return on investment."

The contract is worth $54 million. It is a U.S. Navy Training Systems Contract III, LOT I from the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division.

No information was provided as to a delivery schedule for the training devices.