Lockheed delivers F-35 weapons trainer

ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 18 (UPI) -- The first F-35 weapons load training device has been delivered to Eglin Air Force Base in Florida by Lockheed Martin.

Configured in all three variants of the F-35 Lightning II, the system allows maintenance students to hone skills loading munitions, fuel tanks and missile systems onto the aircraft.

The system is the first of as many as five weapons load trainers to be delivered to the integrated pilot-and-maintenance training center at Eglin Integrated Training Center.

Designed to be identical to the F-35 aircraft, the weapons load training simulators enable training to take place without removing aircraft from the flight schedule. As part of F-35 maintainer training, the systems will complement classroom instruction and additional hands-on experience.

"We are focused on delivering an agile training capability to the newest crop of fifth-generation pilots and maintainers," said Joanne Puglisi, director of F-35 training and support at Lockheed Martin's Global Training and Logistics business.

"By tailoring devices and sharing resources across the training domain, we will provide even greater affordability for the services and our F-35 partner countries."

This is the latest step in final preparation of the F-35 ITC. Earlier this year, the first two F-35 full mission simulators were installed, joining the aircraft systems maintenance trainer, the ejection seat maintenance trainer, the mission rehearsal trainer and pilot training aids.