LEXINGTON, Ky., Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Simulators for training U.S. Air Force personnel in helicopter search-and-rescue operations and techniques are to be developed and produced by Lockheed Martin.
Eight simulators for HH-60G Pave Hawk search-and-rescue helicopters are to be delivered by Lockheed Martin, as well as spares and logistics support, under the contract worth $113 million.
The company said the crew-training simulators are part of the Air Force's Pave Hawk equivalent distributive repeatable operative simulators, or PEDROS, program and will prepare air crew for the full spectrum of personnel recovery scenarios, including combat search- and-rescue.
"PEDROS brings a unique deployable training and simulation capability directly to the aviation warfighter," said Monty Watson, director of aviation programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "We are leveraging manufacturing and logistics support from our Missiles and Fire Control business, as well as design expertise from our Mission Systems and Training business, to support the PEDROS training program."
The simulators will be deployed to search-and-rescue squadrons, rather than training facilities, to improve access to them.
"Lockheed Martin has a legacy of delivering mission simulation and training systems for H-60 aircraft, including U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force special operations helicopters and Air Force combat rescue helicopters," said Vic Torla, business development director for training solutions at Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training. "The new HH-60G PEDROS simulators will provide affordable, on-site training options to keep aircrews certified and aircraft available for missions."
Information on a delivery schedule for the trainers was not disclosed.
