May 9 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin has secured a contract to deliver comprehensive simulator systems based on the F-16 fighter jet to the Romanian air force, the company announced on Monday.
The systems combine full combat tactics and mission training scenarios, while providing for networking to allow pilots to train together virtually.
"Our solution builds on our proven training system with hardware and software tailored for Romania's F-16 fleet," Sandy Samuel, vice president of Lockheed Martin's Training and Simulation Solutions, said in a press release.
"We look forward to delivering mission support for Romania's aircraft fleet and advancing training capabilities to strengthen their national defense," Samuel said.
The SciosTrain simulator system is expected to be delivered by 2019 under the terms of the contract, and will include logistics and other supporst services for maintenance of the system.
The Romanian air force is small and still primarily composed of older aircraft such as the Mig-21, though the country is gradually ramping up purchases of the F-16 as a replacement.
The F-16 is a single-engine multi-role fighter plane that has been exported across the world. It is highly maneuverable, fast and, compared to many modern fighters, is relatively cheap to operate.
