[Avionics Magazine 12-8-2016] The U.S. Navy’s aviation wing will start using transportable jet simulation trainers by 2018, according to a recent Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) announcement. The Naval Aviation Training Systems Program Office (PMA-205) has an $8.4 million procurement contract with Logistics Services International of Jacksonville, Florida, to provide eight AV-8B Deployable Mission Rehearsal Trainers (DMRTs).
AV-8B Harriers conduct flight operations aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Bonhomme Richard is the lead ship of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group and is forward-deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation. Photo: Mass Communication Specialist Seaman William Sykes.
This first-of-its-kind deployable trainer for the AV-8B platform will provide pilots with critical training when they are deployed to forward areas or aboard a ship. According to NAVAIR, pilots will no longer have to walk onto ships and use makeshift AV-8B cockpits, controls, buttons and knobs drawn on boards surrounding a chair representing a pilot’s cockpit seat.
“We recently heard an account of a deployed Carrier Air Wing whose pilots were conducting mission rehearsals on whiteboards,” said Marine Corps Aviation Training Systems Lead Anthony Singleton. “The DMRT advances that concept. It is comprised of a simulated out-the-window view with flat screens depicting the cockpit’s displays, buttons, knobs and switches which the pilots will be able to virtually utilize along with a mock AV-8B cockpit seat, stick and throttle.”
NAVAIR expects the first deployable mission trainers to be delivered to the fleet in July 2018.