Israel's Elbit Systems is looking to enter the US training and simulation market by working with a major US company. Elbit is already teamed with Lockheed Martin to supply an F-16I full mission simulator to the Israeli air force.
Elbit has provided Northrop F-5 simulators for Brazil and Thailand, and MiG-21 devices for the Romanian air force. In November last year, the company won a $6.5 million US State Department contract to offer Mil Mi-8/17 and Mi-24 helicopter simulators to Uzbekistan.
Training systems are often linked to avionics upgrades performed by Elbit. "We use the real mission computer as part of the simulator to provide all the displays and feel of a real aircraft," says vice-president for simulation and training Jacob Rimon. "It is easy to upgrade the OFP [operational flight program] as it is the same as in the aircraft."
The company is preparing to deliver two simulators for the upgraded F-5BR, and five for the Elbit-equipped Embraer Super Tucano, to the Brazilian air force, with wholly owned Brazilian subsidiary AEL providing maintenance trainers. Thailand has received an avionics trainer for its upgraded F-5.
Romania has taken delivery of three simulators, one with motion, for the Aerostar/Elbit-upgraded MiG-21 Lancer, plus another for the IAR-330 Puma, which has also been upgraded by the Israeli company. Some work has been performed by Elbit's Bucharest subsidiary Simutec, says Rimon. Elbit is also involved in ground and naval simulation, mission planning and debriefing.
Source: Flight International
