USA: L-3 Bags Contract for C-17 Training System Program

L-3 Communications  announced today that its Link Simulation & Training (L-3 Link) unit has been awarded a contract to operate the U.S. Air Force’s C-17 Training System (TS) program.

In addition to an initial one-year award, the program includes four one-year options and an additional option for two more years of training support. The contract, which was originally awarded in November 2010, has a maximum potential value that is expected to be $976 million.

“Our goal throughout the life of the C-17 Training System will be to reduce overall contract costs, identify program improvement opportunities, provide innovative solutions and maximize the synergies between all areas of C-17 training operations.”

L-3 Link will operate the Air Force’s C-17 TS program as the prime contractor, combining the former stand-alone C-17 Aircrew Training System (ATS) and Maintenance Training System (MTS) programs under a single contract. The C-17 TS is the Air Force’s largest airlift transport training system.

“L-3 Link and our teammate, AAI Corporation, will provide a low-risk transition in support of both C-17 aircrew and maintenance training,” said Leonard Genna, president of L-3 Link. “Our goal throughout the life of the C-17 Training System will be to reduce overall contract costs, identify program improvement opportunities, provide innovative solutions and maximize the synergies between all areas of C-17 training operations.”

In support of the C-17 TS, L-3 Link will oversee the program management, training device modifications, courseware development, instruction and concurrency management between the training system and aircraft platform. AAI Corporation, which has operated the C-17 MTS since 1997, is responsible for maintenance training device production and modification in addition to all C-17 TS contractor logistics support. AAI will manage the C-17 maintenance training operation, while the U.S. Air Force’s Air Education and Training Command will continue to provide maintenance instruction. The C-17 TS operates 10 installations throughout the United States, including the newest C-17 installation at Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley.
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Source: L3 Communications, May 19, 2011;