Boeing

The U.S. Air Force has taken the next step toward its vision of a Distributed Mission Training (DMT) capability with the opening of its newest Boeing F-15C Mission Training Center at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.

DMT allows Air Force pilots in flight simulators at one location to train with pilots at other locations hundreds, even thousands of miles away. This innovative training concept will give the Air Force enhanced simulator training as a realistic supplement to flight training.

The new Elmendorf facility joins two other Boeing-operated F-15C Mission training centers, located at Eglin AFB, Fla., and Langley AFB, Va. Each includes four ship sets of F-15C full mission trainers with high-fidelity 360-degree visual integrated display systems, integrated into a virtual environment of simulated threats, friendly and neutral forces that operate in combat theaters worldwide. These ship sets, as well as other Air Force DMT assets, are networked together to provide realistic combat training between distant locations.

"This is another major step for The Boeing Company, and we look forward to helping the Air Force continue its visionary approach to Distributed Mission Training," said Keith Hertzenberg, vice president and general manager of Training Systems and Services, part of the Boeing Integrated Defense Systems Aerospace Support business unit. "As the Air Force and Boeing move forward in this arena, the nation and our combat forces will be the benefactors because together we will achieve enhanced warfighting capabilities through DMT. Boeing plans to be a long-term partner in its commitment to support the Air Force in making this important endeavor successful."

In addition to the revolutionary training technology embodied in the DMT program, the Air Force has applied an innovative acquisition approach, which includes a streamlined source selection process and a commercial-fee-for-service contracting method.

"This program represents another milestone in the evolution of the Air Force quest of a better way of doing business ... working in concert with industry to provide required capabilities at the most affordable price," said Hertzenberg.

The complete training system will allow F-15C pilots and AWACS controllers to "train like they will fight" in simulators that are high fidelity, compact enough to fit in a squadron's building, and most of all, provide realistic combat training at an affordable price, said Hertzenberg.

The total DMT program will eventually incorporate most Air Force weapons systems including the F-16, A-10 and F-15E. Future growth could include C-5, C-17, Navy, Marine Corps and Army weapons systems.