Defense News
02/12/09
Aero India 2009
American Systems Demonstrates Hornet Simulator
By Wendell Minnick
BANGALORE - Virginia-based American Systems, a government and commercial information technology solutions provider, demonstrated its F/A-18 Simulated Aircraft Maintenance Trainer (SAMT) at Aero India 2009, said American Systems official Bhim Uppal.
American Systems, along with its Indian partner MEL Systems and Services (MELSS), are displaying the SAMT. Both companies signed a collaboration agreement that offers Indian customers virtual maintenance trainers and Web-based computer training modules for avionics, hydraulic, engine, fuel, flight controls and electrical areas.
The Hornet is one of six contenders for an upcoming Indian combat aircraft contract.
The F/A-18 SAMT, developed for the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), is a highly intuitive, physics/math-based simulator that uses photo-realistic imagery to digitally replicate every inch of the Hornet jet fighter, said American Systems.
The graphical, touch screen, immersive, 3-D environment allows trainees to interact naturally with a virtual F/A-18, directly affecting the system models while performing maintenance tasks and rehearsing mission scenarios.
The underlying Simulated Maintenance Technology (SMT) can be used to simulate any vehicle or system, including ships, trucks and helicopters.
The simulator allows personnel to train "at a fraction of the cost of procuring the original equipment, and create a safer training environment for potentially dangerous tasks while providing more efficient training and certification."
"The F/A-18 SAMT provides a safe, realistic virtual environment for maintenance crews to hone their skills and rehearse tasks at a fast pace, ultimately ensuring airmen, sailors and soldiers have the tools necessary for the timely and effective execution of mission-critical operations," said William C. Hoover, American Systems president and CEO.
