ST. LOUIS, May 19, 2009 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that it delivered an advanced Apache Longbow Crew Trainer (LCT) to the U.S. Army in Illesheim, Germany, in April and declared the helicopter simulator “ready for training.” The LCT is the Army’s first mobile trainer to be delivered equipped with two newly developed Boeing technologies: Next Generation Flight Model (NGFM) and Common Simulation Framework (CSF).

The NGFM software, which improves the trainer’s realism, incorporates actual aircraft flight-test data. The CSF combines tools for software development, testing and systems integration with reusable software packages, ensuring faster, easier development of trainer software. Both technologies were developed by Training Systems and Services, a division of Integrated Defense Systems Global Services & Support.

This LCT also provides the Army with new image-generator technology that allows for the display of more realistic “out-the-window” scenes in real time. It is housed in a trailer that integrates improvements based on fielded users’ feedback and incorporates a globally compliant refrigerant so that the Army can train in locations around the world.

The LCT is a full-mission, high-fidelity flight simulator that provides training for individuals, crews and maintenance test pilots. Deployed worldwide and used for in-theater training in Afghanistan and Iraq, the LCT supports battalions by allowing pilots ample opportunity to meet their training needs and rehearse missions.

Boeing has delivered 25 LCTs to date. The LCT delivered to Germany may eventually be deployed in Iraq or Afghanistan to support troop operations.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world’s largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

Source: Boeing