The P-3 Aircrew Tactical Team Trainer (PACT 3) completed its fleet evaluation at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, Fla., Jan. 6.

The event, referred to as the seminal transition event, was the final of four demonstrations showcasing the capabilities of the new training system, which emulates a tactical aircrew station. The demos ensured that all performance requirements required by the Navy were met.

Members of the Naval Aviation Training Systems program office (PMA-205), along with representatives from the fleet, looked on as the Patrol Squadron THIRTY (VP-30) fleet project team tested the device using various anti-submarine warfare (ASW) scenarios.

“We are very excited to finally have this capability,” said Capt. John Feeney, PMA-205 program manager. “This training simulator is at the forefront of ASW technology, incorporating advanced hardware and software concurrent with what is in the P-3 Orion. Because it can be broken down and transported to remote detachment sites, it fills a gap for forward deployed aircrews requiring ASW proficiency training opportunities”.

The Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Fleet identified a need for high-fidelity, portable training devices to address proficiency levels of deployed P-3 aircrews. While devices at home-bases and permanent deployment sites provide training opportunities, a gap existed in providing those same opportunities at remote sites.

“Due to its portability and easy set-up, the PACT 3 will close this gap by providing tactical mission rehearsal, both acoustic and non-acoustic, and sustainment training to pilots, naval flight officers and sensor operators,” said Lt. Cmdr. Rob Huntington, PMA-205 P-3 Training Systems integrated product team lead. “Our goal is to place these devices in both remote and fleet concentration areas to complement live-training conducted during home and deployment cycles.”

In addition to ASW training, the PACT 3 will be available for Fleet Synthetic Training exercises. P-3 aircrews will be able to plug into the virtual arena and interact with other system trainers across the country.

The device was designed, engineered and constructed by Naval Aviation Warfare Center Training Systems Division and Alion Science & Technology, both located in Orlando. Fla.

The first device is scheduled for delivery to the fleet fall 2011.

Source: NAVAIR press release