Lockheed Martin submitted its proposal today to the U.S. Air Force for the KC-46 Aircrew Training System, a program that will prepare pilots, boom operators and other on-board personnel for air refueling, cargo transport and medical evacuation.

The KC-46 Aircrew Training System supports the Air Force’s strategy for global mobility. Aircrews will refuel fixed-wing receiver-capable aircraft for the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and coalition forces. The first aircrews are expected to begin training with the system in 2016.

“Lockheed Martin’s solution for the KC-46 Aircrew Training System minimizes cost and training time while providing each airman with a customized learning environment,” said Jim Weitzel, vice president of training solutions at Lockheed Martin’s Global Training and Logistics business. “The design builds on our proven methodologies that prepare 35,000 airmen on 36 aircraft variants each year.”

The KC-46 Aircrew Training System includes training devices, courseware, instructors and logistics support. Lockheed Martin has assembled an industry team of large and small businesses that bring fielded, affordable technologies to the program. Lockheed Martin and Thales Group provide Level D-certified simulators that use off-the-shelf components. Small business ACME Worldwide, Inc. of Albuquerque, N.M., will provide the boom operator trainers for remote air refueling.

Lockheed Martin draws upon decades of experience building and administering training programs alongside aircraft development for the C-5, C-130, F-15, F-16, F-22 and F-35. In addition, Lockheed Martin has supported the U.S. Air Force Distributed Mission Operations Center for over 20 years, evolving distributed virtual combat training exercises, testing and experimentation.

Internationally, Lockheed Martin provides flight training to the three military services in the United Kingdom through the Military Flying Training System program, as well as to the Republic of Singapore Air Force through the Basic Wings Course program.

Lockheed Martin press release