The Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin a $156 million contract for 24 new C-130J training devices and associated services. “These new devices will support multiple C-130J communities as they receive their new aircraft,” said Col. Peter Eide, USAF’s simulators division chief, in Lockheed Martin’s May 1 release. He added, “High fidelity simulator systems provide safe, affordable training alternatives that can free up critical C-130J resources to fly airlift missions.” Air Combat Command and Air Force Special Operations Command will use the simulators for initial qualification and refresher trainer, according to the company. Cannon AFB, N.M.; Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.; Dyess AFB, Tex.; Hurlburt Field, Fla.; Kirtland AFB, N.M.; Little Rock AFB, Ark.; Moody AFB, Ga.; and Ramstein AB, Germany, are scheduled to receive the trainers by 2016.
The Air Force displayed all the firepower it has amassed on Okinawa in an unusually diverse show of force this week. IIn a May 6 “Elephant Walk,” Kadena Air Base showcased 24 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles; two U.S. Army Patriot anti-missile batteries near the runway; and…