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 six-week government shutdown did not affect the hours flown by Air Force pilots, a service spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine—avoiding what could have been a major blow at a time when flying hours are already lower than they have been in decades.
