The U.S. Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin an $84.3 million contract to provide the first phase of the C-130J Maintenance and Aircrew Training System (MATS) II program.

Under the award, Lockheed Martin will deliver four weapons systems trainers for aircrew instruction and provide program management and engineering services.

The Air Mobility Command, Air Combat Command and Air Force Special Operations Command will begin instruction on the weapons systems trainers in 2014.

The training systems feature the latest simulation technology, including an electronic motion platform, an enhanced visual system and distributed mission operations networking that allows aircrews to train with remote and virtual participants.

The equipment allows aircrew and maintenance personnel to engage in extensive ground-based training prior to training on the aircraft. Aircrews also are able to perform real-world mission rehearsals using the immersive and realistic training systems.

"These new systems will help the Air Force maximize aircrew and maintenance training while minimizing costs of operating aircraft for training," said Jim Weitzel, vice president of training and engineering services in Lockheed Martin's Global Training and Logistics business.

"The training systems allow personnel to practice airmanship skills, operational missions and emergency and maintenance tasks in a low risk, high benefit environment."

MATS II complements the original C-130J MATS program, which Lockheed Martin has managed since 2000, to provide a comprehensive range of training devices and training support services, including aircrew and maintenance personnel instruction, program operations and engineering services.

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