Article Posted on : - Apr 20, 2011

The Joint Strike Fighter FMS. A Loockheed martin photo

ORLANDO (BNS): With the delivery of the first F-35 Lightning II Full Mission Simulator (FMS) system, preparations are now underway at Eglin Air Force Base for training to commence.

The Joint Strike Fighter FMS includes a high-fidelity 360-degree visual display system and a reconfigurable cockpit that simulates all three aircraft variants for US and international partner services.

The system is the highest fidelity trainer in the F-35 pilot-training-device suite, accurately replicating all F-35 sensors and weapons deployment, according to Lockheed Martin.

Col. Arthur Tomassetti, 33rd Fighter Wing Vice Commander said, "The smooth surface, high-resolution dome is a dramatic improvement over legacy fighter simulators.

The high visual acuity and utilization of a significant amount of real aircraft parts and source code will allow us to train a wide variety of mission tasks previously not accomplished in simulators. The F-35 FMS will be our primary pilot training device, and we are anxious to start putting it to good use," he said.

In all F-35 simulators, actual aircraft software is used to give pilots the most realistic experience and allow software upgrades in step with the F-35 development.

The fully-integrated F-35 pilot-and-maintenance training center at Eglin AFB, Florida, will be home to a full spectrum of the latest courseware, electronic classrooms, simulators and flight events.