Lockheed Martin has received a $9.6 million contract to provide training services utilizing eight Virtual Combat Convoy Trainers (VCCT) to the U.S. Army. The training is designed to help address combatant commanders' urgent requirements in support of ongoing convoy operations in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

Developed by Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training & Support, headquartered in Orlando, FL, along with subcontractor Firearms Training Systems (FATS), Inc. of Suwanee, GA, the VCCT hones basic to advanced convoy skills and incorporates realistic weapons engagement training for multiple manned vehicle simulators. The system provides training in a robust environment, networking simulators to reinforce crew discipline. It enables the rapid reconfiguration of computer-generated forces, allowing leaders to "war game" different convoy compositions and determine the best mix of combat and transport resources.

"This training capability is imperative to our deployed soldiers, and we must field the training immediately to impact current warfighting deficiencies in the conduct of convoy operations," said Lt. Col. Joseph Giunta, U.S. Army product manager for Ground Combat Tactical Trainers at the Program Executive Office for Simulation Training and Instrumentation in Orlando, FL. "Convoy operations have accounted for about one-third of the casualties, injuries and deaths of our soldiers since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom."

Under the Army's contract, Lockheed Martin will provide training using two suites of the VCCT mobile configuration with four trainers in each suite, plus classes and operator and maintainer support. "Our team worked diligently to meet our customer's quick procurement schedule, understanding the training our troops require to recognize potential threats and respond appropriately," said Jim Craig, Lockheed Martin vice president for Ground, Maritime & Civil Solutions.

To create a realistic environment, Lockheed Martin will integrate its Army-proven Close Combat Tactical Trainer (CCTT) with the FATS small arms precision weapons training system. These two systems will bring realistic convoy training to the troops, helping combat crews to communicate, maintain situational awareness, and acquire targets while moving at realistic highway speeds operating in a convoy environment. A total training system, the VCCT also will aid the ability to plan and rehearse missions, providing realistic human behaviors and movements as well as computer-generated military and civilian vehicles.

Lockheed Martin's VCCT solution is distinguished by a full-scale High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) that includes high-fidelity driver controls and accurately replicates all the physical and visual constraints associated with the M1025 HMMWV. Vehicle simulation for the VCCT is derived from software developed for both CCTT and the United Kingdom's Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (UK CATT), also developed by Lockheed Martin.

"Leveraging the technologies of our CCTT and UK CATT along with the FATS small arms trainer reflects our whole systems approach and provides essential capabilities to train and support our warfighters in the Global War on Terrorism," said Andre Elias, Director, Virtual Training Solutions at Lockheed Martin. "The VCCT provides a cost-effective alternative to live fire convoy training, enhancing training effectiveness and reducing the risk of accident or injury.

FATS, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: FATS) designs and sells virtual training systems that improve the skills of the world's military, law enforcement and security forces. FATS training provides judgmental, tactical and collective training, utilizing quality engineered weapons and simulators. FATS has previously delivered small arms training systems to all of the U.S. military services and numerous military and law enforcement agencies around the world.

Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training & Support employs half of its approximately 2,600 employees in Orlando, hub of the largest single concentration of training and simulation activity in the nation. Other major sites are located in Fort Worth, TX, Huntsville, AL, Dayton, OH, Fort Walton Beach, FL, Albuquerque, NM, the Washington, D.C. area and the United Kingdom.

Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services.

http://www.fatsinc.com

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin