Lockheed Martin delivered eight Virtual Combat Convoy Trainers (VCCTs) to the U.S. Army to help train troops to recognize and respond to potential convoy threats including Improvised Explosive Devices. Two suites consisting of four trainers each were built and shipped to Camp Shelby, MS and Fort Bragg, NC.

"The fielding of these trainers is critical to help mitigate the impact of life-threatening convoy assaults," 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. "The trainers will enable us to dramatically reduce the number of convoy-related injuries and deaths, which have accounted for about one-third of all casualties since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom."

Lockheed Martin received a $9.6 million contract in late June for the eight trainers. Each trainer occupies a tractor-trailer box and is fully self- contained, including a full-scale High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) and simulation systems that replicate actual scenarios deployed troops might encounter.

"Our soldiers are faced with life-threatening experiences each day and our VCCT team members worked around the clock the last two months to provide our troops with the best possible training capability," said Daniel J. Crowley, President of Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training & Support. "Our team is extremely proud of our role in supporting our nation's military."

With the help of subcontractor Firearms Training Systems (FATS), Inc. of Suwanee, GA, the team developed a comprehensive training device that will enable soldiers to hone basic-to-advanced convoy skills incorporating realistic weapons engagement training and networked vehicle simulators to reinforce crew discipline. The VCCT enables combat crews to communicate, maintain situational awareness and acquire targets while moving at highway speeds operating in a convoy environment.

Lockheed Martin integrated its Army-proven Close Combat Tactical Trainer (CCTT) with the FATS small arms,0 precision weapons training system to bring realistic convoy training to the troops. The trainer is distinguished by a full-scale 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).

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.

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.

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training & Support