The newest addition to Lockheed Martin's Theater Battle Management Core Systems (TBMCS) portfolio, Virtual University, is now in full operation. Virtual University is a first of its kind, online training system for the operators of TBMCS, an integrated battle management system used to plan and execute an air campaign.

Virtual University is a powerful, state-of-the-art educational capability for TBMCS, which has diverse, world-wide training requirements. It is designed to save the U.S. Air Force time and money by providing hands-on practice to TBMCS field operators to improve their skills to manage the system. It has the unique capability to reach people across the globe in real time with two classroom instructors, one moderator and up to 50 students.

"Virtual University will serve our customer by providing remote educational outreach, to more readily enhance user skills while creating operational efficiencies in air battle management," said John Mengucci, vice president and general manager of the DoD Systems Organization at Lockheed Martin. "This capability is a revolutionary tool, enabling users to learn and enhance their skills faster and even prepare before their site receives the next program spiral."

During a Virtual University demonstration, United States Air Force Major Jim Heigle from the 152nd Air Operations Group, said Virtual University was "a fabulous system that allowed me a training opportunity I would otherwise never have had."

The operability of Virtual University has been proven with eight successful tests at twelve different locations worldwide. During the tests, informal and formal demonstrations were conducted using a participant forum consisting of instructors, students, and observers. The tests proved that Virtual University was able to deliver instructor led training via the World Wide Web with hands-on student practice and one-on-one, over-the-shoulder instructor / student help, just as in a traditional classroom.

Working in a secure, Internet environment, Virtual University is more than just a chatroom. Its voice over IP capability allows the participants to hear and participate in class conversations -- even during classroom break out sessions. Since all courses are recorded and archived, anyone with the appropriate access can look and listen in on a past class.

First deployed in October of 2000, TBMCS is the system of record which provides automated command and control and decision support tools to improve the planning and execution of joint air operations. TBMCS capabilities include the coordination and direction of flying operations from units as diverse as F-16 fighters, refueling tankers, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles and even cruise missiles. The system is resident at five Air Operations Centers (AOCs) and more than 20 joint command centers and Navy ships around the globe. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, TBMCS enabled the military to orchestrate some 41,000 air sorties with unprecedented speed, precision and accuracy.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 135,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2004 sales of $35.5 billion.

For additional information on Lockheed Martin visit: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin