The U.S. Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin a $68 million contract to provide Weapons Systems Trainers (WST) to support the service's C-130J and the U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J aircraft.

Under the contract, the Air Force will receive two trainers and the U.S. Marine Corps will receive one trainer. The WST will provide training for Air Force aircrews who fly the C-130J -- the latest version of the medium-lift transport aircraft in service with the U.S. Air Force for nearly four decades.

The KC-130J is used by the U.S. Marine Corps for aerial refueling and troop transport. The C-130J and KC-130J incorporate state-of-the-art technology to reduce manpower requirements, lower operating and support costs and provide life-cycle cost savings over earlier C-130 models.

"The Weapons Systems Trainer is part of a total training program that graduates mission-qualified C-130 aircrews," said Lorraine Martin, vice president of Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training & Support Flight Solutions. "Aircrews are immersed in a variety of scenarios that allow them to hone their skills. They can prepare for a variety of missions without actually flying the aircraft. This reduces costs, and delivers a safe, effective training solution to our customers."

Design and manufacture of the Weapons Systems Trainers is part of Lockheed Martin's C-130J Maintenance and Aircrew Training System (JMATS) program. The program provides a comprehensive range of training devices and training support services including aircrew instruction, operations, contractor logistics support and engineering services. Design and manufacture of the trainers has been subcontracted to CAE.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 135,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin