Lockheed Martin to supply HH-60G simulators to USAF

Lockheed Martin will design, develop, field and sustain aircrew training devices for the US Air Force (USAF) HH-60G Pave Hawk search and rescue helicopter fleet under a $113 million contract announced on 29 October.

The contract will see Lockheed Martin deliver eight HH-60G training simulators, spares and logistics support under the Pave Hawk Equivalent Distributive Repeatable Operative Simulators (PEDROS) trainer programme. The simulators will be used to prepare aircrews for the full spectrum of personnel recovery, including combat search and rescue missions in multiple environments. 

The HH-60G PEDROS simulator will be embedded with aircrew squadrons, giving them increased access to training and simulation scenarios, improving aircrew readiness and eliminating the need to travel to training facilities. The simulator reduces aircraft maintenance costs, saves flight hours and includes software upgrades and enhancements that increase speed and capability. It is also re-locatable to support long-term deployments. 

Monty Watson, director of aviation programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said: ‘PEDROS brings a unique deployable training and simulation capability directly to the aviation warfighter. We are leveraging manufacturing and logistics support from our missiles and fire control business, as well as design expertise from our mission systems and training business, to support the PEDROS training programme.’

Vic Torla, business development director for training solutions at Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training, added: ‘Lockheed Martin has a legacy of delivering mission simulation and training systems for H-60 aircraft, including US Army and US Air Force special operations helicopters and air force combat rescue helicopters. The new HH-60G PEDROS simulators will provide affordable, on-site training options to keep aircrews certified and aircraft available for missions.’