Barco projection system selected by L-3 for use in F-16 Mission Training Center program

Barco announced today that its SIM 7 projection system has been selected by L-3 Link Simulation & Training (L-3 Link) division to provide the realistic imaging for its new SimuSphere® HD display system for the U.S. Air Force's F-16 Mission Training Center (MTC) program. L-3 Link's multiple year contract includes options for the production, delivery, and sustainment of up to 20 four-ship F-16 MTCs at Air Force installations in the U.S., Europe, Pacific region.

Each F-16 MTC installation will consist of up to four high-fidelity training devices that integrates with a 360° display, a robust synthetic environment, an instructor/operator station, and brief/debrief station. Barco will supply its SIM 7 LCoS projectors, screens, and automated alignment system components for the L-3 Link's new SimuSphere HD display.

Multiple Barco projectors beam high-definition imagery onto corresponding screens surrounding the simulator cockpits, providing pilots with an immersive, 360° field-of-view. HDTV-like display screens are uniquely positioned 40 inches from the pilot's eye to provide the ultimate in realism for basic and advanced pilot mission training, tactics validation, and mission rehearsal.

"We are excited about the opportunity to participate in this significant defense program with L-3 Link,2 said Dr. Al Herman, vice president and general manager for Barco's simulation business. "This is another demonstration of a major defense contractor's confidence in Barco to deliver reliable, high-performance display products for the nation's leading military training programs. Barco's SIM 7 projection system has been selected for military flight applications because of its unprecedented level of resolution, smear-free imaging, and low cost of operation."