Boeing Receives $20 Million Contract to Upgrade F-15C Trainers

Cutting-edge visual system will provide 360 degrees of immersive training

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] received a $20 million contract in September from the U.S. Air Force to upgrade the visual systems in the F-15C Mission Training Centers. Twelve MTCs, located at Langley Air Force Base, Va., Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom, and Kadena Air Base, Japan, will be upgraded with Boeing's Constant Resolution Visual System (CRVS).

CRVS is the centerpiece of a complete training suite that provides 360 degrees of immersive training, with a significantly lower cost than previous visual systems. By using standard, off-the-shelf projectors, the system is able to take advantage of the rapidly improving technology emerging in the commercial marketplace.

"A key feature of the CRVS is the ability to train with the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System and night vision goggles, both of which will be used in the F-15C MTC," said Mark McGraw, Boeing vice president for Training Systems & Services.

The Boeing CRVS reduces total system life cycle cost by minimizing the number of projectors by one-third to one-half the number of projectors used in competing systems. The system is compatible with a full array of fast jet and rotary wing cockpits.

"CRVS is unique because it is the only system to provide constant resolution throughout the field of view," added McGraw. "It eliminates a key problem with other systems, where the visibility of targets varies depending on where the pilot looks. Our design provides increased performance, yet is simple in concept."

Installation of the F-15C visual systems will begin in October 2012 and will be completed by January 2013, allowing training to start by the end of that month.