Lockheed Martin Training Systems

Lockheed Martin Training Systems
Name	Lockheed Martin Training Systems
Industry	Aerospace and Defense
Founded	1995
Headquarters	Orlando, Florida
Parent	Lockheed Martin
Products	Flight simulators, maintenance trainers, virtual instruction systems

Lockheed Martin Training Systems is a business unit within Lockheed Martin that designs, manufactures, and supports training systems for aviation, maritime, and ground platforms. The unit delivers integrated solutions including full mission simulators, part-task trainers, and synthetic training environments for operators, maintainers, and mission planners. Customers include armed forces, law enforcement, civil aviation authorities, and original equipment manufacturers across multiple regions.

Overview

Lockheed Martin Training Systems delivers simulation and training capabilities that integrate hardware and software for airframes such as the F-35 Lightning II, F-22 Raptor, C-130 Hercules, and P-3 Orion, and for rotorcraft like the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-53 Sea Stallion. The unit supports naval platforms including the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, Virginia-class submarine, and maritime patrol assets like the P-8 Poseidon while interfacing with command and control elements such as Joint Tactical Information Distribution System architectures and Link 16 networks. It collaborates with systems integrators and primes including Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Technologies, General Dynamics, and BAE Systems to deliver cross-platform training solutions.

History and Development

Training Systems originated from legacy simulation efforts within Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta prior to the 1995 Lockheed Martin merger and expanded through acquisitions and internal growth tied to programs like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II programs. Milestones include delivery of the first full mission simulators for tactical fighters in the 2000s and evolution toward networked distributed mission operations used during Joint Readiness Training Center and multinational exercises such as Red Flag and Northern Edge. Partnerships with academic institutions like Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and research labs including Naval Research Laboratory and Air Force Research Laboratory helped develop visual systems, motion platforms, and instructor stations.

Products and Services

The portfolio spans full flight simulators, part-task trainers, maintenance trainers, mission rehearsal systems, and live-virtual-constructive (LVC) synthetic environments. Notable offerings include dome and fixed-base simulators compatible with FAA standards for civil pilot training, avionics trainers for platforms such as the F-35 Lightning II and C-130 Hercules, and maritime bridge trainers for classes like the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. Services cover installation, logistics support, courseware development, and sustainment contracts tied to training continuum initiatives for customers such as the United States Air Force, United States Navy, Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, and Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom). The unit provides modeling and simulation for platforms including AH-64 Apache, Eurofighter Typhoon, and S-3 Viking heritage systems.

Key Programs and Contracts

Lockheed Martin Training Systems has supported major programs such as the F-35 Lightning II training enterprise, sustainment for C-130 Hercules training fleets, and mission systems trainers tied to the P-8 Poseidon program. Contracts include simulator packages for coalition training at sites associated with NATO interoperability initiatives and long-term training sustainment agreements with defense ministries like those of Japan, Germany, Italy, and South Korea. The business unit has provided contractor logistics support and system integration work for exercises like Talisman Sabre and Vigilant Shield and supported peacetime readiness through programs administered by organizations such as the Defense Logistics Agency.

International Sales and Partnerships

Sales and partnerships extend to allied nations and multinational programs, with examples including training systems delivered to the Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Netherlands Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Republic of Korea Air Force, and Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The unit works with regional partners and local industry under offset arrangements with firms like CAE-related suppliers and collaborates with prime contractors on exportable training packages for platforms including the F-35 Lightning II, P-8 Poseidon, and turboprops such as the C-130 Hercules and ATR 72 derivatives. Export compliance involves coordination with agencies such as the U.S. Department of State and frameworks like International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Research, Innovation, and Technology

Research areas include high-fidelity visual systems, motion cueing algorithms, networking for distributed mission operations, artificial intelligence for adaptive instruction, and virtual reality integration. The unit participates in technology transitions with research partners including NASA, DARPA, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and university programs at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Stanford University. Innovations have targeted fidelity improvements for sensor simulation (radar, electro-optical/infrared), integration with mission planning systems like Joint Planning and Execution Services, and human performance research tied to flight decks and maintenance ergonomics.

Safety, Compliance, and Controversies

Operations are governed by certification regimes and standards such as those from the Federal Aviation Administration for civil simulators and procurement oversight by legislative bodies including the United States Congress and audit entities like the Government Accountability Office. Past program reviews and contract negotiations have involved scrutiny over cost, schedule, and performance similar to debates seen in major defense programs such as the F-35 Lightning II and F-22 Raptor programs. Export controls, sustainment responsibilities, and interoperability challenges have prompted oversight from agencies like the U.S. Department of Defense and partner-nation procurement authorities.

Category:Lockheed Martin Category:Military simulation Category:Defense companies of the United States