L-3 Link Simulation & Training (L-3 Link) announced yesterday that it has signed agreements with the University of North Dakota to jointly establish a UAS training centre at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota.
The centre, which is expected to begin operations in June 2011, will offer MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper UAS training opportunities to UND students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautics with a major in unmanned aircraft systems operations. The UAS training centre is also expected to provide UAS training to U.S. government agencies to develop highly capable pilots and sensor operators. In addition to supplying the UAS training centre’s high-fidelity simulator and logistics support, L-3 Link will provide sensor operator course development and training.
In February, UND took delivery of an MQ-9 Reaper MTD simulator, produced by SDS International’s Advanced Technologies Division, and signed a lease agreement with the Base providing the University’s UAS programme a new home on base for research, training and education- a 5,000 square feet Center for UAS Research, Education & Training.
“L-3 Link is very proud to partner with the University of North Dakota in establishing the first non-military UAS educational institution in the U.S. to provide Predator and Reaper aircrew training,” said Leonard Genna, president of L-3 Link. “Students will receive expert classroom instruction and will be able to gain hands-on training on a highly realistic Predator and Reaper ground control station simulator.”
The Predator and Reaper training system integrates actual ground control station hardware, simulation software and high-fidelity, correlated databases in creating a fully immersive training environment. Unmanned aircraft and sensor performance are precisely modelled to support complex, real-world mission scenarios. Simulation scenarios, which will include a robust urban environment, will be integrated with visualizations of hundreds of moving vehicles and people, accurate terrain and various weather conditions.
Source: L-3 Link Press Release