L-3 wins B-2 training system program

L-3 Communications announced today that its Link Simulation & Training division (L-3 Link) has been awarded a $22.8 million contract to continue as prime contractor on the U.S. Air Force’s B-2 Training System program. In addition to the initial one-year award, eight one-year contract options could grow total program value to over $400 million. The B-2 Training System contract awarded by the Air Force's Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (AFB) calls for L-3 Link to provide contractor logistics support, long-term software support and operate the program’s training system support center. L-3 Link will support all B-2 aircrew and maintenance training devices, in addition to maintaining system software, hardware and courseware. While providing classroom and academic instruction, L-3 Link also will be responsible for follow-on concurrency between the B-2 Training System and B-2 platform through 2017. “We look forward to continuing our 20-year relationship with the B-2 operational community,” said Bob Birmingham, president of L-3 Link. “As a leader in military training and simulation, our highly experienced B-2 team is uniquely positioned to ensure aircrew and maintenance training devices provide a maximum level of training realism”. All B-2 aircrew and maintenance training devices are located at Whiteman AFB, Mo., in addition to the program’s training system support center. The B-2 Training System supports the 394th Combat Training Squadron, which is part of the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman AFB. L-3 Link’s operations in Binghamton, N.Y. and Arlington, Texas also provide a full range of capabilities to make major modifications to the B-2 aircrew training and maintenance training systems.