Practice Makes Perfect: US Army Awards Contract for Helicopter Crew Simulators

AVCATT Simulator We have all heard the phrase “practice makes perfect.” For pilots and their crew, practice can save lives. But pilot and crew practice can be costly and sometimes risky. To reduce the cost and risk, the US military often uses simulators that re-create the experience of flying safely on the ground. The US Army uses Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (AVCATT) simulators to train pilots on its CH-47 Chinook and UH-60 Blackhawk heavy lift helicopters. Now, the service wants to use simulators to train crew members who operate the guns and the sling load and hoist operations for carrying cargo. The Army recently awarded a delivery order to SAIC in McLean, VA to develop and deliver helicopter crew member simulators. The delivery order was awarded under the Army’s $17.5 billion 2nd STRI (simulation, training and instrumentation) Omnibus Contract (STOC II)… The Non-rated Crew Member Manned Module (NCM3) simulators will integrate with the Army’s AVCATT simulators. The contract has a 28-month base period of performance, a single option for a second variant, and a total value of more than $12 million if the option is exercised. The contract could lead to production of 21 NCM3 simulators. The NCM3 is […]