RAAF links F-35 simulators on Lockheed Martin network

The Australian Department of Defence in partnership with Lockheed Martin has connected for the first time F-35A Lightning II simulators at RAAF Bases Williamtown and Tindal using the F-35 Distributed Mission Training (DMT) network.

Lockheed Martin and the RAAF successfully connected the two sites, some 2,800 km apart. DMT connects F-35 simulators across long distances and even borders, enabling seamless training exercises between F-35 pilots stationed across the globe. By providing large-force training capabilities, DMT allows pilots to practice complex scenarios and build the necessary skills for real-world missions.

The F-35 full mission simulator has proven to be a game changer in pilot training. By fully replicating the hardware and software of the actual aircraft, pilots can experience a seamless transition to real-world missions. Australia is the first international F-35 customer to receive this capability, further enhancing the global interoperability of the F-35 fleet.

“Establishing a distributed mission training network between RAAF bases Williamtown and Tindal provides Australia with an advanced training capability that will enhance the readiness of its pilots while reducing the sustainment costs of its 72 F-35As — the largest fleet of Joint Strike Fighters outside of the US,” says Rob Weitzman, Lockheed Martin Program Director for F-35 Australia.

“Lockheed Martin has established our most significant F-35 sustainment presence outside the US in Australia, and we are proud to work with the Department of Defence and our local industry partners to deliver this record-breaking training capability milestone.”

Within the F-35 full mission simulator, pilots can engage in realistic and immersive training exercises over a secure network. This option provides a safe and efficient learning environment to try new exercises and techniques. This also allows for more repetitions of an exercise in a single training session and reduces sustainment costs for the aircraft.

Lockheed Martin is the sustainment lead for the RAAF’s F-35 fleet, partnering with local industry suppliers including Milskil to deliver pilot training solutions at RAAF bases Williamtown and Tindal.

To date, Lockheed Martin has trained more than 2,915 F-35 pilots and 18,105 F-35 maintainers, operating at 30 customer bases worldwide.