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The IAF’s First Simulator for F-35 Technicians

Jan 3, 2015

This post is also available in: עברית (Hebrew)

The first simulator of its kind of technical personnel is currently under construction at the Nevatim Israeli Air Force IAF) base. This IAF base is designated to receive Israel’s first F-35 fighter jets in 2017.

The IAF website recently disclosed the ASMT, Aircraft System Maintenance Trainer, will operate alongside the pilot simulator for the new fighter aircraft. Both simulators will be part of the F-35’s future training center, which will be unprecedented in size, scope and features compared with any similar facility in Israel.

The first designated F-35 technical personnel will embark on a training course in the US to thoroughly study the fighter’s system and maintenance. IAF head of operational infrastructure Major Ohad refers to the F-35 as a “uniquely designed gentle and sensitive jet”.

The stealth F-35’s entire maintenance concept is profoundly different than any of IAF’s aircraft, including the F-16 and F-15. The ASMT will train the technical staff and instruct them on a wide variety of issues, such as weapons system attachments, dismantling the engine, servicing the canopy and taking care of the ejection system.

The F-35’s pilot simulator is also going to be fundamentally different compared with its predecessors. The simulator will follow the pilot along the entire training course and thereafter in the squadron. The entire tour of duty will take place at the training center which is being established at the Nevatim IAF base. The center will comprise flight fundamentals, missions planning and careful study of the F-35’s many and varied features.

The pilot simulator will consist of 4 cockpits with a 360 degree field of vision. The system comes complete with all the F-35’s operational comm networks, the special flight helmet and planning and debriefing rooms.

Israel’s ministerial government for military acquisitions approved the establishment of a second F-35 squadron, whose first aircraft are scheduled to arrive in Israel in 2019.

The F-35, which is considered a 5G combat aircraft, is a stealth fighter jet manufactured by Lockheed Martin. The IAF’s first stealth aircraft, this single engine multi mission fighter is designed for day, night and all weather strikes and features new and unique air combat abilities. It has an advanced radar system, IR detection system, and an active Electronic Warfare system. The pilot will receive an integrated accurate real-time battlefield picture as well as high situational awareness.

It is also worthy of note that IAI’s Lahav has a special production line designed to churn out 800 F-35 wings in the course of the coming 20 years. This is part of the order made by Lockheed Martin.