Lockheed Martin has delivered a new training device for the U.S. Marine Corps intends to use with the CH-53K King Stallion helicopter. The Containerized Flight Training Device is designed to simulate operational environments with a realistic cockpit display, Naval Air Systems Command said Friday.
The program office for H-53 heavy-lift helicopters received the device on April 14. Lockheed partnered with Veraxx to develop the CFTD technology that also allows for integrated use with other simulator systems.
The Center for Naval Aviation Technology Training plans to gather CFTD and other upcoming training devices for the helicopter. Succeeding devices, the Helicopter Emulation and Composite Maintenance Trainers, will follow CFTD as part of a new set of CH-53K training tools this year.
USMC expects the helicopter to achieve initial operational capability in 2023 or 2024.
