HII supports U.S. and Australian forces in advanced F-35 training simulation

The JSE, housed at the Joint Integrated Test and Training Center Nellis (JITTC-N), is described as the U.S. Air Force’s most immersive and accurate synthetic training environment to date. HII plays a central role in the development, integration, and operation of this virtual battlespace.

“Joint and coalition simulated training exercises ensure U.S. and allied forces have a dynamic platform to test and refine strategies against emerging threats,” said Michael Lempke, president of HII’s Global Security group. “The recent collaboration with our U.S. and Australian air crews was extremely valuable to all participants and we look forward to replicating similar events in the JSE in the future.”

The exercise, hosted by the U.S. Air Force’s 31st Combat Training Squadron (CTS), focused on giving RAAF pilots training against contractor-operated adversary aircraft in simulated F-35 missions. Feedback gathered was then applied during the subsequent Simulation Capabilities Assessment by the 29 Test Evaluation Squadron.

“HII and our subcontractor partners were able to execute valuable training for our coalition partners in the most complex and realistic simulation environment,” said Bob Middleton, HII’s JITTC-N deputy site lead and director of operations. He added, “The success of this exercise proved HII’s capability to operate the JSE system at the highest level required for advanced training for F-35 crews both foreign and domestic.”

Tom Atkins, JITTC-N site lead at HII and former test pilot, emphasised the importance of multinational exercises in pilot development. “Joint training opportunities like the one we just accomplished with our Australian counterparts are invaluable when it comes to aircrew readiness,” he said. “The JSE provides a dramatic uplift in operational realism and the way pilots prepare for combat, and we’re excited to play a key role in bringing this critical training capability to the military’s tactical aviation community.”