RAAF Links F-35 Simulators on Lockheed Martin Network

The Australian Department of Defence, in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, has successfully linked F-35 simulators at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) bases in Williamtown and Tindal through the F-35's distributed mission training (DMT) network. This development positions Australia as the first international F-35 customer to acquire this capability, thereby advancing global mission readiness and enhancing the interoperability of the F-35 fleet.

“With distributed mission training, we’re not just connecting simulators – we’re connecting pilots and strengthening operations for 21st-century security,” says Raashi Quattlebaum, vice president of F-35 Training and Logistics at Lockheed Martin. “By training together in a virtual environment, F-35 pilots can build the skills and confidence they need to dominate the skies and execute their missions.”

Lockheed Martin and the RAAF have successfully linked two sites located over 2,800 kilometres apart for distributed mission training (DMT). This initiative connects F-35 simulators across international boundaries, facilitating seamless training exercises for F-35 pilots stationed worldwide. By offering large-force training capabilities, DMT enables pilots to engage in complex scenarios and develop the essential skills required for real-world missions.

“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.”

In the F-35 full mission simulator, pilots participate in realistic and immersive training exercises via a secure network. This setup offers a safe and efficient environment for exploring new exercises and techniques. Additionally, it enables more repetitions of an exercise within a single training session, thereby reducing the sustainment costs associated with the aircraft.

Lockheed Martin serves as the sustainment lead for the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) F-35 fleet, collaborating with local industry suppliers such as Milskil to provide pilot training solutions at RAAF bases Williamtown and Tindal. Over 75 Australian companies have collectively received more than AUD $5 billion in contracts to support the F-35 program through advanced manufacturing, supply chain solutions, and sustainment services.

The Lockheed Martin team has successfully trained over 2,915 F-35 pilots and 18,105 F-35 maintainers, operating from 30 customer bases globally. The F-35 full mission simulator has significantly enhanced pilot training. By accurately replicating the hardware and software of the actual aircraft, it ensures pilots experience a smooth transition to real-world missions.