F/A-18 pilots aboard USS Independence (CV 62) now have the opportunity to fly 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and in any weather. Recently, Boeing shipped and installed the first ever Carrier based-Weapons
System Trainer (CV-WST) to help pilots on Independence simulate flying the F/A-18 in a variety of scenarios.
The CV-WST is the first simulator installed on any aircraft carrier and the first Navy device built specifically for the Navy by Boeing. It has been in use since January 14 and so far is receiving soaring reviews.
"The word we hear most often from pilots is 'awesome!'," said Howard Talley, Boeing Program Manager for CV-WST. "We've had a steady stream of pilots use the simulator over the past couple of days and the response has been very good."
Talley is joined by three other Boeing representatives in helping to incorporate the CV-WST into everyday life for the pilots of VFA- 27, VFA-192, and VFA-195. Bob Schaper, a Boeing training instructor, is on board to teach the squadron training officers the operating system, so they will be able to train the pilots to become self-sufficient.
He said the process is very user friendly. "I could probably train a training officer or a squadron pilot how to use the system in a matter of one or two hours. It is that simple."
There are many benefits to a flight simulator like the CV-WST and it is already paying dividends, according to Lt. Cmdr. Bryan Kust, the operations officer for Carrier Air Wing FIVE. Pilots have been able to fly training missions in the simulator during the periods of bad weather where the ship has been operating. The CV-WST is used for Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) checks, normal emergency procedures, various types of flight operations with various types of weapons. It also simulates weather conditions and realistic enemy threats.
"The best benefit is maintaining and sustaining aircrew readiness," said Kust. "Particularly in the simulating of high threat environments with sophisticated threats and fourth generation fighters."
"The visual presentation is very realistic," said Kust, who has flown the simulator twice. "The weather is also real and is a great advantage."
Talley added that most of the pilots have been impressed with the realism of the simulator. "The words we have received from the pilots it is very realistic in the simulation of the avionics, the simulation of the flight and simulation of weapons systems."
Although, the simulator is primarily for pilots, but it can be used by a variety of aviation rates. "The simulator has the added benefit for aircraft mechanics that are responsible for doing the engine tests. They can see simulated engine fires, loss of brakes and other things they may have to deal with when checking out an aircraft."
Normally, training was held on static displays of aircraft, now, the mechanics can get more of an interactive type training Kust said. Mechanics are joined by crash and salvage personnel and a few others that are looking for ways to use the CV-WST to their advantage.
Now, the pilots and crew of the F/A-18 squadrons on board USS Independence are the first in the Navy to log air time with out having to go to the flight deck.
Cutlines:
Top two: Lt. Cmdr. Bryan Kust takes the F/A-18 simulator for a spin. (Photo by JO3 Joseph Rehana)
Mike Nafziger (top left), Bob Schaper (top right), Howard Talley (bottom left) and Paul Turnbull (bottom right) from Boeing installed the simulator. (PHOTO BY: JO2 Henry Rice)