December 19, 2001 – The US Air Force recently accepted delivery and performed final acceptance testing for the AC-130U Aircrew Maintenance Training Device and Testbed (ATD/TB) for the 19th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, FL.

This system is the latest ASTi system to be installed at the 19th SOS facilities, joining an already impressive array of ASTi-equipped trainers, including:

• MC-130E Combat Talon I Weapon System Trainer (WST)
• MC-130H Combat Talon II Mission Rehearsal Trainer (MRD)
• Mission Rehearsal Operations Center (MROC)

The AC-130U ATD/TB models virtual Battle Management Center (BMC) and Flight Deck (FD) facilities and serves two main purposes:

1. Provide a synthetic testbed to analyze and evaluate avionics modifications prior to actual flight usage
2. Train aircrews in weapons operations and distributed exercises (participating with other ASTi-equipped fixed and rotary wing trainers across the US)

The ASTi subsystem of the AC-130U is an extensive digital audio application, including:

• On-board and off-board crypto radios, multiple bus intercom system, and NAV aids
• High fidelity aural cues, generating over 60 directional sounds, including everything from thunderous turbines, propellers and guns to subtle whirring air fans and clicking relays
• Electronic Warfare tones, generating a large group of tones in each of four classes: Chaff and Flare, IR Warning
• Receiver, Radar Warning Receiver, Panoramic Receiver

For extensive information about the audio and communications system for the AC-130U ATD/TB, please see also the detailed program example.