Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The United States plans to supply mission trainers to
the Iraq Air Force.

A U.S. company has been contracted to assemble two full mission trainers for the Iraq Air Force. Under the contract, L-3 Communications would supply the trainers to support Air Force plans to build a fleet of F-16 multi-role fighters.

Baghdad intends to acquire up to 36 F-16 Block 52 aircraft from Lockheed Martin. The first platforms were expected to arrive in Iraq by 2014.

“This is our first-ever military simulator sale to Iraq,” Steve Kantor,
president of L-3s electronic group, said.

On Feb. 18, L-3 said its trainers would incorporate a simulation of the
Helmet Mounted Cueing System installed on the F-16 Block 52. Executives said the system would enable pilots to control aircraft targeting systems and sensors.

“Our immersive, high-definition simulation solution will enable Iraq Air Force F-16 pilots to gain training credit equivalent to live training while conducting new pilot and advanced skills training,” L-3 Link president Lenny Genna said.

  F-16 multi-role fighters, Helmet Mounted Cueing System, In first, L-3 Communications, U.S. simulators to precede sale of F-16s to Iraq Air Force