CAE-Built Simulator Facilitates Training for MQ-9 Block 5 Operators

General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has installed a new PREDATOR Mission Trainer (PMT) at its Flight Test and Training Center (FTTC) in Grand Forks, ND, the company announced on 27 March.

The aircraft flight simulator, produced by CAE, will be used to train operators of MQ-9 Block 5 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). GA-ASI offers a range of pilot and sensor operator training at the FTTC for operators of the company’s family of RPA systems. The new PMT extends the training capability of the FTTC, which already features a Block 1 simulator and Ground Control Systems (GCS).

The PMT provides very high fidelity training across the full spectrum of mission training, allowing the company to update its syllabus to rely more heavily on simulator training and reduce potential airspace and weather impacts.

“The PREDATOR Mission Trainer will be used to advance the quality and capability of our RPA training at the FTTC,” explained David R Alexander, President, GA-ASI. “The PMT will increase training efficiency because it allows us to focus our training and repeat training events in the simulator more easily than on an actual flight system […] We believe the new PREDATOR Mission Trainer will be a great training asset for our customers.”