Boeing, AEL link cockpit simulators

U.S. and Brazilian companies linked cockpit simulators from more than 5,000 miles to demonstrate the effectiveness of networking and technology collaboration. Boeing said the link between its F/A-18E/F Super Hornet simulator and the F-5 simulator of AEL Sistemas lasted 25 minutes. "During the demonstration, Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Brazilian F-5 cockpit simulators saw each other and flew together in a virtual Brazilian airspace," said Jerry Berg, Boeing F/A-18 Advanced Capabilities Team mission systems lead. "Both participants fired weapons at simulated threats and saw the results." AEL Sistemas is the Brazilian subsidiary of Israel's Elbit Systems. Boeing selected Elbit this year to provide a large-area display and low-profile heads-up display for the F-15SE Silent Eagle and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, which is a contender in Brazil's F-X2 competition. "The distributed mission scenario simulation that linked the AEL simulator in Porto Alegre with the simulator in St. Louis holds the promise of future networking and cockpit technology collaboration," said John Keeven, Boeing F/A-18 Advanced Capabilities Lab manager. "This includes more meaningful and efficient pilot training for the Brazilian Air Force and other potential customers."