Upgraded F-18 Simulated Aircraft Maintenance Trainer for US Navy

Virtual maintenance training provider The DiSTI Corporation has been awarded a contract supporting the upgrade to the US Navy F-18 Simulated Aircraft Maintenance Trainer (SAMT) program by J.F. Taylor.

The improvements to the trainer will consist of upgrading the SAMT to include obsolete computer system hardware and the computer operating system in four identical SAMTs at NAS Oceana, Virginia.

The SAMT device 11H171 is used to provide the capability to simulate through visual representation all external cockpit system functionality related to maintenance, operation, servicing, troubleshooting, and repair of the FA-18C aircraft configuration and associated engineering changes. 

This program includes the means for demonstration and instruction through either instructor-led or trainee self-paced interaction with simulation software and cockpit hardware.

“Modifying the SAMT to meet current Fleet configuration will greatly improve warfighter readiness,” said Tom Neary, DiSTI’s Director of Programs. “This program provides sailors with a realistic, full-spectrum maintenance trainer for electrical/flight control, avionics, armament, and fuel-related task areas.”

“J.F. Taylor is excited to have DiSTI as part of the SAMT Obsolescence and Operating System upgrade program,” stated J.F. Taylor program manager Dave Hesse. “Their experience and knowledge with the SAMT systems and virtual trainers, in general, is second to none. J.F. Taylor is glad to have DiSTI as our partner in this important Fleet program.”