AVT Simulation Under Contract for Apache Gunnery Trainer

After three years of resounding support from commanders, seniorinstructor pilots, and master gunners, the Apache Gunnery Trainer (AGT) isheading to the flight line at Fort Rucker. Developed from previous AH-64collective trainers sold internationally, refined to support the Air CavalryLeader’s course and prototyped for the Synthetic Training Environment’s (STE’s)point of need requirement, the AGT will make front seat Apache aviators morelethal at the most critical task of the airframe, engaging the weapons systems.The AGT is a front seat AH-64 desktop trainer that fits in an airline friendlycase that is no more than 50 lbs. Some of the features include switchology, topgun scoring gunnery, free play scenarios that are linkable to allow for attack weaponsteam engagements, and courseware of selected Aircrew Training Manual tasks.Tough-to-train tasks like link 16, APKWS, and MUM-T are on the product roadmap.

“The demand for this trainer was there. (At) every tradeshow or industry day demoing the device, the constant question was ‘how do weget these to our units?’”, said Army Aviation Hall of Famer and former Apache pilot,Bob Monette.

Finally, after all the efforts of the AVT and the Apache PMteam, these trainers will be in the hands of the Hanchey Flightline and theAircraft Qualification Course students. After successful validation, the planis to make this trainer available across the Active and Reserve componentsalong with its international partners.

“This was the hardest easiest thing I’ve ever done,” said VPof Business Development Kevin Vizzarri, a former Apache pilot. “We are a casestudy in the challenges of the acquisition process that makes it very difficultgetting good ideas from small businesses to the hands of the warfighter.”

Coming this late spring, AGTs will be training attack pilotsto be more lethal.