AVT Simulation Under Contract for Apache Gunnery Trainer

After three years of resounding support from Commanders, Senior Instructor Pilots, and Master Gunners, the Apache Gunnery Trainer (AGT) is heading to the flight line at U.S. Army Ft Rucker, Alabama. Developed from previous AH-64 collective trainers sold internationally, refined to support the Air Cav Leader’s course and prototyped for the Synthetic Training Environment’s (STE’s) point of need requirement, the AGT will make front seat Apache aviators more lethal at the most critical task of the airframe, engaging the weapons systems.

The AGT is a front seat AH-64 desktop trainer that fits inan airline-friendly case that is no more than 50lbs. Some of the features thatmake this trainer appealing to Apache pilots and commanders include Switchology,Top Gun Scoring Gunnery, Free Play scenarios that are linkable allowing forAttack Weapons Team engagements, and courseware of selected Aircrew TrainingManual tasks.

“The demand for this trainer was there. Every trade show orindustry day demoing the device, the constant question was ‘how do we get theseto our units?’” said Army Aviation Hall of Famer and former Apache Pilot, BobMonette.

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.”

Perseverance paid off and coming this late spring, AGTs willbe training Attack pilots to be more lethal.