Boeing, AEL Link Cockpit Simulators in US and Brazil

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 18, 2012 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] last month linked one of its advanced fighter cockpit simulators in St. Louis with a simulator more than 5,000 miles (8,000 kilometers) away in Porto Alegre, Brazil, demonstrating the effectiveness of sharing advanced situational awareness and training technologies between the United States and Brazil.

The simulation, which also involved Elbit Systems' Brazilian subsidiary, AEL Sistemas S.A., is part of Boeing's efforts to strengthen ties with Brazilian companies. The exercise lasted approximately 25 minutes on Aug. 29.

“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.”

Earlier this year, Boeing selected Elbit 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. As a key Boeing supplier, Elbit, through Boeing, is investing in the development of advanced cockpit avionics capabilities at AEL Sistemas.

"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."