Training Systems and Services, a division of Integrated Defense System's Global Services & Support, delivered and declared "Ready for Training" the first Apache Avionics Maintenance Trainer (AMT) to the Japan Ministry of Defense at the Kasumigaura military base in mid-2009. The device, built under contract with Japan's Fuji Heavy Industries, involved Boeing teams in St. Louis, Mo., and Mesa, Ariz. "This was a multi-site effort," said Sarah Hotaling, director of Army, Navy and Marine Corps Programs for TSS. "Mesa took the work that was completed in St. Louis and added additional components, helping to make this a truly unique product." The AMT's most unique characteristic -- and one that sets it apart from previous maintenance trainers -- is its ability to simulate flight. It is the first-ever maintenance trainer built by Boeing to offer this capability. All future Apache maintenance trainers will include the enhanced simulated-flight capability, which provides the trainer with dual-role capability. Previous operator and maintenance trainers were independent of each other; the newly delivered trainer allows maintenance trainers to take on some operator trainer tasks. "In addition to delivering a unique product, the team was able to streamline processes to make up for an eight-week delay and deliver the trainer on schedule," added Hotaling. The maintenance trainers comprise three Boeing components: a cockpit training station; management station and power distribution unit. Boeing partner Fuji Heavy Industries produced the instructor work station and interactive display station. Boeing previously delivered an aircrew trainer to the Japanese MoD in 2008. While this delivery represents the completion of the current contract, opportunities exist for future follow-on contracts with Japan to provide software upgrades.

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