The U.S. Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] a $24 million contract to upgrade weapons systems trainers used in the C-130 Aircrew Training System (ATS) II.

The C-130 ATS II program provides a comprehensive academic and simulation training program for C-130 aircrews worldwide. The visual system and imagery databases in the weapons systems simulators will be updated to provide the most advanced and realistic training. The improvements are scheduled to take place through 2014.

"The C-130 training effort continuously evolves with advancements in technology to effectively prepare aircrews for their high precision tactical airlift missions. C-130 aircrews participate in critical military, civilian and humanitarian aid operations, and our goal is to keep aircrews mission ready," said Stephen Grotjan, C-130 ATS program manager for the U.S. Air Force Materiel Command.

The new visual system will provide enhanced illumination in the cockpit, advanced visual scenes and the latest infrared-enabled night vision training. The visual databases will also be upgraded to the same used by the new C-130J Maintenance and Aircrew Training System, furthering interoperability across aircrew training.

"Lockheed Martin is focused on affordable yet innovative and effective training for the men and women who operate the C-130," said Jim Weitzel, vice president for training and engineering services in Lockheed Martin's Global Training and Logistics business. "This effort will extend the training systems' lifecycle while adding new capabilities."

Located at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., the C-130 training center of excellence serves the U.S. Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy. More than 25 international partner countries also train aircrews through the C-130 ATS II program.

With extensive experience in the development and delivery of advanced training systems to support C-130, F-15, F-16, F-22 and F-35 aircraft, Lockheed Martin teams with service partners to hone the mission skills of military aviators and maintenance professionals across the globe.