The Air Force has awarded Boeing a $44 million contract to supply C-17 integrated training centers to three Globemaster bases, the company announced. Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, will receive the first ITC in the first quarter of 2012. JB Lewis-McChord, Wash., will receive the second system in the third quarter of 2012, and an undisclosed third location will receive the third in early 2013. “We are proud to add to the Air Force’s training capability and support warfighter readiness with these new devices,” said Mark McGraw, who oversees Boeing’s training systems. The ITCs consist of a weapon systems trainer, pilot and co-pilot station, loadmaster station, and related courseware and support equipment. The contract could be worth up to $72 million if two options are exercised. Next year, Wright-Patt is set to receive the first of eight C-17s that the Air Force will bed down there.
The 301st Fighter Wing in Fort Worth, Texas, became the first standalone Reserve unit in the Air Force to get its own F-35s, welcoming the first fighter Nov. 5.