For almost 30 years, Lockheed Martin has delivered mission‑ready aircrews and maintainers at speed and scale for C-130J fleets worldwide.
C-130J Training Products
Providing the most authentic training experiences for aircrew and maintainers
Offered as flexible options configured to meet the specific needs and goals of any customer, Lockheed Martin C-130J training devices stay in lock step with aircraft modernization and mission specific modifications.
Full Flight Simulator (FFS) / Weapons System Trainer (WST)
Initial and Mission Aircrew Training
The FFS/WST is a high‑fidelity, dynamic-motion simulator that enables “zero‑flight‑time” crew and aircraft systems training for C‑130J platforms.
Typical training capabilities include:
- Initial qualification training
- Instrument flight rules training
- Night vision goggle training
- Emergency procedures training
- Mission rehearsal and tactical flight training
Key features and benefits:
- Certified to Federal Aviation Administration Level-D, European Union Aviation Safety Agency Level-D
- 50° vertical × 225° horizontal field of view for cross-cockpit viewing
- Uses actual C-130J components and Operational Flight and Maintenance Programs software
- Six degree-of-freedom motion platform
- Night vision goggle compatible
- Network capable with mission record/playback
- Includes loadmaster station
C-130J Configurable Aircraft Trainer (JCAT)
Aircrew and Maintenance Training (Initial and Mission; Selected Maintenance Tasks/Job Guides)
The JCAT is a configurable training device that can be scaled to meet customer budget cycles and mission sets – from crew familiarization to advanced mission rehearsal. It uses the same physics‑based C‑130J Virtual Simulator and Instructor Operating Station that power the Full Flight Simulator, delivering maximum capability in a compact package.
Key features and benefits:
- Federal Aviation Administration Level-D flight model
- Modular tactile panels, controls and touch screen displays
- Supports retargeted aircraft Operational Flight Programs for Mission Computer and Communication Navigation Identification-System Processor (CNI-SP) updates
- More than 1,100 malfunctions for realistic normal and emergency scenarios
- Configurable visual system architecture and control interfaces
- Portable, modular design for easy relocation and integration
- Interoperable with other C-130J trainers and mission planning systems
- Designed to be easily upgradable for aircraft concurrency
Loadmaster Fuselage Trainer (FuT) and Enhanced Fuselage Trainer (eFuT)
Initial and Mission Aircrew (Loadmaster Training)
The FuT replicates the flight deck and rear cargo compartment of a baseline C‑130J aircraft and includes an Instructor Operating Station for guided instruction. The EFuT builds on the FuT by adding a tactile flight deck interface and interoperability with other training devices, delivering a higher‑fidelity experience for loadmaster and aircrew training.
Training capabilities for both include:
- General aircraft systems overview
- Normal, emergency and non‑standard operating procedures
- Loading and unloading operations, cargo‑ramp and door control, and cargo‑restraint techniques
- Pre‑flight, in‑flight and post‑flight checklist execution
- Aerial‑delivery training through initial chute release
Key features and benefits:
- Actual aircraft components and manufactured items
- Fully functional enhanced cargo handling system
- Aircraft Interface Monitor (AIM)
Loadmaster Part-Task Trainer (LMPTT)
Procedural (Initial) Aircrew Loadmaster Training
The LMPTT is a dedicated loadmaster cockpit with realistic load‑balancing, airdrop and cargo‑handling controls.
Key features and benefits:
- Fully populated Loadmaster Station (simulated)
- Visual awareness recognition system
- Extraction parachute jettison system
- Parachute initiation device
- Instructor operator station
- Two-piece structure manufactured to fit through standard doorway
Virtual Maintenance Trainer (VMT)
Maintenance and Aircrew Training (System Familiarization)
The VMT delivers an immersive training environment for maintenance and aircrew personnel. Leveraging 3D visualization, virtual and augmented reality technology, the VMT provides realistic, interactive simulations that enhance knowledge retention, streamline skill acquisition and boost operational efficiency across all training levels.
Key features and benefits:
- Close to 600 hours of scenario‑based instructional content, from basic checks to complex fault isolation.
- More than 60 high‑fidelity 3D models and interactive flows that replicate real‑world maintenance operations.
- Built from exclusive aircraft data, the VMT mirrors the exact geometry, tolerances and system behaviors of Lockheed Martin-built aircraft.
Observer Training Aid (OTA)
Initial and Mission Aircrew (Loadmaster, Combat Systems Officer, Security) Training
The OTA is a simplified, high‑impact interface for observer/flight‑engineer familiarization.
Key Characteristics:
- Full out-the-window visuals
- Interoperable with Full Flight Simulator, Fuselage Trainer, and JCAT
- Aerial refueling, threat recognition/reaction, crew resource management
- Original equipment manufacturer aircraft parts for fidelity
Specialized Maintenance Training Devices
Specialized Maintenance Training Devices are a family of configurable, high‑fidelity platforms that replicate the C‑130J airframe and its systems. By offering varying degrees of realism—from basic structural mock‑ups to fully instrumented flight‑deck replicas—these devices let customers tailor training to the exact level of detail they need, delivering robust, repeatable maintenance education and reducing time‑and‑costs associated with live‑aircraft training.
- Servicing Part Task Trainer (SPTT) – Provides a realistic cargo‑compartment environment—including hydraulic, electrical, and avionics systems—to train technicians on servicing, calibration, and component replacement at the organizational level.
- Fuselage and Systems Trainer (FAST) – A fully modified legacy C‑130 that replicates the complete C‑130J flight station, systems, and cargo bay, supporting comprehensive maintenance, system‑integration, and emergency‑procedure training..
Training Media / Courseware
Lockheed Martin offers a full‑suite of digital courseware, scenario libraries and debrief tools that support in-country training.
- Computer and instructor-based training
- Subsystem emulators
- Virtual desktops
- Interactive multi-media
- Virtual and augmented reality
C-130J Training Centers
Delivering end-to-end training for U.S. and international C-130J fleets
Hercules Training Center
Located in Marietta, Georgia, the Hercules Training Center (HTC) is a single source for all military and commercial training needs. Established in 2018, it contains all necessary infrastructure, operations, maintenance, student services and support for domestic and international C-130J and LM-100J aircrew and maintainers to focus on their curriculum. The HTC supports Initial Qualification to Refresher Courses, Instructor Qualification, and Mission Training as required. Re-configurable, FAA Level-D simulator technology enables rapid transition between LM-100J, C-130J Block 6 or Block 8.1 training as needed. To date, more than 1,700 students have graduated from the HTC.
France Germany Multinational Training Center
In partnership with the French Direction générale de l'armement (DGA) and the German Federal Ministry of Defence, Lockheed Martin built and equipped a training center at Évreux-Fauville Air Base in northern France for C-130J aircrew and maintenance training. The full-service training facility supports the first multinational squadron in C-130J history, consisting of 10 French and German aircraft. In-country training allows France and Germany a faster, cost-effective way to qualify and sustain their C-130J aircrew and maintenance personnel, providing support for NATO missions.
As part of the direct commercial sale contract for the FGMTC, Lockheed Martin provides training devices, the learning management system, courseware and options for additional training services.
C-130J Training Services
Decades-long contract continuity accelerates the delivery of products and services
C-130J Maintenance and Aircrew Training System (MATS)
The C-130J MATS program is a nearly 30-year franchise that provides training products, engineering and program support services to the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard. The program plays a crucial role in ensuring C-130J aircrew and maintainers are mission-qualified upon graduation, allowing them to seamlessly integrate into their operational units.
Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) Air Commando Training and Support (ACTS)
The AFSOC ACTS program provides Air Force special operations with aircrew instruction and distributed, fully-networked mission rehearsal and training capabilities, as well as logistics support for numerous AFSOC weapon systems, including the special mission C-130J, CV-22 and a wide variety of other training systems. As part of the program, Lockheed Martin provides engineering and cybersecurity support to ensure AFSOC's training devices remain concurrent with their aircraft.
