Training Center Doubles DFW Airport Footprint
The training center has added approximately 42,000 square feet, more than double the size of the existing high bay facility, to include space for additional flight simulators, a demo room and classrooms.
ARLINGTON, TX—L3 Technologies recently celebrated the opening of its expanded Arlington training center facility. The multi-purpose center provides simulation and instruction for both military and commercial pilots, as well as classroom facilities.
The training center has added approximately 42,000 square feet, more than double the size of the existing high bay facility. The expansion includes space for six additional full-flight simulators, a demonstration room, classrooms incorporating augmented and virtual reality, and customer-dedicated spaces. Serving both domestic and international customers, the center is near the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, which offers students convenient travel access and hotel accommodations.
“This facility exemplifies L3’s commitment to delivering world-class training and simulation to our military and commercial aviation customers,” said Christopher Kubasik, L3’s chairman, chief executive officer and president. “We are at the forefront of the growing outsourcing trend, with innovative, scalable and affordable options that address the global demand for highly trained pilots and aviation professionals.”
The Arlington expansion complements L3’s soon-to-open London Training Center that will support nearby Gatwick Airport with pilot training and simulation.
“We are excited to offer this expanded multi-purpose facility to greatly enhance our training capability in Arlington,” said Lenny Genna, president of L3 Link Training & Simulation, which is part of L3’s Electronic Systems business segment. “This is the right time for L3 to invest in the advancement of flight training for aircraft, helicopter and unmanned vehicle pilots. New training and simulation technologies, combined with a well-designed infrastructure provide an ideal environment to deliver the best flight training experience for our customers.”
Merriman Anderson/Architects was the architect and interior designer for the expansion project. The design of the expansion replicated the existing design, which MAA developed in 2014. The project was unique in terms of its foundation, Jarod Fancher, Merriman Anderson/Architects project architect and revit manager, tells GlobeSt.com.
“The foundation was designed to accommodate the flight simulator’s weight and movement, so its slab is separated from the building with an isolation joint,” he explains.
Arlington-based L3 Link Training & Simulation provides platform operators and maintainers with training solutions that improve training effectiveness and efficiency, and lower life-cycle costs in a secure cyber environment. L3 Link’s innovative solutions provide a full spectrum of training technologies, including high-fidelity immersive simulations, as well as distributed academic and interactive courseware. The company has delivered military and commercial training systems to customer locations throughout North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific Rim.
L3 Technologies is a provider of global ISR, communications and networked systems, and electronic systems for military, homeland security and commercial aviation customers. With headquarters in New York City and approximately 31,000 employees worldwide, L3 develops advanced defense technologies and commercial solutions in pilot training, aviation security, night vision and EO/IR, weapons, maritime systems and space. The company reported 2017 sales of $9.6 billion.
For perspective, the CAE Dallas west training center at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is the largest corporate aviation training center in the world with 426,000 square feet. Offering pilot, maintenance and flight crew training, this facility contains 36 FAA Level C and D business aircraft simulators, fully equipped classrooms and an aviation resource center, GlobeSt.com learns.