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Lockheed Martin has announced a 10-year Aircrew Training and Rehearsal Support II (ATARS II) contract from USAF Special Operations Command (AFSOCOM). The $1.1 billion contract will provide AFSOCOM crews with a distributed, fully-networked mission rehearsal and training system for their MC-130E/H Combat Talon (transport), MC-130P Combat Shadow (transport & aerial refueling), and AC-130H Spectre (gunship) variants; MH-53 Pave Low and MH-60 Pave Hawk combat search & rescue helicopters; and CV-22 Osprey tilt-rotors.
Lockheed Martin was awarded the original ATARS contract in 1987; ATARS II represents the next-generation training system for special operations and search and rescue crews at several locations: Kirtland Air Force Base, NM; Hurlburt Field, FL; Harrisburg Air National Guard Base, PA and Fort Rucker, AL. Lockheed Martin release.