The Simulator: A Path to Preserve USMC Aviation Capability While Reducing Costs

Considering the capabilities of existing simulators, the training models of the commercial aviation industry and KC-130J community, and available scientific research, creating a MV-22 training model that reduces or eliminates the requirement for a FRS is a realistic goal. In the face of looming budget cuts, the Marine Corps must find efficiencies to reduce costs while preserving current capability. Just in MV-22 flight hour costs alone, capitalizing on existing simulator technologies and proven training models could yield in excess of $200 million in savings over a 10-year period. To achieve this, the Marine Corps must mandate change and leverage the training models of the commercial aviation industry and the KC-130J community.