"This revolutionary flight simulation system will enable aircrews to conduct full mission training against highly sophisticated interactive threats in a networked training environment that will markedly increase combat readiness", stated John McNellis, president of Link Simulation and Training. "This training solution is based on modern, leading-edge flight simulation technologies we're delivering today in support of U.S. Navy F/A-18 programmes that are also powered by SGI graphics supercomputers."

SGI Onyx graphics supercomputers performing image generation provide highly realistic and precise simulation of the multi-role functions that fighter aircraft perform in combat missions. The Onyx systems have the power and real-time visualization capability to concurrently process imagery, video, 3D terrain and geospatial data, meeting the demanding needs of air forces around the world.

"These SGI Onyx image generators will deliver revolutionary dimensions of realism and the scaleable data compute power required to generate the highest resolution photo-specific imagery and physical environment required to meet the training needs of the Canadian Air Force", stated Steve Detro, director, DoD Programmes, SGI Federal. "We are honoured to contribute to this dramatic advancement in flight simulation and to provide increased safety and training realism for Canadian Air Force pilots."

This combat training system, which is projected to last 15 years, will support the Canadian Forces Incremental Modernization Project for the CF-18 aircraft platform. The CF-18 ADCTS will provide networked team, joint and combined training flight simulation exercises. This programme will be the first operational Distributed Mission Operations (DMO) system to be fielded in Canada. The training system will establish the DMO architecture and provide training for all CF-18 training requirements. CF-18 ADCTS training will range from relatively basic missions to full-theater level battles, supported by distributed training exercises across Canada.

Canadian Forces Base in Cold Lake, Alberta and Canadian Forces Base in Bagotville, Quebec will be home to the programme's two new Mission Training Centers. The Canadian Forces mission training centres will be integrated with new Link-built CF-18 Air Combat Emulators (ACES). Link will build a total of six CF-18 ACES for the programme - all powered by Silicon Graphics Onyx family graphics supercomputers.

Four of the CF-18 ACES will be installed at Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake and two of the simulators will go to Canadian Forces Base Bagotville. These high fidelity, networked simulators will immerse pilots in a realistic, virtual battlespace that will support a full range of tactical training exercises. The six Onyx systems were delivered to L-3 Communications in the fourth quarter of SGI's fiscal year 2004 and first quarter of fiscal year 2005. The CF-18 ACES are due to be deployed in 2005 and 2006.