LINK INC.
DELAND, FLORIDA

L3 Link Training & Simulation, originally founded as Link Aviation Devices, Inc. by Ed Link in the late 1920s, is renowned for pioneering simulator-based aviation training. Over an eight-decade trajectory, L3 Link has become a leader in developing innovative training systems aimed at enhancing performance and safety across both military and civil aviation industries. The company's hallmark was its development of the ANT-18 Basic Instrument Trainer (Blue Box) during World War II, establishing it as standard equipment globally. Throughout the 1950s, L3 Link continued to achieve significant milestones by securing substantial contracts for simulating various jet models, including the F-89D and B-47B Stratojet, with notable advancements in synthetic visual systems. The 1960s expanded their influence into space training devices utilized by NASA astronauts on key missions like Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo. In civil aviation advancements, L3 Link developed comprehensive flight simulators for commercial jets such as the DC-8, B-727, and even Concorde. By the 1970s, significant progress was made with systems like the Synthetic Flight Training System for the U.S. Army and simulator contracts with NASA and CAE, facilitating groundbreaking simulations like the Shuttle Mission Simulator. The 1980s saw Link innovate further by introducing microprocessor-based visual systems. Through strategic consolidations, such as being acquired by Hughes Aircraft in 1988, L3 Communications' acquisition of Raytheon’s flight simulation division in 2000 marked a period of expansion and rebranding to L3 Link Simulation & Training. The company has continued securing major contracts from the U.S. military, including F/A-22 training, E-3 training simulations, and various helicopter simulator upgrades. Today, as part of L3Harris Technologies, L3 Link is incorporated in Florida under the state model company status with Delaware as its home state since November 13, 2001. With Chuck Link at the helm as President, it continues to operate out of Deland, FL and maintains a significant presence with offices across numerous U.S. cities.