The Integrated Maintenance Training System (IMTS) is an F-18 Hornet maintenance simulator recently developed by Atlantis Systems International (ASI) and The Boeing Company for the Canadian Forces (CF) and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The IMTS simulates all systems of the F-18 aircraft, including avionics, armament, fuel, environmental control system, propulsion, and flight controls. Students interact with the IMTS using a full-size replicated cockpit and two touch-sensitive "Smart" display panels. Over 400 different maintenance procedures and malfunctions are simulated, in addition to "freeplay" functionality, meaning that the simulator is expected to react like a real F-18 aircraft even when procedures are not followed exactly or the student does something unexpected. The IMTS requirements were driven by large upgrades to the F-18 avionics and weaponry for both countries. In Canada the F-18 upgrade is called the Incremental Modernization Program (IMP), while in Australia it is called the Hornet Upgrade (HUG).

In this paper, existing IMTS capabilities will be described, along with ideas for future enhancements and new capabilities made possible by the unique and flexible design of the IMTS software. The role of the IMTS within the Canadian F-18 fleet school will be examined along with early assessments of the utility and learning effectiveness of this new tool.