Why Primes Choose Simtek for 737 Simulator Avionics
- ccowley
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
When a prime contractor is building or upgrading a 737 full-flight simulator, the avionics inside the cockpit aren’t just “parts.” They’re training-critical components that must survive relentless use, stay consistent across devices, and be supportable for years—often decades.
At Simtek, we’ve earned a reputation as the team primes call when they need 737 simulator avionics that hold up in the real world of flight training—where switches get cycled thousands of times, panels get serviced repeatedly, and simulator uptime matters as much as performance.
Here’s why.
1) Simulator Avionics Live a Harder Life Than Real Aircraft Parts
In the aircraft, many controls are rarely used. In a simulator, they’re abused (in a good way). Fire handles, annunciators, switches, rotary selectors, pushbuttons—these components are exercised constantly during:
Recurrent training
Line-oriented flight training (LOFT)
Engine fire drills
Abnormal and emergency procedures
Instructor-driven repetitions
That’s why primes choose Simtek: we design and build for training intensity, not “one pull in a lifetime” usage. We understand simulator duty cycles and build simulated avionics that can endure them.
2) Prime-Level Accountability and Direct Communication
When you’re the prime, you’re accountable for the whole device—schedule, configuration, and performance. You can’t afford long communication chains or slow vendor response.
Simtek supports primes with:
Fast quoting and technical alignment
Direct access from engineering to shipping to leadership
Clear documentation and configuration control
Real support during integration and sustainment
We make it easy to get answers quickly, keep momentum, and keep programs on track.
3) Consistency Across Builds and Across Fleets
737 programs often involve multiple devices, upgrades, or long-term sustainment. Primes need repeatable builds and consistent behavior across units.
Simtek focuses on:
Standardized processes and repeatable assemblies
Build-to-build consistency so trainers don’t get “device drift”
Controlled revisions and traceable improvements
Fit and interface discipline for integration success
When you’re supporting multiple customers or multiple training locations, consistency becomes a competitive advantage—and primes know it.
4) Support for Obsolescence and Legacy Configurations
Obsolescence is real in simulation. Electronics go end-of-life. Displays and components get discontinued. Lead times swing wildly. And many operators still need a specific configuration to match training requirements.
Simtek is known for solving the hard problems primes face:
Reverse engineering and replacing obsolete simulator avionics components
Creating drop-in solutions that protect the interface and trainer experience
Helping primes extend the life of devices while minimizing disruptions
If keeping a device training-ready matters, sustainment capability matters.
5) Built-In Quality: In-Process Inspections and Real Traceability
Quality in simulated avionics isn’t optional. Primes choose Simtek because we don’t “inspect quality in at the end”—we build it in throughout the process.
That includes:
In-process inspection checkpoints during assembly
Verification of conforming parts and workmanship
Strong documentation and traceability discipline
Practical, program-friendly quality support for primes and integrators
The outcome is simple: fewer surprises, fewer rework loops, and more confidence at delivery.
6) Faster Return to Training Through Stock and Rapid Response
When a simulator is down, training schedules slip, costs climb, and stakeholders feel it immediately. Primes value suppliers who understand AOG-like urgency in the simulator world.
Simtek supports uptime with:
Stocking critical components where practical
Rapid response troubleshooting
Repair and replacement support that minimizes downtime
Our goal is always the same: get training back online—fast.
The Bottom Line
Primes choose Simtek for 737 simulator avionics because we combine:
Training-duty durability
Prime-friendly communication
Repeatable, consistent builds
Obsolescence solutions
Quality discipline
Uptime-driven support
If you’re building, upgrading, or sustaining a 737 training device and need a partner who understands what primes are accountable for, Simtek is ready.
Want to talk through a program, configuration, or a sustainment challenge? Reach out—we’ll get the right people on it quickly.
