Avalon, Australia, March 1st, 2011 – AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, CAE, and BAE Systems today announced the formation of an industry team to pursue the AIR 9000 Phase 7 program in Australia.
The AIR 9000 Phase 7 program, also called the Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS), is intended to provide a rotary wing training capability for the Australian Navy and Army to meet the future rotary wing training needs of the Australian Defence Forces (ADF). The program aims to deliver a comprehensive training system that includes elements of live, synthetic and classroom helicopter instruction to train pilots, air combat officers, and rear crews. The new Helicopter Aircrew Training System will be designed to better train and prepare ADF helicopter aircrews for the advanced operational helicopters in the current and future ADF inventory.
“With this team, we have brought together the world’s foremost rotorcraft capability provider in AgustaWestland, a global leader in simulation-based training with CAE, and one of the world’s most capable through life support partners in BAE Systems,” said Giuseppe Orsi, CEO, AgustaWestland. “We look forward to highlighting the breadth of our combined capabilities in support of Australia’s AIR 9000 Phase 7 requirements.”
AgustaWestland would offer a light twin helicopter type and associated aircraft support services required as part of the AIR 9000 Phase 7 program. CAE would have primary responsibility for the design of the overall synthetic training program, including the manufacture of training devices as well as classroom and simulator instruction. BAE Systems would lead all maintenance and support services.
“Defence forces around the world are increasing their use of simulation-based synthetic training to enhance safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness,” said Martin Gagné, Group President, Military Products, Training and Services, CAE. “As the Australian Defence Forces look to improve their undergraduate rotary-wing training program through AIR 9000 Phase 7, CAE will bring innovation, capability and relevant experience to offer Australia world-class training services.”
“As a major provider of through life support to five fixed and rotary wing aircraft fleets across the Army, Navy and the Air Force, BAE Systems has a proven sustainment record in this country,” said Jim McDowell, CEO, BAE Systems Australia. “We believe this capability will be an integral part of developing and delivering a comprehensive and world-class helicopter aircrew training system to the ADF.”
About AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, the global helicopter company owned by Italy’s Finmeccanica, is a total capability provider in the vertical lift market. Through its rotorcraft systems design, development, production and integration capabilities, its experience in the training business and its customer focused Integrated Operational Support solutions, the Company delivers unrivalled mission capability to military and commercial operators around the world. This expertise, backed by technological excellence and innovation, makes the Company a leader in a number of the world’s most important helicopter markets offering the widest range of advanced rotorcraft available for both commercial and military applications. www.agustawestland.com
About CAE
CAE is a world leader in providing simulation and modelling technologies and integrated training solutions for the civil aviation industry and defence forces around the globe. With annual revenues exceeding C$1.5 billion, CAE employs more than 7,500 people at more than 100 sites and training locations in more than 20 countries. We have the largest installed base of civil and military full-flight simulators and training devices. Through our global network of 30 civil aviation and military training centres, we train more than 80,000 crewmembers yearly. We also offer modelling and simulation software to various market segments, and through CAE’s professional services division we assist customers with a wide range of simulation-based needs. www.cae.com.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is a global defence, security and aerospace company with approximately 107,000 employees worldwide. The Company delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. In 2009 BAE Systems reported sales of £22.4 billion (US$36.2 billion). www.baesystems.com
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