Boeing to Train Australian Army and Navy Helicopter Pilots for Next 25 Years
Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) contract valued at $A600 million
NOWRA, Australia, Nov. 16, 2014 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] will train Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army helicopter pilots for the next 25 years through a $A600 million contract that broadens the company’s partnership with Australia’s armed forces.
For the JP 9000 Phase 7-Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) effort, Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) teamed with Thales to develop a low-risk solution around the Airbus EC135, one of the world’s most proven helicopters. Airbus and Turbomeca are also part of the BDA-led team.
“This reinforces Boeing as a leading provider of military aviation training in Australia,” said Kim Gillis, BDA’s managing director and vice president. “We will meet the needs of the Australian Defence Force through a balanced program that makes the most of its cadre of instructors supported by flight simulators and computer-based instruction and training aircraft.”
Boeing has provided the Australian Army with helicopter pilot, aircrew and technician training since 2007, meeting or exceeding all the training and maintenance requirements. In addition to training and support, Australia also uses Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jets, C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft and Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft, among other systems.
“This contract will introduce a modern helicopter training system that will support the next generation of Army and Navy aircrew transitioning to our modern combat helicopter,” said Head of Helicopters, Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems and Guided Weapons Division with the Defence Materiel Organisation RADM Tony Dalton.
“This is another very positive demonstration of how industry is partnering to provide the most comprehensive support for the Australian Defence Force,” said Thales Australia CEO Chris Jenkins.
“Thales Australia is looking forward to a long and productive relationship with Boeing and the Department of Defence in developing and training the next generation of helicopter pilots.”
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THALES TO DELIVER INNOVATIVE TRAINING SOLUTIONS FOR AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE HELICOPTER PILOTS
KEY POINTS
- Three Reality H simulators to be delivered to train the Australian Army and Navy helicopter pilots.
- High-quality training with FFS EC135 and other training devices.
- Powerful image generation system, reliable instructor control, and high accuracy motion system.
The next generation of Australia’s Army and Navy helicopter pilots will be trained using three Thales full flight simulators and a suite of other synthetic training devices. These will be supplied to prime contractor Boeing Defence Australia under the Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) programme.
Thales will provide three EC135 Reality H Full Flight Simulators (FFS), its high-fidelity mission-orientated training system which is already in service around the world.
This modular state-of-the-art simulator provides improved operational efficiency and high-quality training supported by a powerful image generation system, reliable instructor control, and high accuracy motion system.
Chris Jenkins, Thales Australia CEO said: “We are looking forward to working closely with Boeing Defence Australia to deliver these superb simulators and associated equipment.”
Beyond the simulators, Thales will deliver training courseware and services, including ground instructors to train Navy Aviation Warfare Officers and air crew sensor operators.
In addition, Thales will supply its Meghas avionics suite for the 15 EC135 aircraft to be provided by Boeing. Thales will also provide the IT infrastructure for the training school.
“This contract enhances Thales’s position as a leading provider of high quality training capabilities and services. These advanced technologies will ensure the next generation of Australian military helicopter pilots has access to some of the best training solutions on the market.”
Jean-Jacques Guittard, Thales Vice President in charge of Training & Simulation business