Industry: Airbus Helicopters delivers final EC135 T2+ for Australian military training program

Image: Airbus

• Full fleet of 15 helicopters delivered only two years after contract signature.
• H135 family confirmed as a reference for military helicopter training.

Donauwörth, Germany - Airbus Helicopters has achieved Factory Acceptance of the last six of the EC135 T2+ for the Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) for the Australian Defence Force (ADF), completing on-time deliveries of the full fleet of 15 helicopters.

Under the JP9000 Phase 7 HATS project, a new joint helicopter training program for Navy and Army aircrew will utilise 15 EC135 T2+ helicopters, along with flight simulators and a new flight-deck equipped sea-going training vessel. Boeing Defence Australia is the prime contractor for the new training system, partnered by Thales Australia who supplies the flight simulators and synthetic training devices.

A member of the H135 family of light twin-engine helicopters, the EC135 T2+ is an ideal training platform, and initial flying activities have commenced at their new home in Nowra, Australia.

AUS: Budget 2016-17 – Defence Budget overview

The 2016 Defence Budget delivers on the Turnbull Government’s commitment to ensuring Australia’s long-term security and economic prosperity. It provides the funding needed to deliver the capability plans set out in the 2016 Defence White Paper, including plans for the Australian naval shipbuilding industry, and to support our ongoing commitments to Defence Operations.

This Budget builds on the Coalition’s promise to provide Defence with a stable and sustainable funding growth path. It supports the 2016 Defence White Paper capability plans by growing the Defence budget to two per cent of GDP by 2020-21, three years earlier than the Government’s 2013 election commitment. This will result in additional funding of $29.9 billion over the next decade in contrast to the Labor Party’s record of cuts that stripped more than $18 billion from the Defence budget.

The Government will provide Defence with $32.3 billion in 2016-17 and $142.9 billion over the Forward Estimates.

The Government’s naval shipbuilding strategy will invest around $90 billion in our naval capability and shipbuilding industry, creating more than 3,600 direct jobs and thousands more through the supply chain.

The 2016 Defence White Paper, Integrated Investment Program, and Defence Industry Policy Statement set out comprehensive and responsible long-term plans to ensure Australia’s national security and provide certainty for Australian defence industry.

Industry: Boeing contracts Ocean to supply FlightPro® for HATS

Airbus EC135 helicopter for HATS

Following an in-depth market evaluation process, Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) has contracted Ocean Software to supply its operations and training management system, FlightPro® to manage the $A600 million Australian Defence Force’s JP9000P7 Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS).

Under the Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) project, Boeing along with its team from Thales Australia, Airbus and Turbomeca will deliver a fully integrated aircrew training solution that involves instructors, three full motion simulators, a Computer Based Training (CBT) suite and the Airbus EC135 helicopter.

AUS: Construction begins on $157m project at HMAS Albatross

Construction began today on a $157 million project to provide support facilities for the new Helicopter Aircrew Training System at HMAS Albatross in Nowra, NSW.

Federal Member for Gilmore, Mrs Ann Sudmalis, represented the Minister for Defence, Kevin Andrews, at a sod turning ceremony today to signify the start of building works.

Mrs Sudmalis said the project was the culmination of two years of planning by the Department of Defence to build the facilities required to support a helicopter training capability for Navy and Army.

“These facilities will support the current and future helicopter training needs of the Australian Defence force” Mrs Sudmalis said.

Defence is investing approximately $157 million into facilities at HMAS Albatross, and Jervis Bay Airfield.

“The capital investment from this project will have economic benefits in and around the Nowra region, with significant opportunities for local industry during the construction period” Mrs Sudmalis said.

All works at HMAS Albatross are planned to be completed by mid 2017.

AUS DoD

Industry: Airbus Helicopters achieves Factory Acceptance for first “HATS” military training helicopter for Australia

Airbus Helicopters has achieved Factory Acceptance of HATS01, the first of fifteen helicopters of the H135 family (EC135 T2+) for the Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Boeing Defence Australia as the prime contractor for the new training system for the ADF, joined with representatives of the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Army for a Factory Acceptance ceremony for the “ideal training platform for the next generation of Navy and Army pilots”.

Under the JP 9000 Phase 7 HATS project, a new joint helicopter training system for both Army and Navy aircrew will utilise the EC135 T2+ helicopters, along with flight simulators and a new flight-deck equipped sea-going training vessel.

“Airbus Helicopters is thrilled that Boeing and the Commonwealth of Australia have demonstrated their confidence in our product by accepting this first EC135 T2+, on time and on budget, as part of a world leading high tech helicopter aircrew training system for the ADF”, says Peter Harris, Head of Governmental Sales for Australia Pacific.

Industry: First flight within only two months of HATS contract signing

The HATS No.1 EC135 T2+
(© Copyright Airbus Helicopters, Charles Abarr)

The first EC135 T2+ helicopter in a planned fleet of modern, twin-engine, rotary-wing aircraft being acquired by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for its new Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS), has successfully completed its first flight in Europe.

Under the HATS project, a joint training scheme for both Army and Navy aircrew will utilise some 15 Airbus Helicopters EC135 T2+ trainers, along with EC135 flight simulators and a new flight-deck equipped, sea-going training vessel.

Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) is the prime contractor for the new training system, partnered by Thales Australia which will provide the flight simulators. The first EC135 T2+ (Serial Nbr.1179) took off from the Airbus Helicopters’ production site in Donauwörth, Germany, where the helicopter is assembled at 14.37 local time on 16th January and landed back on site 57 mins later.

Industry: Boeing and Thales to train Australian Army/Navy Helicopter Pilots

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.  

AUS: New training system for ADF helicopter crews

An EC-135 (Wiki Info - Image: Wiki Commons)

A modern helicopter training system for Navy and Army personnel has been approved by the Australian Government, Defence Minister Senator David Johnston announced today.

Senator Johnston said the new training system would better prepare Navy and Army aircrew to transition to the ADF’s current combat helicopter fleet, as well as the advanced helicopters entering service this decade.

The Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) will be based at HMAS Albatross in Nowra, NSW. The preferred partner for HATS, Boeing Defence Australia, has proposed a training system that will include purpose designed syllabi based on 15 Airbus Helicopter EC-135 twin-engine ‘glass cockpit’ training helicopters; three full-motion Thales EC 135 Flight Simulators and addition of a flight deck to Navy’s new sea-going training vessel. Final contract negotiations with Boeing will conclude directly.

News Story: Australia Boosts Defense Spending

MQ-4C Triton UAV

By NIGEL PITTAWAY

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA — Australia’s new defense budget boosts spending by 6 percent over last year and forecasts movement on a number of large acquisition programs, including vehicles and helicopters.

The government of Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott delivered its budget on May 13, the first since the Liberal-National Party coalition was elected in September.

Defense will receive AUS $29.2 billion (US $27.1 billion) in 2014-15 and $122.7 billion over the four-year forward estimates period. That represents a $9.6 billion increase from previous government’s figures, said Defence Minister David Johnston.

“This demonstrates our firm commitment to a strong and capable Australian Defence Force,” he said.

Read the full story at DefenseNews

AUS: Helicopter Aircrew Training System for Army and Navy Pilots Tender Short-Listing

Australian Army (NH-90) MRH-90 (File Photo)

Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Dr Mike Kelly today announced that three Tenderers have been selected to progress Project Air 9000 Phase 7 which will provide a new helicopter aircrew training system to meet the future rotary wing training needs of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

AIR 9000 Phase 7 is an important project which will deliver a new joint helicopter aircrew training system for Army and Navy to be based at Nowra, New South Wales.

This new joint training system will overcome the broadening gap in training systems required for the advanced operational helicopters to be operated by the future ADF, including 22 Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters, 47 MRH90 Multi-role helicopters, 24 Seahawk Romeo maritime combat helicopters, and 7 CH-47 (F) Chinook medium lift helicopters.

The new joint training system will allow the retirement of 40 Kiowa helicopters operated by Army and 13 Squirrel helicopters operated by Navy. The new training system will comprise a combination of light twin-engine helicopters, with options for basic and advanced avionic systems; a mix of Synthetic Training Devices (Simulators and Part-Task Trainers); new Training, Administration and Warehousing facilities; and Integrated Through Life Support. An Aviation Training Vessel will also be supplied as a component of the new training system through existing Defence Maritime Support arrangements

Seahawk Romeo (File Photo)

The three short-listed Tenderers are the teams led by Australian Aerospace Ltd, Boeing Defence Australia Ltd and Raytheon Australia Pty Ltd.

The Request for Tender was issued in early 2012. The three short-listed Tenderers will now enter the second phase of the evaluation, which will include the development and evaluation of final proposals.

A decision on the successful tenderer is expected by mid-2014, with training on the new (system) expected to commence in 2016/17.

The total project value is up to $1 billion.

AUS DoD

Australian Aerospace to offer Helicopter Aircrew Training System Solution

Australia’s leading helicopter producer, Australian Aerospace, will bid as prime contractor on the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) Project AIR9000 Phase 7 Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) tender. The HATS program will provide an aircrew training capability for Army and Navy to meet the future rotary wing training needs of the ADF. 

Australian Aerospace will offer an innovative, low risk and cost effective aircrew training solution based on parent-company Eurocopter’s EC135 platform. 

Dr Jens Goennemann, CEO Australian Aerospace announced the bid, highlighting: “Australian Aerospace’s proposal will build on the Company’s training systems design capability, its extensive Australian civil and military aircraft support infrastructure and the superiority of the EC135, the industry’s reference twin-engine training and light utility helicopter.” 

“Australian Aerospace has a proud history of developing and implementing Army and Navy aircrew and technical training solutions for the ARH Tiger and MRH90 and has worked closely with Army to support the development of its pilot training framework. Our experience on these programs, coupled with the extensive training capabilities of the Eurocopter Group, allows us to provide the ADF with an optimised and effective training system” said Dr Goennemann. 

Discussions are proceeding with a number of potential industry bid subcontractors. 

More than 1000 EC135 aircraft are flying worldwide and have amassed over 2.2 million flight hours to date. The helicopter is used in many military training programs including by the German Army and Japanese Navy. In Australia, the Victorian and New South Wales police forces also operate the aircraft. The EC135 offers aircrew an ideal introduction to modern combat and multi-role helicopters including MRH90 and ARH Tiger.” 

“Australian Aerospace’s bid maintains our Company’s commitment to long-term in-country support of the Australian Defence Force. If selected, we will offer a complete and comprehensive aircrew training capability for the long-haul, utilising our international experience to build on our local expertise and industrial footprint”, said Dr Goennemann. 

Australian Aerospace

Raytheon Tender for Helicopter Aircrew Training System Competition Submitted

Raytheon Australia today announced that it has submitted its tender for the Air 9000 Phase 7 Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) competition.

The Managing Director of Raytheon Australia, Mr Michael Ward, said that the company’s team that included Bell Helicopter, Milskil, Nova Systems and Virtual Simulation Systems was pleased to present the Commonwealth with an offer to deliver and operate the HATS program as a trusted partner in rotary wing

flying training.

Mr Ward emphasised that this was a critical program for the ADF with the selection of a successful tenderer setting up an industry relationship that was likely to endure for a generation. He said that supporting the ADF in this way was an important responsibility that demanded the most compelling flight training solution, offered by a proven and trusted Australian industry team.

The Raytheon team solution includes platforms, simulators and training devices as well as courseware certified and maintained to exacting Defence standards. 

“Our proposal outlines a mature, deliverable and sustainable training solution which maps precisely to the Commonwealth’s training requirements. Providing a strong growth path with the necessary flexibility for future training, we also offer the strongest commitment to safety and a solution which is designed for support through the best possible sustainment solution,” Mr Ward said.

Bell 249

Raytheon Australia’s mission ready solution is centred around the Bell 429, the most modern and cost effective light twin helicopter on the market today offering a substantial capability enhancement for rotary wing flying training and light utility support. In addition to being the only light twin helicopter fully certified to the latest crashworthiness standards, the large cockpit of the Bell 429 is capable of handling the full range of pilot candidates with the most spacious and useful rear cabin in its class.

Mr Ward also pointed to Raytheon’s strong pedigree in providing and supporting Australian helicopter programs such as the RAN’s Retention and Motivation Initiative as well as providing maintenance and engineering support under its Squirrel in service support contract. This is added to the company’s extensive training pedigree that included Hornet and Super Hornet training systems, and its Electronic Warfare Training System.

This is complemented by an enduring commitment to the Shoalhaven region through existing skills, facilities and industry networks with a sustainable vendor base that gives appropriate focus to the value of developing the regional economy.

Mr Ward emphasised his was a proven team of trusted partners to enable the ADF’s future aviators. He said the Raytheon team offered a safe, certified and off-the-shelf solution to match training requirements and produce mission ready helicopter aircrew.

Raytheon Australia

Boeing, Thales to pursue Helicopter Aircrew training opportunity

MELBOURNE, Victoria, March 3, 2011 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] subsidiary Boeing Defence Australia and Thales Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding today at the 2011 Australian International Airshow to pursue Project Air 9000 Phase 7 – Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) for the Australian Defence Force.

The companies will work together to design a fully integrated HATS solution for the Australian Army and Navy that makes maximum use of instructors, flight simulators, computer-based instruction and training aircraft. The HATS request for proposal is expected to be issued later this year.

"Boeing and Thales have been partners in defense flight training and simulation for more than 15 years," said John Duddy, Boeing Defence Australia vice president and managing director. "Both companies have proven track records in delivering training courses on time and producing mission-ready pilots. Our combined strengths offer the best team to support HATS."

The companies' partnership began on the F-111 program in the mid-1990s. Thales operated the F-111 simulator and training programs and Rockwell, a Boeing heritage company, held the F-111 avionics upgrade contract. The partnership continued with Boeing subcontracting Thales to provide simulator support for the Boeing 737 Airborne Early Warning & Control Wedgetail Operational Flight Trainer and for in-country Boeing C-17 Globemaster III aircrew training simulators.

"Our long-term partnership with Boeing provides customers with a highly effective combination of local and global expertise," said Chris Jenkins, Thales Australia's chief executive officer. "We will offer an integrated approach that will result in cost-effective solutions for helicopter aircrew training, improving Australian Defence Force capabilities over the years ahead."

Boeing also provides helicopter pilot, aircrew and technician training for the Australian Army under the Army Aviation Training and Training Support (AATTS) contract. The company trains aircrews on S-70A-9 Black Hawks and Bell 206-B1 Kiowa helicopters at Oakey Army Aviation Centre, southeast Queensland, and on Boeing CH-47D Chinooks at 5th Aviation Regiment in Townsville, north Queensland.

Since 2007, Boeing has completed 100 percent of training courses and aircrew graduations on time; flown 7,000 training sorties while logging 8,000 flying hours; and performed 4,000 services on Black Hawk and Kiowa training aircraft. Boeing employs more than 200 Australians across its AATTS operations and has one of the largest military instructional aircrew teams in Australia.

"The excellent support we have delivered to the Australian Army is underpinned by our proven performance on AATTS and The Boeing Company's experience supporting training on 24 different defense aircraft and 150 associated trainers worldwide," Duddy added.

The Boeing and Thales team will hold an open, competitive tender for helicopter manufacturers over the coming months to select a training aircraft to meet the Australian Defence Force's requirements.

Boeing

Lockheed Martin And Bristow Helicopters Australia Team For Helicopter Aircrew Training System

AVALON, Australia, March 2nd, 2011 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] and Bristow Helicopters Australia, an affiliated company of Bristow Group Inc. [NYSE: BRS], today announced a partnership to offer a complete training solution to the Australian Defence Force for its Project Air 9000 Phase 7 Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) requirement.

The HATS program will provide a rotary-wing training capability for Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army aircrews. Lockheed Martin and Bristow will partner to provide a comprehensive student-centered training design with a demonstrated cost-effective helicopter support capability.

“The Lockheed Martin-Bristow team matches the leading developer and deliverer of proven aircrew training systems, with the world and Australian lead provider in offshore helicopter provision and maintenance,” said Allan Blake, Managing Director of Bristow Helicopters Australia. “I am delighted the team has come together to offer the Australian Defence Force all of its combined experience and capabilities in support of Australia's military helicopter aircrews." 

“Lockheed Martin excels at designing aviation training systems and then bringing all of the elements together to meet the needs of our military customers,” said Dale Bennett, president of Lockheed Martin Global Training and Logistics. “We are committed to providing Australia a comprehensive training program focused on efficiently producing fully-trained, mission-ready aircrews.”

Lockheed Martin will draw on its global training expertise to deliver an affordable and effective training system for Australian Defence Force rotary wing aircrews. The company annually trains more than 22,000 aircrew members in both fixed and rotary wing systems. For the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, Lockheed Martin designed and is implementing a groundbreaking fifth-generation training system that matches affordability with innovation and unparalleled capability.

Bristow Helicopters Australia Pty. Limited is the largest provider of helicopter services to the Australian oil and gas industry with a fleet of approximately 35 helicopters. It also maintains the Republic of Singapore Air Force helicopter fleet at Oakey Army Aviation Centre, Australia. Bristow Helicopters Australia is an affiliated company of Bristow Group Inc., (NYSE: BRS), the leading provider of helicopter services to the worldwide offshore energy industry based on the number of aircraft operated and one of two helicopter service providers to the offshore energy industry with global operations. The Company has major transportation operations in the North Sea, Nigeria and the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, and in most of the other major offshore oil and gas producing regions of the world, including Alaska, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Russia and Trinidad.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 132,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.8 billion.

Lockheed Martin

AgustaWestland, CAE and BAE Systems team to pursue AIR 9000 Phase 7 in Australia

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

CAE