Calls Eurocopter Helo A 'Low-Risk' Platform
Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) and Thales Australia have named
the Eurocopter EC135 as the preferred platform for their bid on the
Australian Defence Force (ADF) Project AIR 9000 Phase 7 –
Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS). "Boeing and Thales'
individual expertise and shared strengths, as well as a strong
working relationship spanning more than 15 years, have enabled the
design of a truly integrated, cost-effective, low-risk aircrew
training solution for the ADF," said Kim Gillis, managing director
of Boeing Defence Australia. "The Eurocopter EC135 is the ideal
helicopter for this mission."
A fleet of more than 1,000 EC135 aircraft worldwide has amassed
2.2 million flight hours to date. The helicopter is part of
successful training systems in Germany, Switzerland, Spain, and
Japan, and in Australia with the Victorian and New South Wales
police forces.
"The EC135 is an ideal training helicopter for defense forces
operating new-generation multi-role or combat helicopters, with
great maneuverability, high visibility and the most advanced
technologies to help instructors perform training missions safely,"
said Olivier Lambert, Eurocopter senior vice president, Sales &
Customer Relations.
The Boeing and Thales team conducted a rigorous evaluation of
available twin-engine helicopters to identify the aircraft that
best met the Commonwealth's training systems goals. "Thorough
flight and ground assessments of the EC135 and its suitability for
both ab initio training and as a lead-in trainer to more complex
and larger helicopters made it clear the EC135 was the optimum
platform to meet the ADF's requirements," said Gillis. "The
aircraft's support base, both locally and internationally, presents
a significantly lower cost of operation than other aircraft in its
class, reducing project-establishment and through-life-support
risk."
The Boeing and Thales HATS solution draws on Boeing's
sophisticated design tools and extensive aircrew training systems
experience, combined with Thales' simulation capabilities, to
deliver an ab initio rotary wing training system for all Royal
Australian Navy and Australian Army helicopter aircrew.
The Boeing and Thales team has adopted a systems training and
engineering approach to development that optimizes training
throughput and learning outcomes and reduces life cycle cost,
underpinned by a strong focus on safety and military ethos. The
solution also draws on Boeing's experience delivering rotary wing
training to the ADF for more than 15 years and is backed by the
support of The Boeing Company's Training Systems & Government
Services business.
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