AgustaWestland, CAE, BAE Systems To Provide Helicopter Training
For Armed Forces
A helicopter manufacturer, a simulator company, and an aerospace
giant have formed an an industry team to pursue the AIR 9000 Phase
7 program in Australia.
AgustaWestland, CAE, and BAE Systems said Monday that together
they will pursue the AIR 9000 Phase 7 program, also called the
Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS), which is intended to
provide a rotary wing training capability for the Australian Navy
and Army that meets 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 Gagne, 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."