Boeing to Train Australian Army and Navy Helicopter Pilots

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Boeing to Train Australian Army and Navy Helicopter Pilots

Post by MikeJames »

Boeing to Train Australian Army and Navy Helicopter Pilots for Next 25 Years

(Source: Boeing Co.; issued Nov 16, 2014)

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A drawing of Australia’s future military training helicopter, the EC135T2+, in Australian markings. (Airbus HC)

NOWRA, Australia --- Boeing 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.”

Thales Australia is a trusted partner of the Australian Defence Force and is also present in commercial sectors ranging from air traffic management and ground transport systems to security systems and services. Employing around 3,200 people in 35 sites across the country, Thales Australia recorded revenues of AUD $1 billion in 2013.

Boeing Defence Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company and a business unit of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, is a leading Australian aerospace enterprise. With a world-class team of more than 1,300 employees at 14 locations throughout Australia and two international sites, Boeing Defence Australia supports some of the largest and most complex defence projects in Australia. (ends)

Thales to Deliver Innovative Training Solutions for Australian Defence Force Helicopter Pilots

(Source: Thales; issued Nov 17, 2014)

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) program.

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.

Thales Australia is a trusted partner of the Australian Defence Force and is also present in commercial sectors ranging from air traffic management and ground transport systems to security systems and services. Employing around 3,200 people in over 35 sites across the country, Thales Australia recorded revenues of AUD 1 billion in 2013. (ends)

Airbus Helicopters Welcomes Approval of New Aircrew Training System

(Source: Airbus Helicopters; issued Nov 17, 2014)

NOWRA, Australia --- Airbus Helicopters has welcomed the Australian Government’s formal approval of a new Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Under the JP 9000 Phase 7 HATS project, a new joint helicopter training program for both Army and Navy aircrew will utilise some 15 EC135 T2+ helicopters, 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 supply the flight simulators.

“Airbus Helicopters is very pleased that the Boeing and Thales team has demonstrated its confidence in our product by selecting the EC135 T2+ as their preferred platform, and we are delighted to be supporting them in the development of a new, modern helicopter aircrew training system for the ADF”, says Peter Harris, Head of Sales – Australia Pacific.

“The selection of the Airbus Helicopters EC135 T2+ twin-engine, glass cockpit, helicopter is an excellent choice of an ideal training platform, along with the Thales full-motion EC135 flight-simulators,” Mr. Harris said.

“The EC135 T2+ can be equipped with a full range of additional mission equipment and is similar to the multi-role and combat helicopters now in service with the ADF. This ensures a smooth transition for student pilots as they graduate from a training environment to Army and Navy frontline squadrons, including those equipped with new-generation Tiger ARH and MRH90 helicopters”.

BDA’s HATS Program Manager James Heading said 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 system goals.

“By offering the EC135T2+ to the HATS Program, we are providing a mature and cost effective platform that meets training, technical and safety requirements of the Program and the future needs of the Australian Defence Force,” said Mr. Heading.

The EC135 T2+ is a consummate military training helicopter, offering a glass cockpit with high visibility, a multi-axis auto-pilot, the performance and safety of a twin-engine helicopter replacing current single types, plus other advanced technologies to help instructors perform training missions safely and provide the ADF with the flexibility to undertake additional missions.

The nearly 1,200 EC135 helicopters now delivered have clocked up over three million flight hours world-wide. The helicopter is part of successful training systems in Germany, Switzerland, Spain and Japan, and is in service in Australia with the Victorian and New South Wales police forces.

-ends-

If anyone is looking to place one of these on the flight deck of an Anzac, FFG or AWD, Revell makes a 1:72 kit of this helicopter.

They'd look good on the flight deck of the RAN's new aviation training vessel.

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Mike
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