27 Januari 2012

EADS EC-135 helicopter (photo : EADS)

BRISBANE, Queensland, -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] subsidiary Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) and Thales Australia today 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.

"Eurocopter is very pleased that the Boeing and Thales team has demonstrated its confidence in our product by selecting the EC135 as their preferred platform."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.

(Thales)

08 Desember 2011

Eurocopter EC-130 helicopter (photo : Helihub)

LANGKAWI, (Bernama) -- Composites Technology Research Malaysia Sdn Bhd (CTRM) has secured a RM11 million contract to make and supply composite fenestron to support Eurocopter's production of its EC130 helicopter.

The EC130 is the first helicopter work package awarded to CTRM by any original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

CTRM's group chief executive officer, Datuk Rosdi Mahmud, said the deal was extremely significant to the company in its strategy to acquire more work packages from OEM, or Super Tier 1, especially for diversification into rotary wing aircraft.

"Even the contract value was not comparable to fixed-wing aircraft programme, but the 'value-for-money' in terms of manufacturing and product technology is appealing.

"The success of this strategic partnership signifies Eurocopter's confident in CTRM's capability in taking on more complex component work and assembly of aircraft composites structures," he told a media briefing after the signing of the agreement here today.

Also present was Air Force Chief Gen Tan Sri Rodzali Daud.

Rosdi signed the agreement on behalf of CTRM and Eurocopter was represented by Lambert.

This contract, he said, would initiate composite helicopter technology to CTRM which was already well-established and recognised within the EADS family for fixed-wing parts, and would pave the way for a long-term bilateral cooperation.

Meanwhile, Eurocopter's senior vice-president and head of customer relations, Olivier Lambert, said the cooperation between CTRM and Eurocopter was a new step towards strategic industrial partnership that the company intended to develop in Malaysia.

(Bernama)

02 November 2011

First time Air Force A109 lands on HMNZS CANTERBURY (photo : Fuseworks)

Last week the new Air Force helicopter, the A109, successfully completed its first integration trial with the Navy’s Multi-role Vessel, HMNZS CANTERBURY.

The aim of the trial was to test the A109 with the Ship in non-operational conditions including the ability for the aircraft to operate and be maintained on the Ship.

During the trial the helicopter was landed on the ship and then fully stowed in the ship’s hangar. The second stage of the trial saw the helicopter being removed from the hangar, prepared for flight and flown off the ship, which was tied-up alongside Devonport Naval Base throughout.

The trial was deemed a success with only minor issues to rectify. Further trials will be carried out before the helicopter is able to operate to and from the ship.

HMNZS CANTERBURY is the Navy’s sealift and amphibious support vessel. Depending on the mission type, CANTERBURY can transport a blend of A109 or Navy Seasprite helicopters in support of air and land operations and disaster relief. The ship will also carry the new NH90 helicopter when it comes into service.

(RNZAF)

29 September 2011

Eurocopter AS 550 Fennec (photo : Militaryphotos)

Flustered PM baffles press with incorrect comment

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra apparently forgot which items were on the cabinet agenda yesterday, causing confusion when she confirmed the navy's submarine procurement project had received cabinet approval before retracting her statement hours later.

Emerging from the cabinet meeting at 2pm yesterday, Ms Yingluck appeared confused when asked about the navy's second-hand submarine procurement plan and the army's Black Hawk helicopter procurement plan.

"I don't remember. The cabinet considered 37 items today. The submarine procurement project has already been approved," she said.

Ms Yingluck later assigned the government spokesman team to address the blunder.

Deputy government spokesman Chalitrat Chandru-beksa braved the rain to correct Ms Yingluck's statement.

He told the media that the prime minister misunderstood a reporter's question about the submarines and helicopter projects. The cabinet yesterday approved the army's proposal to buy eight French-made helicopters, not the navy's submarine project, said Mr Chalitrat.

The army's Black Hawk helicopter procurement plan has yet to be considered by the Budget Bureau. The deputy spokesman said the navy's proposal was not on yesterday's cabinet agenda.

A source said government spokeswoman Thitima Chaisaeng immediately called a meeting with members of the spokesman team following Ms Yingluck's confusing remark.

The spokesman team tried to explain to reporters that the prime minister may have been referring to the Marine Department's plan to buy boats for use in the exercise of using their propellers to speed up the flow of water out of flooded areas, the source said.

However, the propeller boats were not on yesterday's meeting agenda.

Mr Chalitrat said the cabinet approved a tied-over-budget for the army's project to procure eight Eurocopter AS 550 helicopters at 1.59 billion baht.

Ms Yingluck had reportedly asked the army to review the 2.8-billion-baht Black Haw procurement plan. She wanted the army to study details and technical issues of the US helicopters.

(Bangkok Post)

20 September 2011

Philippine Navy currently operates Bo-105 and Robinson R-22 helicopters (all photos : Timawa)

MANILA, Philippines - A weather high-endurance ship and two naval helicopters would be the first items to be purchased using the P4.9 billion that was ordered released recently by President Aquino, the military said over the weekend.

Brig. Gen. Roy Deveraturda, Armed Forces deputy chief for plans and programs, said the high-endurance cutter and the two helicopters, which would be acquired from the US government, would be used to enhance the military’s territorial defense capabilities.

“The high-endurance cutter and the two multi-purpose helicopters will be used to secure our marine resources and our territory,” Deveraturda told The STAR over the weekend.


The two multi-purpose naval helicopters would be subject to the regular bidding processes and are expected to complement the high-endurance ship to be acquired by the military since the vessel contains a hangar.

One helicopter would be placed on the ship to be purchased while the other one would complement the Hamilton-class cutter acquired recently by the Navy.

“The helicopters would provide us flexibility when conducting patrols. These can also be used for search and rescue,” Deveraturda said.

Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr., Armed Forces public affairs chief, said each helicopter would cost about P450 million, including equipment for search and rescue and safety of life at sea. The transfer cost of the high-endurance ship has yet to be determined.

Earlier, the government acquired a Hamilton-class vessel from the US Coast Guard to upgrade the military’s external defense capabilities.

The ship, which has been renamed BRP Gregorio del Pilar, would be deployed to the West Philippine Sea to secure energy projects in the area.

The BRP Gregorio del Pilar is classified as a cutter, a high-speed vessel that can cut through waves.

The ship is the Navy’s first Hamilton-class cutter and is now its largest vessel. It was acquired under the US Foreign Military Sales program using proceeds from the Malampaya project funds.

Its transfer cost has been pegged at P450 million while the operational cost for two years is estimated at P120 million.

The purchase of two naval helicopters is expected to improve the capabilities of the Naval Air Group, which badly needs new aircraft.

A naval helicopter is an integral part of the weather high-endurance cutter as this would enable the military to conduct maritime air patrol operations.

(PhilStar)

19 September 2011

Bell 429 helicopter (photo : Petrus Pabel)

Contract for Navy helicopters signed to develop aircrew skills

Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced that the Royal Australian Navy has signed a new contract with Raytheon Australia to provide three Bell 429 helicopters aimed to maintain and develop the skills of junior Naval helicopter aircrew.

The contract is worth around $26 million over four years and includes support and maintenance.
Mr Clare said that the helicopters would be operated by Navy’s 723 Squadron in Nowra.

“This is one way the Navy is making sure that pilots and aircrew are ready for the new Romeo combat helicopters which will start arriving in 2014,” Mr Clare said.

“Junior aircrew initially train in Squirrel helicopters. They will then move on to the Bell 429 to improve and maintain their skills.

“This gives young Naval pilots and aircrew the chance to hone their skills before they start flying the new combat helicopters, the MH-60R Seahawks or the new MRH-90 helicopters.”

The lease of these helicopters is necessary to assist in the skills development of Naval aircrew following the cancellation of the failed Seasprite project.

These new helicopters will operate for four years from 2012 and are expected to fly around 1500 hours per year.

(AusDoD)

02 Agustus 2011

TH-135 helicopter (photo : Scramble)

Becker Avionics is pleased to announce the recent delivery of two more TH-135 aircraft to the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) with the Becker digital audio system (DVCS6100) installed.

Brett Gardner, Director of Sales and Marketing remarked, "The Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force is purchasing a total of 15 new TH-135 (EC135) training helicopters. With the delivery of these two helicopters the JMSDF fleet increases to 5 aircraft. We are thrilled that the JMSDF has chosen our DVCS6100 digital audio and intercom system for their training helicopter program. The JMSDF selection of the DVCS6100 once more underlines that the Becker Avionics digital intercom system is the most competitive and technologically advanced product on the market.

He continued, "The Japanese market is new to us, so it's important that we ensure a smooth entry of our product into service and demonstrate the quality of our local service and support network that we've recently established there. Becker Avionics has put a strong focus on developing our presence in the Japanese aviation marketplace, and has built strong relationships with JAMCO and Mainami Kuko Service Co. Ltd., two well-established, dependable companies in Japan."

The DVCS6100 design provides the customer with ability to match a wide range of operational requirements with only one system. The built-in scalability and flexibility reduces not only the cost and time requirements for constant re-engineering and certification for a tailored system solution, but also reduces the learning curve for integration, maintenance and troubleshooting time. Through software programming options, the system is both easily and quickly configurable to individual customer requirements, thus saving time and money.

The DVCS' open system architecture technology provides for operational comfort and superior voice quality, ensuring that almost any customer requirement can be met, while providing crystal clear communication for crew and passengers. Becker Avionics focuses on meeting individual requirements with the highest commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. The state-of-the-art Digital DVCS6100 will enhance the effectiveness of any aerial platform. When compared to a legacy analog audio system, Digital technology provides simplified installation, improved performance, reduced wiring and weight, along with reduced installation and maintenance costs. Furthermore, the comprehensive built-in-test (BIT) feature enables line maintenance crews or avionics technicians to easily diagnose/isolate failures and replace system components quickly.
No matter what the mission; from Police and EMS, to passenger transport and surveillance or utility operations, Becker's Digital Audio system ensures a more modern and capable aerial platform.

The DVCS6100 has been designed for both rotary and fixed-wing applications. The product fully reflects Becker Avionics' proven know-how of more than four decades in audio system development for the aerospace industry. Since the market introduction of the 1st DVCS generation, over 800 systems have been delivered, with all achieving outstanding field reliability. Our continuous product improvement program ensures the DVCS6100 continues to meet our customer expectations and that the product remains technologically competitive.

Becker's Digital Audio technology is superior to any analog system, as it offers crystal-clear voice communication quality, a proven Man-Machine-Interface (MMI), outstanding reliability, scalability and flexibility, and is software configurable. The main system components of the DVCS6100 system are the Remote Electronic Unit (REU) 6100, the Audio Control Unit (ACU) 6100, and the optional Intercom Amplifier IC3100.

The product offers up to 8 communication transmit (TX) and up to 8 receiver (RX) channels, an integrated warning tone generator for up to 8 different signals, an amplifier for 2 cockpit speakers, as well as interfaces for 2 Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVR), and a Public Address Amplifier (PA).

Up to 6 ACU's can be operated together with one REU. Each unit can be configured with the included software to give complete adjustment range across different on-board systems. The system also meets the highest standards for night operation under NVG and military conditions. The ACU6100 is available with NVIS green (MIL-STD 3009 Green B) and white Backlight, and offers emergency and slaved mode operation. The DVCS6100 represents a unique mission enhancement technology that easily outperforms the competition.

(Shephard)

29 Juni 2011

EC-135 helicopter (photo : Eurocopter)

Malaysia's Aerotree Defence & Services has signed a letter of intent with Eurocopter for three EC135 helicopters for use in military training and utility roles.

The deal, which covers deliveries from early 2012, was signed at the Paris air show by Aerotree Group executive chairman Norida Hamzah.

"With the purchase agreement for this new EC135 fleet - which was handled through Eurocopter Malaysia - Aerotree will be positioned to diversify its activities, as well as developing services in the larger markets within the commercial and enterprise sector," said Eurocopter.

Aerotree's major customer is the Royal Malaysian Air Force, for which it provides target towing and electronic warfare services, plus air combat manoeuvring instrumentation equipment.

(FlightGlobal)

18 Juni 2011

Enstrom 480B of the Royal Thai Army (photos: Thierry Gsab)

The Army on June 14 of each year, the officials at the Army Aviation Center to commemorate the bravery and courage of the officers of the Army Aviation Center, all in the past and present.

In aviation, the Army this year. In addition to the merit of charity dedicated to people who lost their lives on duty then. The Army Commander also visited the Army Aviation Center to participate in the ceremony to take delivery of Enstrom 480B training helicopter with the Army stationed an official in Thailand.

Enstrom 480B is a 5-seat helicopter, manufactured in the United States, the Royal Thai Army to supply 16 aircraft to replace the number of TH-300 helicopters wich will be retired. The model used to turbo-charge of a Rolls-Royce 250-C20W maximum altitude of 13,000 feet range 700 kilometers by flying. These helicopters are used as government agencies such as The Border Protection of Estonia, Indonesia's police, and Japan Land Self-Defense Forces and mosst recently by the Royal Thai Army. Enstrom 480B helicopter pilots to get training before they move to the helicopter flown by the Army to force the other to the third anniversary of the delivery of 16 helicopters and aircraft are stationed.

In addition, the number of Mi-17V5 Enstrom 480B and a third aircraft was flown to the island, among the performance of the army and military officers who attended the ceremony to watch as well. It was held that the Army will get four new aircraft is a Mi-17V5, Enstrom 408B, AH-1F and another four aircraft and three UH-60L Black Hawk and another aircraft.

The army commander was also the opening of a new Army Aviation Museum as well. Which contain historical information and items are stored many. If you are interested to visit the museum can be reached at Army Aviation Center. HRH Prince's browser. Khao Phra Ngam Muang Lop Buri.

Schweizer/Sikorsky TH-300 (photo : Steve Darke)

Like to thank you THIERRY GSAB.'s General support aviation fleet. Army Aviation Center. This supports the general aviation fleet, both UH-1H, CH-47D, and Mi-17V5 active here.

(Thai Armed Force)

19 April 2011

ADF's Bell 206B-1 Kiowa (image : Conway Bown)

OAKEY, Queensland -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] earlier this month reached the milestone of supporting the Australian Army's 27 Bell 206B-1 Kiowa helicopters for more than 60,000 flight hours. The achievement includes 180 hours of relief efforts following the recent cyclone and flooding in Queensland.

Boeing and its heritage companies have supported the Kiowa for 14 years. Since the Army Aviation Training & Training Support (AATTS) contract began in 2007, Boeing has trained more than 120 Kiowa pilots and performed ongoing maintenance tasks for 19 Kiowa training helicopters at the Army Aviation Training Centre in Oakey, and for the 173rd Aviation Squadron's eight transport Kiowas at Holsworthy, New South Wales.

"When Cyclone Yasi severely damaged north Queensland in February, the Australian Army supplied all available training and transport Kiowas to support Operation Yasi Assist," said Mark Brownsey, program manager for Boeing Defence Australia (BDA). "Boeing aircraft maintainers worked around the clock alongside the Army for two weeks to keep those Kiowas flying.

Congratulations to our AATTS team for achieving this milestone and for assisting the Army with its 2,000 training missions annually.""The support from BDA during the Queensland floods this year was simply outstanding, and the Army Aviation Training Centre aircraft and crews could not have conducted the lifesaving flying operations that they did without this one-team approach," said Col. Peter Steel, Commandant at the School of Army Aviation, Army Aviation Training Centre.

Boeing also trains the Army's Black Hawk helicopter pilots, aircrew and technicians at Oakey, and the service's CH-47D Chinook pilots and technicians at 5th Aviation Regiment in Townsville, north Queensland.

The company will continue to deliver the AATTS training and flight support program until the Australian Defence Force's Project Air 9000 Phase 7 -- Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) -- comes into service. HATS will combine the delivery of Australian Army and Navy rotary wing training.

(Boeing)

28 Maret 2011

RNZAF AW109 LUH (photo : RNZAF)

Two Agusta Westland A109s will be the first new operational aircraft to go into service with the air force since it started flying Skyhawk fighter bombers in 1970.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force has taken delivery of its first new operational aircraft in more than four decades.

Crates containing two Italian-made AgustaWestland A109 helicopters (similar to the pictured helicopter) have been delivered to the air force base at Ohakea - the first of a new $1 billion fleet of aircraft which will start going into service in the next year.

Work has started on assembling the first one and it is expected to take to the air soon. The second machine will be kept for spares, and the remaining four A109s are expected to be delivered by September.

Five A109s, ordered in 2008 at a cost of $139 million, are scheduled to be in service before the end of the year and the Government announced last year it was going to order another three.

Designated as light utility and training helicopters, they will replace two-seater Sioux trainers which first flew in the mid-1960s.

But they will also be available for a wide range of other uses and provide backup for eight larger Nato helicopter NH90s now on order from France at a cost of $770m.

The NH90s, due to be delivered by early next year, will replace Iroquois helicopters in service since 1966.

The first NH90 was test flown in France two years ago but deliveries have been held up by certification delays.

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp said the helicopters would be "a quantum leap forward for the air force".

New air force chief Air Vice-Marshal Peter Stockwell said the introduction of eight NH90 and five A109s into 3 Squadron was going to be a big challenge.

"It will take some time to put the aircraft into operations. It's brand new technology for us - it is a big step up for the air force and pushes us out there, but we've got a lot of work to bring them into service."

New Technology

Agusta Westland A109LUH

Maximum takeoff weight: 3175kg

Number of passengers: 6

Cruise speed: 285kmh

Endurance: 3hrs 30mins

Range (with auxiliary fuel): 650km

Underslung load: 500kg

Rescue winch can lift 270kg or two people.

(TVNZ)

14 Maret 2011

MD 500 - light strike helicopter, used by the Republic of Korea Army (photo : Militaryphotos)

SEOUL - South Korea plans to create an elite Marine aviation unit equipped with scores of helicopters in a bid to bolster its forces near the tense sea border with North Korea, an official said March 13.

"We have 11 helicopter pilots to aid the Marine Corps' operations, but now we are trying to make it bigger to create a whole aviation squadron," South Korea's defense ministry spokesman said, not elaborating further.

Yonhap news agency said the unit for elite commandos will feature about 40 helicopters and begin operations in 2017 or 2018, citing a Seoul military source.

"We plan to equip our locally developed Surion helicopters with weapons to deploy them to the Marine Corps," Yonhap quoted an official of Joint Chiefs of Staff as saying.

The South Korean military is seeking to boost its number of Marines, currently at 27,000, by several thousand as part of a plan to beef up forces along its sea border with the North.

Cross-border ties collapsed after Pyongyang's alleged sinking of a Seoul warship that killed 46 sailors in March 2010 on the Yellow Sea, a scene of deadly inter-Korea naval clashes in 1999 and 2002.

Tensions were further heightened by the North's shelling of a nearby frontier island in November that killed two civilians and two Marines, and sparked brief fear of war.

Some 5,000 Marines are stationed at islands near the sea border with the North off the west coast. The military plans to deploy additional 1,200 troops to the flashpoint region later this year, Yonhap said.

(Defense News)

12 Maret 2011

JGSDF's Enstrom 480B (photo : AeroNews)

Enstrom Helicopter Corporation has delivered the first of a planned 30 TH-480B turbine training helicopters to the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force. The stunning blue and gold helicopter was handed over to JGSDF pilots at Enstrom's Service Center in Japan, JAMCO, during an elaborate handover ceremony attended by JGSDF officials and the Japanese Ministry of Defense.

"This is a great day for Enstrom," said Enstrom Helicopter Corp. President and CEO, Jerry Mullins, who attended the ceremony. "The 480B was originally designed as a training helicopter. To be chosen by a highly regarded organization, such as the JGSDF, is verification of what we started out to do with the aircraft. This is the beginning of a long relationship with the JGSDF and we couldn't be more excited."

For Mitsuo Hattori of Aero Facility Co. Ltd, Enstrom's representative in Japan, it has been a long road up to this point. "Since we won the program 12 months ago, it's been an exciting year. Aero Facility has expanded in size and contracted with Japan's premier maintenance organization, JAMCO, to support the JGSDF. Now that the infrastructure is in place, and the first aircraft is delivered, we can look forward the next 29."

As JGSDF pilot Hiromichi Irifune departed Sendai airport in the TH-480B, with a Kawasaki OH-1 attack helicopter in tow, Mullins commented, "There's no doubt the 480B has been recognized as a great training helicopter. The pilots really like the helicopter and that's the most important thing."

A purchase agreement was signed at Heli-Expo with Aero Facility for the second aircraft. The agreement calls for delivery of the aircraft to Japan in August of 2011, with final delivery to the JGSDF in February of 2012.

"This is an important program for Enstrom," says Enstrom's Director of Sales & Marketing, Tracy Biegler. "It's allowing us to grow the company and refine our organization. What we are doing today in Japan will benefit all of our customers down the road." Biegler sees the TH-480B contract as laying the groundwork for a bright future. "There is a lot of activity in the military training market and Enstrom is positioning itself, through product and process improvements, to build on these recent successes."

(AeroNews)

07 Maret 2011

Thai army with Enstrom 480B helicopter (photo : TAF)

Enstrom Helicopter Corporation would like to announce that the first three, of a contracted sixteen, 480B advanced turbine training helicopters for the Royal Thai Army have been completed at the Enstrom factory. The aircraft have been equipped with a number of advanced features, including NVG compatible cockpits, Chelton EFIS systems, and dual Wulfsberg RT-5000 tactical radio systems.

"These represent some of the most advanced aircraft we have built to date," commented Enstrom's Director of Engineering, Bill Taylor. "That we were able to get them engineered and into production so quickly is a testament to our team in Menominee, and our support from the FAA's Chicago Aircraft Certification Office. The Royal Thai Army is going to have some very capable helicopters."
The 480B was selected in a competitive bidding process that included aircraft from 7 different major manufacturers. Aircrew and maintenance personnel training is scheduled to begin in March, with aircraft deliveries following soon after.

(Shephard)

02 Maret 2011



A HATS contender. (photo : Australian Aviation)



BAE Systems Australia has teamed with AgustaWestland and CAE for the ADF’s Air 9000 Phase 7 Helicopter Aircraft Training System (HATS) requirement.



The teaming will combine BAE’s large domestic rotary wing support base with CAE’s experience in supplying and operating synthetic training devices, and will be based around a variant of the AgustaWestland AW109 helicopter.



“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 of AgustaWestland. “We look forward to highlighting the breadth of our combined capabilities in support of Australia’s Air 9000 Phase 7 requirements.”



The team is yet to decide which variant of the AW109 it will offer, with Orsi telling media at the teaming launch that it would depend on the requirements issued by the Phase 7 project documents. Orsi also said he believed the contract would more likely be a direct buy by the Commonwealth as opposed to the option of a Private Finance Initiative (PFI).



BAE Systems CEO Jim McDowell said that the teaming with CAE should in no way infer that the same partners would also team for the Air 5428 fixed wing Pilot Training System as well.



(Australian Aviation)