Under the Australian Government’s JP 9000 Phase 7 HATS project, a new joint helicopter training programme for both Army and Navy aircrew will utilise some 15 Airbus Helicopters 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”, stated 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. 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 Programme 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.”
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 explained: “We are looking forward to working closely with BDA 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.
“This contract enhances Thales’s position as a leading provider of high quality training capabilities and services," Jean-Jacques Guittard, Thales Vice President in charge of the Training & Simulation business went on. "These advanced technologies will ensure the next generation of Australian military helicopter pilots has access to some of the best training solutions on the market.”
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| Thales will provide three EC135 Reality H Full Flight Simulators (FFS) for the P 9000 Phase 7 HATS project, a new joint helicopter training program for both Army and Navy aircrew will utilise some 15 Airbus Helicopters EC135 T2+ helicopters primed by Boeing Defence Australia (BDA). (Photo: Thales) |
“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”, stated 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. 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 Programme 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.”
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 explained: “We are looking forward to working closely with BDA 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.
“This contract enhances Thales’s position as a leading provider of high quality training capabilities and services," Jean-Jacques Guittard, Thales Vice President in charge of the Training & Simulation business went on. "These advanced technologies will ensure the next generation of Australian military helicopter pilots has access to some of the best training solutions on the market.”