Article Posted on : - Jan 27, 2012

Eurocopter EC135.

BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND (BNS): Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) and Thales Australia has 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).

The AIR 9000 Phase 7 programme is intended to provide a rotary wing training capability for the Australian Navy and Army to meet the future rotary wing training needs of the Australian Defence Forces (ADF).

The programme 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 Eurocopter EC135 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 defence 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 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 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.