CAE to support and upgrade flight simulators of multiple militaries

11 March 2013 airforce-technology.com

CAE has been awarded a series of contracts for the delivery of support services and upgrade of the simulators of multiple armed forces.

Valued at a combined C$90m ($87.2m), the contracts cover provision of C-130 training support services to the US and Taiwan air forces, maintenance services for the German Armed Force's flight simulators and modernisation of the US Navy's MH-60S helicopter trainers.

CAE Military Products, Training and Services Group president Gene Colabatistto said the company's large installed base of simulators and training devices serves as a steady source of orders for ongoing sustainment, maintenance and support services worldwide.

"We are also seeing increased opportunities for simulator upgrades and updates as defence forces look for ways to increase the amount of training done in a synthetic environment," Colabatistto added.

As part of the first contract, the company will deliver maintenance, logistics and engineering support services in support of the USAF's C-130J Maintenance and Aircrew Training System and the C-130 Aircrew Training System.

The contract also requires the supply of maintenance and support services for the C-130H training devices that are currently used by the Taiwan Air Force.

An annual contract modification by the German Armed Forces includes provision of on-site maintenance for their flight simulators for fighter, transport aircraft and helicopters in the next year.

As part of the third contract, the company will overhaul the US Navy's MH-60S operational flight trainers and weapons tactics trainers to improve training system fidelity and also maintain concurrency with current aircraft upgrades.

Tasks include updating the aircraft operational programme and aerodynamics model, besides incorporation of updates related to weapons and airborne mine counter measures.

CAE is also set to deliver comprehensive in-service support services, including systems engineering and data management to an unidentified military customer.