Boeing will provide the Australian army with a Ryan Aerospace Helimod simulator for its Bell 206B-1 Kiowa helicopters, with delivery expected before year-end.
Under its Army Aviation Training and Training Support (AATTS) contract with the Australian service, Boeing has relied on classroom instruction and real flight hours for training, Mark Brownsey, senior manager for AATTS at Boeing Defence Australia, said.
By relying more on simulators, Boeing aims to reduce costs associated with flight hours and improve safety.
Boeing will lease the simulator from Australian developer Ryan Aerospace.
Australia uses the Kiowa as the lead-in trainer for types such as the Boeing CH-47D Chinook, Eurocopter Tiger and NH Industries MRH90 multi-role helicopter.
Boeing will continue to provide training under the AATTS contract until the introduction of Air 9000 Phase 7, Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS).
The company said it is a "strong contender" to win HATS, which will combine the delivery of rotary-wing training for the Australian army and Royal Australian Navy.
Source: Flight International
