Patria Aviation is proposing to upgrade some Finnish air force BAE Systems Hawk 51 lead-in trainers with glass cockpits to strengthen its push for an interim Advanced European Jet Pilot Training (AEJPT) facility, writes Peter La Franchi.
Patria says it has a study under way on options for developing its own cockpit tailored to match common European fighters. It has also held discussions with BAE on the possible adoption of the standard Hawk glass cockpit supplied to Australia and South Africa.
The upgrade would remain dependent on an agreement among European air forces for the proposed Nordic Pilot Training Centre, or securing individual air force deals. Finland has already ruled out any near- to medium-term requirement for a more capable Hawk cockpit and will instead wait for the proposed AEJPT system to come on line in 2012-17.
Patria, the air force and the Finnish defence ministry are jointly promoting the Nordic Pilot Training Centre concept, which would be located at Kauhava airbase in western Finland. The centre would use existing air force training areas over the Gulf of Bothnia and southern areas of the country. Approvals have also been given for an expansion of airspace available to the training centre to include extensive areas above central Finland and Lapland.
European air force chiefs were due to make a decision on future directions on the AEJPT, or Eurotraining system, later this month, although this is widely expected to be deferred.
Patria is in the final phases of completing a major life extension for Finland's Hawk fleet, including a wing replacement that will extend its service until 2015. The company undertook final assembly of 46 of Finland's original 52 Hawks.
Source: Flight International
