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Lockheed Martin Australia has begun its delivery of two new flight training devices to the Royal Australian Air Force at RAAF Base Pearce.
Lockheed’s delivery aims to assist in the Australian Defence Forces’ AIR 5428 Phase 1 Pilot Training System, which seeks to ensure fifth-generation mission readiness for the ADF and provide flight training to increase the qualifications and skill sets of ADF personnel.
“We are privileged to be the Australian Defence Force’s strategic partner in the Pilot Training System and are proud to deliver this capability on time and budget,” said Peter Ashworth, Lockheed Martin Australia’s director of global training systems.
Lockheed’s new flight training device is a replication of the PC-21 aircraft in terms of form, fit and functionality. Specific cockpit features and mechanical features aim to generate an authentic training experience for pilots.
“As Defence’s strategic partner for AIR 5428 Phase 1, we bring together all components of the Pilot Training System, from classroom to cockpit, in partnership with Defence and Australian industry,” Ashworth said.
“The program milestone will help ensure Defence meets their national preparedness priorities.”
Lockheed’s training system partnership with the ADF, supported by Pilatus and Jet Aviation, will also see the production of 49 PC-21 aircraft, 9 flight training devices, 6 cockpit procedural trainers, as well as facilitation of education, mission planning, maintenance, training courseware and support systems.
“In conjunction with Pilatus and Jet Aviation, our turnkey training approach delivers an affordable, integrated and scalable path to safely and effectively train Australian military aviators for tomorrow’s complex missions,” said Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand’s chief executive, Warren McDonald.
“This outcome demonstrates our steadfast commitment to partnering with Defence and Australian industry to delivery on National Defence Strategy capability objectives to ensure successful growth of the Australian Defence Force.”
