It has been developed by Jet Aviation in collaboration with Sydney-based software company Cirrus and Defence’s own Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group.

The Institute of Aviation Medicine also provided specialist design and technical input to help replace the old-fashioned system in place for nearly two decades.

It will also be used by Air Mission Training School (AMTS) and based at RAAF Base East Sale.

Commander of C Flight at AMTS Squadron Leader Charles Tomlinson said the way navigators used to be trained involved a lot of traditional paper.

“MATS is a very different system that allows us to inject training scenarios directly into the on-board console so trainees can fly realistic missions on a high-fidelity system, taking all the aircraft’s technical requirements into account,” SQNLDR Tomlinson said.

“This is a comprehensive and immersive next-generation training system that sets students up for success, whether they go on to specialise in air combat, maritime or air mobility roles.”

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Commander of Air Force Training Group Air Commodore Gregory Frisina said, “It has taken a year, but it is awesome news that Air Force Training Group now has a functional airborne training system that mirrors ground simulator systems.

“This system could also open the door for engagement with Indo-Pacific partners in accordance with Air Force strategy.”

The KA350 King Air is a twin-engine turboprop used for training of Air Force Mission Aircrew and Navy Aviation Warfare Officers.

It can be configured for a variety of specialist roles, including air logistic support, imagery, surveillance and electronic warfare.

RAAF has 12 KA350 King Airs, which all belong to No. 32 Squadron – eight of these are the ex-38 Squadron aircraft and the other four are leased from Hawker Pacific.