Minister for Defence Christopher Pyne said, "The original system came into operational service with the RAAF in 2011 and has been used both within the B300 King Air training aircraft of No. 32 Squadron and within ground-based training facilities at No. 1 Flying Training School."

Hawker Pacific has in turn contracted with Australian SME, Cirrus Real Time Processing Systems, which originally developed a prototype ACO-TS, based on Cirrus simulation technology and which has since been extensively upgraded through close collaboration between Cirrus and the RAAF’s instructors at No. 1 Flying Training School.

"The next-generation system comprises both ground training consoles and airborne mission aircrew training equipment and will enable the Royal Australian Air Force to train mission aircrew through to December 2024," Minister Pyne explained.

Hawker Pacific is an integrated aviation solutions provider with more than 30 years’ experience serving corporate, government and private customers across the company maintains facilities in south-east Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.

Cirrus Real Time Processing Systems is a defence software development company specialising in real time software and systems design, development and integration.

Cirrus’ expertise in sensor processing and C3I tactical picture compilation technology uniquely enables Cirrus to offer high-end simulation solutions for the cost-effective training of defence personnel in the user of these systems. Cirrus has supplied Mine Hunting Simulation Systems for the RAN Huon Class Minehunters, ACO-TS for RAAF School of Air Warfare, and Helicopter Control Officer Training Systems for regional export clients.

Stephen Kuper

Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.