CAE, the Montreal-based training solution provider, announced on the eve of the Farnborough Airshow winning four defense contracts valued together at approximately $110 million. The contracts are for a T-6C ground-based training system for the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF); a visual system upgrade on German air force Eurofighter simulators; an image generator for a T-501Q simulator ordered by Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI); and a KC-135 boom operator weapon systems trainer (BOWST) for an undisclosed international customer.
“We are well positioned across a range of opportunities around the world, involving defence and security forces that increasingly recognize the benefits of simulation-based training,” said Gene Colabatistto, group president, defence and security, CAE (Hall 4, Stand C18d).
The T-6C training contract awarded by the Beechcraft Defense Company LLC, will include two T-6C operational flight trainers (OFTs), computer-based classroom training systems and courseware customized for RNZAF pilot training. The two CAE-built T-6C OFTs will feature a high-fidelity replica of the T-6C cockpit with a fully-enclosed 270-degree-by-70-degree, field-of-view display driven by the CAE Medallion-6000 image generator.
For the upgrade to Germany’s Eurofighter simulators, CAE’s visual system enhancements will include the addition of CAE’s latest generation CAE Medallion-6000 image generator along with new high-resolution projectors and dome display for the Eurofighter full-mission simulators and Eurofighter cockpit trainers located in Laage, Norvenich, Wittmund and Neuburg, the four main Eurofighter operating bases in Germany.
The Medallion-6000 image generator ordered by KAI is for a T-50IQ supersonic advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft full-mission simulator for delivery to the Iraqi Air Force under a contract signed late last year, and will include a ground-based training system. CAE will also provide a database modeling station and support KAI with integration and training services. Though recent events in Iraq have raised questions about the future of its institutions, CAE notes its contract with KAI was signed in late June.
The KC-135 BOWST for the undisclosed customer will provide its tanker-boom operators with enhanced synthetic training. o
