Australian military pilots will soon be receiving their primary helicopter training in 15 Airbus EC135T2+ light twins. Under 25-year deal valued at $500 million (U.S.), Boeing Defense Australia (BDA), Thales, Airbus and Turbomeca will partner to provide the helicopters, Thales full-motion EC135 simulators and a sea-going training vessel with a flight deck as part of the Australian Defense Force’s (ADF) JP 9000 Phase 7-Helicopter Aircrew Training System.

Boeing has provided the Australian Army with helicopter training since 2007 and the ADF has a long-standing relationship with the company. The ADF flies Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters, C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft and Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft.

Selection of the EC135T2+ was seen as a method of minimizing transition training into larger aircraft used by the ADF, according to Airbus sales executive Peter Harris.

“The EC135T2+ can be equipped with a range of additional mission equipment and is similar to the multi-role and combat helicopters now in service with the ADF. This ensures a smooth transition for student pilots as they graduate from a training environment to Army and Navy frontline squadrons, including those equipped with new-generation Tiger ARH and MRH90 helicopters,” Harris said.

Almost 1,200 EC135s are in service worldwide and Airbus says the fleet has amassed three million flight hours. The helicopter is part of training systems in Germany, Switzerland, Spain and Japan, and is in service in Australia with the Victorian and New South Wales police forces.