Lockheed Martin has won a $1.2 billion contract to supply 49 Pilatus PC-21 trainer aircraft and seven Flight Simulators To support Australian Defense Force Pilot Training System.
The contract includes a modern learning environment for students, updated courseware, along with, support for an initial seven-year term, Australian DoD said in a statement Tuesday.
Minister for Defence Senator the Hon Marise Payne said the new training system would ensure undergraduate pilots developed the necessary knowledge and skills before progressing to advanced military aircraft.
“Pilots will receive training for aircraft including the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter, Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter, MH60R Seahawk helicopter, and MRH-90 helicopter,” Minister Payne said.
“For the first time in Australia, pilot training will include simulators in undergraduate training. This will become the new benchmark for training and preparing military pilots for fourth and fifth generation platforms.”
The first courses will begin in early 2019 with an annual intake of up to 165 trainee pilots and will allow the ADF to increase in the number of pilot graduates from 77 to 105 pilots each year.