BAE Systems, Beechcraft, CAE team for AIR 5428

BAE Systems has announced that it will team with industry partners CAE and Beechcraft to develop a potential solution for the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF’s) long awaited Air 5428 project.

Air 5428 intends to provide the Australian Air Force, Army and Navy with a new fixed wing Pilot Training System (PTS). The system will provide platforms for flight screening and cover all facets of undergraduate pilot training from basic flying up to entry into air force Lead-In Fighter and Operational Conversion Units.

BAE Systems will draw on its training, systems integration and sustainment capabilities; while CAE will utilise its simulation, training and support service experience. Beechcraft’s T-6C mission system will form the basis of the team’s bid.

John Quaife, general manager aviation solutions, BAE Systems, said: ‘Since 1992, BAE Systems’ training specialists have helped deliver flight screening and basic flight training for the ADF. Beechcraft and BAE Systems are also working together to support pilot training for the US Navy on the T-6 mission system.
 
‘Designed to meet the needs of undergraduate pilot training for the US, Canada and other NATO air forces, the T-6C has amassed more than two million flying hours and has proven its ability as a versatile, cost-effective platform.’

The Beechcraft T-6 military training aircraft is a proven primary aviation training system is in operation with eight air forces worldwide.

Quaife added; ‘CAE has extensive experience delivering and supporting T-6 training systems and proven partnerships with BAE Systems. The recent selection of CAE to provide three new full-mission simulators for the Hawk Lead-In Fighter is testament to its technical capability and local support it brings to the team.
 
‘These experiences and our combined track record in military flight training, complex project management and mission systems sustainment mean we can offer the Commonwealth a low risk, value for money solution to train the world’s best military aviators at a location of its choosing.’