Thales continues to support ADF’s helicopter aircrew training

After rigorous testing, the Australia Defence Force’s (ADF) new Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) reached Initial Operating Capability in March, delivering a training environment for Australia’s future helicopter pilots, aircrew and aviation warfare officers.

Thales in Australia was subcontracted to Boeing to providethe synthetic and classroom training environment for various aircrew roles. Workingtogether, Thales and Boeing designed the training system to prepare AustralianNavy and Army aircrew for the transition into complex combat helicopters. Thalesdelivered three Level B qualified Reality H Full Flight Simulators; virtualreality trainers for marshalling and rear-crew training; and part task trainersand desktop trainer classrooms for tactical, sensor and communicationstraining. Thales also delivered the Joint Helicopter School ICT system and thecurriculum for a variety of aircrew roles.

In 2018 the ADF HATS acquisition program team was awardedthe Essington Lewis Award, recognising excellence in collaboration between industryand the Department of Defence.

Defence Minister Christopher Pyne explained: "The HATSproject overcame significant early delays to commence training on time,demonstrating what can be achieved when Defence and industry co-operateclosely."

Thales Australia CEO Chris Jenkins said that the HATS project is a great demonstration of how industry can collaborate to provide innovative and comprehensive support to the ADF.

With final acceptance for the HATS capability being achieved on the 14th March 2019, Thales in Australia is now in the position to continue to support the ADF's helicopter aircrew training.