Collins Aerospace to Support F-35 and CH-47F Fleets

Collins Aerospace Systems, a unit of United TechnologiesCorp., will play an important role in maintaining the readiness of the RoyalNetherlands Air Force (RNLAF) F-35 and CH-47F fleets by providing local fieldservice engineers, test capabilities and the first F-35 global pilot readinesscenter. The company recently signed a multi-platform Letter of Intent with theRNLAF to provide support at both Soesterberg, and Woensdrecht Air Base, TheNetherlands.

A highlight of the Letter of Intent is that it foresees afirst-of-its-kind pilot readiness center that would provide on-location helmetfitting, flight simulators and altitude chamber training for F-35 pilots. Inaddition, Collins Aerospace intends to provide local field service engineersand test capabilities at the Woensdrecht Air Base to reduce turnaround time onCH-47Fs and maintain the RNLAF fleet’s readiness levels.

Work to establish the pilot readiness center, and to placelocal support personnel, is slated to begin in early 2020.