The first Integrator Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) Pilot Course for the Australian Army is underway, with 12 students in training at Insitu Pacific’s established training facility in Brisbane.
The nine-week course includes classroom lessons and simulator pilot training, culminating in practical Integrator flight training at Insitu Pacific’s flight training and testing airfield at Coominya.
Andrew Duggan, managing director, Insitu Pacific said that the commencement of the inaugural Pilot Course was an important milestone in the introduction of the Integrator UAS into service with Army under the Land 129 Phase 3 contract.
“Our fully-fledged training capability has been in operation for over 10 years and is geared to deliver proficient, hands-on training to ensure the Army is ready to operate the aircraft system from day one.
“It’s fantastic to have Army back in our facility and training on our proven Integrator platform as we mobilise the program with our Australian suppliers to bring Integrator into service,” said Duggan.
“The commencement of this training is a significant step for the Australian Army’s tactical UAS capability,” said Andrew McKinnon, PMO Director of the Navy and Army Aviation Acquisition Program Office. “This training will provide the soldiers of 20 Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, with the technical skills needed to successfully operate Army’s Future Tactical Uncrewed Aerial System.”
“Many of our instructors, who are also veterans, have flown Insitu systems in areas of operation over the years and are fully qualified and experienced in delivering technical training, and the contract with Army has also contributed to a recent growth in our training team to meet the increasing demand,” said Duggan.
Under the Land 129 contract, training will include both pilot and maintainer courses, with a number of courses to be delivered periodically over the next five years.