BAE Systems Australia has been awarded a six-year contract to provide Interim Basic Flying Training (IBFT) to the ADF until Project Air 5428 delivers a new pilot training system for the ADF.
The initial $86.6 million contract will support 135 military and civilian personnel engaged in training ADF pilots at the ADF Basic Flying Training School in Tamworth, NSW.
The contract was awarded after a comprehensive tender process.
The winner of the contract has been an open secret for some months now but the paperwork is now signed.
Under the contract, BAE Systems will continue to provide basic flying training at Tamworth using the CT-4B Airtrainer aircraft, upgraded to meet contemporary crashworthiness requirements.
Commencing in January 2012, the six-year contract includes annual extension options for Defence, for up to a further six years.
The contract is estimated to provide a direct financial boost of about $9 million per annum to the Tamworth region.
BAE’s general manager - aviation solutions, John Quaife said BAE Systems was grateful for the support received from the NSW Department of Industry and Investment, Tamworth Chamber of Commerce, Tamworth Regional Development Corporation, Tamworth Regional Council and the Tamworth community to secure this contract.
IBFT plays an important role in providing a cost-effective training solution for initial flying training for the ADF.
Once personnel graduate from this course, Army personnel continue on to helicopter training at Oakey Army Aviation Airfield in Queensland; Navy and Air Force personnel continue to Advanced Flying Training at RAAF Base Pearce outside Perth.
Project Air 5428 is expected to deliver a new pilot training system in the 2015-17 timeframe.
BAE Systems recently partnered with Raytheon Australia and Hawker Beechcraft Corporation to provide a complete Pilot Training System for the ADF under Project Air 5428.