Raytheon Australia has teamed with Bell Helicopter to bid for the Air 9000 Phase 7 Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) Program.
The HATS program will provide a rotary-wing training capability for Navy and Army to meet the future training needs of the Australian Defence Force.
Raytheon Australia and Bell Helicopter’s training system offer includes flying platforms, simulators and training devices as well as courseware certified and maintained to Defence standards.
The flying platform solution will be centred around the Bell 429 light twin helicopter offering a substantial capability enhancement for rotary-wing flying training and light utility support.
Raytheon Australia MD Michael Ward said the Bell 429 would play an important role in delivering a capable, modern and cost-effective system necessary to prepare rotary-wing pilots for operational transition onto a wide range of advanced aircraft.
He also pointed to Raytheon’s strong pedigree in providing and supporting Australian helicopter programs such as the RAN’s Retention and Motivation Initiative and providing maintenance and engineering support under its Squirrel in service support contract for the Navy.