BAE Systems has teamed with Beechcraft and CAE to bid for the ADF’s new pilot training system program, in what will likely be the first of many teaming announcements for the AIR 5428 tender.
The arrangement will see BAE Systems’ training, systems integration and sustainment capabilities paired with CAE’s simulation, training and support services and Beechcraft’s T-6C Texan turboprop trainer.
The arrangement with Beechcraft on the T-6C is non-exclusive, unlike a previous teaming arrangement with Raytheon and Hawker Beechcraft to offer the T-6, which ended after it was overturned by the United States Bankruptcy Court when Hawker Beechcraft was in bankruptcy protection in 2012. The DMO has also advised industry not to form exclusive teaming arrangements for AIR 5428.
BAE Systems general manager aviation solutions John Quaife said BAE Systems, Beechcraft and CAE will offer the ADF a strong and experienced team that can deliver the Commonwealth a low risk, value for money solution and meet the training requirements of the Navy, Army and Air Force.
BAE Systems operates the ADF’s Basic Flying Training School at Tamworth,while CAE currently delivers training systems and services on a range of platforms for the ADF, including the B350, C-130J, KC-30A, AP-3C and others.
Another likely teaming for AIR 5428 is Pilatus with Lockheed Martin and Hawker Pacific with a bid based on Pilatus’s PC-21 and building on their successful joint operation of the Singapore Basic Wings program from RAAF Pearce.
