Boeing has announced that it will be providing the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) with a complete training system for the P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft.
The deal under the US government’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program forms part of a contract that also includes the purchase of four training systems for the US Navy. The system uses simulators to train pilots and mission crews to operate the aircraft and its sensors, communications and weapons systems, rather than relying on costly live flights, the company stated.
“Boeing will deliver a seamless and comprehensive training solution for our customers’ pilots and mission crews,” said Tom Shadrach, P-8 program manager on the Training Systems and Government Services team. “It will prepare them to use the world’s most advanced anti-surface and anti-submarine capabilities for any mission at any time.”
The RAAF is set to receive eight Poseidon aircraft, with an option for four more subject to the outcomes of the 2015 Defence White Paper. Boeing stated that aircraft deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2017, while the training system is anticipated to have been established for Australia by 2018.
