Boeing has teamed up with subcontractor Kratos and CASG to equip the Army with the most sophisticated Chinook maintenance training system outside of the US at Swartz Barracks Oakey.
The new facility includes a Chinook Avionics Trainer (CAT), two Maintenance Blended Reconfigurable Avionics Trainers (MBRAT) and a Chinook Mechanical Training Aid.
In a statement, Boeing said that there is opportunity to provide training support to coalition Chinook operators as this is the only training facility of its kind in the region.
Australia’s future Army Chinook maintenance technicians will now learn their trade using training devices that combine the Chinook airframe with simulated avionics systems for virtually immersive training.
Boeing Defence Australia vice president and managing director Darren Edwards officially opened the new facility alongside Chief of Army Lieutenant General Rick Burr and Brigadier Jeremy King as part of Army Aviation Corps Golden Jubilee celebrations.
“The Army Aviation capability continues to rely on the vital support of Australian Industry and its experienced and professional staff," BRIG King said.
“As we look back on 50 years of the Australian Army Aviation Corp, it is fitting that today we also look to the future and celebrate a modern facility that will train the women and men of the Corps for many years to come,” Edwards said.