The Army Aviation Training Centre in Oakey is establishing itself as a CH-47F maintenance training centre of excellence following the delivery of Australia’s first Maintenance Blended Reconfigurable Aviation Trainers (MBRATs) for the CH-47F.
The MBRATs will, for the first time, establish a local CH-47F Chinook maintenance training capability presence for the Australian military, an activity traditionally conducted in the US.
Two MBRATs have been delivered by Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) under the Army Aviation Training and Training Support contract through subcontractor Kratos Defense and Security Solutions (Kratos).
The new systems will provide Army air maintenance personnel with a virtually immersive, full-task training experience that combines computer-based learning with replicated physical controls.
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Boughen said the MBRATs were an excellent complement to the CH-47F training aid suite.
“The functionality the MBRAT provides, as part of the training aid suite, in high fidelity fault replication and therefore diagnosis, enables the Rotary Wing Aircraft Maintenance School to generate Aircraft and Avionic Technicians that are ready to support operations and capability outcomes,” LTCOL Boughen said.
BDA general manager Integrated Services and Support Murray Brabrook said the decision to employ the new training systems underscored Boeing’s commitment to providing the ADF with sustained support solutions.
“BDA has worked in close partnership with the Australian Army to tailor a training package that brings Chinook maintenance training in-country, supporting maximum operational readiness and reducing costs,” Brabrook said.
“We can readily configure the MBRATs training system to suit the ADF helicopter fleet, whether that be Chinook or a future platform, ensuring longevity and adaptability of the trainers.”
The MBRATs form part of a larger BDA training support program to further strengthen it’s training capability while ensuring Army maintains a qualified crew of technicians to support domestic and international operations. This program includes delivery of a Chinook Avionic Trainer and a Chinook Helicopter Maintenance Training Aid scheduled for delivery to Oakey in 2018.