CAE has been awarded a contract to provide the Royal NZ Air Force (RNZAF) with a CAE 700MR Series NH90 flight training device.
The contract also includes the provision of long-term maintenance and support services upon delivery of the simulator to RNZAF Base Ohakea in 2020. The contract for the training device and through-life support services, including options, is valued at more than $50 million.
CAE recently launched the new CAE 700 Mission Reality (MR) series device at the Farnborough Airshow. It is designed specifically for military helicopter flight and mission training.
“Increased use of NZ-based simulators is the best way to train and sustain the number of pilots in the fleet,” NZ Minister for Defence Ron Mark said. “The availability of in-country simulator-based flight training will reduce the need to use NH90s for training flights, ensuring the helicopters are available for more operational tasking.”
The CAE 700MR Series device offers a realistic training environment in a fixed-based platform that includes a dynamic seat for vibration and motion cueing. The RNZAF NH90 simulator will feature a field-of-view visual display system that is ideal for practicing and rehearsing high-risk manoeuvres such as ship deck and confined area landings.
“We are pleased the NZDF has once again placed its trust and confidence in CAE to deliver a high-fidelity training system and comprehensive training support services that will contribute to the mission readiness of the RNZAF’s NH90 helicopter aircrews,” Ian Bell, CAE general manager Asia-Pacific/Middle East, said.
CAE currently provides the NZDF with training support services on a range of platforms, including ground-based training systems at RNZAF Base Ohakea and helicopter training systems located at RNZAF Base Auckland.