Corporal Scott McMahon, a Shadow Unmanned Aerial Vehicle maintainer and ground crew chief begins to push a Shadow back to its hangar after a completed mission in Uruzgan province. [Photo:Defence]
AAI Logistics &
Technical
is set to welcome its first Australian Army trainees starting in May for Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System
(TUAS) operations and maintenance training.
AAI’s recently-awarded Shadow TUAS training program includes classroom
training, practical instruction using simulators, and hands-on instruction.
The
hands-on training is further customised for air vehicle operations and mission
payload operations, as well as maintainer trainees.
Because
AAI has modified ground components of the system to meet Australian Army
requirements, training courses have been customised to capture the additional
training outcomes necessary for students to successfully join the TUAS
Regiment, 20 Surveillance & Target Acquisition Regiment as qualified
operators and maintainers.
Both
training courses will combine for a three-week flight camp, where students will
complete their final assessments during live flying activities.
AAI Logistics & Technical Services is a full-service unmanned aircraft
systems (UAS) service provider.
Its
training capabilities include courseware; instruction, such as its work for the
Australian Army; training systems sustainment; training device upgrades and
modifications; as well as operations, field service and sustainment support.
Providing
experienced local management for these activities are personnel from Aerosonde Pty Ltd, a strategic business
of fellow Textron Systems operating unit AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
Aerosonde
is a manufacturer of small unmanned aircraft systems and has provided
associated services to customers in Australia and worldwide.
“UAS continue to reshape modern military capabilities around the globe, and
training is critical to that process,” Diane
Giuliani, senior vice president and general manager said.
“AAI
Logistics & Technical Services has years of experience operating,
sustaining and supporting UAS, as well as delivering the gamut of UAS training
services. Our services build user skills and confidence to enhance mission
outcomes.”