Airbus Helicopters has achieved Factory Acceptance of the last six of the EC135T2+ helicopters for the ADF’s Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS), completing of the full fleet of 15 helicopters on schedule. 

Under the JP 9000 Phase 7 HATS project, a new joint helicopter training program for Navy and Army aircrew will utilise 15 EC135T2+ helicopters, along with flight simulators and a new flight-deck equipped sea-going training vessel. Boeing Defence Australia is the prime contractor for the new training system, partnered by Thales Australia who supplies the flight simulators and synthetic training devices.

Initial flying activities have commenced at Nowra.  

“[In] only two years, we have trained the initial cadre of … aircrew and technicians and all 15 aircraft have now been accepted.”

“Following contract signature in November of 2014, and in the space of only two years, we have trained the initial cadre of Boeing and Commonwealth aircrew and technicians and all 15 aircraft have now been accepted,” Peter Harris, local head of Governmental Sales for Airbus said.

H135 HATS Last Delivery by AirbusHelicopters

Boeing’s HATS director Terry Nichols said that the Boeing team is very happy with the performance thus far of the EC135 and commended Airbus Helicopters for their on-time delivery. 

“Boeing Defence Australia chose the EC135 as our preferred helicopter solution for HATS; it's a proven and reliable platform. We have been delighted with the cooperation from Airbus Helicopters to deliver these platforms that will form an important part of a world class training system.”