Nova Systems has marked ten years of continuous support to Lockheed Martin Australia’s (Lockheed Martin) Pilot Training Systems for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Lockheed Martin has delivered an advanced and integrated military pilot training systems, built around the Pilatus PC-21.
The system has also included nine high-fidelity Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTDs), digital classrooms, cockpit procedural trainers, and integrated engineering and maintenance support.
Nova Systems CEO, Dean Rosenfield said Nova is delighted to reach a decade of continuous support on this program in Test & Evaluation, Certification and Systems Assurance (TECSA), reflecting the deep trust placed in Nova by Lockheed Martin Australia and the ADF.
“From the early verification and validation phases right through to the ongoing qualification of advanced PC‑21 simulators, Nova Systems has played a critical role in ensuring the capability remains safe, compliant and future‑ready,” Rosenfield said.
“As the system continues to evolve, we remain committed to supporting Australia’s next generation of aircrew. We look forward to continuing our partnership and contributing to the sovereign capability that underpins Australia’s long‑term defence preparedness.”
Nova Systems’ involvement began prior to contract signature in 2016, initially providing bid support to Lockheed Martin in the United States. Nova personnel went on to lead the Verification & Validation and Test & Evaluation activities across the five-year acquisition phase from 2016 to 2020.
Nova also delivered specialist type certification services to place the PC‑21 on the state register and provided project management expertise to guide LMA through the complex Strategic ASDEFCON process.
Nova Systems continues to support the ongoing Defence Aviation Safety Regulation (DASR) qualification and compliance of Australia’s expanding fleet of advanced PC‑21 simulators.
The ADF fleet has grown from seven to nine simulators over the past decade, with Nova delivering both the initial and ongoing certifications for each device and for every major upgrade. The Australian PC‑21 simulators are now regarded as among the most capable globally for this class of aircraft.
Lockheed Martin Australia’s Director of Global Training Systems, Peter Ashworth, said, “We congratulate Nova Systems on achieving this significant milestone, a decade of support on the RAAF’s Pilot Training System.”
“As Defence’s strategic partner for AIR5428 Phase 1, Lockheed Martin Australia is proud to bring together all components of the Pilot Training System, from classroom to cockpit, together in partnership with Defence and Australian industry to support Defence’s operational readiness mission.”