Australia contracts CAE for simulators

SYDNEY, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Australia's Ministry of Defense announced it has contracted CAE to provide two MRH-90 helicopter flight simulators.

Under the contract for approximately $154 million, CAE will supply the simulators for use by the Australian Army and Royal Australian Navy pilot training at the new Army Aviation Training Center currently under construction in Queensland and at the 5th Aviation Regiment, also in Queensland.

"These MRH-90 full flight and mission simulators are critical to the training of Army and Navy helicopter crews in the demanding military aviation operational environment," Maj. Gen. Tony Fraser, head of the Australian Defense Force helicopter systems division, said in a statement.

"The CAE lead team, with Thales support, builds on the experience of providing flight simulators to the Australian Defense Force, as well as the NH-90 programs for other nations."

The simulators are a training initiative by the Australian Defense Force to better prepare aircrew for the 46 MRH-90 multi-role helicopters on order for the Australian Army and Royal Australian Navy. Officials say the first two of the MRH-90 order has already been delivered.

"The two simulators will be of the highest capability and will enable the aircrew training to match the capabilities of this outstanding helicopter, so that we can best support our sailors, soldiers and airmen on operations," Fraser said.