AW military training contract in force

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YEOVIL, England, July 16 (UPI) -- Aircraft company AgustaWestland reports its integrated support and training program for the British navy and army is now operational.

The training and through-life services for the AW159 Wildcat helicopters being procured by the British services will run until 2017 under the initial contract period and is worth about $389 million.

"Encompassing not just availability based support services but also aircrew, maintainer and ground crew training, the WIST contract provides a complete through life support and training package that will deliver cost savings and increased aircraft availability," said Ray Edwards, managing director of AgustaWestland Ltd.

"The AW159 Wildcat's equipment fit and performance will also provide an increased level of helicopter capability for both the British army and Royal Navy. AgustaWestland and our industry partners are committed to delivering the best possible support and training solutions."

AgustaWestland said that under the Wildcat Integrated Support and Training contract the company and its suppliers are now delivering a complete spares provisioning service, enhanced technical support services -- including aircraft safety management and full systems integration rig support -- and delivering synthetic and ground based training for aircrew and maintainers.

A state-of-the-art Wildcat training center is being built at a naval air station and as many as 60 different training courses will be provided.