Draken International tactical aircraft that CAE is offering for use in a Canadian pilot training program. Photo by Drakin International
OTTAWA, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- CAE reports it has bid on a Canadian government contract to provide combat support training services to the Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Canadian Navy, and Canadian Army.
The bid for the 10-year Contracted Airborne Training Services program was submitted earlier this week and includes CAE's joint venture partner Draken International, a U.S.-based company with the world's largest fleet of privately owned fighter aircraft for adversary and threat training, electronic warfare and target towing operations.
"Our solution leverages CAE's training systems integration capabilities and NATO Flying Training in Canada experience, and combines this with Draken's world-leading fleet of adversary fighter aircraft and unmatched aggressor training practices," said Mike Greenley, Vice President and General Manager, CAE Canada.
"The Canadian Forces need to train against future threat aircraft that cannot be replicated without combining actual live-flying fighter aircraft with simulated enhancements. Our comprehensive solution will provide a better and more challenging overall training experience for Canada's fighter pilots by providing actual fighter jet adversaries that will look and act like real-world threats."
CAE and Draken have proposed a fleet of Douglas A-4 Skyhawk fighter aircraft for the Canadian program. Draken's fleet of A-4s has had extensive upgrades and delivers capabilities similar to Canada's CF-18 fighter aircraft.
The companies have also proposed a research and development program to develop live-virtual-constructive training capabilities for adversary and aggressor air training services.
"CAE is a company with world-class expertise for both simulation-based and live flying training, and we are thrilled to be partnering with them to offer a solution for the Contracted Airborne Training Services program," said Jared Isaacman, Chief Executive Officer of Draken International.
"Draken has unmatched experience and capabilities for live aggressor training as evidenced by our role in providing similar services to the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. We fully understand that future fighter combat training will involve an integrated live-virtual-constructive training environment, and this is an area where CAE is one of the global leaders."
