Raytheon to help train more Afghan Air Force pilots

DULLES, Va., Nov. 10 (UPI) -- Additional Afghan Air Force personnel are to receive pilot training from Raytheon and its partner team, the Warrior Training Alliance.

Under a $13.5 million task order modification on the Warfighter Field Operations Customer Support, or FOCUS contract, an additional 24 fixed-wing and four rotary-wing Afghan Air Force pilots will be trained in what is called the New Dawn program.

The United States' New Dawn program is composed of Raytheon and 150 Warfighter Alliance companies that maintain more than 240,000 training aids, including simulators, and help train U.S. Army troops and others worldwide.

The Afghan Air Force personnel covered by the contract will receive English-language instruction, theoretical aviation knowledge and advanced training in advanced mathematics and problem solving in addition to commercial pilot training, including advanced instrument flight qualification.

So far, 102 Afghan Air Force personnel have received training under the Alliance's New Dawn program, which is based in the United Arab Emirates.

"This is a great example of our ability to build solid partnerships with our customers and leverage the vast, high-consequence training Raytheon is known for," said Bob Williams, Raytheon Global Training Solutions vice president. "Helping to shape the future leaders of the Afghan Air Force will also contribute to stability and security in Afghanistan."