Airbus contracts CAE for C295W training simulation

Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Airbus Defense and Space awarded CAE an 11-year contract to support the Canadian government's Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue program.

Under the contract, valued at over $229 million, CAE will integrate training systems to prepare Canadian pilots to fly the C295W military transport aircraft. Canada selected to the aircraft as its new fixed-wing search-and-rescue platform in December 2016.

CAE says the plane will be specially modified to fit the Canadian government's mission requirements.

The contract will be performed in three phases. During the first, CAE will construct a new C295 training facility. The suite will include a full-flight simulator, a cockpit procedures trainer, an aircraft maintenance trainer, ten classrooms, and other features.

"We are honored to serve as the training systems integrator to lead the overall design and development of a comprehensive C295W training solution for aircrews and maintainers," CAE Canada general manager Joe Armstrong said in a press release. "The search-and-rescue mission in Canada is both critical and challenging, and we are proud that we will play a role in helping train and prepare the RCAF for this mission."

During the second phase of the contract, CAE will provide a three-year in-service support transition for aircrew and maintenance training. The third phase consists of a 20-year in-service support period.

Airbus says the contract with CAE strengthens the partnership between the two companies.

"This relationship has continually expanded, including Airbus' announcement of the purchase of two other C295 simulators from CAE in November, and we are pleased to extend this relationship with CAE to Canada for the Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue program," Airbus Defense and Space Canada head Simon Jacques added.