CAE wins RPA training contract

May 11 (UPI) -- A training solution for remotely piloted aircraft is to be provided to the military of the United Arab Emirates by Canada's CAE Inc, the company announced this week.

The five-year contract, awarded by the General Headquarters of the United Arab Emirates, is worth about $40.85 million.

"Remotely piloted aircraft have been proven as an indispensable asset in modern combat operations, and like all platforms they require skilled and proficient aircrews who are prepared for a range of missions," Ian Bell, CAE's vice president and general manager, Middle East/Asia-Pacific, said in a press release. "We are pleased the UAE has once again selected CAE as its training systems integrator, and look forward to working closely with the UAE Air Force as we develop and deliver a world-class turnkey training solution for these unmanned systems."

CAE said its training solution will include academic, simulator and live flying training for the UAE Air Force's fleet of RPA systems.

CAE will establish a training program, including the design and development of courseware and curriculum. Fundamental courses for RPA pilots and sensor operators will be provided, as well as courses specific to the UAE Air Force's medium-altitude long-endurance RPA platforms.

CAE said to support training, a full suite of synthetic training equipment -- desktop trainers, sensor operator trainers, Unmanned Aerial System mission trainers and high-fidelity, type-specific mission trainers – will be supplied along with instruction from CAE instructors.

CAE Maritime Middle East LLC, the company's local subsidiary, will be the prime contractor.