FlightSafety wins KC-46 Aircrew Training System contract

FlightSafety has been selected to provide the Aircrew Training System for the KC-46 tanker transport aircraft to the US Air Force.

The contract will see the company supply training systems for a number of aircraft components including weapon systems, boom operators and part task trainers.

FlightSafety said that it will deliver weapon system trainers featuring advanced technology, including electric motion and control loading and visual systems with all-new glass mirror display technology. The KC-46 simulators and other training devices will support the mission specific training programmes provided to KC-46 crewmembers and help to enhance safety.

Bruce Whitman, president and CEO, FlightSafety, said: ‘FlightSafety is pleased and proud to have been awarded the KC-46 Aircrew Training System contract. FlightSafety has the experience and expertise required to provide KC-46 crews with the highest quality training system using our proven advanced technology training devices, visual systems, and highly effective courseware.’

The company said it will design and manufacture KC-46 weapon system, boom operator, and part task trainers at its simulation facility in Oklahoma.

The award is the latest in a number of new contracts issued for the KC-46 tanker programme, and follows the recent announcement that Sofradir will provide the infrared cameras for the Rockwell Collins Remote Vision System (RVS) on the aircraft.

Boeing is scheduled to deliver 18 combat-ready KC-46A tankers to the US Air Force by 2017. The programme's next major milestone is a Critical Design Review (CDR) that will take place over the summer of 2013. The CDR will determine that the design of the KC-46A is mature and ready to proceed to the manufacturing phase.