Boeing to provide P-8A training system to Australia
Boeing will provide a complete training system for the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), marking the first international sale of the training system.
The system will be provided to the RAAF under a combined domestic and foreign military sale contract that includes the sale of four P-8A training systems for the US Navy.
The training system uses simulators to train mission crews and pilots to operate the aircraft, its weapon systems, communications and sensors without the need for live flights.
Australia approved the acquisition of eight P-8As and supporting infrastructure in February 2014, including training and initial spares and support equipment. The aircraft deliveries will begin in 2017, with the P8-A training system expected to be delivered to Australia in 2018.
Tom Shadrach, P-8 programme manager, training systems and government services team, Boeing, said: 'Boeing will deliver a seamless and comprehensive training solution for our customers’ pilots and mission crews.
'It will prepare them to use the world’s most advanced anti-surface and anti-submarine capabilities for any mission, at any time.'
At present, Boeing provides P-8A aircrew training devices, electronic classrooms and courseware for the navy at its integrated training centre at the naval air station in Jacksonville, Florida.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme]()
Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme
The Dutch navy had reportedly been considering BAE Systems’ Littoral Strike Craft to replace its ageing landing craft fleet.
-
![Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order]()
Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order
Saab Kockums was initially awarded the contract to build two A26 submarines for the Royal Swedish Navy in 2015, but the programme has faced delays and escalating costs.
-
![Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice]()
Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice
If the foreign military sale request is approved, Germany would be the first country outside the US to acquire the technology, which is currently used extensively by the US Navy.
-
![Beyond GPS: How LEO satellites are changing the game in naval navigation]()
Beyond GPS: How LEO satellites are changing the game in naval navigation
Satellite navigation is increasingly critical for global maritime defence, and Low Earth Orbit satellites are rapidly overtaking the traditional and more widely used Medium Earth Orbit option as they are less susceptible to jamming or spoofing.
-
![US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials]()
US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials
The initial sea trials for Virginia-class SSN 798 conducted by Newport News Shipbuilding division and the US Navy marked an “important step”, but the ongoing AUKUS review casts a shadow over what the progress means for the partner nations.
