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.

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