CAE supports RAAF air combat training

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was supported by CAE during its participation in the Coalition Virtual Flag 15 virtual air combat exercises, the company announced on 8 September.

To enable the participation of both live-flying and simulated aircraft, the exercise was conducted in parallel with Exercise Red Flag 15-4. Aircrews from the US, UK, Australia, and Canada participated.

The RAAF's C-130J Full-Flight Mission Simulator (FFMS) was the first Australian Defence Force (ADF) FFMS networked to the Coalition Virtual Flag exercise. It was located at RAAF Base Richmond in New South Wales.

CAE supported the development, integration and testing of connecting the RAAF C-130J FFMS to the exercise through the Australian Defence Simulation and Training Centre (ADSTC) network, including support for security accreditation of the training centre facility.  CAE also integrated and tested the Common Database (CDB) virtual gaming area of southern Nevada in the US used in the C-130J FFMS.

RAAF's C-130J FFMS developed by CAE used the C-130J simulator for up to 16 hours each day during the training.

Wg Cdr Nicholas Hogan, commanding officer, no. 285 squadron, RAAF, said: 'Being able to virtually participate in Coalition Virtual Flag is a great example of the RAAF receiving training benefits that otherwise would have required significantly more time for overseas travel, as well as additional training that may not have been achievable using live aircraft.'

'Using our C-130J simulator, we were in a virtual equivalent of southern Nevada and participating in the exercise with other real and simulated aircraft as if we were there. The support and technical capability provided by CAE played a key role in the success of this training exercise for the RAAF, and provides the foundation for continuing to expand our live-virtual-constructive training opportunities.'