EDA to establish Multinational Helicopter Training Centre
The European Defence Agency (EDA) will establish a new Multinational Helicopter Training Centre (MHTC) in Sintra, Portugal, by the end of 2022.
Together with 18 of its Member States, the EDA will now develop the technical arrangement for the new advanced tactical helicopter training facility by the end of 2020.
EDA currently hosts three collaborative helicopter programmes, which fill a helicopter training capability gap in Europe and are a key component of operational capacity building. The three programmes are designed to improve European interoperability and increase standardisation of helicopter aircrews through the adoption of common training activities and the use of common tactics, techniques and procedures.
The agency’s Helicopter Tactics Course (HTC) focusses on improving the tactical ability of crews through an integrated training course of classroom and simulator instruction that is currently conducted at RAF Linton-on-Ouse in the UK.
The HTC provides a solid foundation for whole crew training and was later developed into the Helicopter Tactics Instructors Course (HTIC), which takes experienced aircrew and further develops their skills in a ‘train the trainer’ course, delivering advanced helicopter tactics and the Helicopter Tactics Instructor qualification. The HTIC includes a ground phase delivered in the UK, and a live flying element conducted in Sweden.
The third element of EDA’s helicopter activities is the Helicopter Exercise Programme (HEP) which brings together multinational helicopter crews and an array of assets, including fixed wing, electronic warfare, ground troops and special forces, in an annual multinational training exercise covering the performance of complex missions in demanding environmental areas.
Over the next five years, the three courses will progressively be transferred outside EDA to the future MHTC. The MHTC will consist of office space for the technical, administrative and training delivery staff, simulator facilities and a dedicated accommodation block. In addition, it will also develop a more coordinated approach to European helicopter training and will try to harmonise national approaches and drive synergies with NATO doctrine.
More from Training
-
Improbable in talks to sell defence business following US closure as company follows Metaverse path
Improbable is reportedly in talks to sell its Skyral battlefield simulation technology as the company focuses on its Metaverse business, following the closure of its US defence operations.
-
Ukrainian crews to complete Challenger tank training
The British Army has provided training on the Challenger 2 tank to Ukrainian soldiers ahead of a planned donation of 14 tanks to Kyiv.
-
Varjo-Aechelon partnership on US Air Force training programme continues run of success for Finnish company
Aechelon and Varjo are collaborating to provide mixed reality (MR) technology for the USAF's 31st Combat Training Squadron to enhance readiness to combat evolving threats.
-
Lockheed Martin wins contract for F-16 training and sustainment
Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $25 million contract to provide F-16 operational capability and maintenance training for international partner nations.
-
Aeralis teams up with AI company on digital enterprise model for aircraft services
Aeralis has signed an MoU with Aerogility to develop a digital enterprise model for aircraft services, focusing on optimising whole-life costs and aircraft availability