CAE USA to train USAF Predator and Reaper aircrew
CAE USA will provide comprehensive Predator and Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) aircrew training services to the US Air Force (USAF) under a new $20 million contract announced on 8 August. The contract has a one-year base period and four one-year options.
Under the contract, CAE USA will provide classroom, simulator, and live flying instruction as well as courseware development in support of the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper training programmes.
Training will be delivered at four USAF bases, including Holloman Air Force Base (AFB), New Mexico; Creech AFB, Nevada; March Air Reserve Base, California; and Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, New York. Approximately 1,500 MQ-1/MQ-9 pilots and sensor operators are trained at these bases annually.
CAE USA will also provide courseware development services, primarily at the formal training schoolhouse located at Holloman AFB, as well as implement a new learning content management system.
Ray Duquette, president and general manager, CAE USA, said: ‘The use of unmanned and remotely piloted aircraft is playing a much more prominent role in military operations, and this requires highly trained and mission-ready aircrews. We are pleased the USAF has recognised CAE USA's aircrew training services expertise and capabilities, and we look forward to supporting the combat readiness for the USAF's Air Combat Command Predator and Reaper aircrews.’
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