GIPPSLAND’S future as the home of Australian Defence Force aviation training has been cemented following the formal contract signing with the Team 21 consortium in Canberra on Tuesday.
Assistant Defence Minister and Gippsland MHR Darren Chester said the co-location of pilot training and pilot instructor training would be beneficial for the ADF and the Gippsland community.
“The first of 49 PC-21 aircraft will arrive in Australia from 2017 with the first undergraduate training course beginning from early 2019 at RAAF Base East Sale,” Mr Chester said.
“Cutting edge training will include the use of flight simulators and will equip our ADF pilots to fly the aircraft of a modern defence force such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter and the MRH 90 helicopter.
“Already renowned as the home of the Roulettes, RAAF Base East Sale is set to become famous as the home of aviation training for the Australian Defence Force.”
Mr Chester said the training to be delivered at East Sale would attract and sustain additional jobs in the region.
“Gippsland has a strong connection to the Australian Defence Force and this contract will further cement that relationship by providing more than 150 defence jobs and in excess of $15 million per year in economic activity over the life of the project,” he said.
The Pilot Training System will be delivered by Team 21, a partnership of Lockheed Martin Australia, Hawker Pacific and Pilatus.
As the prime contractor, Lockheed Martin will provide overall project management for the pilot training system and deliver a family of integrated ground-based training technologies.
Lockheed Martin training and logistics solutions vice-president Jon Rambeau said the company would deliver a comprehensive training solution customised for the ADF’s needs and focused on fifth-generation mission readiness.
“Our proven, innovative training system will help the Australian Defence Force meet the challenge of preparing pilots to perform in today’s complex global environment,” he said.
Pilatus Aircraft will provide PC-21 turboprop training aircraft and through-life engineering and airworthiness support. Hawker Pacific will provide maintenance services and fleet support through its established supply chain in Australia.
The initial seven-year program is valued at $1.2 billion.
Performance-based options for up to 25 years will provide the opportunity to extend the length and increase the value of the total contract.
