The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) crew is set to begin training on the CAE-built CH-147F Chinook helicopter simulators and training devices, after the systems completed on-site acceptance testing at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Petawawa.
The RCAF has already started interim pilot training using the CH-147F weapon systems trainer (WST).
Department of National Defence 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron commanding officer lieutenant colonel Chris McKenna said: "We have made great progress with a truly world-class synthetic training programme for our Chinook aircrews.
"The new MHLH training centre and the capabilities it will provide are perfectly aligned with the RCAF’s Simulation Strategy and will enable us to maximise the use of simulation-based training throughout our training curriculum."
Currently, both RCAF and CAE are in the process of finalising other elements of the comprehensive CH-147F aircrew training programme, including courseware.
The entire CH-147F training programme is expected to be announced ready for training later this year.
CAE has delivered a range of CH-147F training devices, including CH-147F WST, CH-147F tactical flight training device (TFTD), one CH-147F deployable tactical flight training device (DTFTD) and a CH-147F integrated gunnery trainer.
CAE is responsible for the design and development of the RCAF’s CH-147F aircrew training solution, and the company would also provide 20 years of in-service support after receiving formal acceptance.
The subcontractors and suppliers involved in this project include Bluedrop Performance Learning, Gestion MGCO, Weatherhaven and other Canadian suppliers.
Image: The RCAF’s new training facility is located at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa in Ontario, along with 450 Squadron. Photo: courtesy of CAE.
