Boeing Defence Australia Marks 10 Years of Helicopter Aircrew Training System

• Contract signed in 2014, bolstering Australian defence capability
• 450+ Navy and Army aircrew graduated, 40,000 hours flown

NOWRA, New South Wales, Nov. 14, 2024 – Boeing Defence Australia has trained more than 450 helicopter aircrew for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in the 10 years since the Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) contract was signed in 2014.

“Over the past decade, HATS has set a benchmark for military aircrew training and established a vital sovereign capability that has enhanced Australia’s national security,” said Amy List, managing director, Boeing Defence Australia.

“The program’s success is a testament to our trusted partnerships with 723 SQN, Fleet Air Arm and the ADF, and our suppliers Thales, Airbus, Safran and local industry. Together, we’ve ensured Australia can independently produce the highest quality aircrew for the demands of future military, humanitarian and disaster relief missions.”

Established under JP9000 Phase 7, the HATS contract was signed on 14 November 2014 at HMAS Albatross, Nowra for the establishment of a total helicopter aircrew training solution for the Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army.

In the 10 years since, the program has created 40 new jobs in Nowra and introduced a Remote Pilot Operator course to assist the ADF in preparing for the future battlespace.

In addition, the 15 Airbus EC135 T2+ training helicopters, maintained by BDA under the contract, have flown 40,000 hours, comprising more than 27,000 individual flights, the majority of which have been for aircrew training. 

Under the HATS contract, BDA trains pilots, aviation warfare officers, remote pilot warfare officers, aircrewmen, sensor operators and qualified aircrew returning for instructor training, and delivers supply chain, operations and program support services, along with engineering and maintenance of the EC135 T2+ fleet.

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