Airbus Helicopters has achieved the Factory Acceptance and delivered the final six EC135 T2+ for the Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) for the Australian Defense Force (ADF), the company said Nov. 22.
These six helicopters are the final segment of a full fleet of 15 units.
The JP9000 Phase 7 HATS project is a new joint helicopter training program for Australian Navy and Army aircrews. They will use the helicopters, flight simulators, and a new flight-deck equipped sea-going training vessel in the project.
Boeing [BA] is the prime contractor for the training system and is partnered with Thales to supply the flight simulators and synthetic training devices. The EC135 T2+ is part of the H135 family of light twin-engine helicopters.
Initial flying activities with these rotorcraft have already begun at the new training base in Nowra, Australia.
“Airbus Helicopters is proud to know that Boeing has accepted now all 15 of their new EC135T2+, on time and on budget, for their world leading helicopter aircrew training system for the ADF”, Peter Harris, head of governmental aales for Australia – Pacific at Airbus, said in a statement.
“Following contract signature in November of 2014, and in the space of only two years, we have trained the initial cadre of Boeing and Commonwealth aircrew and technicians and all 15 aircraft have now been accepted,” he added.
Terry Nichols, Boeing HATS Director, added that their company team is pleased with the results and on-time delivery.
“Boeing Defence Australia chose the EC135 as our preferred helicopter solution for HATS; it’s a proven and reliable platform. We have been delighted with the cooperation from Airbus Helicopters to deliver these platforms that will form an important part of a world class training system,” he said.