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• AIR 5428 Phase 1 Pilot Training System

Phase 1 Pilot Training System

Phase Scope

This project intends to provide Air Force, Army and Navy with a new fixed wing Pilot Training System (PTS). The system will provide platforms for flight screening and cover all facets of undergraduate pilot training from basic flying up to entry into Air Force Lead-In Fighter and Operational Conversion Units. The system will also provide candidates for the Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) to be delivered under Project AIR 9000 Phase 7.

The PTS is also responsible for the initial training of Qualified Flying Instructors (QFIs) to support the PTS and fixed-wing operational training. Airborne platforms selected for pilot training will also be assessed for their suitability for use by the Forward Air Control Development Unit (FACDU) and Air Operations Support Group (AOSG). If suitable, these aircraft will be acquired under AIR 5428.

Background

The project aims to utilise basic and advanced training systems to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the fixed wing PTS. Specifically the system will:

• enable an increase in graduation numbers;
• generate pilot skills consistent with advanced 4th/5th generation aircraft;
• enable the withdrawal of current training media; and
• provide solutions for the integration of synthetic training systems.

All pilot training will be conducted within Australia. The ADF intends to retain the military elements of the existing PTS, including military flying schools and the use of predominantly military QFI for student instruction.

Australian Industry Opportunities

Acquisition

Although the industry requirements are yet to be determined, the requirements are anticipated to include:

• development of the PTS (including curriculum, training media such as training aids, manuals and supporting software). It is expected that Australian industry and overseas Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) will establish teaming arrangements for software development and other training requirements;
• development and maintenance of a Training Management Information System;
• participation on a cost-effective competitive basis in the global supply chain of the aircraft OEM; and
• development and/or support of PTS related infrastructure.

The training aircraft are expected to be Commercial - or Military-off-the-Shelf. It is anticipated that the acquisition will provide the level of technical transfer and Intellectual Property (IP) access from the OEM necessary to ensure Australian industry is in a position to provide the necessary support of the aircraft in-country.

Through‑life Support

Subject to further definition, through-life industry involvement is anticipated to include:

• updating and enhancing the PTS (including curriculum, training media such as training aids, manuals and supporting software);
• provision of support services to training aircraft, the synthetic training environment, facilities and systems;
• maintenance of a Training Management Information System; and
• training delivery.

Industry Capabilities and Activities

Capabilities and related activities that may provide opportunities for Australian industry in this phase include:

	Capability
Activity	Rotary and Fixed Wing Aircraft	Facilities & Infrastructure
Assemble / Install	D
Design	O	D
Education / Training	D
In-Service / Through-life Support	D
Logistics Support	D
Manufacture / Construct		D
Modelling / Simulation	D
Project Manage	D	D
Repair and Maintain	D	D
Software Development / Support	D
Systems Definition / Development	D
Systems Integration	D
Test and Evaluate	D	D

Acquisition Category (ACAT)

ACAT Attribute	Complexity Level Assessment
Acquisition Cost	Level 1 Very High >$1500m (Towards the lower end of the band)
Project Management Complexity	Level 2 High
Schedule	Level 2 High
Technical Difficulty	Level 2 High
Operation and Support	Level 2 High
Commercial	Level 2 High

The ACAT Level assessed for this Phase is ACAT II.

Planned Schedule Highlights

First Pass Approval	Complete
Year-of-Decision	FY 2012-13 to FY 2014-15
Initial Operating Capability	2015 to 2017

Points of Contact

Capability Staff: AIR 5428 Desk Officer (02) 6265 5121

Defence Materiel Organisation: Project Manager AIR 5428 (03) 9256 3434