PILOTS from RAAF Bases at Williamtown and Tindal will be able
to engage each other in mock battles as part of simulated training
from mid-2006.
The Air Force will receive three Hornet flight simulators as
part of a $74 million contract to improve pilot training.
Two simulators and a debrief facility will be located at RAAF
Base Williamtown and one Hornet simulator and debrief facility
will be located at RAAF Base Tindal.
Raytheon Australia’s contract to acquire and support the simulators
will also create jobs at both bases.
Defence Minister Robert Hill said the technology would provide
opportunities to practice skills in air-to-air combat and intercepts,
bombing and formation flying with simulated friendly and hostile
aircraft.
Mr Hill said in time, pilots would also be able to conduct simulated
training missions with other ADF assets, such as the Airborne
Early Warning and Control aircraft.
“They will then be able to replay their missions in the debrief
facility so they can go over what they did right and learn from
their mistakes.”
The simulators are based on the latest production Hornet simulators
being provided to the US Navy and Canadian Forces.
