P-8A training system gets first international customer with Australia
NewsMay 08, 2015
The Royal Australian air force (RAAF) purchased a complete training system for the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft under a contract with Boeing that also covers the sale of four P-8A training systems to the U.S. Navy.
The system uses simulators to train pilots and mission crews to operate the P-8A, its sensors, communications, and weapons systems without having to relay on expensive live flights.
Boeing currently delivers P-8A aircrew training devices, electronic classrooms, and courseware to the Navy at its 165,000-square-foot Integrated Training Center (ITC) at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Fla., where the goal is to shift majority of the training to the ITC.
Last year Australian government officials approved the acquisition of eight P-8As and supporting infrastructure to include training and initial spares and support equipment. Aircraft deliveries are expected to begin in 2017 and the P8-A training system is expected to be deployed to Australia in 2018.
