Raytheon Australia today announced that it has submitted its tender for the Air 9000 Phase 7 Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) competition.

The Managing Director of Raytheon Australia, Mr Michael Ward, said that the company’s team that included Bell Helicopter, Milskil, Nova Systems and Virtual Simulation Systems was pleased to present the Commonwealth with an offer to deliver and operate the HATS program as a trusted partner in rotary wing
flying training.

Mr Ward emphasised that this was a critical program for the ADF with the selection of a successful tenderer setting up an industry relationship that was likely to endure for a generation. He said that supporting the ADF in this way was an important responsibility that demanded the most compelling flight training solution, offered by a proven and trusted Australian industry team.

The Raytheon team solution includes platforms, simulators and training devices as well as courseware certified and maintained to exacting Defence standards.

“Our proposal outlines a mature, deliverable and sustainable training solution which maps precisely to the Commonwealth’s training requirements. Providing a strong growth path with the necessary flexibility for future training, we also offer the strongest commitment to safety and a solution which is designed for support through the best possible sustainment solution,” Mr Ward said.

Raytheon Australia’s mission ready solution is centred around the Bell 429, the most modern and cost effective light twin helicopter on the market today offering a substantial capability enhancement for rotary wing flying training and light utility support. In addition to being the only light twin helicopter fully certified to the latest crashworthiness standards, the large cockpit of the Bell 429 is capable of handling the full range of pilot candidates with the most spacious and useful rear cabin in its class.

Mr Ward also pointed to Raytheon’s strong pedigree in providing and supporting Australian helicopter programs such as the RAN’s Retention and Motivation Initiative as well as providing maintenance and engineering support under its Squirrel in service support contract. This is added to the company’s extensive
training pedigree that included Hornet and Super Hornet training systems, and its Electronic Warfare Training System.

This is complemented by an enduring commitment to the Shoalhaven region through existing skills, facilities and industry networks with a sustainable vendor base that gives appropriate focus to the value of developing the regional economy.

Mr Ward emphasised his was a proven team of trusted partners to enable the ADF’s future aviators. He said the Raytheon team offered a safe, certified and off-the-shelf solution to match training requirements and produce mission ready helicopter aircrew.

Raytheon Company, with 2011 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defence, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 90 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 71,000 people worldwide.

Further Information:
Gerry Wheeler
+61 439 501 327