Royal Australian Air Force KC-30A full-flight and mission simulator certified to Level D

Today at the SimTect/SimHealth show, Australia's annual conference and exhibition focused on simulation, CAE announced that the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) KC-30A full-flight and mission simulator (FFMS) has been accredited by the Australian Defence Force Airworthiness Authority to Level D.  The accreditation was conducted by an independent authority under the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Manual of Standards (MoS) Part 60 criteria. 

This is the world's first A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) simulator formally qualified to Level D, the highest qualification for flight simulators.

"Aerial refueling is a complex, challenging and sometimes dangerous operation so we need the highest fidelity training systems to prepare our aircrews for mission success," said Ewan Ward, Project Director, Project Air 5402 - Air to Air Refueling, Defence Materiel Organisation. "Our new KC-30A full mission simulator combined with the full suite of KC-30A training devices will play a key role in cost-effectively training our tanker aircrews to accomplish a range of refueling missions."

The RAAF's KC-30A training system, designed and developed by CAE under subcontract from Airbus Military and now in operation at RAAF Base Amberley, comprises the KC-30A FFMS, a CAE Simfinity KC-30A integrated procedures trainer (IPT) for pilot familiarization and procedural training, and a KC-30A air refueling officer part-task trainer (ARO PTT) for training both boom and hose and drogue refueling operations.  Both the KC-30A FFMS and IPT can be networked with the KC-30A ARO PTT to create a complete crew training environment for pilots and air refueling officers. Additionally, the full suite of training devices is supported by an off-board instructor station and a debriefing station that can provide complete mission training playback functionality.

"The Royal Australian Air Force fully understands and appreciates the value that high-fidelity, simulation-based training delivers as part of the overall training and preparedness of its aircrews," said Peter Redman, Managing Director of CAE Australia.  "CAE is pleased to have delivered one of the world's most advanced suites of tanker training systems, and look forward to supporting the RAAF on the KC-30A tanker program for many years."

CAE now has responsibility, under the Management and Support of ADF Aerospace Simulators (MSAAS) contract, to manage, maintain and support the KC-30A training systems and training facility at RAAF Base Amberley.  CAE instructors are also conducting aircrew training courses on behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia, including providing initial type conversion and refresher training.

CAE is a global leader in modelling, simulation and training for civil aviation and defence. The company employs approximately 8,000 people at more than 100 sites and training locations in approximately 30 countries. CAE offers civil aviation, military and helicopter training services in more than 45 locations worldwide and trains approximately 100,000 crew members yearly. In addition, the CAE Oxford Aviation Academy offers training to aspiring pilot cadets in 11 CAE-operated flight schools. CAE's business is diversified, ranging from the sale of simulation products to providing comprehensive services such as training and aviation services, integrated enterprise solutions, in-service support and crew sourcing. The company applies simulation expertise and operational experience to help customers enhance safety, improve efficiency, maintain readiness and solve challenging problems. CAE is now leveraging its simulation capabilities in new markets such as healthcare and mining. More information can be found at www.cae.com.

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A high-resolution photo of the simulator is available at www.cae.com/photos

Caption: The CAE-built KC-30A full-flight and mission simulator for the Royal Australian Air Force is the world's first A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) simulator formally certified to Level D by an independent aviation authority.

CAE contacts:
Nathalie Bourque, Vice President, Public Affairs and Global Communications, 
(514) 734-5788, [email protected]

Trade media:  
Chris Stellwag,  Director, Marketing Communications - Military, 
(813) 887-1242, [email protected]

Investor relations: 
Andrew Arnovitz, Vice President, Investor Relations and Strategy, 
(514) 734-5760, [email protected]