Jet Pilots Modernised Training Programme
Providing a modern training system to the French Air Force
Combining state-of-the-art simulation environments with in-air training, Babcock provides modern training systems to the French Air Force (FAF), together with our partner, Dassault Aviation.
Our world-class programme prepares upcoming jet pilots and weapons systems officers for today’s increasingly sophisticated aircraft. Using revolutionary technology to deliver military aviators, the programme is an important step in the FAF’s plan to modernise the fighter crew’s training syllabus with updated equipment and training methods.
The contract had two deliverables. The first was the purchase of 17 twin-seat turbo-propellor Pilatus PC-21 aircraft, alongside a new suite of cockpit simulators and procedural trainers, housed in a purpose-built structure at Cognac airbase. The second was the provision of training support to operational units for eight years after the mobilisation and 27-month transition phase was completed.
We designed and delivered the modernised training system in record time, working alongside Dassault Aviation and subcontractors, CAE and Pilatus. Just 21 months after starting the project, the first two aircraft were delivered, with the ground-based training systems starting in the following months.
At a glance:
- Partnered with Dassault Aviation
- Classroom, simulation and in-air training
- Provision of 17 Pilatus PC-21 aircraft, three Part Task Trainers (PTT) and two Full Mission Simulators (FMS)
- Maintenance of SPRM and CBT, including their network
Delivering state-of-the-art aircraft
The PC-21 aircraft that Babcock owns and maintains on behalf of FAF is a modern step-up from their previous training aircraft. They feature the latest integrated on-board simulation systems and devices (radar, air, combat and weapons release), giving students some of the best,and safest, flying training in the world. The cockpit systems can even be tailored to recreate aspects of the Rafale fighter’s mission management and display systems.
Available, adaptable support
As well as a demanding night flying programme, the fleet availability has been adapted to support up to four sorties of 14 aircraft a day. The close relationship between the EMAR M and EMAR 145 certified aircraft maintenance and integrated logistics services (simulators, single pilot resource management and computer-based training), means that we are always able to meet the 100% availability rate that’s needed.
Jet Pilots Modernised Training Programme in numbers:
- Delivering 11,000 flight and 6,500 simulator training hours per year
- Supporting up to four sorties of up to 14 aircraft per day, plus a demanding night flying programme
- 11-year contract