CAE Defense & Security has been selected to provide simulators for the US Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA).
Awarded by FLRAA manufacturer Bell Textron, the contract will see the flight training company deliver necessary training elements, including simulators and advanced maintenance training systems.
It will also initiate virtual prototyping, leading to the creation of cutting-edge visual display systems and radio simulations.
“Operator and maintainer training are key aspects to ensuring FLRAA weapon system capabilities for our warfighters,” Bell Vice President Ryan Ehinger said. “We look forward to continuing to work with CAE as we support the Army in its critical efforts to modernize and increase the lethality of our nation’s soldiers.”
If all goes well, CAE may be contracted to supply a virtual maintenance training system and hardware-based maintenance trainers for the FLRAA.
‘Commitment to Aviation Modernization’
In December 2022, Bell Textron was announced as the winner of the US Army’s lucrative $1.3-billion FLRAA competition.
It will supply an undisclosed number of V-280 Valor long-range helicopters to replace 2,000 Black Hawk and 1,200 Apache choppers.
The winning pitch reportedly has twice the speed and range of existing military helicopters in the US Army inventory.
The team of Boeing and Sikorsky protested the decision, but the US Government Accountability Office rejected the appeal, saying the protester’s proposal was “technically unacceptable.”
With the latest contract, CAE President Dan Gelston said the US Army demonstrates its commitment to aviation modernization and providing transformational capabilities to strengthen deterrence capabilities.