Helicopter aircrew training system to be designed by Lockheed Martin and Bristow Helicopters Australia

Posted by John McHale
AVALON, Australia, 2 March 2011. Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] and Bristow Helicopters Australia, an affiliated company of Bristow Group Inc. [NYSE: BRS], joined hands to offer a flight training solution to the Australian defense force for its Project Air 9000 Phase 7 Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) requirement.
The HATS program will provide a rotary-wing training capability for Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army aircrews. Lockheed Martin and Bristow will partner to provide a comprehensive student-centered training design with cost-effective helicopter support capability.
"The Lockheed Martin-Bristow team matches the leading developer and deliverer of proven aircrew training systems, with the world and Australian lead provider in offshore helicopter provision and maintenance," says Allan Blake, managing director of Bristow Helicopters Australia. "I am delighted the team has come together to offer the Australian defense force all of its combined experience and capabilities in support of Australia's military helicopter aircrews."
Lockheed Martin annually trains more than 22,000 aircrew members in both fixed and rotary wing systems. For the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, Lockheed Martin designed and is implementing a fifth-generation training system.