OTTAWA, Nov. 7, 2016 /CNW/ - Airbus Defence and Space has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CAE of Canada for the acquisition of two additional Full Flight Simulators for the C295 medium transport and surveillance aircraft. One device will be located at the company's International Training Centre at Seville, Spain and the other with an undisclosed C295 operator. The deal will support the rapidly growing number of C295s in service worldwide and will take to six the number of C295 simulators purchased from CAE.
Simon Jacques, President Airbus Defence and Space Canada, said: "The C295 is the market leader in its class and it is essential that we invest in expanding our training services to match the growth in the global fleet."
In total, 169 C295s have been ordered by 24 countries worldwide, in a variety of configurations including maritime patrol and search and rescue.
The C295 is a leading contender for Canada's new fixed-wing search and rescue (FWSAR) aircraft. Should it be selected for this important project, the additional simulator at the International Training Centre will immediately allow for the training of Canadian crewmembers until a training centre is established in Canada.
The C295 contains a substantial quantity of Canadian content. Beyond CAE, the aircraft is powered by engines made by Pratt & Whitney Canada, electro-optical systems are provided by L3 Wescam and, in the FWSAR role for Canada, it would be supported in service through a partnership with PAL Aerospace.
"We are extremely proud of the important role we play in the C295 program globally, and are excited to continue to provide the high-fidelity simulation equipment that will be used to train pilots from around the world in this aircraft," said Gene Colabatistto, CAE's Group President Defence & Security. "This is just a small part of the long-standing relationship that CAE and Airbus Group have, which sees Canadian technology and skills exported around the world."
The relationship between CAE, Airbus Defence and Space, and its Airbus Group sister companies extends well beyond the C295. CAE provides simulators and training systems for the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) and maintenance training systems for the A400M new-generation airlifter, as well as a range of training devices for Airbus Helicopters military and commercial rotorcraft. CAE also works closely with Airbus Commercial to provide commercial aviation training equipment and services for airline pilots.
About Airbus Defence and Space
Airbus Defence and Space is a division of Airbus Group formed by combining the business activities of Cassidian, Astrium and Airbus Military. The new division is Europe's number one defence and space enterprise, the second largest space business worldwide and among the top ten global defence enterprises. It employs some 38,000 employees generating revenues of approximately €13 billion per year.
SOURCE Airbus Defence and Space
Contacts for the media, Mike Powell, +1 613 233 8906, [email protected]; Kieran Daly: +34 689 66 96 61, kieran.daly @airbus.com
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