New training system for Chinook helicopter

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is investing £51 million in a new synthetic training system developed by Lockheed Martin for the Royal Air Force’s Chinook Mk6 helicopter.

Lockheed Martin will design and build a purpose built training facility at RAF Odiham in Hampshire, the home of the Chinook fleet, that will prepare pilots and crew for deployment on operations.

Virtual reality technologies and simulators will enable crews to experience a wide range of training scenarios ranging from sorties in urban locations to embarked maritime operations. The facility will also include classrooms where aircrews will be trained in the specific flying, emergency and mission capabilities of the Mk6 aircraft.

Lockheed Martin already plays a key role in training MoD pilots through its role in Ascent, which is delivering the UK Military Flight Training Service pipeline, and by 2018 Lockheed Martin will have an extensive training footprint across the UK’s Military Aircrew fleet.

The 12-year contract to deliver synthetic training for the Chinook Mk6 crews will involve designing, building and managing the facility and introducing the training system. Approximately 12-16 employees from Lockheed Martin UK will also deliver a medium to long term support package to include maintenance and instruction at the RAF Odiham training facility.

Lockheed Martin UK, headquartered in London, is the UK-based arm of Lockheed Martin, a global security and aerospace company. Lockheed Martin UK employs more than 3,000 people in the UK across 21 sites. Lockheed Martin is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.