SUperior training impressed Indian Air Force
16 Feb 2006
The Indian Air Force is so impressed with the quality of training its pilots are receiving on the BAE Systems Hawk at RAF Valley in Wales that it is allowing its pilots who complete the course to fly its most modern aircraft, the Russian Sukhoi SU30.
Initially, the air force chiefs in India expected that pilots would come back from the UK and then go on to older, western-built aircraft. However the Vice Chief of the Indian Air Staff and his team have been delighted with the capabilities of the pilots returning from the Hawk course, and have immediately put them into the more advanced aircraft.
Over and above, the undoubted qualities of Hawk with its worldwide reputation for ease of flying, low maintenance and high availability, part of the reason for the success of the training was the preparation that has gone into this unique course. During development, BAE Systems worked closely with the students air force training base at Bidar in India to familiarise with the systems that they use. The course content has also been refined to fit the levels of expertise, experience and knowledge of the students.
The students have also gained a number of other advantages training in the UK. The complexities of the weather and the air control environment, along with the methods developed by the Royal Air Force, allow the students to think and operate in more challenging situations.
Pilots are trained at RAF Valley, Wales in groups of six or seven, and the value of the course has created a sense of anticipation amongst those students yet to undergo training.
The programme will train around 75 IAF pilots, with each course lasting 10 months and including 119 hours flying and 62 flight simulation sorties. The whole programme began back in July 2004, and it will end in February 2008.
The excellent relationship between BAE Systems and the IAF is developing even further with the countrys purchase of the new-generation Hawk advanced jet trainer Hawk. BAE Systems is helping their Indian counterparts prepare for entry into service of their new trainer which is due to arrive in India in 2007.
Commenting on the success of the training developed for the Indian Air Force students, BAE Systems India Interim Flight Training Manager Rod Harrison said, The effort and thought that has gone into creation of such a successful training course as the one at RAF Valley has helped engender a lot of confidence in BAE Systems and the RAF amongst our Indian customers, and further enhanced the reputation of Hawk as the worlds most advanced fast jet trainer. Having the accolade of students going back to their base and being able to step into a SU30 is an enormous compliment. It is a great pat on the back for the quality of our aircraft and our training, and I am sure it is one that bodes well for our future in India.
About BAE SYSTEMS
BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery, and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea, and in space. The Company designs, manufactures, and supports military aircraft, combat vehicles, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years and is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems. BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The Company employs 100,000 people worldwide and generates annual sales of approximately 14.8 billion through its wholly owned and joint-venture operations.
For further information, please contact:
Ashleigh McClure, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1772 856311
ashleigh.mcclure@baesystems.com
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