A simulation centre to provide C-17 aircraft training services to the Indian Air Force was today jointly opened by Boeing and Mahindra Defence Systems here.
The C-17 fleet has been a vital part of the Indian Air Force strategic airlift capability which has successfully conducted relief and humanitarian missions domestically and internationally including Nepal 2015 earthquake and the recent Chennai floods.
Once fully operational, the new centre will be capable of conducting local and multi-site simulations for added realism and more robust training.
"The centre, in partnership with Mahindra Defence, is another example of the steps we are taking to contribute to building of a holistic aerospace ecosystem in support of Make in India," President, Boeing India Pratyush Kumar said.
S P Shukla, Group President, Aerospace & Defence Sector, and Chairman, Mahindra Defence Systems, said the joint endeavour will help deliver the objectives of Indian government and of IAF of building capabilities indigenously.
The C-17 training facility, which is located at the Flight Simulation Technique Centre in Gurgaon, will be a full-service location offering instruction to aircrew that operate the ten C-17 airlifters that Boeing delivered to India in 2014.
The centre features a complete training solution for C-17 pilots and loadmasters with advanced simulation, courseware and computer-based training to practice the complete range of tasks required for military airlift operations and humanitarian missions, along with other scenarios such as aerial refuelling and emergency procedures.
The facility includes weapon systems and loadmaster station trainers that can be employed individually or networked together to rehearse complete missions.
The simulator's flight deck supports training with night- vision goggles for comprehensive mission training.
"Boeing believes that in future, support to aircraft and crew will be a critical element of our partnership to support IAF's tactical and operational needs and to create a strong service infrastructure base in India,", Vice President, Boeing Training Systems and Government Services, Tim Noonan, was quoted as saying in a statement.
