Lockheed Martin Australia has delivered the first of two new flight training devices to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) at RAAF Base Pearce in Western Australia, marking a milestone in the Defence Department’s AIR5428 Phase 1 Pilot Training System. The program aims to expand and modernise Australia’s military pilot training capacity to meet future operational requirements.
The newly delivered simulator replicates the Pilatus PC-21 aircraft and is designed to match its cockpit layout, performance, and handling characteristics. The system provides a high-fidelity environment for trainee pilots to develop flight skills in a realistic but controlled setting. A second device is scheduled for delivery as part of the same initiative.
Lockheed Martin Australia serves as Defence’s strategic partner on the AIR5428 Phase 1 program, which integrates classroom instruction, flight simulation, and in-aircraft training into a single system. The company said the delivery was completed on schedule and within budget.
Peter Ashworth, Director of Global Training Systems at Lockheed Martin Australia, said the devices will support Defence’s goal of maintaining readiness and increasing pilot throughput. He added that local industry providers would be engaged for ongoing support and maintenance, contributing to skills development and regional industry participation.
Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand Chief Executive Warren McDonald said the collaboration with Pilatus and Jet Aviation supports an integrated training framework intended to prepare pilots for contemporary and future mission demands. He said the project aligns with the objectives of Australia’s National Defence Strategy, which emphasises capability growth through partnership with industry.
