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RAAF opens state-of-the-art P-8A Poseidon training centre

written by australianaviation.com.au | August 19, 2018

The P-8A full-scale ordnance trainer. (Defence)

A new $470 million training facility for the RAAF’s new Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft has officially opened.

The RAAF Base Edinburgh facility was formally opened by Minister for Defence Senator Marise Payne and the Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne on August 17.

It includes two flight simulators, a full-scale fuselage ordnance trainer, two air combat officer trainers, and other synthetic and hands-on training devices, and is the largest P-8 training facility outside of the US.

he two P-8A full flight simulators. (Defence)

“The facility will deliver over 39 separate training courses which will minimise training demands on the P-8A Poseidon aircraft, reducing aircraft fatigue, increasing safety and improving availability for higher priority tasking,” Minister Payne said in a statement.

“The training system will be maintained and supported by Boeing Defence Australia, creating up to 30 jobs,” Minister Pyne said.

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“The project is part of a broader Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance hub being developed at RAAF Base Edinburgh.”

Aircrew utilise the Operational Flight Trainer. (Defence)

Boeing Defence Australia vice president and managing director Darren Edwards said, “We are incredibly proud of the comprehensive training solution we have installed to support Australia’s new maritime surveillance capability.

“Using virtual training environments, the men and women operating and maintaining the P-8A Poseidon can realistically rehearse for complex missions at a fraction of the cost of live aircraft training.”

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Comments (6)

  • B. Harrison

    says:

    Any chance of having a turn in that kick ass simulator?

  • Chris

    says:

    I guess the RNZAF will be using the facility when the RNZAF 4 P8’s are delivered from 2023 onwards.

  • TwinTiger

    says:

    Great new training asset for all the right reasons.
    I expect that the Government can recover some of the costs by leasing its use to other regional and potential users of the P-8A as well … New Zealand, Singapore, India … (UK?)

  • Brent

    says:

    Nice looking toolboards!

  • M

    says:

    I remember in 1984 doing poolies before starting my rookies course, polishing floors in the AP-3C sim (or P-3C-II as it was then known) the CO, came up to me looking longingly at the sim, and offered me a ride. We flew into Hong Kong Kai Tak at night (the sim quality was pretty good for night flights). What a buzz, it planted a seed that continues today, I flew countless hours in them throughout my career and many other since

  • PAUL

    says:

    Nice thought guys but the RNZAF Package includes: 2x Mobile Tactical Operations centres. 1x Flight simulator 1x Weapons tactics simulator & 1x Virtual maintenance trainer, but i’m sure collaboration will be rife 🙂

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