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Australian Army personnel have commenced a UAS piloting course delivered by the Brisbane-based defence contractor.
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An inaugural cohort of 12 students from the Australian Army have officially commenced the Integrator Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) Pilot Course at Insitu Pacific’s training facility in Brisbane.
The nine-week course involves a theoretical component and simulator pilot exercises, concluding with practical Integrator flight training at Insitu Pacific’s flight training and testing airfield at Coominya.
Delivery of UAS training forms part of the company’s responsibilities under the Commonwealth government’s LAND 129 Phase 3 project.
In March, the wholly owned Boeing subsidiary secured a contract to supply 24 “Integrator” tactical UAS platforms to the Australian Army.
The acquisition and initial contract period with Insitu Pacific are estimated to be worth approximately $307 million.
The contract also includes the delivery of associated ground systems and prime systems integrator services.
Andrew Duggan, managing director, Insitu Pacific said the commencement of the inaugural pilot course was an important project milestone.
“Our fully-fledged training capability has been in operation for over 10 years and is geared to deliver proficient, hands-on training to ensure the Army is ready to operate the aircraft system from day one,” he said.
“It’s fantastic to have Army back in our facility and training on our proven Integrator platform as we mobilise the program with our Australian suppliers to bring Integrator into service.”
Duggan went on to highlight the qualifications of training instructors.
“Many of our instructors, who are also veterans, have flown Insitu systems in areas of operation over the years and are fully qualified and experienced in delivering technical training, and the contract with Army has also contributed to a recent growth in our training team to meet the increasing demand,” he added.
Andrew McKinnon, PMO director of the Navy and Army Aviation Acquisition Program Office, said the course was a “significant step” for the Australian Army’s tactical UAS capability.
“This training will provide the soldiers of 20 Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, with the technical skills needed to successfully operate Army’s Future Tactical Uncrewed Aerial System,” McKinnon said.
In addition to delivering pilot training, Insitu Pacific is expected to offer maintainer courses periodically over the next five years.
[Related: Insitu Pacific secures major LAND 129 Phase 3 order ]
