Upgraded MH-60S operational flight trainer for United States Navy re-enters service at NAS North Island

CAE USA today announced that the United States Navy has declared an updated MH-60S "Sierra" operational flight trainer (OFT) as ready-for-training at Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island near San Diego, California.

This MH-60S OFT, originally manufactured by Lockheed Martin, was completely upgraded by CAE to add new technologies and ensure concurrency with other MH-60S training devices as well as the operational MH-60S helicopters. 

"We were able to complete this major technology refresh on the original MH-60S operational flight trainer on-schedule while working closely with the Navy to ensure minimal training downtime," said John Lenyo, President and General Manager, CAE USA.  "CAE is very proud of the partnership we have established with the Navy on both the MH-60S and MH-60R training programs, and will continue to leverage our experience and world-class simulation technologies to help the Navy lower risk, reduce costs and most importantly, prepare helicopter aircrews for mission success."

The technology refresh and updates to the fixed-based MH-60S OFT included the addition of motion seats, upgraded image generator visual system, and a new Barco CD2260 visual display system.  CAE also performed significant engineering updates to re-architect the hardware and software computing designs to bring this MH-60S OFT to a common architecture with the Navy's suite of CAE-built MH-60S training devices.

CAE is currently the prime contractor responsible for the design and manufacture of MH-60S OFTs and weapons tactics trainers (WTTs), as well as MH-60R tactical operational flight trainers (TOFTs), for the U.S. Navy. CAE began work on the MH-60S training program in June 2004. At that time, CAE won a competitive procurement to design and manufacture MH-60S OFTs and WTTs. Prior to CAE's involvement on the MH-60S training program, the Navy had already procured two MH-60S OFTs, including the first MH-60S OFT that CAE has now updated.  Since June 2004, CAE has designed and manufactured seven additional MH-60S OFTs as well as five MH-60S WTTs for the U.S. Navy. 

CAE is a global leader in modelling, simulation and training for civil aviation and defence. The company employs approximately 8,000 people at more than 100 sites and training locations in approximately 30 countries. CAE offers civil aviation, military and helicopter training services in more than 45 locations worldwide and trains approximately 100,000 crew members yearly. In addition, the CAE Oxford Aviation Academy offers training to aspiring pilot cadets in 11 CAE-operated flight schools. CAE's business is diversified, ranging from the sale of simulation products to providing comprehensive services such as training and aviation services, integrated enterprise solutions, in-service support and crew sourcing. The company applies simulation expertise and operational experience to help customers enhance safety, improve efficiency, maintain readiness and solve challenging problems. CAE is now leveraging its simulation capabilities in new markets such as healthcare and mining. More information can be found at www.cae.com.

A photo of the MH-60S operational flight trainer is available on www.cae.com/photos 

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CAE contacts:

Nathalie Bourque, Vice President, Public Affairs and Global Communications, (514) 734-5788
[email protected]

Trade media:  Chris Stellwag,  Director, Marketing Communications - Military, (813) 887-1242
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Investor relations: Andrew Arnovitz, Vice President, Investor Relations and Strategy, (514) 734-5760
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