Eurofighter bags $1bn aircrew synthetic training system deal

Eurofighter has signed a DM2.1 billion ($1billion) contract to supply the Aircrew Synthetic Training Aids (ASTA) system to Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK.

The contract covers the design, development and production of 18 full-mission simulators (FMS), nine cockpit trainers/interactive pilot stations-enhanced (CT/IPS-E) and other devices. Also included is the provision of simulator buildings and in-service support for an initial five years.

The four-nation ESS consortium will be responsible for development and production. ESS is based at EADS Germany's site at Ottobrunn.

First CT/IPS-E deliveries are scheduled for March 2004 followed by the initial FMS12 months later.

The latter will allow flight and operational training, including the simulated use of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, as well as electronic warfare systems.

It will also provide scenarios covering day-or- night, all-weather training in a range of multi-threat environments.

Source: Flight International