CAE USA today announced that the first full-motion MH-60R tactical operational flight trainer (TOFT) built by the company for the United States Navy has been declared ready-for-training and entered service at Naval Station Mayport near Jacksonville, Florida.

The MH-60R TOFT includes both an operational flight trainer (OFT) used to train pilots and co-pilots as well as a weapons tactics trainer (WTT) used to train sensor operators in the MH-60R Romeo helicopter. When networked and used in joint mode, they become an MH-60R TOFT to provide the Navy with a comprehensive training solution designed to provide a total aircrew mission training system.

The MH-60R TOFT now declared ready-for-training is the first full-motion MH-60R TOFT to be built by CAE for the Navy. It features a six degree-of-freedom CAE True(TM) electric motion system as well as motion seats to provide vibration and motion cueing for enhanced realism.

“We are pleased the Navy has declared the first CAE-built full-motion MH-60R tactical operational flight trainer ready for training on-time and on-schedule,” said John Lenyo, president and general manager, CAE USA. “The Navy now has put into service comprehensive MH-60R Romeo training systems from CAE that are helping pilots, rear crews, and maintenance personnel prepare for mission success.”

CAE USA is the prime contractor responsible for the design and manufacture of MH-60R TOFTs as well as MH-60R avionics maintenance trainers for the Navy. Previously, CAE USA had delivered two fixed-based MH-60R TOFTs to the Navy that are currently in-service at Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island and NAS Jacksonville. Last week, CAE USA was awarded a contract to design and manufacture four additional MH-60R TOFTs. CAE USA is also the prime contractor responsible for delivering a range of MH-60S Sierra training systems to the Navy.

The CAE True electric motion system is a state-of-the-art all-electric motion system that provides more accurate and authentic cues for pilot training and is more environmentally-friendly than hydraulic-based or hybrid electric-hydraulic motion systems. The CAE True electric motion system consumes less energy, requires less maintenance and reduces labor requirements, therefore decreasing overall simulator operating costs.

CAE is a world leader in providing simulation and modelling technologies and integrated training solutions for the civil aviation industry and defence forces around the globe. With annual revenues exceeding C$1.5 billion, CAE employs more than 7,500 people at more than 100 sites and training locations in more than 20 countries. We have the largest installed base of civil and military full-flight simulators and training devices. Through our global network of 30 civil aviation and military training centres, we train more than 80,000 crewmembers yearly. We also offer modelling and simulation software to various market segments and, through CAE’s professional services division, we assist customers with a wide range of simulation-based needs. www.cae.com

Commander , Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing US Atlantic Fleet Capt Carl Bush and Project Manager Lt.Comm Jeff Barnaby of the Naval Air Systems Command ceremonially cut the ribbon to the new CAE-built MH-60R tactical operational flight trainer (TOFT) that has entered service at US Naval Station Mayport