• CAE to provide maintenance training and operator effects for Bell’s next-generation tiltrotor, the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft

Washington, DC. 09 January 2024 . CAE  announced that CAE Defense & Security is under contract with Bell Textron Inc. to support the U.S. Army Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program.

As a FLRAA team member, CAE will provide operator and maintenance training aids, devices, simulators, and simulations (TADSS), including advanced maintenance training systems and display and simulation effects for operator training. This initial contract award includes virtual prototyping and developing visual display systems and radio simulations for portable flight trainers.  Future efforts will provide the opportunity to develop and deliver a next-generation virtual maintenance training system (VMTS) and hardware-based maintenance trainers.

The U.S. Army selected Bell’s tiltrotor as the next-generation assault aircraft under the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) program. The aircraft offers unmatched maneuverability, reduced downtime, and elevated mission safety and is purpose-built to revolutionize the reach and effectiveness of each mission.

“The FVL program demonstrates the U.S. Army’s commitment to aviation modernization and providing transformational capabilities to support joint force operations and strengthen deterrence,” said Dan Gelston, Group President, CAE Defense & Security. “CAE is pleased to contribute decades of simulation expertise as a strategic partner with Bell and member of Team Valor to support the next generation of US Army aircraft and ensure mission readiness for future forces.”

“Operator and maintainer training are key aspects to ensuring FLRAA weapon system capabilities for our warfighters,” said Ryan Ehinger, Senior Vice President & Program Director for FLRAA at Bell. “We look forward to continuing to work with CAE as we support the Army in its critical efforts to modernize and increase the lethality of our nation’s soldiers.”

CAE and Bell announced their teaming on the Future Vertical Lift family of systems in 2021, with CAE agreeing to provide maintenance training devices, assist in the development of flight training devices, and deliver other training products, including courseware, Interactive Multimedia Instruction, and procedural training.