Fort Novosel, Alabama. 31 March 2025 .CAE announced that CAE Defense & Security has been awarded the competitive re-compete to support the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence (AVCOE) and the 110th Aviation Brigade under the Advanced Helicopter Flight Training Support (AHFTS) program. The award offers comprehensive training support for the U.S. Army’s advanced airframes, valued at approximately $180 million through 2030, including an initial base period and four one-year options.
The AHFTS program utilizes CAE Instructor Pilots, Maintenance Evaluators, and Non-Rated crewmembers to enhance flight training in support of approximately 900 Army aviators and foreign national students transitioning to the CH-47F, UH-60M, or AH-64E rotary wing aircraft annually. The contract award increases the number of Instructor Pilots (IPs) in the program, effectively doubling the number of UH-60 IPs, and includes options for further expanding support to accommodate an increase in training.
“CAE is committed to training excellence, ensuring that Army aviators are prepared for the arduous mission ahead,” said Merrill Stoddard, Division President, CAE Defense & Security, USA. “From high-fidelity simulation and advanced technologies to critical aircraft flight training, CAE is a trusted partner in the modern aviation journey, developing the skills and confidence pivotal to force readiness.”
Since 2021, CAE has provided classroom, simulator, and aircraft flight training support services for the AHFTS program, advancing Initial Entry Rotary-Wing aviators to the Army’s “go to war” aircraft. From Night Systems Gunnery in the AH-64E to Air Assault and Sling Load operations in the UH-60M and CH-47F, CAE remains dedicated to delivering the highest training standards.
CAE proudly supports the evolving needs of the U.S. Army Aviation Branch, from initial qualification to advanced simulator and aircraft flight training. Initial training at the CAE Dothan Training Center in Dothan, Alabama, prepares more than 600 U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force pilots annually through the U.S. Army Fixed-Wing Flight Training Service program. In addition to AHFTS at Fort Novosel, CAE supports Flight School Training Support Services (FSTSS), delivering full-flight simulators for the CH-47F and the UH-60M and software supporting reconfigurable collective training.
