Boeing [BA] and Mahindra Defence Systems formally opened a new C-17 training center to provide services to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Gurgaon, India, Boeing said July 8.
Located at the Flight Simulation Technique Center, the C-17 facility will be a full-service location that offers instruction to aircrews that operate the 10 C-17 airlifters Boeing delivered to India in 2014. When the center is fully operational it will be capable of conducting local and multi-site simulations for realism and robust training, the company said.
The center also includes C-17 pilot and loadmaster training systems including simulations, courseware, and computer-based training to practice the total range of tasks required for military airlift operations, humanitarian missions, aerial refueling, and emergency procedures, Boeing said.
“The center, in partnership with Mahindra Defense, is another example of the steps we are taking to contribute to the building of a holistic aerospace ecosystem in support of Make in India,” Pratyush Kumar, president, of Boeing’s India subsidiary, said in a statement
“We are delighted to partner with Boeing in this venture. We have credible expertise in this specialized area of operations and training and we believe this joint endeavor will help deliver the objectives of the government of India and the Indian Air Force of building capabilities indigenously,” S. P. Shukla, group president of the aerospace and defense sector as well as chairman of Mahindra Defence Systems, added.
The C-17 facility additionally includes weapon systems and loadmaster station trainers that can be used individually or networked together to rehearse complete missions. The simulator’s flight deck supports training with night vision goggles for comprehensive mission training, Boeing said.
“Boeing believes that in the coming future, support to aircraft and crews will be a critical element of our partnership to support the IAF’s tactical and operational needs and to create a strong services infrastructure base in India,” Tim Noonan, vice president of training systems and government services at Boeing, said in a statement.
The Make in India initiative encourages companies to invest in indigenous infrastructure and partner with Indian firms.
Boeing is helping Indian partners build a strong aerospace industrial base that is globally competitive. It is rapidly increasing its footprint and investing with companies that are helping create the indigenous aerospace and defense infrastructure and ecosystem envisioned through “Make in India.” In addition, the C-17 fleet has been a vital part of the Indian Air Force strategic airlift capability which has successfully conducted relief and humanitarian missions domestically and internationally.