Defence Turkey:Could you please inform us about BAE’s ongoing training programmes in both local and global markets?

Steve Harris: We have a number of programmes where we are responsible for providing integrated training solutions to our customers around the globe. Our successful Hawk Advanced Jet trainer aircraft is often at the heart of our training offering. Hawk is providing potential future sales opportunities within the Middle East region and the United States
Defence Turkey:Mr. Camp, Could you please enlighten about us about general structure, the core capabilities, products and expertise in aircraft industry of Pacific Aerospace?

Damian Camp: Pacific Aerospace has been designing and manufacturing aircraft for over 60 years. Our specialty is durable aircraft that perform well in the most challenging operating environments around the world.

This includes the P-750 XSTOL, a 10 seat utility turbo-prop that operates off very short rough strips and carries a two tonne payload; through to the durable, piston-powered, fully aerobatic CT-4E military air trainer.

Our customers demand top performance, excellent reliability and low operating costs and include the United Nations World Food Program in Africa and Nepal, numerous humanitarian organizations in places like Papua New Guinea and Indonesia and the Royal Thai Air Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force.
Defence Turkey:Thanks to BAE Systems and Pacific Aerospace Limited cooperation in different projects, now it is known that you both have a great interest into Primary Trainer Aircraft project. First of all, could you please inform us about your mutual cooperation performed over the years?


Damian Camp: We have a strong relationship of more than 20 years with BAE Systems in Australia where the CT-4 is used for elementary flight training for the Royal Australian Air Force. More recently we have joined forces to target opportunities where the CT-4 is synergistic to the training solution being promoted by BAE Systems to the customer.

BAE Systems recognises the training capability of the CT4E, and our ability to produce a cost-effective, stable training platform that allows entry level military pilots to receive excellent basic flight training in an aircraft that is fully certified for aerobatic flight training (+6g to -3G).

The excellent performance and cost effectiveness of the CT-4 means that as part of a training solution the customer gets more for its money by having pilots spend more time in a less expensive high performing aircraft before the move to the next stage in the training regime.

The CT-4E effectively covers the full spectrum of ‘straight and level’ ab initio training through to more demanding aerobatic and formation flying. And because of its durable design and manufacture it can take the punishment that less experienced pilots often dish out.

Steve Harris: BAE Systems has been working with Pacific Aerospace Limited on other projects centered on the provision of suitable aircraft for the front end of pilot training pipelines and it was a natural progression, given the Turkish requirement for a Primary Trainer Aircraft, to continue this approach.

Defence Turkey:Could you please enlighten us about your activities in this project? How do you assess BAE Systems and Pacific Aerospace Limited`s position and competence within this project?

Steve Harris: At present, we have responded the Turkish Undersecretariat for Defence Industries `s Request For Information for this Primary Aircraft Trainer project with the Pacific CT-4E at the heart of the response. The CT-4E is a proven aircraft that meets all the essential requirements identified in the Request For Information and with BAE Systems` experience in the global market, both as a manufacturer and a training provider; we feel this is a powerful and credible combination.

Defence Turkey:Turkey has been a strategic and promising market for Global companies. What are your strategies and plans regarding cooperation, joint production, R&D activities in Turkey to strengthen collaboration with the Turkish Authorities and Defence Industry?

Steve Harris: Normally, such a project would attract a high degree of Industrial Participation and as the Prime Contractor BAE Systems would have been prepared to meet this requirement by working with Turkish industry. However, the Turkish Undersecretariat for Defence Industries has removed this option for the Primary Trainer Aircraft project although requirements for Research & Development and offset remain. The satisfaction of these latter requirements will undoubtedly cause us to seek collaborative activities with Turkish Industry.
Defence Turkey:Finally, would you like to add something and give a message to our readers?

Steve Harris: BAE Systems` training offerings are not necessarily about providing a unique piece of equipment or part of a solution – although this is an option. In a training environment, we prefer to provide the customer with a fully integrated solution to meet all their requirements. This solution, as proven in many projects, must meet the needs of the end-user – realistic and effective training and a high-quality output; and the needs of the programme – value for money, a through-life approach and low risk.

My personal experience of life in the Services is if you are not at war, then you are training for it. Typically, 90% or more of an air force’s sorties are spent training - so for all the right reasons, the training regime needs to be excellent – and excellence is what we aim to provide.