UAE troops learn the ropes of handling unmanned aircraft

Abu Dhabi - The CAE provides fully flight-rated instructors, as well as a range of training aids.

The UAE Air Force troops are on their way to becoming expert pilots and operators of remotely controlled aircraft, thanks to the rigorous training provided by a Canada-based system integrator, CAE.

The CAE - which is showcasing some of its latest simulation and training systems at the International Defence Exhibition (Idex) in Abu Dhabi - has been working with the country's air force team for the last three years.

It has been training the RQ-1E crew in handling remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) systems. The troops have already completed several courses and they are set to undergo further training.

With unmanned vehicles, vessels and fighter planes redefining today's combat operations, getting the right training to operate such new technologies has become indispensable, a CAE official told Khaleej Times on the third day of Idex.

"RPA systems have become a critical asset for modern combat operations, and they require highly skilled aircrews. The CAE is honoured that the UAE Air Force selected us to develop and deliver a comprehensive training programme for their remotely piloted aircraft," said Ian Bell, vice-president and general manager, CAE Middle East and Asia-Pacific.

"We are pleased to contribute to the training and proficiency of UAE Air Force and Air Defence personnel who are on their way to becoming full-fledged remote aircraft pilots and sensor operators."

The company established an integrated training solution in 2016. Since May 2017, when a contract was signed with the UAE Air Force, the RQ-1E team has already completed two full courses, with a third one under way.

As part of the comprehensive training solution, the country's aircrew have been learning everything they needed to know about the high-tech aircraft - from the theories and science behind them, to the different types of unmanned systems, and the operational concepts that make them work. They also get hands-on sessions where they get to sit in simulators and undergo live flying training.

The CAE provides fully flight-rated instructors, as well as a range of training aids. In conjunction with the Khalifa Bin Zayed Air College, CAE also conducts an RPA fundamentals course in Al Ain. Two full courses have already been completed so far. A third course will begin in May as the UAE is looking to ultimately dual-qualify its RPA crews in both pilot and operator roles, with the aim of eventually moving to single-operator missions.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com