24 mai 2019 | International, Aérospatial

French Air Force introduces new UAV pilot training scheme

Frédéric Lert, Bordeaux - Jane's Defence Weekly

The French Air Force is ramping up the recruitment and training of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) crews to cope with the service's expanding air vehicle inventory.

While the 1/33 Belfort UAV squadron currently flies five GA-ASI MQ-9 Reaper medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAVs using 20 qualified crews (with each crew consisting of a pilot, sensor operator, tactical co-ordinator and image analyst), the plan is to have 24 MALE UAVs operational by 2030, generating a requirement for 80 to 100 crews.

The greatest urgency is to train the pilots to cope with this expansion, so the air force is introducing a new course into its flying schools alongside those already existing for fighters, transport aircraft and helicopters.

The first phase of training will fall under the responsibility of the Centre d'excellence drone (CED) in Salon de Provence, southern France. The CED, which until now was more oriented towards research, thus sees its mission considerably evolve. During this phase the students will fly Cirrus light aircraft and receive some specific training, especially in relation to instrument flight rules (IFR).

The second phase will then take the student pilots to the air force flying school in Cognac, where they will improve their piloting skills on the Grob 120 basic trainer. They will then move on to the UAV Operational Conversion Squadron (Escadron de Transformation Opérationnelle Drone - ETOD) and the 1/33 Belfort to acquire the particular tactical know-how required to operate the Reapers.

https://www.janes.com/article/88729/french-air-force-introduces-new-uav-pilot-training-scheme

Sur le même sujet

  • Navy's powerful aerial jamming pod moves to next phase

    30 juin 2021 | International, Naval

    Navy's powerful aerial jamming pod moves to next phase

    The jammer is the Navy's premier aerial electronic attack platform that will replace the ALQ-99 jamming pod and be mounted aboard EA-18 Growler aircraft.

  • Italy places order for up to 24 Eurofighter Typhoon jets

    25 décembre 2024 | International, Aérospatial

    Italy places order for up to 24 Eurofighter Typhoon jets

    The new Italian Eurofighter Typhoon jets will replace Italian Tranche 1 versions that are currently in service. 

  • Acorn Growth Companies Acquires Robbins-Gioia

    5 août 2019 | International, Aérospatial, C4ISR

    Acorn Growth Companies Acquires Robbins-Gioia

    OKLAHOMA CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Acorn Growth Companies, a private equity firm investing exclusively in aerospace, defense and intelligence, announced today the investment and controlling interest in Robbins-Gioia, a market leader in providing unique systems modernization and enterprise solutions focused on enhancing capabilities and improving performance and readiness for the federal government and industry. “Our investment in Robbins-Gioia represents our ongoing commitment in supporting the nation's requirements to modernize, streamline and secure its information technology architecture,” said Rick Nagel, managing partner of Acorn Growth Companies. “Robbins-Gioia's expertise in complex, enterprise-wide systems modernization, as well as the deeply embedded nature of its proprietary software products in critical military MRO systems have positioned the company for strong future growth. As the federal government continues to focus on systems modernization and warfighter readiness, we expect Robbins-Gioia will continue to deliver thought leadership and innovative solutions in support of these missions.” Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, Robbins-Gioia was the first firm to specialize in systems modernization solutions for the federal government and industry – transforming how they deliver and maintain readiness. The firm has evolved to be globally recognized for delivering purpose-built solutions to diverse challenges in business and government that modernize, secure and make its information technology architecture more efficient and effective through managed services, management consulting and innovative software tools, including The Jaguar Family of Advanced Scheduling Tools (JFAST™). JFAST is Robbins-Gioia 's premier suite of software tools for planning, analysis and management of complex, mission-critical activities for defense organizations. Robbins-Gioia enables the readiness of some of the nation's most critical military assets – keeping aircraft flying and ships sailing, using its JFAST scheduling systems. “We're excited to be partnered with Acorn Growth Companies,” said Brad King, CEO of Robbins-Gioia. “Acorn has a strong track record of success investing in and enabling the growth of companies within aerospace, defense and intelligence. With its tremendous network and planned investments in our people, processes and products, we see this partnership with Acorn as a key driver in the achievement of our vision to be the leader in delivering modernization and transformation for the federal government and similarly complex enterprises.” Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. About Robbins-Gioia Founded in 1980, Robbins-Gioia was the first firm specializing in program management services for the federal government. Today, they are the market leader in providing unique systems modernization and enterprise solutions focused on enhancing capabilities and improving performance and readiness for the federal government and industry. They deliver purpose-built solutions to diverse challenges in business and government through managed services, management consulting and software tools including JFAST™, RG's premier suite of software tools for planning, analysis, and management of complex, mission-critical activities for defense organizations. www.teamrg.com Acorn Growth Companies is a middle market private equity firm focused exclusively on Aerospace, Defense and Intelligence. Acorn invests solely in operating companies that strive to enhance global mobility and protect national interests. Acorn has a formidable reputation in the industry and is recognized for its deep understanding of the aerospace & defense markets, with proprietary access to the best companies within these sectors. With operational expertise and its ability to lead and manage investments through variable economic and industry cycles, Acorn works in tandem with management to build its portfolio companies into significant market leaders. AcornGrowthCompanies.com https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190805005409/en

Toutes les nouvelles