Boeing and Mahindra Defence Systems formally opened a centre in Gurgaon to provide C-17 training services to the Indian Air Force (IAF). Once fully operational, the new centre will be capable of conducting local and multi-site simulations for added realism and more robust training.

“The centre, in partnership with Mahindra Defence, 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,’” said Pratyush Kumar, President, Boeing India. “This demonstrates our commitment to provide reliable support and services for our customers throughout the lifecycle of a product.”

“We are delighted to partner with Boeing in this venture,” said S.P. Shukla, Group President, Aerospace & Defence Sector, and Chairman, Mahindra Defence Systems. “We have credible expertise in this specialised area of operations and training and we believe this joint endeavour will help deliver the objectives of the Government of India and the Indian Air Force of building capabilities indigenously.”

The C-17 training facility, which is located at the Flight Simulation Technique Centre in Gurgaon, will be a full-service location offering instruction to aircrews that operate the 10 C-17 airlifters that Boeing delivered to India in 2014.

The centre features a complete training solution for C-17 pilots and loadmasters with advanced simulation, courseware and computer-based training to practise the complete range of tasks required for military airlift operations and humanitarian missions, along with other scenarios such as aerial refuelling and emergency procedures.

The facility includes weapons systems and loadmaster station trainers that can be employed individually or networked together to rehearse complete missions. The simulator’s flight deck supports training with night vision goggles for comprehensive mission training.

“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,” said Tim Noonan, Vice President of Training Systems and Government Services. “C-17 operators from the IAF will benefit immensely from the full motion state-of-the-art simulator and associated courseware and computer-based training and provides a real world replication of any possible training scenario.”