A symbolic sod turning ceremony took place today at the future site of the Mission Training Centre (MTC) at 3 Wing Bagotville, Québec. The event marks the start of the construction of a new purpose-designed facility for the CF-18 Advanced Distributed Combat Training System (ADCTS), an important element of the overall CF-18 Modernization project.
Turning of the sod was jointly executed by the Wing Commander Colonel Y. Blondin and David Jurkowski, Vice-President, Government Relations and Business Development, Bombardier Military Aviation Training. Mr. Jurkowski also presented an artist's rendition of the MTC to Colonel Blondin.
"Bombardier is proud to introduce cutting-edge technology to Bagotville and Canada's fighter force," said Mr. Jurkowski. "Our highly experienced ADCTS team will bring a new and unique level of pilot training which contributes directly to Canada's operational capability."
" With the operational environment, the new simulators, network connected, will be indispensable tools to maximize our pilots' training for the new modernized CF-18. It will also allow us to train with other NATO partners around the globe and simulate combat situations that will not be necessarily possible during exercises, " said Colonel Yvan Blondin, 3 Wing Bagotville Commander.
Expected to be operational by the summer of 2006, the Bagotville Bombardier-built MTC will house two full mission trainers and four deployable part-task trainers. The Bombardier team will provide training to Canadian Forces CF-18 pilots in single and multi-aircraft tactical training and combat mission rehearsal scenario through leading-edge networking technologies. This sophisticated simulation system will allow Bagotville pilots to simultaneously interact with their colleagues flying CF18 flight simulators located in the 4 Wing Cold Lake ADCTS facilities, also constructed and operated by Bombardier Military Aviation Training. Cold Lake's MTC will be ready to commence operation in September 2005.
The ADCTS contract covers provision of simulation devices and comprehensive training services including tactical mission training, simulator support and maintenance, site operation and maintenance over the life of the program.
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For information:
David Jurkowski
Bombardier Military Aviation Training
(613) 863-1802
david.jurkowski@defence.bombardier.com
www.bombardier.com