ABU DHABI — Canadian training giant CAE has joined forces with helicopter modifier Northstar Aviation to jointly develop training solutions for the Abu Dhabi-based company's potent little NSA 407 multirole machine.
The two companies announced a collaboration agreement at the IDEX show in Abu Dhabi to develop a comprehensive training solution including simulators and other devices for the modified Bell Helicopter's commercial 407GX machine
The military makeover results in a low price machine able to undertake light attack, close air support and ISR roles.
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The NSA 407 has already been purchased by the United Arab Emirates with 11 machines delivered from the locally owned Northstar concern, and there is a further 19 still to be handed over.
CAE is a bidder in a UAE Joint Aviation Command (JAC) run competition to supply a synthetic training solution for the NSA 407s, with a decision expected soon.
The JAC is also running a separate training competition for the Sikorsky UH-60, another recent addition to its helicopter capabilities.
The Arabian Gulf state has already received taken delivery of 11 machines from the locally owned Northstar concern with a further 19 still to come.
Northstar handles initial work on the helicopter in the US and ships the machines to the UAE for fitting out with military hardware.
The resulting helicopter is capable of carrying Hellfire missiles, .50-cal GAU-19 machine guns, the 7.62mm M134 minigun and rockets alongside a FLIR Systems EO/IR sensor, a laser designator and other sensors.
Email: achuter@defensenews.com
Andrew Chuter is the United Kingdom correspondent for Defense News.
