Lockheed Martin achieved a key milestone in the Republic of Singapore Air Force's Basic Wings Course (BWC) flight training program with a successful first flight of a specially-configured Pilatus PC-21 aircraft.

"This first flight demonstrates that we are on schedule to provide the Republic of Singapore Air Force with training that addresses its requirement for the highest quality, end-to-end basic flight course program," said Dale Bennett, president of Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training & Support. "Leveraging existing and evolving training technologies, we are working to optimize our customer's proficiency in operating current and future aircraft as well as complex systems critical to their mission success."

The Singapore Defence Science and Technology Agency in November 2006 awarded Lockheed Martin a 20-year contract to support the Basic Wings Course, with training to commence in June 2008. The PC-21 first flight took place in Stans, Switzerland in Jan.

"We are working diligently with the Republic of Singapore Air Force to develop a world-class, total training system that will prepare their pilots to fly today's aircraft as well as next generation aircraft," said Lorraine Martin, vice president of Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training & Support Flight Solutions.

As the BWC training systems integrator, Lockheed Martin's role is to provide aircraft, maintenance, simulators, courseware and simulator instructors to the Republic of Singapore's 130 Squadron at Royal Australian Air Force Base Pearce, north of Perth in Western Australia. Lockheed Martin also provides ground school instructors in Singapore's Air Force School.

BWC allows the squadron to primarily concentrate on high-quality flight instruction. Switzerland-based Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. will deliver the advanced PC-21 turboprop trainer and logistics support, while Hawker Pacific Ltd. will provide maintenance support.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin