Simulation systems company CAE is to update and maintain synthetic helicopter training systems for the New Zealand Defense Force.

The systems are the SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite helicopter full mission flight simulator and part task trainer, which the air force is obtaining as part of a deal for the purchase of 10 SH-2G(I) aircraft from Kaman Corporation.

Once the systems are delivered, CAE will also provide through-life support and maintenance services for the trainers for a period of 15 years.

"We are pleased to extend our relationship with the New Zealand Defense Force following contracts earlier this year in support of New Zealand's T-6C Pilot Training program and the establishment of CAE New Zealand Pty Ltd," said Peter Redman, vice president and general manager of CAE Oceania. "The entire CAE team is committed to the on-time delivery of world-class ground-based training systems and support services as we strive to become the partner of choice in New Zealand for simulation and training."

CAE said it will immediately start major updates and obsolescence management to the existing SH-2G(I) systems being acquired. Updates will be performed on the host computer, sensor systems, tactical environment and tactical environment and the instructor operator station.

As part of the update work, CAE will supply the company's Medallion-6000 image generator and common database architecture.

The SH-2G(I) synthetic training devices will be delivered to RNZAF Base Auckland in 2015.

CAE is headquartered in Canada.