- CAE USA will train C-130H pilots, navigators, flight engineers and loadmasters
- The program supports aircrews serving in the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard
- Contract work includes instruction, program management, sustainment and logistics
The U.S. Air Force has awarded CAE USA a $300 million competitive recompete contract to continue supporting the C-130 Hercules Aircrew Training System, or ATS, program, the Tampa, Florida-based company said Monday.
What Does the Air Force Contract Cover?
As prime contractor, CAE USA will continue to deliver training support for C-130H pilots, navigators, flight engineers and loadmasters, serving in the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard. The award also covers instruction, program management, sustainment and logistics. The company will help ensure the C-130H ATS keeps pace with evolving aircraft technologies by continuing modernization efforts and strengthening cybersecurity protections.
CAE currently supports the program with nine C-130H full-mission simulators and more than 45 aircrew training devices.
What Are the Details of the Contract?
CAE first won the C-130H training contract in 2018. The company is also one of 37 vendors selected for the Air Force’s Training Systems Acquisition IV vehicle, which covers the design, development, production and sustainment of training systems.
The recompete extends the company’s role for another nine years, with work expected to run through December 2035. The work will be performed at Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas, home to the Training Service Support Center and C-130H Formal Training Unit. CAE will also support training at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Georgia, Minneapolis Air National Guard Base in Minnesota, St. Joseph Air National Guard Base in Missouri and Wyoming Air National Guard Base.
The award follows other military aviation training contracts CAE received in previous years. In July, the company was awarded a $257.9 million deal by the Army to provide Bombardier Global 6500 pilot training. In 2025, CAE Defense & Security received a $180 million contract under the Advanced Helicopter Flight Training Support program to help bolster the program’s pool of instructor pilots.
