This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin.

Lockheed Martin Advances to Phase III of Army Flight School Next, Taps Robinson R66 NxG

Lockheed Martin announced on February 4, 2026, that it has successfully advanced to Phase III of the U.S. Army’s Flight School Next (FSN) competition. As part of its bid to become the prime contractor for the Army’s Initial Entry Rotary-Wing (IERW) Training program, the company has selected the Robinson R66 NxG helicopter as its primary training platform.

According to the company’s official statement, the bid positions Lockheed Martin as a “prime training systems integrator.” The proposal combines the commercially proven Robinson airframe with Lockheed’s proprietary simulation and training management technologies. The FSN program aims to replace the Army’s current fleet of twin-engine UH-72 Lakotas with a more cost-effective, contractor-owned solution.

The “NxG” Platform and Training System

Lockheed Martin’s proposal relies on the Robinson R66 NxG (“Next Generation”), a modern iteration of the standard turbine helicopter. While the airframe is supplied by Robinson Helicopter Company, Lockheed Martin would serve as the prime contractor responsible for the entire training enterprise, including the syllabus, logistics, and instruction.

The R66 NxG features the Rolls-Royce RR300 turbine engine, which Lockheed Martin highlights for its reliability and lower operating costs compared to the current twin-engine training fleet. Key upgrades for the “NxG” configuration include:

• Glass Cockpit: Standard Garmin G500H TXi touchscreen flight displays and GTN 750Xi navigators to prepare students for digital military cockpits.
• Safety Enhancements: A crashworthy fuel system, impact-resistant polycarbonate windshield, and cockpit video/audio recording for debriefing.
• Climate Control: Standard air conditioning, a critical requirement for operations at Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker), Alabama.

David Smith, President and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company, emphasized the domestic roots of the platform in the press release:

“Our selection of Robinson brings a safe, proven and innovative platform to the table… The R66 offers a modern, American-made solution.”

Integration with Advanced Simulation

Beyond the hardware, Lockheed Martin is pitching a “Turnkey Training System” that leverages its “21st Century Security” vision. The company states that its solution incorporates advanced modeling and simulation to streamline pilot production.

Specific technologies cited in the announcement include LM-LIFT™, a data-driven learning management system designed to track student performance, and TRAESER™, a “digital twin” of the flight school. These systems are intended to optimize aircraft maintenance scheduling and resource allocation to ensure the high throughput required by the Army.

Todd Morar, VP of Air and Commercial Solutions at Lockheed Martin, stated:

“For years we have been refining a comprehensive solution that aligns with the Army’s vision for a modern, affordable and high-quality training pipeline that will produce fundamentally better aviators.”

Program Context and Competitive Landscape

The Flight School Next program represents a significant shift in the Army’s training philosophy. By moving to a Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated (COCO) model, the Army seeks to purchase “training services” rather than owning the aircraft and facilities directly. The program requires the training of 900 to 1,500 pilots annually over a 26-year period of performance.

While Lockheed Martin’s press release focuses on its own advancement, broader industry context indicates a competitive field. The program aims to replace the UH-72 Lakota to reduce operating costs while modernizing the curriculum. A final contract award is expected by September 30, 2026.

AirPro News Analysis

Lockheed Martin’s advancement to Phase III highlights a strategic divergence in the competition. By branding the aircraft as the “R66 NxG,” Lockheed appears to be differentiating its offering from competitors who may be pitching the standard R66 airframe. The “NxG” designation likely serves to emphasize the integration of Lockheed’s high-tech simulation ecosystem with the airframe, framing the helicopter as a component of a larger “system” rather than a standalone commodity.

Furthermore, the shift back to a single-engine trainer for initial entry students suggests the Army is prioritizing cost-efficiency and fundamental “stick and rudder” skills. Lockheed’s emphasis on its global experience, citing similar military flight school programs in the UK, Australia, and Singapore, suggests it is banking on its reputation as a large-scale logistics and systems manager to win the contract over service-focused or OEMs-focused rivals.

Sources

Sources: Lockheed Martin Press Release

CAE to Deliver First “Breakthrough” Simulator for Eve Air Mobility Pilots

At the Singapore Airshow on February 4, 2026, CAE announced a significant milestone in the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) sector. The training technology giant confirmed it will deliver the first CAE 3000 Series full-flight simulator (FFS) to Embraer-CAE Training Services (ECTS). This device is specifically designated to train the “first wave” of pilots for Eve Air Mobility, Embraer’s eVTOL subsidiary, ahead of the aircraft’s planned entry into service in 2027.

According to the company’s official statement, this delivery represents a critical step in establishing the infrastructure required to operate urban air mobility (UAM) networks safely. The simulator will be used not only for pilot training but also to support the certification of Eve’s aircraft, leveraging high-fidelity visuals to replicate complex urban environments.

Gaming-Grade Visuals for Urban Flight

The core of this announcement centers on the technological capabilities of the CAE 3000 Series simulator. CAE describes the device as a “breakthrough” due to its integration of the CAE Prodigy™ Visual System, which is powered by Epic Games’ Unreal Engine. While traditional flight simulators often prioritize high-altitude terrain rendering, this new system is optimized for the unique challenges of low-altitude urban flight.

In its press release, CAE highlighted the necessity of this visual fidelity for eVTOL operations:

“The system brings high-fidelity, gaming-grade graphics to professional aviation training, allowing for the ultra-realistic simulation of dense urban environments.”

The simulator is designed to render thousands of dynamic entities simultaneously, including pedestrians, ground traffic, and drones. This level of detail is essential for pilots who will be navigating congested city centers and landing on vertiports surrounded by skyscrapers. The system also features physics-based lighting to simulate realistic shadows and variable weather conditions in “urban canyons,” providing critical visual cues for vertical landings.

Strategic Timeline and The “First Wave”

The delivery of this simulator is timed to align with Eve Air Mobility’s commercial roadmap. With an entry-into-service target of 2027, the industry faces a tight schedule to qualify the initial cadre of aviators. Embraer-CAE Training Services (ECTS), a joint venture established in 2007 and expanded to include Eve in 2024, will operate the device.

According to data released by Eve Air Mobility, the company holds Letters of Intent (LOI) for approximately 2,900 aircraft. This substantial backlog suggests a future requirement for thousands of qualified pilots. The initial training phase will focus on test pilots, instructor pilots, and the launch operators responsible for the aircraft’s debut.

While the specific location for this first simulator unit was not disclosed in the announcement, ECTS currently operates major training hubs in São Paulo, Dallas, and London (Burgess Hill).

AirPro News Analysis: Solving the Pilot Bottleneck

We view this announcement as a pivotal moment for the eVTOL industry, shifting the focus from aircraft prototyping to operational readiness. One of the most significant hurdles facing the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector is the potential shortage of qualified pilots. By deploying a Level D-capable full-flight simulator, the highest standard of realism in aviation, CAE and Eve are addressing this bottleneck directly.

Furthermore, the use of such high-fidelity simulation for certification purposes signals a mature approach to regulatory compliance. By validating the aircraft and training pilots in a virtual environment that can simulate “edge cases”, such as sudden wind gusts between buildings or rogue drones, the partners are likely aiming to build confidence with regulators like ANAC in Brazil and the FAA in the United States.

Sources

Sources: CAE Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from CAE and Cebu Pacific.

At the Singapore Airshow 2026, Cebu Pacific (CEB) and CAE announced a significant extension of their long-standing pilot training partnership. The renewed agreement secures training services for the airline’s Airbus A320 fleet through the year 2037, alongside a long-term extension for its ATR 72-600 fleet. This move underscores the Philippine carrier’s strategy to lock in essential operational resources amidst a period of aggressive fleet expansion.

The agreement ensures that Cebu Pacific’s pilots will continue to train at CAE Philippines, a joint venture facility located in the Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga. By securing local, high-fidelity training capacity for the next decade and beyond, the airline aims to support its growing order book and maintain rigorous safety standards.

Securing Long-Term Operational Stability

According to the joint announcement, the extended contract covers the entirety of Cebu Pacific’s narrowbody and regional operations. The specific extension of the Airbus A320 training services until 2037 represents a substantial commitment, aligning the training pipeline with the lifespan of the aircraft currently entering the fleet.

Javier Massot, Chief Operations Officer at Cebu Pacific, emphasized the critical nature of this partnership for the airline’s future.

“Extending our training services agreements with CAE underscores Cebu Pacific’s commitment to safety, operational excellence, and long-term growth. As we continue to expand our fleet and network, it is critical that we invest in world-class pilot training to support a strong and sustainable pipeline of aviation professionals.”

, Javier Massot, Chief Operations Officer, Cebu Pacific

In addition to the A320 extension, the agreement prolongs the training services for the ATR 72-600 fleet, which is vital for the carrier’s inter-island connectivity across the Philippines.

Infrastructure and Fleet Expansion

The training will continue to take place at the CAE Philippines facility in Clark, which was established as a joint venture between the two companies in 2011. The center currently houses three Airbus A320 Full-Flight Simulators (FFS) and one ATR 72-600 FFS.

To accommodate Cebu Pacific’s shift toward larger aircraft for high-density and long-haul routes, the facility is also preparing for an upgrade. As previously announced, a new Airbus A330neo Full-Flight Simulator is scheduled to be operational at the center by December 2026. This addition will be the first widebody simulator at the site, allowing the airline to consolidate training for its entire fleet within the Philippines.

Alexandre Prévost, Division President, Civil Aviation at CAE, noted the importance of the renewed collaboration.

“The renewal of these agreements reflects the strength of our partnership with Cebu Pacific. We are proud to support Cebu Pacific’s expanding operations and to extend our partnership by delivering high-fidelity training solutions that prepare their pilots for safe and successful careers.”

, Alexandre Prévost, Division President, Civil Aviation, CAE

AirPro News Analysis: The Strategic Context

We view this extension as a necessary defensive measure in an increasingly competitive labor market. With Cebu Pacific finalizing a historic order for up to 152 Airbus A321neo aircraft in late 2024, the physical hardware is secured, but the human capital required to operate it remains a bottleneck.

According to CAE’s own 2025 Aviation Talent Forecast, the Asia-Pacific region is projected to require approximately 98,000 new commercial pilots over the next decade. By locking in simulator capacity through 2037, Cebu Pacific is insulating itself from potential training capacity shortages that could plague the region as other carriers ramp up operations.

Furthermore, the localization of training in Clark offers a distinct cost advantage. It eliminates the logistical complexity and expense of sending crews abroad for recurrent training, thereby lowering the unit cost of operation, a critical metric for a low-cost carrier.

Sources

• CAE Press Release