A Boeing P-8A Poseidon flying alongside a Lockheed P-3C Orion. Credit: US Navy / Liz Goettee.

The US Navy has awarded a contract for an update to the courseware and software used by the service’s P-8A Poseidon aircraft training system.

Valued at $194m, the contract has been awarded to Boeing for a period of four years.

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Under the deal, the company will be responsible for modernising and upgrading devices at three locations for the US Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

The courseware and software upgrade will provide the latest configuration of the P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft.

“The P-8A training system enables operators to train and prepare for a wide range of missions while reducing flight hours for the aircraft and fuel costs associated with in-flight training.”

Boeing Global Services US Navy and Marine Corps Services vice-president retired admiral Pat Walsh said: “With increasing demand for realistic training that is concurrent and affordable, the P-8A training system gives pilots, aircrews and maintainers the most immersive environment at a fraction of the cost to train in a P-8A.

“Boeing is proud to provide a high-fidelity experience that offers a seamless transition from classroom to aircraft.”

Developed by Boeing, the comprehensive training system is designed to provide training to both pilots and crew members of the aircraft.

The new aircrew training solution includes courseware, classrooms, part-task trainers and full-fidelity simulators for pilots and mission crew.

The maintenance training solution includes courseware, classrooms, hardware and virtual maintenance simulators that help support all US Navy maintenance certifications.

The P-8A training system enables operators to train and prepare for a wide range of missions while reducing flight hours for the aircraft and fuel costs associated with in-flight training.