Collins Opens First F-35 Pilot Readiness Center Outside US for Dutch Airmen

Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies business, has opened its first in-region facility for preparing F-35 aircraft pilots outside the U.S. to support the Royal Netherlands Air Force and international clients.

The F-35 Pilot Readiness Center at RNLAF’s Center for Man in Aviation in Soesterberg, The Netherlands, will provide Dutch airmen with helmet fitting, calibration, training and other field services to improve pilot and fleet readiness, Collins Aerospace said Thursday.

The facility will start initial operations in the summer of 2021 to support RNLAF’s 10 active F-35 fighters.

“The F-35 Pilot Readiness Center is a natural evolution of our state-of-the-art facilities in the Netherlands, ready to support the 5th generation warfighter for its recurring training, helmet fitting and calibration needs,” shared Lt. Gen. J.D. Luyt, RNLAF commander.

Lisa Steffen, vice president and general manager of avionics service and support at Collins Aerospace, noted that the readiness center’s offerings are intended to drive innovation and bring benefits for the F-35 community.

Collins Aerospace is the contractor for the F-35’s Gen III Helmet Mounted Display System.