Training systems integrator CAE has announced the launch of a new flight training device (FTD) family aimed at military helicopters. The CAE 700MR Series is based on the 3000MR Series full-mission simulator, but employs a fixed base instead of full-motion platform. However, to present a measure of physical reality the FTD is fitted with dynamic seats that give some sensation of vibration and motion cueing.
It features an extreme field-of-view visual system that employs CAE’s Medallion-6000XR image generator and supports Open Geospatial Consortium Common Database (OGC CDB) to enhance interoperability and mission rehearsal capabilities. The simulation architecture allows the 700MR Series to be integrated into LVC (live, virtual, constructive) networks for enhanced training, including advanced computer-generated forces to generate realistic tactical synthetic environments. Helicopter-specific tasks such as deck landing and confined-area operations are included.
CAE’s 700MR Series is a refinement of FTDs that were ordered by the UK MoD in 2015 and 2016. The first contract covers two FTDs for the Merlin Mk 4 to be delivered to the Royal Navy in 2015, and the second covers seven FTDs for the Airbus Helicopters H135/145 for the military flying training system (MFTS) to be delivered next year.
German Navy Support
CAE has a long pedigree in rotary-wing training systems, and is currently bidding to provide a comprehensive training system for the German Navy’s NFH 90 Sea Lion helicopters at Nordholz. The system is due to enter service after the arrival of the first of 18 helicopters, scheduled for late 2019. In the interim, training will be conducted at the German army’s NH 90 training center at Bückeburg, although this is tailored for the land-based version. Italy’s NFH naval version trainer could also be used.
An NFH 90 training system is scheduled to be in service around 2021. Initial operating capability (IOC) in the search-and-rescue role for the Sea Lion is expected in 2023, which is the planned out-of-service date for the Sea King Mk 41. CAE is proposing a comprehensive training system similar to that it is supplying to Qatar. Included is a full-mission simulator, rear crew trainer, and devices for winch and door-gunner training.
CAE has been active at Nordholz since the mid-1970s, initially providing an IFR trainer for the Sea King. Since then it has provided simulators and related training devices for the Lynx and P-3 Orion. The P-3 systems include an operational flight trainer and a sophisticated rear crew trainer with a physical replication of the entire P-3 cabin, complete with all sensor operator/tactical co-ordinator stations. The system has received a major upgrade with OGC CDB common database and Medallion image generator, as has the Lynx simulator. In May 2017, CAE completed a major update of the Sea King simulator with similar new technologies.
For the German navy, the simulators and other training aids are vital to maintaining training and operational support capacity. The small Marineflieger inventory operates at a high operational tempo with aging aircraft, and often there are no aircraft available for training. The simulators are also invaluable for preparing crews for operational deployments, such as the P-3 detachment to Djibouti. Linking the operational flight trainer and rear-crew trainer allows for full-crew training and mission rehearsal.
Integrated Training Systems
CAE has undergone a metamorphosis from a supplier of training aids to a training systems integrator, able to design, provide, service and staff comprehensive training systems that integrate live, virtual and constructive elements.
With air arms facing increasing pressures on personnel and equipment availability for training, the outsourcing of all or elements of the training program to contractors is gathering pace. Governments and air arms are also becoming increasingly comfortable with employing simulation to download the training burden from the operational fleet and personnel.
There is also a requirement for more systems and, while there is some budgetary increase for equipment, there is also a rise in requirements. Lower-cost fixed-platform systems that offer the same levels of mission and visual simulation as full-motion devices represent a fast-growing sector that allows much of the training requirement to be met at a lower price, leaving the more expensive full-motion systems to be employed for the examination of skills learned in the less-costly devices.
Integrated LVC training is also a growing trend. Previous training curricula employed elements of all three, but they were separate. There is now a growing need for systems that work together as a collective.
In terms of system technology, the simulator has grown from a past where the replication of aircraft handling and systems was the primary focus of improvement, to a position today where the synthetic environment and tactical scenario is the focus. Work is now under way to increase networking capabilities and the input of offboard data to make training more immersive and collective.
Another effort is the “big data” analysis of information from both live aircraft and simulators to permit the detection of trends or weaknesses in the performance of the overall training system, in turn allowing corrections or suggestions to improve training for both students and instructors. Known as RISE, this system went live earlier this year in the commercial world with Air Asia, and CAE will begin similar activities for a military customer in the U.S. later this year.