Texas-based Redbird Flight Simulators announced several new products and enhancements to its training device lines this week at EAA AirVenture 2016. In its Alloy line of controls for homebuilt simulators, it has added the new TH1 single-engine throttle, TH2 multi-engine throttle and YK1 yoke, all of which—along with the company’s RD1 rudder pedals—are intended for simulator users looking for durable high-quality controls, according to the manufacturer. The Alloy line is compatible with most popular simulator programs such as Microsoft Flight Simulator, Lockheed Martin’s Prepar3d and Laminar Research’s X-Plane.
The company also unveiled upgrades to its FAA-approved aviation training devices (AATD). The new Horizon Pro visual expansion kit is now available for most of the company’s trainers, including the SD, FMX and MCX models, as well as for numerous cockpit-specific trainers such as the K35 King Air simulator. The upgrade provides an additional two monitors, bringing the total to eight, allowing for an increased visual range of more than 260 degrees. Prepar3d version 3 upgrades are also included in the Horizon Pro purchase.
Redbird (Space 304, in the main aircraft display area) has also updated its voice-recognition software programs with the release of Parrot 2.0 and Scarlet 2.0. The former provides real-world radio communication training, with an awareness of the state of a flight, while Scarlet allows an instructor to control the virtual training world with simple voice commands.
The company also announced that Continental Motors has increased the time-before-replacement (TBR) interval for the CD-135 engine, which powers the remanufactured Cessna 172 known as the RedHawk, from 1,500 to 2,100 hours through key improvements, continuous testing and field experience. Redbird began its RedHawk program in 2012 with the goal of creating a standardized, affordable, economical and technologically advanced training aircraft. The rebuilt aircraft features a jet A-burning Fadec-equipped Continental engine and advanced avionics.
This increase of 600 hours could allow flight training organizations to increase profits while still passing savings on to their customers, the company noted. “This increase in TBR puts the RedHawk’s maintenance costs on a par with [those of] comparable training aircraft, allowing the operator to see much higher margins due to the impressively low fuel consumption that the diesel engine provides,” said Redbird’s vice president of operations Darren Bien.
This week at Oshkosh, the company is also supporting the EAA Pilot Proficiency Center in Show Center by providing 14 training devices (12 LD simulators, an MCX full-motion simulator and an Xwind), its Sidekick data collection system and a new flight debriefing application. Showgoers will be able to select from 32 different training scenarios, which will be recorded through the Sidekick system and uploaded to Redbird Landing, the company’s training support website. Data collected will allow pilots to conduct a thorough debrief either right on site or at home.
Participants will receive an ID badge, which will allow them to retrieve all their training flights. “We are excited to demonstrate Sidekick at AirVenture and enhance the pilot’s experience at the proficiency center,” said Charlie Gregoire, Redbird’s vice president of sales and marketing. “Scenario-based training in a simulator is the perfect way to sharpen and enhance your pilot skills. Being able to review and debrief that training in detail will maximize the value of the instructional experience from each scenario.”
While at the show, visitors to the Pacific Aviation Museum’s exhibit (Main Aircraft Display, Space 445) can fly a one-of-a-kind Curtiss P-40 Warhawk simulator, built by Redbird in commemoration of this year’s 75th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack. The P-40 squadrons in Hawaii suffered crippling losses on the ground during the battle, but a few aircraft were able to scramble and score victories over the attackers. “The Pacific Aviation Museum’s theme for the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor is 'Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,' and we’re proud to be able to bring this simulator to AirVenture and do just that,” said Redbird CEO Todd Willinger. “It is an honor to commemorate that event and help tell the story of this important date in world history.”
In addition, the company will wrap up its 10-part online aviation video series Winging It in Oshkosh, with host Brittney Miculka and crew on hand and filming the final two episodes.