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2017-10-04

Simulators – Providing Fool Proof Pilot Training

Modelling and simulation technology has become an integral part of modern military pilot training. High quality, high fidelity simulations mean lower costs during training, and an environment realistic enough to prepare would-be pilots for a wide range of sorties.

Today, ground-based training and learning systems are reducing the overall number of (expensive) flying hours required in training, but also allowing higher levels of focus and concentration for trainees on crucial areas.

Highly complex simulation systems provide virtual environments where pilots are free to practice a variety of missions in a safe environment, while gaining realistic exposure to flight scenarios. “Flights” are supervised by an instructor who uses the system to simulate any number of different circumstances and check correct pilot reaction.

Leonardo, Pilatus and L-3 Link flight training simulators have all made a mark in the military flight training sector.

Leonardo’s Full Mission Simulators

Leonard’s Aircraft Division has more than 50 years of experience in this field. Early modelling and simulation applications for design engineering have been transferred to the design and operation of flight training devices. Today the division offers customers a product portfolio comprising interactive courseware, flight training devices, full mission simulators, mission planning and de-briefing systems, which together constitute the Ground Based Training System.

These capabilities translate into functionalities and products fully integrated with the actual aircraft. These include academic software applications to transfer content and knowledge to students, as well as those which allow them to review study materials and assess progress.
Full Mission Simulators (FMS) represent the highest level of simulation available in terms of fidelity and complexity. This allows FMS to duplicate tactical scenarios for fighters and airlifters, engaging students, even on emotional and sensory dimensions.

M-346 Full Mission Simulator
The M-346 Full Mission Simulator is a state-of-the-art simulator that delivers high performance for tactical training leading in to new generation combat aircraft.

Its characteristics include high manoeuvrability, formation (2-4 ship, including low, medium and high altitude, all-weather and night), in-flight refuelling (all-weather and night), basic manoeuvres, dogfighting, and advanced combat tactics, attack and fighter tactics. All FMS night missions are flown with actual, unmodified Night Vision Goggles (NVG).

The M-346 GBTS system isn’t simply a tool to reduce costs replacing the flight hours. Thanks to the integration of the ground simulator with the aircraft ETTS throughout the datalink, the concept of Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) simulation can be implemented by networking via datalink the aircraft (Live), the simulator (Virtual) and the ETTS (Constructive) within a distributed operating environment, the so-called DMO (Distributed Mission Operations environment).

During a DMO session, student pilots “see” and interact with the actual aircraft in the virtual environment, while the ETTS presents on the aircraft Multi Function Display the tracks of the virtual aircraft and the simulators. The last upgrade of the ETTS allows students to visualise the virtual aircraft entering their visual field through the Helmet Mounted Display.

C-27J Full Mission Simulator
The C-27J Full Mission Simulator is a Level C simulator, built using actual equipment, ensuring a full fidelity human-machine interface. Its aero-mechanical model uses actual test flight data and a six-axis motion system, allowing for a fully immersive experience.

By simulating radar and weapon systems, FTDs teach pilots how to manage the sensor, maximising effectiveness of actual flying lessons. These simulators are also used to teach general flying subjects, aerobatic manoeuvres, formation flying, normal and emergency procedures, instrument flying (for both VFR and IFR), navigation, armament and management of self-protection systems.

Leonardo’s Eurofighter Simulator

Eurofighter – Enhanced Aircrew Cockpit Trainer (E-ACPT) - The Eurofighter E-ACPT FTD offers Eurofighter pilots the best possible initial and recurrent training. The system includes a faithful reproduction of the aircraft cockpit, with virtual touch-screen operated multifunction displays driven by an aero-mechanical simulation model based on actual flight test data. The use of computer-generated adversary forces and ability to network with other simulators under the HLA protocol translates into additional tactical training opportunities. The simulator, certified by many official evidence-based certifications, also allows pilots to fly many emergency situations.

Custom built simulators – Pilatus

Pilatus develops and produces entire training systems, not just aircraft, in its Government Aviation Business Unit. There are currently almost 60 Pilatus custom-built simulators in use around the world, since the first simulator was developed 15 years ago.

The integrated Pilatus training system includes – besides the PC-21, PC-9 M and PC-7 MkII aircrafts – various ground based training products such as manuals, check lists, computer based training (CBT), mission planning and mission debriefing software.

A specialised team of employees from 16 different countries is responsible for developing the software and configuring such training systems. Tasks range from construction of the cockpit to realistic reproduction of noise during simulated flight.

Every customer has different pilot training objectives. Other manufacturers supply simulators “off the shelf”, with pre-defined components available for order within a building block system, at Pilatus little is pre-defined, while a lot is developed to customer specifications. As a result, it offers a high degree of flexibility in reacting to requests for modifications.

Roberto Fontana, Head of Pilatus Training Systems department, explains that end-to-end development – from the moment the order is placed through to final delivery – takes around two years: “During the first year, the project is very conceptual. Following an evaluation of needs, we work on drawings, ideas, graphics and other documents to obtain a thorough understanding of the customer’s wishes and develop an initial design.” Once these cornerstones have been defined, the implementation phase focuses on hardware such as the cockpit, screens and computer. These are sourced from various suppliers and tested with input from in-house engineers, designers and pilots.

The customer is consulted regularly all through the development programme, and invited to attend project review meetings. “Things get easier after the hardware arrives. It remains a complex task, of course, but once we have something concrete to see and touch, it’s easier for customers to provide targeted support to the development process”, explains Fontana.

The 3D database for projection onto the simulator screen is also defined and developed in conjunction with the customer. The entire virtual environment of the country in which the air force is based is generated in a detailed 3D format, as specified by the customer. The developers visit the country, take photographs, and then programme the data into the virtual visual surroundings.

Pilatus employees are seconded for around four months to install the system at the customer site and provide project support through to final handover. That support naturally extends beyond initial system rollout to the provision of repairs when required, spare parts and software updates.

L-3 Link Full Mission Trainers

L-3 Link is a leading provider of advanced flight simulation solutions for a wide range of advanced fixed-wing, rotary-wing and unmanned aircraft platforms. It has made its mark in the field of simulators by being the sole provider of F-22 pilot trainers. F-22 Raptors – the U.S. Air Force’s air superiority strike fighters – conduct complex, integrated missions ranging from single ship operation to multi-ship actions. L-3 Link, as sole provider of F-22 pilot training devices, has delivered 13 Full Mission Trainers designed to simulate the Raptor’s entire flight envelope and combat employment. It has also provided 23 Weapons Tactics Trainers designed to refine pilots’ aircraft systems and weapon delivery operating skills. Its Egress Procedures Trainers support pilot training on proper aircraft entry and exit under normal and emergency conditions, in addition to ground and in-flight ejection.

As a world leader in F-16 and F/A-18 simulation, the latest generation F/A-18 Tactical Operational Flight Trainer (TOFT) is integrated with L-3 Link’s SimuSphere visual system display. L-3 Link simulation solutions today are supporting F/A-18C/D, F/A-18E/F and EA-18G platforms.

SimuSphere is a dodecahedron-shaped visual system display that provides equally high visual scene brightness and resolution across all of its same-sized pentagonal facets. F/A-18 TOFTs - which have been delivered to the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and international military services - are integrated with L-3 Link’s SimuView personal computer image generation system, which provides both out-the-window and sensor imagery.

The F/A-18 TOFT trains pilots in field and carrier takeoffs and landings, low altitude flight, air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons delivery, electronic countermeasures and emergency procedures.

Mission training centres

L-3 Link is developing and delivering F-16 Mission Training Centers for the U.S. Air Force. The program includes options for the production, delivery and sustainment of up to 20 four-ship F-16 MTCs at Air Force installations in the US, Europe and Pacific. The F-16 MTC program is integrated with L-3 Link’s next generation HD World visual and display simulation technologies.

These advanced simulators are integrated with high definition databases, image generation systems, physics-based processing technology and visual system displays to create highly realistic and relevant training environments. HD World’s visual display component, SimuSphere HD, will provide each F-16 MTC training device with an immersive field-of-view that can display out-the-window imagery at 20/40 visual acuity.

HD World

The foundation to many of L-3 Link’s training devices is HD World, its next generation simulation product line. This provides pilots and aircrews with highly realistic and relevant training scenarios.

It provides a realistic, high-fidelity synthetic environment simulation that immerses pilots in high definition, dynamic training scenarios, supporting day/night, low altitude and all-weather mission training, in addition to realistically simulating employment of a full range of weapons and sensors.

HD World significantly enhances the operational environment being simulated by adding rich, physics-based dynamic behaviours representative of indigenous civilian and insurgent populations. By adding increased realism and clutter within a simulated urban environment, the ability for warfighters to acquire targets is hampered. Highly interactive physics-based vehicle models offer more realistic movement, consistent collision detection and results.

Precision weapon effects with improved and more accurate battle damage assessment enhance training knowledge transfer.

Interactive Courseware

Most simulator manufacturers, including those above, offer interactive courseware, computer applications designed to transfer course matter to students in the classroom.

Students can learn aircraft systems and procedures interactively, supervised by an instructor or in self-paced independent study sessions. The learning path is managed and recorded by a Learning Management System, which also includes dedicated modules that assist instructors in evaluating students.

Reference Photo/Text:www.leonardo.com,www.pilatus-aircraft.com,www.link.com

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