The company has delivered and implemented the systems at the FAMET's Coronel Sanchez military base, in Almagro
FAMET become a simulation benchmark in Europe with the technological support of Indra
These systems join Chinook and Cougar helicopters' simulators which are operative at the Colmenar Viejo Centre (Madrid) for training purposes
Indra finished the development and the implementation of the Tiger helicopter simulation system at the Spanish Army Airmobile Force's Coronel Sanchez military base, located in Almagro (Castilla-La Mancha). The new centre, the most advanced so far of this type of helicopter, was officially inaugurated today by the Army's Chief of Staff, Fulgencio Coll
The system consists of a mission simulator installed on a platform which offers 6 degrees of freedom, and a fixed-base simulator. Each simulator is equipped with two separate stations to train either a single individual or the two crew members of the helicopter simultaneously.
The solution is complemented with several systems for mission support, thus facilitating the planning of the exercise and its future analysis. Instructors can design the exercise, create visual scenarios or customise the existing ones, according to their needs. The simulator's features make it the most advanced type so far for the tiger helicopter. It stands out from other similar types because it incorporates real avionics equipment in the cockpit instead of a virtual version. In addition, the high-definition and detailed scenarios outdo other tiger simulators.
As close to flying as it gets
Realism in training is guaranteed by incorporating the helicopter’s avionic systems and operational software. The simulator simultaneously upgrades as changes are introduced in the helicopter's software. This feature allows pilots to use their personal gear, that is, they can wear their helmets and use the same devices to enter mission-related data as if they were on a real helicopter.
The new systems join other simulators also developed by Indra, at the FAMET's simulation Centre in Colmenar Viejo (Madrid) to train pilots of the Chinook and Cougar helicopters. The cooperation between FAMET and Indra has made of this entity a benchmark in simulation in Europe.
Scenario realismo
Scenario realism is another factor that technologically distinguishes this simulator from its peers. Flying a helicopter demands highly detailed images as it can only maneuver at low heights.
The Tiger simulator generates different scenarios such as: deserts, mountains, sea, forests, cities and urban spaces. In the case of the urban spaces, the buildings-with helipads- the streets and even people are reproduced. Runways and hangars of the bases in Spain or bases in operational zones are also extremely accurate.
The simulator possesses a visual mode for night time training which stimulates the intensifier tubes of the pilot's night vision goggles. Besides this, the dashboard shows accurate images captured by thermal cameras, TV cameras or by direct vision.
The system uses HLA (High Level Architecture) connectivity which allows simultaneous interaction between both tiger simulators or with other simulators at different centers, for instance: the Almagro centre can connect with the simulation centre in Colmenar or the Tiger helicopter pilots can engage in training along with the leopard vehicle simulators.
The simulators have been implemented at Almagro's military base and will be used to train pilots on the 24 Tiger helicopters Spain acquired. The systems will enhance the pilot's preparation, since instructors will be able to analise the trainees' response in high-risk situations; an activity which will be impossible to be carried out using a real aircraft. This way, the selection of pilots and their training is improved.
Besides Spain, France, Germany and Australia have acquired Tiger helicopters. Indra signed a contract in November 2005 with OCCAR. The Organisation Conjoint de Cooperation en Matiere d'Armament manages the Tiger programme as a representative of the three promoting countries of the initiative: France, Germany and Spain. The contracts aim at developing these simulators, automatic tests for avionics equipment maintenance, identification systems and embarked electronic defence. The projects amount to euros 111 M.