PC-Based Sim Designed To Enhance The Quality And Efficiency Of Training For Technical Personnel

The German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has awarded a contract to EADS subsidiary Cassidian to deliver a new Maintenance System Trainer for training the German Air Force’s (Luftwaffe) technical Eurofighter personnel. The MST simulates the Eurofighter on-board systems. The unique feature of this system is that, thanks to the scope of the simulation, not only standard work flow procedures for maintenance and repair can be provided realistically and efficiently, but also complex systems knowledge, such as the correct procedure with regard to the detection, investigation and elimination of faults, and for carrying out tests. The current contract involves further developing the Luftwaffe’s existing training system, in order to enable training at the current aircraft standard.

Cassidian’s MST is a PC-based Simulator from the ‘Virtual Maintenance Trainer’ product family. It can be operated as both an independent trainee workstation and as part of a classroom network with 12 trainee stations and one trainer station. At each workstation, the functionality of a single-seater Eurofighter in the SRP 5.1, PSC 3.71 version is simulated in 3D surroundings. An additional Eurofighter cockpit and real controls support the training. A total of several hundred faults can be simulated in the MST, which the trainees can remedy either on their own or under instruction. The MST thus does not replace practical training in the actual aircraft, but does reduce training times in the training machines, the availability of which is limited. At the same time, the MST lowers the risk of potentially damaging the aircraft or endangering the trainees.

The new system is being developed at the Military Air Systems Center in Manching in close cooperation with the Luftwaffe’s School of Engineering No. 1 (TSLw 1) in Kaufbeuren, and will be delivered to the customer at the end of 2015.

(Image provided by Cassidian)

FMI: www.eads.com