Full-Motion Sims Will Train Army Helo Pilots

L-3 Link Simulation & Training (L-3 Link) has been awarded a contract modification from Computer Sciences Corporation to provide three UH-60M Operational Flight Trainers (OFTs) in support of training services for the U.S. Army's Flight School XXI program. These systems will be the first full-motion, high-fidelity simulators to support UH-60M aircrew training.

The company said Monday that the first UH-60M OFT, which will be installed at Flight School XXI's Warrior Hall, will enter accreditation testing and achieve ready-for-training status in the fourth quarter of 2012. This contract modification brings the number of training devices L-3 Link has or is in the process of delivering to Flight School XXI to 35.

"When these simulation services are provided to Flight School XXI, they will be provided with the highest fidelity UH-60M Operational Flight Trainers in the world," said Bob Birmingham, president of L-3 Link. "UH-60M Operational Flight Trainers will enable aircrews to gain aircraft-equivalent training for all modes of flight, developing the skills they will need to successfully undertake sling load, shipboard and troop movement operations."

The UH-60M OFTs, which will support networked training exercises and present a full range of threat environments, will also enable aircrews to undertake night vision goggle training. Additionally, the simulators will support a qualification course for Maintenance Test Pilot (MTP) students. UH-60M student pilots will be trained to perform flight line maintenance tasks that include aircraft systems checks to verify aircraft meet performance and safety standards prior to release for flight.

UH-60M Cockpit

Each UH-60M high-fidelity cockpit moves on a six degree-of-freedom electric motion system. A supplemental motion system simulates vibration associated with helicopter flight. UH-60M aircrews view out-the-window computer-generated imagery through both wide field-of-view and chin window visual displays. High-fidelity software accurately simulates the UH-60M's engine, electrical, hydraulic, navigation and communication systems, in addition to aircraft survivability equipment. A physics-based blade element model, electrically driven servo flight control system and cyclic and collective controls that replicate the UH-60M hardware combine to provide a high-fidelity training environment.

FMI: www.link.com