Civil Helicopter Training Enhanced Via Technology Originally Developed For Military Rotary Wing Applications

Rockwell Collins has been selected by Coptersafety to provide three turnkey integrated Level D helicopter dome-based complete visual systems. The systems include multiple EP-8100 image generators, 4K ultra-high resolution, liquid crystal over silicon (LCoS) laser-illuminated projectors, a 240 degree by 80 degree motion-compatible dome display, night vision goggle capability and additional channels for camera systems, vertical reference window, cargo mirrors and an Enhanced Vision System (EVS). Deliveries are currently underway to its training facility in Helsinki, Finland, and two of the systems have already been certified by the Finnish Transport Safety Agency.

This award exemplifies Rockwell Collins’ ability to transfer technology originally developed for military rotary wing applications into the civil helicopter training environment where pilots are trained for a wide range of missions, including Search and Rescue (SAR), Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), operations on static and mobile drilling platforms, firefighting, wind farm servicing and more.

Coptersafety, founded four years ago by a helicopter pilot wanting to improve the safety of helicopter aviation, is a European facility focused on commercial rotary wing training.

“We know that our simulator training empowered by custom visuals like those we receive from Rockwell Collins brings more significance and benefits to pilot training,” said Ivar Koster, chief flight instructor at Coptersafety. “Some of the most valuable feedback came from a pilot who said that stepping into our simulator was like entering a familiar environment — that he was solely able to focus on flying, training content and learning.”

In addition to the EP-8100’s industry-leading image quality and high resolution that help pilots enjoy superior cues designed for training success, Coptersafety’s turnkey system also features the WholeEarth synthetic environment – the highest resolution complete Earth database in the industry that includes new enhanced 3D sea-state modeling.

“Through these innovative 3D features, training anywhere in the world is better facilitated through high levels of fidelity on land and at sea that enhance realism while controlling development costs,” said Nick Gibbs, vice president and general manager of Simulation & Training Solutions for Rockwell Collins.

The systems are manufactured at Rockwell Collins’ facilities in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Burgess Hill, U.K.

(Image provided with Rockwell Collins news release)

FMI: www.rockwellcollins.com