EC135 simulator

Indra has rolled-out a first flight simulator (FFS) for the EC135 helicopter developed by Airbus Helicopters Japan at a pilot training centre close to Kobe Airport.

With this move, the company has deployed five EC135 simulators to Airbus Helicopters to date, and has also provided training systems for this model in Dallas, US; Donauwoerth, Germany; Warsaw, Poland; Baghdad, Iraq.

The EC135 helicopter is designed for emergency medical services, offshore platform services, corporate/VIP transport and military training.

The simulator is the first to secure certification from the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB).

"The simulator provides realistic reproduction of flight dynamics for the EC135 helicopter, and allows pilots to practice flying in various situations, make complex landings and takeoffs."

It provides realistic reproduction of flight dynamics for the EC135 helicopter, and allows pilots to practice flying in various situations, make complex landings and takeoffs, as well as deal with extreme situations such as mechanical issues.

In addition, the simulator allows training pilots in zero visibility, using instrument flight rules (IFR), night-vision goggles (NVG), cockpit systems management and special mission training.

The FFS is said to reduce pilot training costs as some simulation hours will count toward each pilot’s flight training, which means less use of helicopters.

Spain-headquartered Indra is a consulting and technology firm that provides solutions to transport and traffic, energy and industry, public administration and healthcare, financial services, security and defence and telecom and media sectors.

The company develops training systems for civil and military aircraft, and it has to date developed systems for the C 225, EC145, EC135, AS-350, EC-175 and Bell 412 models.

Image: The EC135 simulator is operational at a pilot training center close to Kobe Airport. Photo: courtesy of Indra Sistemas, SA.

Defence Technology