The German Air Force successfully completed check out activities on the first Eurofighter Typhoon dome simulator at Fighter Wing 73 "Steinhoff" in Rostock-Laage.

With the first ASTA (Aircrew Synthetic Training Aids) Full Mission Simulator (FMS) now introduced and the Cockpit Trainer (ECT) already in operation since early this year, the German Air Force now can use two ASTA training devices to perform simultaneous training at the same Main Operating Base (MOB). This provides greater flexibility in delivering the training syllabus to the pilots.

The Eurofighter consortium will deliver a total of 19 Full Mission Simulators (FMS) plus Cockpit Trainer/Interactive Pilot Stations and associated ancillary devices to the five air forces that have ordered Eurofighter Typhoon.

In March 2006 the first Cockpit Trainer was accepted and entered into service. Following this achievement the ASTA development programme continued at pace leading to a new and improved software release. This incorporated increased functionalities and capabilities thus enabling use on the ASTA Full Mission Simulator.

The FMS has a 13 channel 360 degrees high resolution Visual System, which allows a higher degree of immersion for the pilot into the operational environment.

The next ASTA software release is planned for later in 2006 and will be used by all the Nations for Operational Training.

FMI: www.eurofighter.com