Fly Without Leaving The Ground
We REALLY want one of these. Merlin Simulation Inc. told
Aero-News Tuesday the company has received the Federal Aviation
Administration's Level 3 Certification for its new R22 VFR/IFR
simulator product line. Merlin says this sophisticated... yet
affordable... Flight Training Device (FTD) represents the next
generation in training for helicopter general aviation.
The new R22 FTD provides the kind of advanced technology,
superior visual imagery, and true flight modeling that Merlin says
was once found only in commercial aviation training devices.
Furthermore, the FTD is designed as a Level 6 sim -- which means it
looks and flies as much like the actual R22 helicopter as one can
without actually taking flight.
"This is the first and only R22 FTD that has received
certification in accordance with approval criteria of the FAA
National Simulator Program (NSP," notes Ken Zimmerman, President of
Merlin Simulation. "This is an important step forward from other
R22 FTDs of the past that relied on game software, generic or
subjective information, and limited visual cues that provide
entertaining graphics, but lack the crucial visual and certified
flight model for a true experience."
The new FTD has a wide-angle 220-degree horizontal field of view
visual system to fully 'immerse' the pilot into the flight
experience. The innovative surround visual provides peripheral
visual cues crucial to effectively teach VFR and train for advanced
maneuvers such as hover and autorotation training, such as:
- Numerous airports allowing cross-country training
- Training field - Four tire practice square - Pinnacle landing -
Pedal turn - Hover ring
- Shadow of aircraft to better judge depth perception
- Many weather & ambient visual conditions
- Collision avoidance aircraft to remind pilot that he/she is not
the only aircraft flying
- Cattle herding to sharpen low-speed flying skills (below)
Merlin says true matching of flight characteristics in the R22
FTD is crucial for serious training, due to the unique
responsiveness of the R22 aircraft. Therefore, a full flight test
program was conducted for the actual R22 Beta II. The specially
designed flight model for this FTD is validated against the R22
flight test data.
Another feature of the Merlin FTD is an interchangeable
instrument head, allowing for both VFR and IFR training -- to
reflect the actual R22 aircraft.
"At an introductory price of $99K," Ken adds, "the Training
Community now has available an affordable Training Device that
truly matches the R22."
Based near Dulles International Airport in Virginia, Merlin
Simulation, Inc. provides high level Man-in-the-Loop Training
Devices, using the latest advances in technology at affordable
prices. Merlin designs and builds simulators and simulator
components for both commercial and Government applications.