Level D Flight Model Includes Weapons Systems Trainer

A new Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter simulator has entered service at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico as part of the U.S. Air Force’s Aircrew Training and Rehearsal Support (ATARS) program. ATARS prime contractor Lockheed Martin and FlightSafety designed the weapons systems trainer to prepare HH-60G aircrews for combat search and rescue missions. Students first began training on the device in April 2012.

“This is the first simulator built for the Sikorsky HH-60G aircraft to feature two side domes for aerial gunner stations equipped with simulated weapons,” said Rick Armstrong, Vice President, Simulation. “This technology enables pilots, flight engineers and aerial gunners to train together for the first time as a complete crew during training and mission rehearsal scenarios.”
 
“The HH-60G weapons systems trainer enhances the ATARS environment to effectively prepare Air Combat Command aircrews for their critical missions,” said Vic Torla, director of the ATARS program for Lockheed Martin’s Global Training and Logistics business. “Teamwork is imperative for successful combat search and rescue missions, and the HH-60G training effort at Kirtland Air Force Base delivers immersive and collaborative preparation for aircrews.”
 
The simulator features a Level D flight model, electric motion and control loading technology, and VITAL X visual system with three image generators and 19 projectors. The Level D flight model was developed jointly by FlightSafety, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army under a separate contract. This provides tanker and receiver flowfield and wake turbulence effects by modifying the aerodynamic models.
 
The simulator also provides simulation for the survivability equipment installed on the Pave Hawk helicopter. FlightSafety’s Electronic Warfare Simulation allows operation of on-board systems that can detect missile launches and contains threats and friendly mission physics based models developed with real-world data to immerse the crew in a realistic training environment. (USAF Photo)

FMI: www.flightsafety.com, www.af.mil