New AW139 simulator obtains ENAC Certification to Level D
The new AW139 FFS, the third for Rotorsim, is the second located at the AgustaWestland Training Academy in Sesto Calende, Italy. This simulator is installed in the new simulation building which will include up to nine FFSs and five FTDs (Flight Training Devices) further expanding the Training Academy capabilities.
John Ponsonby, Senior VP Customer Support & Training Services said, “This third AW139 simulator for Rotorsim includes added mission equipment features that allow us to deliver high quality mission training for roles such as search and rescue to our customers. The availability of this AW139 simulator further boosts our capacity to meet growing customer demand for high quality simulator training and the increasing fleet size for what is the world’s best selling helicopter in its class.” “Helicopter operators are continuing to fully understand how simulation-based training is proven to be one of the best approaches for improving safety, operational efficiency and mission readiness,” said Ian Bell, CAE's Vice President and Business Leader - Europe. “By formally certifying another AW139 simulator to Level D, Rotorsim is helping to ensure that operators of AgustaWestland helicopters receive access to the highest fidelity training systems.”
The CAE 3000 Series helicopter mission simulator features greater realism for helicopter-specific mission training, including offshore oil and gas producer (OGP), law enforcement, corporate VIP and other operations.
The simulator enables pilots to practice challenging procedures without risk such as low-level flight, confined area operations, autorotation and landing on platforms at sea. The AW139 FFS for Rotorsim features AgustaWestland-developed flight dynamic model, avionics and aircraft software modeling, combined with CAE core simulation technologies, including: CAE True six degree-of-freedom (DOF) electric motion system and high-performance vibration platform to replicate vibration cues critical to helicopter pilots; a high-fidelity CAE Medallion-6000 visual system; and a direct projection 210 degree by 80 degree extreme field-of-view dome display system.
This new AW139 FFS also features important mission kits such as SAR autopilot modes, FIPS (Full Icing Protection System), hoist and cargo hook operations with external cameras, EURONAV V digital map, AIS transponder, cockpit central display and floatation system.
Rotorsim was established in 2003 as a joint venture of AgustaWestland and CAE to provide classroom and synthetic training solutions for AgustaWestland AW109 and AW139 helicopter operators around the world.
The Rotorsim training centre in Italy is located within the AgustaWestland ‘A. Marchetti’ Training Academy and now houses three CAE-built FFSs. Two of these simulators feature CAE’s roll-on/roll-off cockpit design, enabling cockpits representing the AW139 and three variants of the AW109 to be used in the two simulators. Rotorsim also offers training on a CAE-built AW139 simulator located at CAE’s North East Training Centre near New York City. Rotorsim is also offering training in Sesto Calende, Italy, on the NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) and later this year will add the world’s first AW189 FFS.
