Indra full-flight simulator for Airbus Helicopters EC175 certified, ready to train rotorcraft pilots

MARIGNANE, France, 8 July 2014. European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) officials awarded airworthiness certification to Indra’s Level D full-flight simulator for EC175 rotorcraft from Airbus Helicopters, a division of Airbus Group.

Launch pilots can now be trained with the high-fidelity simulator built by global technology firm Indra in cooperation with Airbus Helicopters, the EC175 manufacturer. The system is equipped with the same data pack, avionics suite, and automatic flight control system as the actual EC175 rotorcraft.

“Safety and support are of the utmost importance to Airbus Helicopters. Our introduction of these training systems responds to customers’ needs and expectations ahead of the first EC175 deliveries later this year,” explains Matthieu Louvot, head of Airbus Helicopters’ Support & Services. “Our investment in such resources will enable a rapid and smooth service entry for the EC175, followed by its successful operation for years to come.”

The motion-based EC175 full-flight simulator, which incorporates a state-of-the-art visual projection system with a 210-by-80-degree continuous field of view, is located at the Helisim Training Academy adjacent to Airbus Helicopters’ headquarters and production facility at Marignane, France. The system uses a motion system, computer-generated visual scenes, and accurate representations of cockpit instrumentation, and enables specific mission scenarios to be “flown” such as landings on off-shore platforms for oil and gas operations.

Initial EC175 simulator sessions with EC175 customers have already begun using an Indra fixed-base Flight Navigation Procedures Trainer (FNPT III), which will also be used for oil and gas training modules. Courses for mechanics and avionics technicians are also offered on a Practical Maintenance Training Device, which represents the full-scale aircraft.

In addition to the Europe-based training systems at Helisim, another EC175 Level D full-flight simulator will be located in the United States to serve the offshore oil and gas industry throughout the Americas.

Airbus Helicopters will begin EC175 deliveries later this year to the first customers, backed by the company’s commitment to provide a mature helicopter with a dedicated task force and tools that include validated support and services deliverables, as well as established training capabilities.

The EC175 was developed in close consultation with operators, providing a medium twin-engine helicopter suited for a wide range of missions, including offshore crew transport, search and rescue, private transport, utility, and medical evacuation operations. It features Airbus Helicopters’ new Helionix avionics suite and a digital 4-axis autopilot that increases safety through reduced pilot workload, enhanced situational awareness, improved flight envelope protection and system redundancy.

Images © Copyright Airbus Helicopters, Jérôme Deulin.