Zen Technologies and Rockwell Collins debut rotary-wing simulator, enter military flight simulation market

BANGALORE, 20 Feb. 2015. Zen Technologies and Rockwell Collins have jointly unveiled a next-generation, rotary-wing simulator at Aero India 2015 in Bangalore. The companies are partnering and combining their strengths in simulation and training to offer advanced and high-fidelity military flight simulation solutions.

The next-generation Rotary Wing Simulator housed in an ergonomically designed cockpit is configurable and addresses the flight and mission aspects of rotary-wing aircraft. The simulator supports anytime, anywhere training and is a cost-effective, efficient alternative for pilot training in handling routine flights, emergencies, and practice missions, says a representative.

Example flight training solution from Rockwell Collins (not the military flight simulator introduced in Aero India).

Realism is provided using geo-specific cultured terrains, operations flight profiles, and avionics that can be used to train both new and experienced pilots before any mission. The simulator will enhance combat readiness for crew members through a comprehensive training continuum that is customizable for all types of military platforms.

With the rotary wing platform launch, both companies aim to emerge, in the near future, as key partners to the Indian armed forces.

“Over the next few years, the Indian defence forces will be strengthening their aircraft portfolio, both fixed and rotary wing,” says Zen Technologies Managing Director Ashok Atluri. “Moreover, there are a number of existing simulators which may need some mid-life upgrades both in terms of technology and aircraft concurrency. Therefore, we see a very large opportunity for full mission simulators, flight training devices, and part task trainers, amongst others. Through our association with Rockwell Collins we will be able to fill the existing gap in the flight simulation market in India. Moreover, our alliance with Rockwell Collins marks the first time that a global simulator original equipment manufacturer has teamed with an Indian simulator manufacturing company to cater to the Indian defence market.”

“This is just the first step in our collaboration. We see tremendous opportunity to provide indigenous, affordable and highly effective simulation and training solutions to India's defence forces through our alliance with Zen,” adds Colin Mahoney, senior vice president, International & Service Solutions for Rockwell Collins.

Zen Technologies [BSE:ZENTEC] develops training equipment and simulators for weapons and allied defense equipment. Zen, incorporated in 1993, with headquarters in Hyderabad, has over the years designed, developed, and manufactured various types of training equipment and simulators. The products developed in-house meet high qualitative standards and are cost-effective. The company has supplied over 450 simulators to over 100 customers across all the three armed forces, State and Central Police Forces of India and other countries. With the aim to develop world-class training equipment and simulators, the company attaches special importance to R&D with its facility being recognized by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.

Rockwell Collins developms and deploys innovative communication and aviation electronic solutions for both commercial and government applications. Its expertise in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission communications, simulation and training, and information management is delivered by a global workforce, and a service and support network that crosses more than 150 countries.