Updated Helicopter Simulator enables Culdrose Aircrew to better prepare for Afghanistan

Two of the Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASaC) Squadrons based at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose are currently tasked for operations in Afghanistan. Between deployments the crews undergo a thorough training programme, building on their maritime experience and adapting to new procedures and skills necessary for the hostile environment of Afghanistan.

A vital part of this training is the ability to fly at low level at night using "Night Vision Goggles" which allow pilots to literally see in the dark. By using one of the dynamic full motion flight simulators at Culdrose trainees can experience the challenges of low-level night flying before getting airborne for real.

The simulator is fitted with 3 ‘dual input' high definition LED projectors which display in the simulator the pilot's eye view from the cockpit. These projectors provide a brighter and sharper image as well as allowing aircrew to operate in both normal light and with night vision goggles simultaneously - an invaluable training aid especially for night operations to unlit landing sites as well as ships' flight decks.

The projectors are fed with real time graphics providing more realistic visual images for both day and night and other upgrades, designed to enhance training for current and future Front Line Operations include a full Defensive Aids Suite (DAS) and a new Afghanistan data base with specially designed graphics and hostile models. These modern upgrades will provide a unique and invaluable training facility for all RN Sea King users for many years to come.

Officer in Charge of the Sea King Simulator, Lieutenant Commander Steve King said:

"The Sea King Simulator at Culdrose is a world class training facility which provides cost effective, unique and invaluable training for all Royal Navy Sea King aircrew. Recent upgrades designed to enhance training for front line operations, include a full Defensive Aids Suite and a new Afghanistan package with bespoke graphics and hostile environments, providing realistic and challenging simulator training. It also now has a 200º field of view which is representative of what the pilots can see from the actual helicopter cockpit."

Commander Sea King, Commander Pat Douglas added: "The simulator prepares our aircrew for every eventuality. By testing them far beyond anything that they are likely to experience in Afghanistan, they should be better prepared if they are faced with difficulties in theatre. In the simulator, they will be shot at, engines will fail and the weather will be extreme. The new graphics actually replicate actual areas of Afghanistan - in fact I actually recognised the terrain which I had seen in the simulator on my recent visit!"

Lt John Wade, a Pilot from 854 Squadron who has recently returned from Camp Bastion and is due to deploy again soon said:

"The simulator always takes you to the extreme and it is very realistic. I am pleased that it gives me the chance to hone my skills before going back out to theatre so that I feel more confident if I have to dodge hostile fire or tackle an extreme malfunction."

He added that: "Going to Afghanistan is just part of my job. It's good to know we are making a positive impact and making a difference."

Source: Royal Navy

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