The Helicopter Academy to Train by Simulation of Flying (HATSOFF), the joint venture owned equally by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and CAE, today announced that its simulator cockpit for the Eurocopter AS365 N3 Dauphin helicopter has been certified to Level D, the highest qualification for flight simulators, by India’s Directorate General Civil Aviation (DGCA) as well as the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
HATSOFF also announced that its three simulator cockpits – a Bell 412, a HAL civil/conventional Dhruv, and the Eurocopter AS365 N3 Dauphin – have been certified as Level 2 (JAR)/Level 6 (FAA) flight training devices (FTDs) when used as fixed-base, non-motion simulators in the docking station installed at HATSOFF.
HATSOFF uses a CAE-built full-mission simulator “mothership” that features CAE's revolutionary roll-on/roll-off cockpit design, which enables cockpits representing various helicopter types to be used in the full-mission simulator. When one cockpit is in the full-motion, full-mission simulator, another cockpit can be connected to the fixed-based docking station and used as a flight training device.
“We are very proud of the progress we are making at HATSOFF, and achieving Level D certification for the Eurocopter Dauphin helicopter simulator at our facility is yet another example,” said Wg Cdr (Retd) Chandra Datt Upadhyay Vr.C., Chief Executive Officer of HATSOFF. “HATSOFF is a first-of-its-kind helicopter simulation training centre in India, and we are excited about continuing to demonstrate how simulation-based training will prove to be one of the best approaches for improving safety, operational efficiency and mission readiness.”
The cockpit for the Eurocopter AS365 N3 Dauphin, which can be utilized for training pilots flying the Dauphin N1/N2/N3 variants, is the third for the HATSOFF training centre. The first cockpit delivered to HATSOFF represented the Bell 412 helicopter and training for Bell 412 operators began in July 2010. The second cockpit delivered to HATSOFF represented the civil/conventional variant of the Dhruv and training began in May 2011. An additional cockpit for the Indian Army/Air Force glass cockpit variant of the HAL-built Dhruv is expected to be added to the HATSOFF training centre later in 2012.
The HATSOFF training centre, located near HAL’s headquarters in Bengaluru, also features multimedia classrooms, computer-based training, brief/debrief facilities, a training management information system and crew accommodations. The full-mission simulator features a common motion system, vibration platform, and visual display system, along with the four separate cockpit modules that can be used in the full-mission simulator. When a cockpit is not used in the full-mission simulator, it can be used as a fixed-based FTD.
About CAE
CAE is a global leader in modeling, simulation and training for civil aviation and defence. The company employs more than 7,500 people at more than 100 sites and training locations in more than 20 countries. Through CAE’s global network of 34 civil aviation, military and helicopter training centres, the company trains more than 80,000 crewmembers yearly. CAE’s business is diversified, ranging from the sale of simulation products to providing comprehensive services such as training and aviation services, professional services and in-service support. The company applies its simulation expertise and operational experience to help customers enhance safety, improve efficiency, maintain readiness and solve challenging problems. CAE is now leveraging its simulation capabilities in new markets such as healthcare and mining. www.cae.com
About HAL
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is a premier aeronautical complex of SE Asia, with 19 production divisions and ten R&D centres. HAL's expertise encompasses design, production, repair, overhaul and upgrade of Aircraft, Helicopters, Aero-engines, Accessories, Avionics and Systems. HAL today provides one stop solutions for all the design needs of aircraft & helicopters in airframes, airframe systems, avionics, mission & combat systems using advanced design tools. The 19 manufacturing divisions of HAL are equipped with modern infrastructure with modern plant and machinery for production of fighter aircraft, trainer aircraft and helicopters. The current workforce is around 35,000 with over 50% having more than a decade of aircraft industry experience. It has also diversified into manufacture and repair/overhaul of Industrial & Marine Gas Turbine engines, and manufacture of structures for aerospace vehicles. www.hal-india.com
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High resolution downloadable photos of the simulator are available at cae.com/photos.
CAE contacts:
Nathalie Bourque, Vice President, Public Affairs and Global Communications, (514) 734-5788, [email protected]
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Marketing: Soundara Rajan, Director Corporate Planning and Marketing,
(+91 80 22320465) [email protected]
