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 Bell 412 full-mission simulator has been certified to Level D, the highest qualification for flight simulators, by India's Directorate General Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
"HAL and CAE are very proud of achieving Level D certification, which is the highest performance rating given for flight training equipment, from both the DGCA and EASA," said Wing Commander (Retd) Chandra Dat Upadhyay, Chief Executive Officer of HATSOFF. "The HATSOFF training centre is the first helicopter training centre in India certified to Level D, and we are excited to begin offering simulation-based training that will prove to be one of the best approaches for improving safety, operational efficiency and mission readiness."
The CAE-built full-mission helicopter simulator at HATSOFF features CAE's revolutionary roll-on/roll-off cockpit design, which enables cockpits representing various helicopter types to be used in the simulator. The first training program HATSOFF is offering is for operators of the Bell 412 helicopter. Additional cockpits for the Indian Army/Air Force variant of the HAL-built Dhruv, the civil variant of the Dhruv, and the Eurocopter Dauphin will be added to the HATSOFF training centre over the next year.
The HATSOFF training centre, located near HAL's headquarters in Bangalore, also features multimedia classrooms, computer-based training, brief/debrief facilities, and a training management information system. 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 will be used as a fixed-based flight training device (FTD).
About CAE
CAE is a world leader in providing simulation and modelling technologies and integrated training solutions for the civil aviation industry and defence forces around the globe. With annual revenues exceeding C$1.5 billion, CAE employs more than 7,000 people at more than 100 sites and training locations in more than 20 countries. We have the largest installed base of civil and military full-flight simulators and training devices. Through our global network of 29 civil aviation and military training centres, we train more than 75,000 crewmembers yearly. We also offer modelling and simulation software to various market segments and, through CAE's professional services division, we assist customers with a wide range of simulation-based needs. 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,
+1-514-734-5788, [email protected]
Trade media: Chris Stellwag, Director, Marketing Communications, Civil and Military,
+1-813-887-1242, [email protected]
Investor relations: Andrew Arnovitz, Vice President, Investor Relations and Strategy,
+1-514-734-5760, [email protected]
HAL contacts:
Marketing: Soundara Rajan, Director Corporate Planning and Marketing,
(+91 80 22320465) [email protected]
Corporate Communications: Chief of Media Communications & Official Spokesperson
(+91 80 22320934) [email protected]
