New Simulators Target Helicopter Pilot Training Market

AXIS Flight Simulation (AXIS), a provider of advanced training solutions, is increasing its training footprint by entering the helicopter simulator manufacturing market with two new Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTD), the AX-DH and the EASA and FAA approvable Flight Training Device (FTD).

The AX-DH is based on AXIS' AX-D system and features a high-resolution visual system and 6-DOF electric motion system for rotor-wing operations. The devices offer a full-scale, aircraft-specific cockpit and the option for operators to switch between Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and Visual Flight Rules (VFR) during approaches, allowing pilots to practise realistic transitions, improving operational readiness.

Designed to reflect the demands of helicopter operations including offshore operations and night vision goggle (NVG) flights, the FSTDs feature a full-scale cockpit, helicopter-specific flight dynamics and avionics models, and high-resolution projection system. With weather, landscape and operational surroundings rendered in real time, the simulators provide a highly accurate environment for individual and multi-crew training.

Christian Theuermann, Executive Board Member at AXIS, says: “Our expansion into helicopter simulation marks an important milestone in AXIS’ growth and strengthens our ability to offer a broad range of high-quality, specialist training solutions.

“As an increasingly important part of the aviation landscape, the rotary-wing sector requires advanced training technology that reflects the complexity of real-world operations, and we look forward to applying our expertise in high-fidelity simulation to help operators enhance safety and capability in their training.”

Together, the devices support efficient individual and multi-crew preparation across a range of helicopter operating scenarios for rotary wing aircraft and are manufactured to align with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards.

In addition to the new FTD and AX-DH, AXIS develops a range of high-fidelity, globally qualified flight training devices for commercial and business aviation aircraft types.