Train as you fight

All posts tagged Train as you fight

Kuwait Signs Eurofighter Jet Deal

Posted by Eurofighter Simulation Systems GmbH on April 6, 2016

Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: Abdullah al-Shayji, ACoS, Air Force, Air Force pilots, Aircrew Synthetic Trainings Aids, Aircrew Task Trainer, Airshow, ALBACETE Air Base, APTT, ASTA, ASTA suite, Baltic Air Patrol, Basic Training Device, CAAC, CAE, Combat Readiness, Computer Generated Forces, CPT, Crew Resource Management, CT/IPS-E, D-CT Depolyable Cockpit Trainer, Defense Ministry, Deploable Cockpit Trainer, E-Scan radar, ESS, EU, Eurofighter, Eurofighter Simulation Systems, Eurofighter Typhoon, Eurofighter Typhoon - det sikre valg for Danmark, Eurofighter WORLD, Facsimile Cockpit, FMS, Full Mission Simulator, Gulf Region, INCAS, INDRA, Instructor Operating Station, Interactive Pilot Station, IOS, Italian Government, JAVIER DEL CID DE LEON, Jean-Marc Rickli, Kuwait, Manching, Mauro Moretti, Mission Readiness Training, Mission Rehearsal, Morón Air Base in Frontera, multirole/swing-role combat aircraft, NATO, NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency, NETMA, Oman, Pilot Training, PRESTA, Qatar, Rheinmetall Defence Electronics, Roberta Pinotti, SAN, Selex, Sevilla, Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah, Spanish Air Force, SSS, SVT, Synthetic environment, THALES, Train as you fight, Training Center C.16 (Eurofighter) Morón de la Frontera, Tranche 3, twin-seat, ULT, Unit Level Trainer, Volker Paltzo, WSS.

5:05 p.m. EDT April 5, 2016

Kuwait’s delayed deal to buy 28 Eurofighter jets was signed Tuesday, giving the European fighter program a much-needed shot in the arm and providing Italy’s Finmeccanica with its largest contract.

Kuwait has ordered its aircraft equipped with an electronically scanned radar, which is being developed for the aircraft but has yet to be adopted by Eurofighters operated by the four launch partners on the program — Italy, the UK, Germany and Spain.

The fighter’s large nose aperture, combined with the ability to move the antenna, will give the Eurofighter Typhoon greater ‘vision’, delivering better operational performance to the aircraft and its weapon Systems.

The radar is being developed by the European EuroRADAR consortium, which is led by Finmeccanica.

In a statement, the Eurofighter consortium said the deal covered 22 single-seat and six twin-seat aircraft, all third tranche standard.

The deal, which has been held up by contractual negotiations, is based on a government-to-government accord signed between Kuwait and Italy in September.

The Eurofighter deal approval was issued Monday, according to a report released Tuesday from the Kuwaiti Cabinet of Ministers.

The report said the council discussed at length the Kuwaiti Audit Bureau’s report and recommendations to complete the purchase of the fighters after they were provided with the required cost breakdown.

The Cabinet approved the purchase of the 28 Eurofighters from Italy for €7.957 billion (US $9.062 billion).

Head of the Political Sciences Department at Kuwait University

Accoriding to Kuwait University political science professor and lecturer at the Mubarak Al-Abdullah Joint Staff Command College, Abdullah al-Shayji ,the Kuwaiti purchase is a clear message to the US government.

“This message clearly states that Kuwait will not be waiting anymore for US approvals, and other alternatives are present,” he said.

Jean-Marc Rickli, assistant professor with the Department of Defence Studies at King’s College London and lecturer at the Joaan Bin Jassim Joint Command and Staff College in Qatar, said that the perceived feeling of abandonment by the West among Gulf leaders and the Gulf military is strong.

“It grew out of the West reactions to the Arab Spring, the West nonintervention in Syria and the US reengagement with Iran. This perception made them prone to be more proactive. The Saudi intervention in Yemen is a case in point,” Rickli said.

These new contracts, Rickli said, should be seen as a result of US perceived disengagement toward the Gulf states since the beginning of the Arab Spring.

“Weapons procurement has always be a way to cultivate and diversify allies for the Gulf countries. Since 2015, another factor has been added: the impetus under Saudi leadership for the Gulf states to guarantee their own security and contribute to regional security. This requires new capabilities,” he said.

Furthermore, the question of the timing of such procurement is an issue in itself, he said, as the falling oil prices have put enormous strains on the Gulf states’ budgets.

Rickli, Dr Jean-Marc

Beyond the financial burden that such procurements represent, the issue of training new pilots is problematic.

“For each aircraft, you will need three to four pilots. In the case of Kuwait, this means training about 100 new pilots. Both Kuwait and Qatar are small states with a small population. As flying fifth generations aircraft is very demanding, finding enough people with the right skills among the local population will be a challenge,” he said.

One way to offset these financial and human capabilities challenges, he suggested, would be to pull resources together so that certain states specialize in specific niche capabilities.

“However, as the NATO and EU examples demonstrate, this is very difficult to achieve because states are very reluctant to share their sovereignty when it comes to guaranteeing their security. This can only happen if they share a common threat assessment and have common interests. Saudi Arabia is trying to push for this with its counterterrorism force initiative, but there is still a very long way to go despite some achievement with the recent Northern Thunder multinational exercise,” he said.

As lead company on the deal, Finmeccanica signed the deal in Kuwait with the country’s Ministry of Defense in the presence of Italian Defense Minister Roberta Pinotti and her Kuwaiti counterpart, Defense Minister Sheikh Khalid al-Jarrah al-Sabah.

The contract involves the production of aircraft in Italy and covers logistics, operational support, and the training of flight crews and ground personnel in cooperation with the Italian Air Force.

The contract also provides for the upgrade of infrastructure in Kuwait which will be used for Typhoon operations.

The Defense Ministry said in a statement that the first two Eurofighters will arrive in Kuwait in the fourth quarter of 2019 and final delivery occur by 2022. The statement also said the planes will remain operational until 2050.

The Defense Ministry noted that the agreement signed Tuesday includes logistical and training support. The training support will include pilot training and technical training where pilot instructors will also be present in Kuwait; it will also include the provision of one full simulator and two partial simulators.

The Defense Ministry added that the contract includes the construction of operations buildings, maintenance buildings, and pilot and technician training buildings in a new extension of the Ali Al Salem Air Base to accommodate the development of the aircraft through the creation of a new runway.

British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said the deal would bolster long-term cooperation with the Gulf state.

“The UK and Kuwait enjoy a long, historic and close relationship. Kuwait’s decision to select Typhoon represents a vote of confidence in this world class aircraft and will further strengthen our defence and security cooperation over the years ahead,” he said in a statement Tuesday.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah (right) and Finmeccanica CEO Mauro Moretti are seen during the signing ceremony for 28 Eurofighter warplanes / Kuwait Times

Describing the deal, Finmeccanica CEO Mauro Moretti said: “This is Finmeccanica’s largest ever commercial achievement,” adding, “It is an outstanding industrial success with significant benefits, not only for our company and the other Eurofighter consortium partners, but also for the entire Italian aerospace industry. The contract will support expertise and skilled jobs at Italian small and medium-sized security and defense companies.”

Since it entered service in 2003, over 470 Eurofighters have been delivered to the air forces of six countries and have flown over 330,000 hours, Finmeccanica said. Some 599 aircraft have been ordered by eight customers: Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Germany, Spain, Italy, the UK and Austria.

Text: Defense News 5:05 p.m. EDT April 5, 2016
Fotos: News & Press, Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH, 05. March 2016; KUWAIT TIMES

Eurofighter Simulation Systems (ESS GmbH) is based in the Munich area of Germany and is a joint venture between the main National Simulation Industries in Europe.

These Industries are ARGE comprising (Rheinmetall Defence Electronics and CAE GmbH) in Germany, SELEX ES now incorporated within the “New FINMECCANICA” in Italy, INDRA Sistemas in Spain and Thales Training & Simulation in the UK.

FIGHTING TALK

Posted by Eurofighter Simulation Systems GmbH on March 23, 2016

Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: ACoS, Air Force pilots, Aircrew Synthetic Trainings Aids, Aircrew Task Trainer, Airshow, ALBACETE Air Base, APTT, ASTA, ASTA suite, Baltic Air Patrol, Basic Training Device, CAAC, CAE, Combat Readiness, Computer Generated Forces, CPT, Crew Resource Management, CT/IPS-E, D-CT Depolyable Cockpit Trainer, Deploable Cockpit Trainer, ESS, Eurofighter, Eurofighter Simulation Systems, Eurofighter Typhoon, Eurofighter Typhoon - det sikre valg for Danmark, Eurofighter WORLD, Facsimile Cockpit, FMS, Full Mission Simulator, INCAS, INDRA, Instructor Operating Station, Interactive Pilot Station, IOS, JAVIER DEL CID DE LEON, Manching, Mission Readiness Training, Mission Rehearsal, Morón Air Base in Frontera, multirole/swing-role combat aircraft, NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency, NETMA, Pilot Training, PRESTA, Rheinmetall Defence Electronics, SAN, Selex, Sevilla, Spanish Air Force, SSS, SVT, Synthetic environment, THALES, Train as you fight, Training Center C.16 (Eurofighter) Morón de la Frontera, ULT, Unit Level Trainer, WSS.

A Brigadier, who led the first Spanish Air Force deployment of Eurofighters on Baltic Air Patrol, was a key speaker at a London Fighter Conference, where he told delegates about the crucial role the Eurofighter Typhoon was playing in protecting national interests, the value of simulation training – and the value of pre-deployment exercises.

BRIGADIER

JAVIER DEL CID DE LEON

NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency

CV HIGHLIGHTS

Fighter school as flying instructor
Operational (Captain) at Albacete AFB flying Mirage F1
International ops – Bosnia, Kosovo
NATO tour at Airsouth HQ, Naples (IT)
First SPAF Baltic Air Patrol Detachment Chief – Siauliai, Lithuania
Air Base and Wing Commander — 14th Wing, Albacete, during the handover from Mirage F-1 to Eurofighter Sqn

NETMA’s Brigadier Javier Del Cid De Leon gave the Conference a unique insight into Eurofighter Typhoon’s role in the Baltic Air Patrol (BAP) and in the reparations required. It’s a subject he knows much about. He was the Detachment Chief of the first Spanish Air Force deployment in the region and was also the ALBACETE Air Base commander in Spain for the handover from Mirage F-1 to Eurofighter.

It’s little wonder the Brigadier could captivate his audience in London as Eurofighter WORLD can now reveal in this personal profile – the love of flying runs in his Spanish blood. And his interest in aviation began when he was just a child…

“I remember building my first model aircraft when I was a 10-year-old. After that I filled my parents’ house, and later my own home, with a vast array of radio controlled and static models. I joined the Spanish Air Force when I was 17 (in 1976) and I flew, for the first time in my life, in 1978. Even now, after 40 years and more than 4,000 flying hours, I still love to fly.”

Today, as NETMA’s Division Leader for Business Management, Javier heads three sections of the organisation, managing around 35 people. He’s in charge of HR, security, agency support, IT and business improvement and performance.

While his current role is to support the management of the NETMA business, ensuring that appropriate strategies, policies, processes, tools and resources are in place to generate the right ways of working to maximize effectiveness and motivation, his has not always been an office job.

Indeed, his active background in the Spanish Air Force, his knowledge of Baltic Air Patrols and his links with Eurofighter and NETMA all mean the Brigadier is now a natural choice as a speaker for a fighter conference.

Asked why anyone would be interested in hearing from NETMA, he said: “NETMA plays an important role sustaining Typhoon as a world class fighter.” says the Brigadier. “It is the backbone of air defence across our nations as multirole aircraft which will be in service for decades to come. NETMA provides a management service, delivering through-life support and capability enhancement to satisfy our customer’s current and future operational needs. In short, the work of NETMA contributes to a reliable and safe Eurofighter Weapons System.”

It’s exactly that reliability and built-in safety that has led to the Eurofighter Typhoon being seen as the system of choice for those requiring a robust and capable deterrent. And it is this that the Brigadier sees as its key value supporting NATO’s Air Policing in Europe.

“NATO Air Policing is important because it demonstrates a common commitment and mutual cooperation among the different nation states involved.

“The NATO definition of the role is clear. NATO Air Policing is a peacetime mission which requires an Air Surveillance and Control System (ASACS), an Air Command and Control (Air C2) structure and Quick Reaction Alert (Interceptor) aircraft to be available on a 24/7 basis.

“This enables the Alliance to detect, track and identify to the greatest extent possible all aerial objects approaching or operating within NATO airspace so that violations and infringements can be recognised and appropriate action taken.

“The Spanish Air Force fully understands the need to collaborate in all NATO missions. The first time it took part in the Baltic Air Patrol with Eurofighter was from ALA 11-Morón Air Base. It was a logistic challenge more than an operational one.

“How suitable does he think Eurofighter Typhoon is for the BAP role?”

“There is no doubt that the Eurofighter is the best aircraft out there today for Air Policing missions like this. What you need is reliability, simplicity in the pre-take off procedures; high performance to reach operational ceiling and speed; good and reliable communication with the C2 system; and sensors that provide the >> pilot with a clear situation awareness for the purpose of identification. And, if the situation requires, reliable and efficient air-to-air weapons.

“It’s also worth making a special mention of the Eurofighter’s EJ200 engines. They provide the combination of low maintenance, high reliability and easy handling that’s essential in this work.”

“Working in the Baltic means we have been able to operate in extreme weather conditions in winter time. This is a challenge not only for the aircraft but for the entire team involved in the detachment. We are far away from our home base which is why a good logistic plan is vital.

“The Eurofighter and the crews involved have the experience. The aircraft is on duty 24/7 with our four nations covering almost all NATO area of responsibility.”

Asked what NATO and the Spanish Air Force have learned about the threats and activities during their patrol time in the Baltics, the Brigadier said: “It’s a combination of things — responsibility, interoperability, the ability to maintain high readiness status, strong Air Command and control chain. These patrols bring the same rules of engagement but in a different scenario. Of course the Baltic Patrol also means learning to work in winter weather conditions.”

And, like other air forces before them, prior to the deployment of the Spanish Air Force to the Baltics, they made use of The Aircrew Synthetic Training Aids (ASTA) programme to help prepare.

“In my view ASTA proved itself as an essential tool for complex training exercises,” says the Brigadier, “because it allowed training situations and missions to be carried out that in the real aircraft would be impossible to reproduce before deployment.

“In total 50 missions were developed for the pilots involved in the Spanish Air Force deployment. These missions, in total hours represent a time of flight of approximately 75 per cent of the actual hours flown. This is a huge saving on real flying time costs. There’s no doubt that ASTA was needed for this and will be needed for future missions.

“It really helped us. Pre-deployment simulator flying means the pilots can focus on the domestic aspects: local procedures, communications sequence, instrument approaches, familiarity with the work area, and so on.

“It also allows the deployments to arrive with much more preparation and knowledge, as crews have undergone a process of planning and implementation (documentation, calculations of time / fuel tactical assessment, data processing mission for aircraft detection doubts / errors / shortcomings, etc.), allowing them to prepare any missions in the exercise faster and more effectively.”

As the Brigadier explained when he spoke in London, it is not just the simulator training that helps pilots prepare for real-life deployment, it is major exercises like ‘Vulcanex 15’. The aim of Vulcanex 15 was to strengthen Eurofighter/Typhoon interoperability and standardisation between the *European Air Group (EAG) nations through the use of common Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). It was also to familiarise ground crews with other nation’s Aircraft Ground Equipment, with their “turn around” procedures and their different approaches to Quick Reaction Alert work.

*The European Air Group (EAG) is a seven nation (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain & UK) organisation which develops suitable ideas and initiatives into projects with the aim of producing useable end-products that promote interoperability between the Group and partner air forces (Norway & Sweden). It may also assist other organisations.

“So how proud is the Brigadier of what NETMA, the Spanish Air Force and the Eurofighter Typhoon have done with regard to Baltic Air Patrols?”

“It is mission accomplished.” he said. “We now have common goals and we are continuing to demonstrate that we have a value. In fact, in January this year, another Spanish Air Force Eurofighter detachment, this time from the ALBACETE Air Base, 14th WING will be on deployment. I wish them the best.”

Finally, we asked the Brigadier what he honestly thought the future will hold for the Eurofighter Typhoon?

“Our nations are betting on Eurofighter as the main air weapon system for the next decades. There are technical and financial solutions that will give us a fleet of Eurofighters with the operational capabilities required by the four nations.

“The Meteor, Storm Shadow, Brimstone and new radar will equip the Eurofighter with the swing role capability necessary for the future. NETMA and Eurofighter are continuing to work together to ensure we deliver the best operational aircraft both now and in the future. Of course challenges will occur, but we are committed to solving them day by day, and I am confident we will meet those challenges.” <<

source: EUROFIGHTER WORLD – Programme News & Features – March 2016

7/13/2015 09:00:00

Montreal, Canada, July 13, 2015 – (NYSE: CAE; TSX: CAE) – CAE and Eurofighter Simulation Systems (ESS) today announced they have renewed their collaboration agreement related to the provision of visual systems on the Eurofighter Typhoon Aircrew Synthetic Training Aids (ASTA) programme.

Under the Eurofighter ASTA programme, ESS serves as the prime contractor and design authority for the comprehensive suite of Eurofighter training systems operated by the four Eurofighter partner nations (United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, and Italy) as well as Austria. CAE has provided the visual systems required as part of the Eurofighter ASTA programme, and under terms of the renewed collaboration agreement will continue to work exclusively through ESS on the provision of visual systems on Eurofighter ASTA devices.

“We are pleased to extend our relationship with Eurofighter Simulation Systems and look forward to offering our next-generation visual solutions to the existing Eurofighter partner nations as well as potential export customers,” said Ian Bell, CAE’s Vice President and General Manager, Europe/Middle East/Africa. “ESS delivers value to all Eurofighter customers by helping ensure the highest quality training systems are delivered in support of one of the world’s most advanced and capable combat aircraft.”

The comprehensive visual solution offered by CAE for the Eurofighter ASTA programme includes the next-generation CAE Medallion-6000 image generator as well as display systems and database development tools.

Francisco Munoz – ESS Managing Director

“It has been nearly 15 years since CAE was originally selected as the preferred supplier of Eurofighter ASTA visual systems, and CAE’s high-fidelity visual solutions have been a critical part of the Eurofighter programme,” said Francisco Munoz, Managing Director, Eurofighter Simulation Systems GmbH. “In the coming years there are opportunities to upgrade the visual systems on existing Eurofighter training devices operated by the partner nations, as well as potentially provide additional systems as part of any Eurofighter export sale. We look forward to continued collaboration with CAE as we deliver and support the world-class Eurofighter training systems.”

Eurofighter Simulation Systems (ESS) in partnership with the prime contractor Eurofighter GmbH plays a major role in the Eurofighter Aircrew Synthetic Training Aids (ASTA) project and is responsible for the design, development, production and support for all of the non-weapons systems work content. ESS is based in the Munich area of Germany and is a joint venture between the main national simulation industries in Europe. The ESS joint venture industry partners include Rheinmetall Defence Electronics and CAE GmbH in Germany; SELEX ES in Italy; INDRA Sistemas in Spain; and Thales Training & Simulation in the United Kingdom.

About CAE

CAE is a global leader in delivery of training for the civil aviation, defence and security, and healthcare markets. We design and integrate the industry’s most comprehensive training solutions, anchored by the knowledge and expertise of our 8,000 employees, our world-leading simulation technologies and a track record of service and technology innovation spanning seven decades. Our global presence is the broadest in the industry, with 160 sites and training locations in 35 countries, including our joint venture operations, and the world’s largest installed base of flight simulators. Each year, we train more than 120,000 civil and defence crewmembers, as well as thousands of healthcare professionals. www.cae.com

Allein der Einstieg ist ein Abenteuer. Denn der funktioniert nicht wie in dem gewohnten Kleinwagen, der die Testpilotin sonst von A nach B befördert. Da ist keine Tür. Zuerst muss man ins Cockpit kraxeln, sich dann auf den Sitz stellen und abschließend die Beine in den Fußraum quetschen.

Doch das ist wahrlich noch das einfachste, wenn man einigermaßen beweglich ist. Denn was folgt ist: die völlige Überforderung für jeden Laien. Ganz eindeutig zu viele Knöpfe, zu viele Schalter sind da rechts und links und vorne – eigentlich überall. Während beim Auto rechts das Gas, in der Mitte die Bremse und links die Kupplung platziert ist – und selbst das erweist sich für Fahranfänger schon kompliziert genug – ist beim Eurofighter alles anders. Das Lenkrad ist nicht rund, sondern ein Steuerknüppel, der an lange vergessene Computerspiele erinnert. „Gebremst wird, indem die Fußspitzen gleichmäßig auf den Pedalen nach unten gedrückt werden“, erklärt Franz Männling, Chef des Simulator-Zentrums. Da braucht die Pilotin ziemlich Kraft in den Beinen, ansonsten hält der Eurofighter nämlich überhaupt nicht an, sondern schießt über die Landebahn hinaus. Gas wird mit der linken Hand gegeben, statt eines Pedals ist da ein Schieber, der nach vorne gedrückt wird. So weit, so gut.
Denn das waren nur die Trockenübungen. Obwohl die Piloten im Flugsimulator freilich die ganze Zeit über am Boden bleiben, fühlt sich das, was jetzt kommt, ganz schön authentisch an. Vor dem Flugzeugführer erstreckt sich die gigantische Start- und Landebahn, rechts und links davon sind riesige Bäume und grüne Wiesen zu sehen, in der Ferne steht der mächtige Tower. Die richtigen Eurofighter-Piloten testen in einem noch moderneren Gerät, legen ihren schneidigen Fluganzug an, tragen ihre eigenen Helme. Der erste Gedanke: wie in „Top Gun“. „Im Simulator werden die Soldaten durch ausgeklügelte Technik in den Sitz gepresst, der Gurt drückt sich an die Brust“, sagt Männling. „Das alles fühlt sich dermaßen echt an, dass die Piloten darauf so körperlich reagieren, wie sie es auch in der Luft tun.“ Heißt konkret: Sie fangen mit der Pressatmung an – eine Technik, um den enormen körperlichen Belastungen der Beschleunigungs- und Fliehkräfte entgegenzuwirken.
Langsam rollt der Eurofighter über die virtuelle Startbahn, dann wird er immer schneller, bis die gewünschte Geschwindigkeit von 250 km/h erreicht und der Zeitpunkt gekommen ist, den Steuerknüppel nach hinten zu ziehen – wir heben ab. Mit rasantem Tempo steigt der Eurofighter gen Himmel. Einer der gefühlt tausend Schalter und Hebel ist dazu da, das Fahrwerk einzuklappen. Auf einem Display auf Augenhöhe werden alle möglichen Daten angezeigt: Höhe, Geschwindigkeit, Richtung. Den Rest muss ein richtiger Eurofighter-Pilot freilich aus dem Effeff beherrschen, die Testpilotin zum Glück nicht. Es ist so schon anstrengend genug, die paar Zahlen im Auge zu behalten. Wir fliegen eine Schleife, und ehe man es realisiert, hat man Neuburg schon hinter sich gelassen und düst mit Überschallgeschwindigkeit in Richtung Donauwörth. Immer der Donau entlang. Wir fliegen eine große Kurve – und obwohl die Beine fest verankert am Boden im Flugsimulator stehen, kribbelt es im Bauch, ganz so, als läge man wirklich gerade in Schräglage auf 5000 Metern Höhe. Das Landemanöver in Manching gestaltet sich unkompliziert. Der Steuerknüppel wird nach vorne gedrückt, das Gas zurückgenommen, der Eurofighter verliert sofort rapide an Flughöhe und Tempo.
Neuburg, Donauwörth, Manching. Mehr oder weniger Alltag für den Eurofighter-Piloten. Im Simulator kann er aber noch ganz andere Abenteuer erleben. Und was der kann, kann die Testpilotin schon lange. Auf einmal verschwindet der blaue Horizont und es erscheinen die grell und bunt beleuchteten Hotels und Casinos von Las Vegas. In 60 Metern Höhe rast der Eurofighter den Strip entlang, rechts ragt die Kopie des Eiffelturms in die Höhe, links erstreckt sich das weltberühmte Hotel Bellagio mit seinem riesigen Brunnen im Eingangsbereich. Vor dem Luxor-Hotel starrt die Sphinx gen Himmel. Dieses Mal ist der Kopf nicht mehr bei „Top Gun“, sondern bei „Ocean’s Eleven“. Ein Ausblick, der beeindruckt. Und einer, der im Simulator beliebig oft wiederholt werden kann. Also Steuerknüppel nach hinten gerissen, einen Looping geflogen – und das Ganze noch einmal von vorne erlebt. Danach kann man glatt süchtig werden. Wieder und wieder erstahlt die Stadt mit ihren tausend Lichtern vor einem, bis die Testpilotin auch wirklich alles gesehen hat – wenn auch nur virtuell.
Ganz zum Schluss wird’s richtig spektakulär: Wir simulieren einen Absturz, der Steuerknüppel wird nach vorne gedrückt, immer weiter, ohne Zögern. Der Alarm löst aus, eine Stimme warnt schrill vor der drohenden Katastrophe. Das Unglück naht. Dann der Aufprall. Alle Lichter im Simulator gehen aus, es ist stockdunkel. Aus den Boxen ertönt eine Stimme aus dem Jenseits – die von Freddy Mercury: „Who wants to live forever“

Quelle: 15.05.2015, DONAUKURIER

Neuburg und Lechfeld, 28.08.2014.

Der Parlamentarische Staatssekretär bei der Bundesministerin der Verteidigung Markus Grübel besuchte am 27.08.2014 das Taktische Luftwaffengeschwader 74. Besichtigt wurde die bayerische Heimatbasis in Neuburg und der Ausweichflugplatz in Lechfeld. Dort verabschiedete er zusammen mit Oberstleutnant Holger Neumann, dem amtierenden Kommodore des Geschwaders, das Neuburger Kontingent in Richtung Estland. Der Luftwaffenverband wird in der nächsten Zeit an der Mission „NATO Air Policing Baltikum“ teilnehmen und den Luftraum über den baltischen Staaten schützen.

Der Parlamentarische Staatsekretär Markus Grübel durfte im Eurofighter – Simulator Platz nehmen.Der Parlamentarische Staatsekretär Markus Grübel durfte im Eurofighter – Simulator Platz nehmen.

Der Parlamentarische Staatsekretär Markus Grübel durfte im Eurofighter – Simulator Platz nehmen. (Quelle: Luftwaffe/Xaver Habermeier)

Eingangs des Besuchs informierte sich der politische Gast am Neuburger Standort über die Geschwaderstruktur und die Einsatzbereitschaft des Verbandes. Dazu berichtete Oberstleutnant Neumann über die Verlegung des Flugbetriebes nach Lechfeld. Grund dafür ist die Generalsanierung der Start- und Landebahn in Neuburg. „Der Umzug mit allen Flugzeugen erfolgte Ende Februar dieses Jahres und seitdem ist unser Flugplatz hier in Neuburg eine Großbaustelle“, so der Kommodore.

Der Leiter der Simulatoren Franz Männling zeigte dem politischen Gast den Eurofighter – Cockpittrainer. (Quelle: Luftwaffe/Xaver Habermeier)

Die umfangreichen Simulationsmöglichkeiten für das Waffensystem Eurofighter standen als nächstes auf dem Programm. Im Simulator konnte sich Grübel ein Bild von der militärischen Fliegerei machen. Eine Gesprächsrunde mit den Kommandeuren, den Staffelchefs und-feldwebeln, den Vertrauenspersonen und dem Personalrat fand in der Wilhelm-Frankl-Kaserne statt. Hierbei wurden vor allem die Anliegen der Truppe besprochen. Anschließend verabschiedete sich der Parlamentarische Staatssekretär nach Lechfeld. Dort brachte er im Rahmen eines Appells seine Eindrücke des Eurofighter – Verbands zum Ausdruck: „In Gesprächen konnte ich mich von der hohen Motivation und Leistungsfähigkeit Ihres Geschwaders überzeugen. Der überall spürbare Teamgeist hat mich sehr beeindruckt“. Weiter verdeutlichte der Parlamentarische Staatssekretär: „Mit der Stationierung von vier Eurofightern der Luftwaffe in Estland leistet Deutschland einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Bündnissolidarität. Mit ihrem Einsatz setzen Sie ein Zeichen für Frieden und Freiheit in Europa.“

Quelle: Luftwaffe.de, Autor: Xaver Habermeier

10th Anniversary of the first flight of the Eurofighter ASTA simulator in Moron de la Frontera

Posted by Eurofighter Simulation Systems GmbH on October 30, 2014

Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: 10th Anniversary, Air Force pilots, Aircrew Synthetic Trainings Aids, Aircrew Task Trainer, Airshow, APTT, ASTA, Basic Training Device, Combat Readiness, Computer Generated Forces, CPT, Crew Resource Management, CT/IPS-E, D-CT Depolyable Cockpit Trainer, Deploable Cockpit Trainer, ESS, Eurofighter, Eurofighter Simulation Systems, Eurofighter Typhoon - det sikre valg for Danmark, INDRA, IOS, Mission Rehearsal, Morón Air Base in Frontera, NETMA, Pilot Training, PRESTA, SAN, Sevilla, SVT, Train as you fight, Training Center C.16 (Eurofighter) Morón de la Frontera, Unit Level Trainer, WSS.

INDRA Community, 30-10-2014

During this time, our team of professionals, who develops their work in this training center has been commissioned to ensure proper operation and maintenance of the Simulator.

ASTA Indra Team in Training Center C.16 (Eurofighter) Morón de la Frontera

We have completed 10 years after the installation and commissioning of the first CT simulator ASTA (Aircrew Synthetic Training Aids Cockpit Trainer) the Eurofighter in C.16 Training Center, which is located at Morón Air Base in Frontera (Sevilla).

Subsequently, after this first system, we have also installed 2 other simulators type FMS (Full Mission Simulator). This has prompted the Center for Instruction C.16 Moron become the main training center for Eurofighter pilots of the Spanish Air Force.

Additionally, it is the focal point of Spain in international forums ASTA operation, attended by representatives of training centers in Germany, UK and Italy.

Numerous authorities have visited the simulators in ten years, including: HM King Juan Carlos I, the then Prince of Asturias and now currently HM King Felipe VI, as well as the various Chiefs of Air Force and Defense Ministers.

Since 2004 it has formed the first operational squadron of C.16 (Eurofighter), providing training to all pilots of combat aircraft, belonging to both the 11 Wing (Air Base Morón de la Frontera) and the Wing 14 (Air Base in Albacete Los Llanos). In total, they take made more than 9,600 hours of training in the three simulators installed in the Training Center.

The Air Force has sent us his congratulations and appreciation for the achievements during this time, highlighting, in particular, the increased flight safety and improving the quality of training of pilots operating the Eurofighter. Special mention deserves the preparation of advanced exercises, prior to participation in international pilot training maneuvers to air units from NATO in Europe, such as Frisian Flag, held in the Netherlands, or exercises Anatolian Eagle, held in Turkey.
During these exercises the pilots had the enormous advantage of having previously exercised in ASTA, training with virtual environments created specifically to recreate all the conditions of the environment they face in the actual maneuvers: adverse weather conditions, other aircraft which could interact, weapons, airports, communications, etc.

Thanks to the expertise of professionals in the ASTA, Eurofighter simulators have become an essential tool for the training of Air Force pilots. We hope to add more hours to the successes and achievements.

2 Full Mission Systems (ASTA FMS)

Source: Flightglobal, Mar 2014, By: Craig Hoyle

As with other advanced fourth-generation fighters, the Eurofighter Typhoon is expensive to buy and fly, meaning that operators must seek to get the best efficiency from their training activities.

The Royal Air Force has twice sent some of its Typhoons and Panavia Tornado GR4s to Red Flag-series exercises staged from Nellis AFB, Nevada, within the past year, participated in others in Oman and the United Arab Emirates and also hosted UK-based activities with the air forces of France and Saudi Arabia. Performing such major co-operative work is essential for ensuring interoperability during coalition campaigns, but budget considerations mean such opportunities will always be limited.

At the other end of the spectrum, big changes are happening at the pilot training stage.

Inside the Typhoon Training Facility (TTF) at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, a suite of synthetic training devices is used to support instruction provided by the service’s 29 Sqn operational conversion unit (OCU) for the type. Each roughly three-month course includes four students, with around 40 pilots completing their instruction each year, including approximately eight who are undertaking refresher courses and others from the Royal Saudi Air Force.

FRONTLINE PILOTS

The infrastructure is also used to deliver continuation training to front-line pilots and instructors, and can be called upon for pre-deployment preparations, such as during the run-up to the NATO-led Libya campaign in 2011.

Currently, the RAF’s OCU syllabus is performed using a mix of 35% live flying and 65% synthetic training. “We harness the synthetics when it’s the right thing to do,” says Typhoon force commander Air Cdre Gary Waterfall, who notes: “You are not losing flying hours, but gaining operational capability. Some of the best training we’re getting is in the simulator.” Hardware includes two Thales-maintained full-mission domed simulators (ASTA FMS) and two half-dome cockpit trainers (ASTA CT/IPS-E).

ASTA Full Mission Simulator (FMS)

ASTA Cockpit Trainer (CT/IPS-E)

The TTF has until now had a mix of 10 BAE Systems and four RAF aircrew instructors, but by the end of 2014, a new arrangement will see industry become responsible for filling all of the positions – all with ex-military personnel. “The advantages are that we will have greater stability in terms of staff turnover, and that civilian instructors are not subject to additional demands of service life that our RAF colleagues have to face,” says the company’s aircrew training operations manager at the Coningsby site, Kev Watson.

Judging the best balance of live versus synthetic training is a subjective task, which requires the RAF and its student pilots to embrace a new culture, according to Waterfall.

In an RAF trial activity called “Pandora’s Buzzard”, supported by BAE instructors, several pilots were put through the OCU process using 100% simulator use, before performing a so-called “ghosted-solo”, with an instructor accompanying them in the jet as a safety back-up. “The trial demonstrated that the vast majority of the operational conversion course could be conducted synthetically and, on numerous occasions, a student’s first flight has been solo,” Watson says. “That’s a real boost for synthetic capability, for the ASTA [Eurofighter Aircrew Synthetic Training Aids] system.” It is also of significance as the UK moves towards fielding the single-seat-only Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter from later this decade.