Challenges in Helicopter Training

Affordable and effective training for helicopters, covering the diversity of helicopter operations in all-weather applications is scarce: but Atlantis has developed an innovative way to provide flight ops training for the helicopter community. Some of the complex helicopter applications where training is deficient include:

• Combat - sea and land based
• SAR and SOF missions
• Rugged/Mountainous terrain ops
• Urban emergency services
• Oil rig operations
• Internal loads and long-line operations

Deficiencies in Current Training Regimes

Vocational skills based training is oriented on “aircraft-in-the-loop” using an actual helicopter for training.

Current “aircraft-in-the-loop” methods are expensive, dangerous, and cannot cover all training scenarios required for the continued safe operations of a helicopter.

Environmental conditions cannot be controlled for the realistic training needed.

Synthetic training on the current breed of simulators does not cover the full visual spectrum, does not allow pilots to look down, sideways and backwards in a way that is needed in manoeuvring.

Current synthetic training devices for helicopters are very expensive, therefore scarce.

The Atlantis Solution

Atlantis is the co-developer of a Virtual Reality and motion based simulator, the Helicopter Deck Landing System (HDLS), specially developed for naval deck landing training in dynamic weather and sea conditions.

Deployed at CFB Shearwater, HDLS augments real ship and helicopter training missions in the North Atlantic, saving millions of dollars per training mission.

With accurate and realistic visual scenarios and modelling, the environment can be completely controlled, creating endless “what-if” possibilities, and thorough training.

Combined with other training elements such as courseware, learning management and tailored visual scenarios, Atlantis has built a suite of specific, dedicated helicopter training applications, called Helicopter Vocational Training (HVT).

HVT focuses on specific neglected and extremely complex areas of helicopter operations, with emphasis on scenario/task realism, and teamwork within an affordable budget.

The HVT System

HVT is part of an overall training regime in which qualified helicopter pilots (old & new) learn application skills needed to perform the helicopter's designated missions, whatever they may be. HVT is an integrated approach to skills training combining elements of:

• Computer Aided Instruction (CAI): synchronized training elements using conventional training methods and expert instruction supporting the scenario training.
• Computer Based Training (CBT): theory and practise supporting the scenario elements in a self-paced learning format, with extensive interactivity between CBT and student.

• Simulation: a compact full-motion, reconfigurable flight simulator, coupled to with VR software and hardware, based on representative helicopter type models with highly detailed visual scenery and environmental modes, imparts hands-on skill training for the pilot in specific application. The revolutionary simulation is achieved via an “omni-view” helmet-mounted display, coupled to a head tracker, allowing a complete, 360 degree field of regard for the pilot. The pilot's audio, visual and motion senses are stimulated, and with replaceable cyclic and collective grips, even a sense of touch is recreated.

Atlantis provides switchable birds-eye, outside-the-aircraft and helmet views for the instructor on separate graphic displays for observer purposes.

The Olé™ learning management system provides full student management for all components of HVT: access, security, tracking, monitoring, reporting and training diagnosis of the CAI, CBT and simulator sessions.

HVT Applications

Atlantis is establishing a library of HVT applications, which can be acquired in combination to suit a set of training needs. Each application is built around a series of realistic helicopter operational scenarios embedded in a high-fidelity visual environment appropriate to the skill package being trained. The helicopter platform is representative of light, medium and heavy class vehicle simulations with representative control feedback and a tactile realism appropriate to the helicopter class.

Some of the identified applications for HVT include:

• Naval helicopter deck landing: based on a maritime medium lift maritime helicopter such as the Sea King, H-92 or EH-101, with optional LSO and/or groundcrew, including haul-down procedures.
• Oil derrick operations: based on light utility helicopter platforms, such as the Bell 212, 412, Jet Ranger or Eurocopter helicopter family, based on a Specific or Generic Sea Oil platform.
• Long-line operations: covering land or sea based load handling tasks.
• Personnel insertion and extraction training for special operations forces, with mission rehearsal theatre-training options.
• Mountain and forestry operations: search and rescue, uneven terrain, logging in all visibility conditions.
• Urban operations: law enforcement, medical and fire emergency service applications covering high building with wind and turbulence conditions, confined space manoeuvring in all visibility conditions.

HVT Training Extensions

Atlantis can extend the HVT concept and functionality to suit specific training needs via a series of expansion modules:

• Student remedial training and coaching may be accomplished via integral debriefing elements with record/playback capability for the entire "mission", controlled by the instructor during the training session through the HVT Instructor Operator Station (IOS).
• In a single pilot configuration, the observer or instructor assumes the role of co-pilot for call-out and procedural purposes. Optionally, Atlantis provides multi-pilot or multi-crew configurations by networking second and third HVT motion and optics platforms, slaved to the pilot HVT. The HVT system is extended to multiple federates over an HLA-compliant network, for any scenario requiring a team approach, such as haul-down procedures involving ground crews, deck landing scenarios with an LSO, the load/cable operator or inclusion of a crew compartment where the gunner and/or winch operator can be integrated for some military applications.
• Night-vision imaging systems (NVIS) training for specific scenarios can be accommodated with HVT and appropriate modes.

The training approach allows any visibility to be simulated accurately, and can incorporate night-vision goggle (NVG) imagery very easily, if required.

The Economics of HVT

Compared with aircraft-in-the-loop alternates, the Atlantis HVT represents orders of magnitude reduction in training costs. With Atlantis innovative site and throughput-based licence options, we will tailor a suite of training packages and options for fleet operators covering full-service utility helicopter operations, or general-purpose training facilities, to meet your training budget. We'll work with you to analyse your existing training setup, and optimise your helicopter training using HVT's inherent flexibility.