A global reach for rearcrew training
Improving accessibility of rearcrew training to operators around the world, a new deal will see Bluedrop Training & Simulation products expand into the Asia–Pacific and Middle East regions, and get showcased at Verticon
Bluedrop USA (a subsidiary of Bluedrop Training & Simulation) recently announced a new partnership with Simutech Solutions, an aviation training support provider.
The partnership will see the two companies bring advanced tactical training simulation products to operators across the Asia–Pacific and Middle East regions. As part of the new deal, Simutech will sell Bluedrop’s full product range in these regions.
Bluedrop’s innovative rearcrew simulation systems ensure that high-risk training can be performed in a safe, repeatable, auditable and cost-efficient way.
The announcement comes at a time when governments in these regions are looking to enhance their capabilities in aerial defense, search and rescue (SAR), aerial firefighting, and law enforcement.
REPETITION BUILDS CONFIDENCE. SIMULATION MAKES IT SAFE
Real-world hoist training is high-risk and limited by cost, weather, and aircraft availability. Bluedrop’s Hoist Mission Training System (HMTS) allows operators to repeat critical procedures until they become second nature.
From hoist briefs to aircraft coordination, virtual training helps crews lock in good habits early without putting people or equipment at risk.
HOIST TRAINING STARTS LONG BEFORE THE AIRCRAFT EVER LIFTS OFF
At Verticon, Bluedrop is showcasing how virtual and augmented hoist training supports strong operational behaviors, clear communication, and confident decision making from day one.
What sets the HMTS apart is its highfidelity environment, advanced haptics, and a true X- and Y-axis cable system. Crews feel realistic load movement, tension, and aircraft dynamics rather than a scripted scenario.
The HMTS allows trainees to experience complex rescue missions in a controlled setting, from overland cliff operations to demanding maritime conditions, with a level of realism that better prepares them for the aircraft.
KEY TRAINING OUTCOMES
The HMTS provides crews with the ability to practice:
• Advanced live cable management
• Crew communication
• Mission rehearsal
• Physics of swinging loads
• Seamless integration with variety of flight training devices
• Night vision goggles, environmental conditions
• Configurable to any fuselage type
• On-the-fly mission changes
• Basic and advanced training for all levels of crew readiness.
See the Bluedrop HMTS live at Verticon 2026 in the Safety Zone, booth #B2815.
March 2026
Issue
This edition is bursting at the seams with articles from all corners of the special missions sector. We have features on the California wildfires that ravaged the state last year, what the cost–benefit analysis looks like for single-engine rotorcraft and autorotations, how the mission dictates the modification needed to the platform, and what can be done to further prevent the problems associated with inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions.
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