A leap forward for sar training

Northern Rescue Helicopter, the non-profit charity helicopter rescue service in New Zealand, operates state-of-the-art Leonardo AW169 helicopters and, to match its aircraft, Northern Rescue has chosen to purchase two AW169 flight and navigation procedures trainer (FNPT) II multi-crew cooperation (MCC) simulators with Entrol’s unique Enwall LED visual system.

THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF TRAINING

Enwall significantly enhances the training value for Northern Rescue by transforming the simulator into a fully mission-ready, highfidelity environment tailored to real search and rescue (SAR) operations in New Zealand.

First, it delivers mission-specific realism. By combining Enwall with a bespoke AW169 flight model, a full avionics suite, and a geospecific New Zealand database, crews are able to train exactly as they operate in real missions. This alignment reinforces both procedural memory and decision-making in a highly effective way.

In addition, Enwall provides outstanding visual performance for critical operations. The system also improves situational awareness and control. Its wide, distortionfree field of view enhances spatial awareness, depth perception, and positioning accuracy – key factors during, for example, confined landings, and complex maneuvers.

Another major advantage is the seamless and natural visual experience. The LED environment eliminates the typical limitations of projection systems, allowing for a continuous, distortion-free view that helps pilots stay focused.

This translates into a direct operational impact: crews can train more frequently, more safely, and more effectively, resulting in higher mission readiness and improved realworld performance.

A FULL TRAINING ECOSYSTEM

Northern Rescue’s decision to choose Entrol and Enwall was driven by several key factors.

First, there was a strong level of confidence in Entrol’s technology – demonstrated by the fact that they committed to a second unit even before completing the factory acceptance test (FAT).

Second, Entrol offers aircraft-specific, high-fidelity simulation. Their ability to replicate the exact AW169 configuration is highly valued by operators who need precise training alignment.

Third, the system is clearly mission focused. It enables safe and effective training of SAR scenarios, emergency procedures, and crew coordination within a controlled environment.

Another major advantage is in-house training capability. Having their own simulator reduces travel and logistics costs, increases training frequency, and improves pilot availability.

Finally, Enwall itself played a decisive role. Its LED-based visual system represents a significant leap in immersion and realism, particularly for low-level and SAR missions.

In short, Northern Rescue selected Entrol not just for a simulator, but for a fully tailored, high-fidelity, mission-ready training ecosystem.

A TECHNOLOGICAL LEAP AHEAD

Enwall represents a clear technological leap beyond traditional projection-based systems. From a visual standpoint, it offers higher resolution and significantly sharper image quality, along with superior contrast. It also eliminates common visual distortions. Issues such as warping, blending, and alignment – typical of projector setups – are completely removed, resulting in a seamless and consistent visual experience.

In terms of flexibility, Enwall’s modular LED panels allow for scalable configurations.

Operational reliability is another key advantage. Unlike projectors, where a single failure can halt training entirely, Enwall continues operating even if a minor issue occurs in one panel. Maintenance is also simpler, as modular panels can be quickly replaced.

Overall, Enwall delivers superior visual quality, higher reliability, and reduced operational disruption – directly enhancing both training continuity and effectiveness.

A NEW APPROACH TO IMMERSIVE SIMULATION

Enwall’s cylindrical LED wall, combined with an integrated LED floor, creates a wide-angle visual environment that closely replicates real world conditions. This allows pilots not only to maintain natural visual references but also to look downward – critical for SAR operations.

The experience is fully distortion-free and rendered in high definition, addressing one of the longstanding limitations of traditional simulators: the lack of realism in mission specific scenarios.

The extended field of view is particularly transformative for SAR training. It significantly improves spatial awareness, allowing pilots to perceive terrain, obstacles, and landing zones more naturally. It also enhances hover stability and positioning accuracy, which are crucial during rescues and confined-area maneuvers.

The inclusion of the LED floor further improves vertical awareness, enabling pilots to accurately assess distance to the ground or to victims below. This combination allows for a much more realistic execution of complete mission flows.

Ultimately, the realism provided by Enwall leads to a higher transfer of training to real operations.