AXIS broadens training capabilities with expansion into helicopter simulation

AXIS Flight Simulation is increasing its training footprint by entering the helicopter simulator manufacturing market with two new flight simulation training devices (FSTDs), the AX-DH and the EASA and FAA approvable Flight Training Device (FTD).

Both FSTDs, with the AX-DH being based on AXIS’ proven AX-D system, featuring a high-resolution visual system and a six-degrees-of-freedom electric motion system, have been designed to deliver unmatched realism 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 practice realistic transitions, improving operational readiness.

Designed to reflect the demands of helicopter operations including offshore operations and night vision goggles (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. The simulators are able to be programmed with a variety of mission scenarios that are tailored to the operator’s needs, including mission profiles for helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), search and rescue, and law enforcement, as well as offshore and utility.

Christian Theuermann, Executive Board Member at AXIS, said: “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.

Loft Dynamics’ new H145 Multi-Pilot VR Simulator is due to be installed at the Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ Training Center in Gifu, Japan, to support HEMS, law enforcement, disaster response, and other critical helicopter services in the country.