Poland upgrades HEMS pilot training with EC135 simulator amid modernization drive

Poland’s national medical air rescue service, LPR, has enhanced its pilot and crew training capacity following the introduction of a new EC135 helicopter simulator as part of a wider modernization program.

The simulator, developed by Indra Group, was deployed under an upgrade project led by Indra in partnership with Polish construction firm NDI to expand and modernize LPR’s training center, which operates under Poland’s Ministry of Health.

Alongside the installation of the EC135 full flight simulator, the project included refurbishment of the existing flight training device facility and provision of post-delivery maintenance support.

The system was designed with a roll-in/roll-out configuration, allowing future integration of additional helicopter cabins as LPR expands or updates its fleet.

Training authorities said increased use of simulation-based instruction was expected to reduce the number of real flight hours required for qualification and recurrent training by up to 40%, easing pressure on operational aircraft and lowering fuel and maintenance costs.

Officials also said the approach improved operational safety by allowing crews to rehearse complex helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) scenarios in controlled conditions, including night operations and adverse weather.

The simulator incorporated a projection system using 4LED technology and an infrared channel designed to support night vision goggles training, while improving visual fidelity during simulated missions.

It also featured a high-resolution digital database covering Poland’s operational environment, including hospitals, heliports, airports, and designated landing sites used by LPR for emergency medical missions.

The EC135 platform, widely used across European HEMS operators, is a twin-engine light helicopter employed in medical, police, and utility roles. The H135 family has more than 1,600 aircraft delivered to over 300 operators worldwide, according to industry data.

LPR operates under Poland’s Ministry of Health and provides emergency air medical transport across the country.

Meanwhile, separate research has highlighted advances in simulation technology, including a University of Glasgow, Scotland, system designed to replicate helicopter–wildfire interactions and water-drop dynamics for aerial firefighting training.

Image courtesy of Indra Group.