The contract is part of the Army’s “Aviator Training Next” or “ATN” Program, an experimental, yet innovative, new way to provide helicopter pilot training during the primary phase using the latest in virtual reality (VR) technology and high-end, commercially available helicopter simulator equipment.

Managing Director of Ryan Aerospace, Chris Ryan said he was “delighted to partner with the US Army and prime contractor SAIC to work on this ground-breaking project. 

The system is supported by an after-action review software package that automatically assesses, grades and logs the student’s performance.

The project is multi-faceted and many teams are working together to ensure the best possible outcome. A dedicated team based at West Point (The United States Military Academy) will be conducting a thorough research project to objectively assess the outcomes of the project and report back on ways to improve it even further. The experiment will run until mid-2020, upon which the US Army will decide if this is a valid means of training.

All 31 systems have been delivered and installed ahead of schedule and the US Army Aviators have commenced the experimental training.