VRM Switzerland and Airbus to develop H145 VR simulator

The device is intended to provide H145 operators with an ‘affordable, compact training solution with realistic flight behavior and full-body immersion, as well as the 3D vision and high-resolution scenery of VR technology’.

Once properly qualified for use, the H145 VR simulator will allow pilots to perform proficiency checks and receive training credits and can used to perform type ratings including normal flight, emergency situations, hoist operations and flight with night vision goggles, as well as instrument ratings.

It follows the creation of a VR training device for the H125, which was developed through a similar collaboration between the two companies announced in 2021, and which has now been shipped to several launch customers, including Helitrans and Mountainflyers.

“With this type of simulator, the pilot can enter operational scenarios that would be very risky to attempt in actual flight, but which bring significant added value to training,” said Christoph Zammert, Executive Vice President of Customer Support and Services at Airbus Helicopters.

“Having already successfully logged thousands of training hours with our simulators, we want to make this technology available to H145 operators by developing a VR flight training device for the five-bladed H145.This will allow H145 crews to prepare for their demanding missions with scenario-based training performed in a safe and realistic environment,” added Fabi Riesen, CEO of VRM Switzerland.