Virtual Environments to Dominate Fighter Pilot Training
According to Amnon Weidberg, deputy general manager at Israel Aircraft Industries’ Lahav division, IAI is offering training aircraft optimized for modern flight training at acquisition and operating costs “ significantly lower than anything currently available on the market today."
The Advanced Jet Trainer being developed jointly by IAI and the U.S.-based Aviation Technology Group (see sidebar) is expected to be offered at a unit cost of $5-7 million, with operational costs similar to those of turboprop trainers. The AJT achieves low cost by utilizing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) strategy, which has been proven for its cost effectiveness throughout the armed services. AJT implements this strategy throughout its design, for example by using lightweight and economical commercially-available Williams FJ33 engines.
AJT Mockup Here
One of IAI's highlights at the Paris Air Show is the full-scale mockup of the Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) based on the Aviation Technology Group’s soon-to-fly Javelin light jet. IAI’s Lahav division and U.S.-based ATG are cooperating to develop two Javelin trainer versions. The Mk 20 derived from ATG's civilian airplane is fitted with ejection seats and military avionics, and will provide basic training, while the Mk 30 with more powerful engines and enhanced virtual avionics package will provide advanced, lead-in training. Both types unarmed, but will enable realistic weapons delivery training using simulated ordnance.
First flight of the prototype Javelin — powered by specially modified Williams FJ33-4-15M engines — is planned for this month. Certification is expected in 2007, leading to initial service of the trainer version in 2008, followed by the Mk 30 a year later. Final assembly will take place at ATG's New Mexico assembly line and in Israel.
Based on a small airframe with a 6,000-pound maximum take-off weight, the AJT will have a maximum speed of Mach 0.90/500 knots and a maximum design loading of +6/-3g, offering maneuverability that matches the requirements of advanced and lead-in pilot training. The cockpit and avionics suite will be compatible with those of fourth- and fifth-generation fighters such as the F-15, F-16, MiG-29, Su-30, Rafale and Eurofighter. The aircraft will include embedded simulations of combat scenarios, sensors data, simulated operation of weapons and self-defense systems, mission-planning and debriefing capabilities.
IAI will invest equity and matching funds in ATG for the AJT, which will become the central element of an integrated system that includes flight simulators, ground-base training systems, maintenance and logistics infrastructures. —Tamir Eshel
Further cost savings are achieved by simulating avionics, sensors and weapons in a virtual training environment that can be shared among airborne elements, ground-based simulators and a large number of ‘virtual players’.
IAI/Lahav is offering air forces comprehensive training solutions ranging from new or modernized trainer aircraft through maintenance, support and operation of training fleets and acquisition and operation of simulators, syllabuses and training aids.
Virtual training and embedded avionics are becoming the new buzzword for modern flight instruction. According to Ian Gillies, CEO of BVR Systems, patent-holding pioneer of the embedded virtual avionics concept, many air forces have realized the benefits and need for improved training to fill the gap between today's trainers and modern front-line combat aircraft.
"The potential savings in flight hours and acquisition cost are substantial," says Gillies. “Configuring trainers with embedded virtual avionics enables the extension of training phases performed by existing or advanced trainers, providing better systems for the development of operational skills which can reduce and improve expensive advanced flight training on first-line fighters. Such embedded training functions can be implemented into modern trainers within one hour by upgrading the mission computer with the embedded training environment module.”
Adar Azancot, CEO of RADA, sees opportunity in the need to replace some 15,000 analog video recorders currently used by world air forces for flight debriefing.
"RADA is offering form-fit replacements for these obsolete analog systems, offering multi-channel video and data recording, with optional addition of a powerful online server, boosting up the entire avionics system capability," he told Show News.
RADA’s net-centric data recorder (NCDR) consists of an airborne digital video unit capable of recording up to six video channels, up to three MUX BUS channels and two audio channels, managing data transfer, mass storage functions, recording and in-flight playback. The system also has a USB-based removable memory module that accommodates up to 60 GB of solid-state storage and provides instant growth capability for onboard avionic systems and ample recording space for video and data for mission debriefing.
Azancot sees the benefits of a ‘common debriefing environment’ which should accompany the flight cadet from his basic training to operational squadrons. To widen its global reach, RADA has integrated its storage and debriefing systems into OEM companies such as Smiths Aerospace.
Developing this virtual environment is the business of Simigon, a specialist in simulation and training. The company's AirBook's hi-fidelity 3D simulation authoring tool bridges the gap between classroom training and cockpit. AirBook uses hi-resolution terrain, a virtual instructor, and full briefing and debriefing capabilities. The system can be used for initial, recurrent and operational training. —Tamir Eshel
