Air Simulators

Complete Aircrew Training System (CATS)

The CATS is a cost-effective solution to all aspects of synthetic and procedural training for helicopter crews. From the basic training of Crewmen conducting clearances, underslung loads, hoisting to full crew coordination including door gunnery both by day and NVG operations. The CATS is a training solution that is flexible and features a modular design, able to be easily re-configured to suit multiple helicopter types, or can be designed to suit a specific helicopter type. The CATS also features HLA / DIS protocols, opening up linkage functionality to other simulation environments.

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CATS video Gunnery/Hoisting video

Main Features

  • Crew members are equipped with Virtual Reality headsets and their positions are tracked in 6 DoF in 3D space.
  • Trainees view a high-fidelity representation of the aircraft and the surrounding environment that is completely immersive.
  • Trainees are free to move about the cabin and operate as they would in the real aircraft, including lying down to view the underside of the aircraft.
  • The Internal Communication System (ICS) allows crew members to develop and practice effective crew coordination.
  • CATS presents a full crew mission environment, either by the CATS instructor acting as the pilot, by incorporating a VSS cockpit module, or by linking into an existing pilot simulator via HLA/DIS.
  • Door gunnery is fully immersive with the VR HMD providing the gunner with 360° views, increasing the gunners capability by providing greater situational awareness.
  • VSS also creates replica weapons, such as the M134 Minigun, M240 and GAU21 to conduct high fidelity door gunnery training.

    • Modular Options

  • Door Gunnery Module - This module offers a rear crew 'part-tasking' VR environment for door gunnery, whilst operating various weapon platforms. The door gunnery module supports the use of either the Head Mounted Displays (VR) or optional Projection Dome visuals.
  • Hoisting/Winching Module - Provides a generic procedural training capability for hoisting operations. Supports advanced SAR techniques, with operator specific mission equipment and modeling. Titan provides an immersive hoisting environment with realistic forces acting on the cable, survivor and objects. Can be operated with either a generic pendant control or a hoist/acft specific pendant control, including crew hover functionality if required.
  • Cockpit Module - Provides CRM training environments thus adding complexity to Rear Crew operations and internal ICS crew coordination. The cockpit can be fitted with either generic or type specific flight controls and instruments for increased functionality.
  • Marshalling Module - Supporting ground crew training this module incorporates the VSS Virtual Marshalling Simulator (VMS) used by the RAAF, RAN and AAvvn. This training capability can be used individually or combined with the above modules for complex and immersive scenarios.
  • Airborne Sniping Module - Adding to rear crew operations and offering a 'force multiplier' to commanders, the MK2 sniper module incorporates the combination of aircrew and special forces elements.

    • Global Operators

  • Australian Army Aviation (Oakey, Townsville, Holsworthy)
  • Royal Australian Navy (Nowra)
  • UK Army Air Corp 671 Sqn (Middle Wallop, England)
  • European Defence Agency, (RAF Linton-on-Ouse, York England)
  • Colombian National Police (Mariquita, Colombia)
  • Priority1 Air Rescue (Arizona, USA & Garons, France)
  • AgustaWestland (Yeovil, England)
  • Qatar Emiri Air Force (Doha)
  • Toll Helicopters (Bankstown, NSW)
  • NSW Air Ambulance (Bankstown, NSW)
  • Royal New Zealand Air Force (Ohakea)
  • Government Flying Service (Hong Kong)

    • Training Capabilities

  • Obstacle Awareness
  • Crew Coordination
  • Hoist Operations
  • External Load Operations
  • Mission Equipment Malfunctions
  • Inflight Emergencies
  • Formation Flying
  • Fast Roping / Rappelling
  • Ship Operations/Deck Landing
  • Airborne Sniping
  • NVG Training
  • Cabin Security Training

    • Portable Aircrew Training System (PATS)

    VSS puts realistic helicopter training in the hands of the operator. From the safety of ground level, at a fraction of operating costs. With the virtual experience delivering real life situational issues for Aircrew to work through.

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    PATS video

    Main Features

  • With safety at the forefront of design, VSS incorporates a personnel approved hoist system in conjunction with a fit for purpose cabin layout to enable efficient and effective training for both current and future hoisting practices.
  • The PATS features a multi-stage cut-off safety system for inadvertent cable runaway, a hoist monitoring system for maintenance control, a multi-position instructor pendant control for variable hoist practices and an industry standard hoist attachment system.
  • The framework has been designed to be a free standing unit, enabling the PATS to be installed with minimal modifications to any existing structures and allows for its relocation if required. The mezzanine access module is constructed of structural galvanised iron to resist corrosion and provide high levels of durability.
  • Provides a procedural training capability for hoisting operations.
  • Supports advanced SAR techniques, with operator specific mission equipment and modeling.
  • Provides an immersive hoisting environment with realistic forces acting on the cable, survivor and objects.
  • Can be operated with either a generic pendant control or a hoist/aircraft specific pendant control, including crew hover functionality.
  • Continuous loop
  • Real cable
  • Variable Speed winch
  • Tension Control

    • PATS Offers:

  • PATS gives you helicopter hoist training at ground level
  • Create real life scenarios for Aircrew to work through
  • Realistic aircraft and equipment modeling
  • Worldwide mapping and unlimited environmental controls
  • Reduce actual manning requirements, operational time & flight costs
  • External doors
  • Internal floor (recessed tracking to facilitate the movement of seating)
  • Seating for forward and rear cabin
  • Seat belts
  • Live digital recording of events via 4 internal cabin cameras
  • Internal ICS
  • Internal roof mounted personal safety line hard points
  • Rear cabin will also accommodate replicated stowage areas if required
  • AR internal stretcher assembly for live patient handling

    • Used By:

  • NSW Air Ambulance Service
  • Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (LHTT predecessor)

    • Used For:

  • Winching/Hoisting procedures
  • Physical skills practice
  • Medical procedures (stretcher handling, survivor treatment)
  • Crew Resource Management
  • Emergency procedures
  • Role Equipment familiarization

    • Virtual Marshalling Simulator (VMS)

    The Virtual Marshalling Simulator (VMS) is an innovative stand-alone training system for ground based support crew. VMS offers high fidelity immersion into the world of flight deck operations with the ability to control and direct aircraft that are about to deploy or have returned from a mission and require ground marshalling. When used to complement to the VSS Complete Aircrew Training System (CATS), the training audience is presented with a complete virtual air operations environment.

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    Main Features

  • Full 6 DOF freedom for 4 marshallers with wireless, backpack mounted VR systems that allow free-roaming 360º space.
  • Dynamic weather effects with a range of settings, including wind, rain, fog, lightning
  • The ability to conduct pre-flight checks and manage callsigns on the tarmac.
  • After Action Review capabilities to record and play back virtual scenarios
  • Real-time scenario editor with vast control
  • Instructor ability to trigger aircraft emergencies such as engine fires, hydraulic leaks, hot brakes on fighter planes, and tarmac incursions by personnel or vehicles
  • Stand-alone training or link into a wider simulated environment such as an aircrew, convoy, or ship training system via DIS or HLA.
  • Aircraft can be controlled manually or in a semi-automated system depending on manning availability
  • Simulated procedures include VR hand signals such as: refueling, HIFR, deck lashing, power, take-off and landing, and many others
  • Minimises the necessity for live aircraft availability
  • Reduces reliance on pilot interaction
  • Negates the requirement for expenditure on fuel and other consumables
  • VMS supports logistic setups for FARP marshalling exercises

    • Used By

  • Royal Australian Air Force
  • Royal Australian Navy
  • Australian Army Aviation

    • Used For

  • Marshalling of rotary or fixed wing aircraft
  • Wireless connectivity of trainees that offers unrestricted movement
  • Supports both land and marine LZ's
  • Accommodates 4 trainees in the one scenario

    • VSS's Virtual Rotary Cockpit

    The VSS Cockpit Simulator is an immersive, cost effective rotary wing pilot training solution which allows pilots to conduct flight part tasking procedures and CRM training with rear aircrew. Landings, takeoffs and general flight can be practiced and assessed in simulated Air, Land and Sea scenarios.

    Main Features

  • An extension to the Complete Aircrew Training System (CATS), VSS have developed a low-cost virtual cockpit that provides pilots with the basic flight characteristics and functionality of a real rotary wing aircraft in a 'first person' simulated environment.
  • Constructed using heavy duty polymers for a long service life, the cockpit enclosure is fitted with functional seating, dual controls, collective, pedals, cyclic and basic flight instrumentation. The cockpit has a scalable fidelity that can be adjusted to suit the training situation and support beginner or advanced flight environments.
  • Combined with the ICS communications system and optional CATS rear crew environment, VSS is able to provide a fully manned flight deck for CRM training in an immersive virtual environment. The cockpit can also be linked to any of VSS's other simulators (JTAC, Sniper, Marshalling) to provide a complex and challenging training regime under controlled conditions.
  • The cockpit supports a multitude of helicopters and flight characteristics, enabling pilots the ability to train in a controlled, low cost, virtual environment. High Definition visuals can be achieved by using the VSS Head Mounted Display or one of our modular projection dome models.

    • Modular Options

  • Dual Flight Controls - The pilot controls, while generic in nature, are the same or similar in function to those found in live aircraft.
  • Head Mounted Displays - Pilots can use the HMDs to obtain high definition images of the cockpit internals, animated instruments and the surrounding environment. The HMDs also support NVG flight mode.
  • Dome visuals - VSS cockpits can also be used with our dome visual system to provide pilots with greater peripheral vision and a wider field of view.
  • ICS compatible - Aircrew can use their own Gentex helmets or a VSS helmet, with both supporting ICS communications.
  • Motion Platform - The VSS cockpit can be mounted on a motion platform to provide engine rotation feedback and motion.
  • Variety of Aircraft in a single modular simulator - The VSS cockpit can be reconfigured to reflect the instruments found in various aircraft platforms. Models currently supported are the UH60, AW139, Bell 412 and UH1H. Others can be added upon request.

    • Tactical Airlift Crew Trainer (TACT)

    The VSS Tactical Airlift Crew Trainer (TACT) can simulate numerous aspects of the fixed wing cargo aircrew live environment. From threat observation/reaction to SAR procedures, the TACT offers an immersive training tool for rear crew operations.

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    Main Features

  • TACT offers the ability to observe ground based anti aircraft threats and deploy relevant counter measures, detect engine malfunctions, practice ground marshalling and vehicle transfers, conduct cargo airdrop operations and paradrops, and perform Search And Rescue training.
  • The 6 DOF tracking offers exceptional freedom of movement and supports up to 4 aircrew per simulator. Loadmaster trainees can be tasked with numerous responsibilities that are normally inherent with the operation of a fixed wing cargo aircraft in a civil or hostile environment.
  • TACT supports HLA and DIS connectivity thus allowing the integration of high fidelity pilot simulators and providing CRM training in the same virtual space. For an all-in-one approach, a VSS modular Virtual Fixed Wing Simulator can be added to the TACT for a seamlessly integrated whole crew environment with pilots and aircrew working together.

    • TACT offers:

  • Fully Immersive Simulator
  • 6DOF Virtual Reality Tracking
  • Optional Teacup Projection Domes
  • High Fidelity Visuals
  • Variety of terrain types
  • Scenario Constructor
  • Scenario Debrief/AAR
  • Scenario live manipulation
  • ICS audio for trainees and instructors

    • Used By:

  • Royal Australian Air Force

    • Used For:

  • Threat Observation and Recognition - SAMs, AAA, Enemy Aircraft
  • Flare / Chaff dispensing
  • Cargo Security
  • Vehicle Loading
  • Tarmac / Confined Airfield Maneuvering
  • Dispatching Paratroopers
  • Ramp and Cabin Inflight Checks
  • Cargo Airdrops
  • Aircraft Emergencies - Engine Fires, Hydraulic Leaks

    • Virtual Fixed-wing Trainer

    VSS has recently fielded its new simulator, the Virtual Fixed Wing Trainer (VFT). Advancing from the prototype version, the VFT is a high fidelity simplified trainer intended for joint training experimentation, and training. Other roles for the VFT can be vastly expanded to include additional training benefit for pilots and other potential battlefield participants (ATCs, FAC-As, etc).

    The VFT can also be used as a higher fidelity roleplayer option in the VSS Virtual JTAC Simulator (VJS), which features a full 360 degree projection dome and multiple simulated devices for immersive JTAC/JFO/FAC training.

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    Main Features

  • Modular controls and airframes
  • Reconfigurable Armament Loadouts and Fuzing
  • Optional Dome Projection
  • Optional Motion Platform

    • Used For:

  • Mission rehearsal
  • CAS Missions
  • UAV Operator training
  • JTAC or FO mission support
  • SAM recognition and avoidance