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In the order for 82 H145M multi-purpose helicopters in December 2023, the BAAINBw agreed with Airbus Helicopters that, in addition to the delivery of the H145M light combat helicopters, eight simulators would be delivered for training purposes. Now Airbus Helicopters has “signed a historic contract with Thales to support the Bundeswehr with eight Reality H full flight simulators (FFS) to train H145M helicopter pilots and prepare them for missions,” writes Thales in a press release.

Exterior view of a simulator dome, eight of which Thales is supplying to the Bundeswehr to train future H145M pilots. (Photo: Thales)

According to Thales, the Reality H architecture is designed to the highest D standards of the aviation authorities. It offers an immersive training environment with a variety of operational scenarios, breathtaking visual scenes and state-of-the-art AI-controlled computer-generated forces (CGF) SETHI (Simulateur d'Environnement Tactique Hétérogène Intéractif), which is also used in the Bundeswehr's NH90 MR1 FFS in the International Helicopter -Training Center (IHTC) in Bückeburg will be integrated in order to enable the pilots to train under conditions that come as close as possible to real operations. To support the Bundeswehr's pilot training programs, these simulators will have expanded briefing and debriefing functions.

Thales points to its experience working with the Airbus Helicopters Simpacks (also called Data Package), which were most recently integrated into the world's first H160 FFS as well as the H145 FFS, both of which are fully functional as Level D devices. Building on this experience, the Bundeswehr can rely on a smooth program process and timely delivery of the H145M.

According to Thales, this new contract underlines the company's commitment to supporting the Bundeswehr and the German aerospace industry and further consolidates its leadership position in the international training and simulation market. The contract also strengthens the trusting relationship between Thales and Airbus Helicopters, established through numerous partnerships such as Helisim, and builds on a wide range of cooperation programs ranging from avionics, radar, helmet mounted devices (HMD), weapons, automotive protective equipment to training and simulation.

View from the cockpit of the flight environment shown in the vision system. (Photo: Thales)

Thales leverages its extensive experience in providing training solutions for military platforms, thereby meeting the Bundeswehr's requirement for a seamless transition from the old EC135 FFS simulators to Reality H.

“We are pleased to have signed this important contract with Airbus Helicopters to equip the Bundeswehr with eight Thales Reality H® full flight simulators. This contract strengthens Thales’ position as one of the top suppliers of helicopter simulation and training equipment,” said Yannick Assouad, Executive Vice President, Avionics, at Thales. The Reality H simulator meets the needs of helicopter pilots in terms of mission orientation and skills development, and its reliability and operating costs are extremely attractive to operators, Assouad continued. Thales is proud to support Germany, one of its closest allies, and to contribute to the security and air sovereignty of the European NATO countries.

Editorial staff / gwh