Thales Secures Contract to Provide Advanced Flight Simulators for German Armed Forces Helicopter Training

Thales’ H145 Reality H Full-Flight Simulator ©Thales

(IN BRIEF) Thales has signed a significant contract with Airbus Helicopters to supply 8 Full Flight Simulators (FFS) Reality H® for training pilots of the H145M helicopters used by the German Armed Forces. These high-tech simulators offer advanced realism and flexibility, providing immersive training experiences crucial for mission readiness. The contract includes comprehensive support for three years, and the simulators will be stationed at the Bückeburg International Helicopter Training Center. This development follows Airbus Helicopters’ agreement with the German Armed Forces for the acquisition of up to 82 H145M helicopters, marking the largest procurement of its kind. Thales’s expertise in simulation technology and collaboration with Airbus Helicopters reinforces its commitment to supporting military training and further solidifies its position as a leader in the global aerospace industry.

(PRESS RELEASE) LA DÉFENCE, 28-Feb-2024 — /EuropaWire/ —  Thales (EPA: HO), a French multinational company active in the aerospace, defence, transportation and security markets, announces a significant milestone in its partnership with Airbus Helicopters by signing a groundbreaking contract to provide 8 Full Flight Simulators (FFS) Reality H® for training pilots of the H145M helicopters operated by the German Armed Forces, the Bundeswehr.

The cutting-edge Reality H® simulator, renowned for its exceptional realism and versatility, will empower pilots with immersive training experiences crucial for mission preparedness. Equipped with Thales’s flagship level-D helicopter FFS solution, already deployed across 14 devices worldwide, the Reality H® promises unparalleled fidelity and flexibility.

Under the terms of the contract, Thales commits to three years of comprehensive support, including on-site personnel stationed at the Bückeburg International Helicopter Training Center (IHTC), Europe’s largest helicopter training facility.

This development follows Airbus Helicopters’ landmark agreement with the German Armed Forces for the acquisition of up to 82 H145M helicopters, marking the largest procurement of its kind in history.

The integration of Thales’s Reality H® Full Flight Simulators into the training regimen underscores the commitment to excellence in preparing German Bundeswehr and NATO pilots for the demands of operating Airbus’s multi-role H145M helicopters within the framework of the LKH (Leichter Kampfhubschrauber) program.

The Reality H® architecture, meticulously engineered to meet the highest level-D standards set by Aviation Authorities, offers an immersive training environment enriched with diverse operational scenarios and stunning visual landscapes. It incorporates state-of-the-art AI-controlled Computer-Generated-Forces (CGF) technology, including the innovative SETHI (Simulateur d’Environnement Tactique Hétérogène Intéractif), to simulate real-world conditions with unprecedented fidelity.

Moreover, Thales’s simulators will feature advanced briefing and debriefing capabilities to enhance the effectiveness of the Bundeswehr’s pilot training programs.

Thales’s extensive experience in collaborating with Airbus Helicopters, exemplified by successful partnerships such as Helisim, underscores its capability to deliver seamless integration and timely program execution. The contract further cements Thales’s position as a trusted partner to the Bundeswehr and the German Aerospace industry while reinforcing its leadership in the global training and simulation market.

Yannick Assouad, Executive-Vice President of Avionics at Thales, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are delighted to sign this key contract with Airbus Helicopters to equip the German Armed Forces with 8 Thales Reality H® Full Flight Simulators. This contract reinforces Thales’ position as one of the top suppliers for helicopter simulation and training devices. Our Reality H® simulator satisfies the mission-oriented and skills development needs of helicopter pilots and its reliability and cost of ownership are highly attractive to operators. Thales is proud to support Germany, one of our closest Allies, and to contribute to the security and air sovereignty of European NATO countries.”

Media contact:

Thales, Media Relations Ground Transportation
+33 (0)6 25 15 72 93
chrystelle.dugimont@thalesgroup.com

Alice Pruvot
Head of Media Relations, Aeronautics & Defense
+33 7 70 27 11 37
alice.pruvot@thalesgroup.com

SOURCE: Thales