The EC135 helicopter simulator developed by Indra for Spain´s army obtains the maximum certification for it´s realism and training quality

The Full Flight Simulator (FFS) of the EC135 helicopter that Indra has developed as part of the program launched by the Spanish Directorate General of Armament and Equipment with the goal of addressing the training requirements of Army pilots has obtained the highest certification possible for this type of system: CS-FSTD(H) level D, in recognition of its capacity for reproducing, with maximum fidelity, the behavior of the real aircraft and for offering top-level training, reinforcing pilots' safety and capacity.

The EC135 simulator, developed with Indra technology together with the DGAM and the support of the Army, is the first helicopter simulator certified by the National Aerial Safety Agency (AESA) to reach level D in Spain.

The system facilitates training on complex maneuvers and procedures that cannot be performed safely with the real aircraft, as in the case of failure of the rotor or any of the motors. It also allows for piloting in night and day mode and in any type of weather. Furthermore, pilots can be trained using night vision goggles and perform instrumental flights during which their only guidance are the navigation instruments for operating in low or null visibility conditions. Its virtual environment recreates the tactical missions that a pilot will perform in different Army operations. The simulator increases the number of practical training hours, accelerates pilots' training and notably decreases training costs.

Tests for establishing level D of this simulator, the highest of the four possible scale options, have been implemented by AESA, approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in charge of developing the applicable standard regulations. These Certification Specifications for Helicopter Flight Simulation Training Devices (CS-FSTD(H) are shared globally by leading civil aviation agencies and authorities worldwide.

Training to increase safety

Indra's EC135 simulator is installed at the Coronel Maté Army Base at Colmenar Viejo, site of the Army's Helicopter Simulation Center (CESIFAMET), one of Europe's most modern.

Indra has accompanied both the DGAM and Army in developing this simulation center since its creation in 1999, for which it has delivered Full Flight Simulators (FFS) and trainers for the CH-47D Chinook, Cougar AS532/ AS332 and Tiger EC665 helicopters, the latter at the Almagro Army Base, which also incorporated the currently certified EC135 simulator at the end of 2016.

On another hand, Indra is working on another DGAM program to develop two advanced simulators of the NH90 helicopter for training pilots of the Armed Forces: Army, Air Force and Navy. This European helicopter is being developed through a joint cooperation of several countries, and includes state-of-the-art technology.

Indra simulators are characterized for the high quality of their visual systems, which replicate the scenarios faced by pilots on a mission with absolute fidelity, faithfully recreating airports and heliports, the terrain overflown and the behavior of other aircraft. Given their interoperability standards, the simulators can share a given virtual operations scenario for performing exercises jointly, even connecting simulators located at different bases or countries.

Indra is one of the world's leading simulator manufacturers, having delivered more than 200 simulators to over 20 countries and 50 clients

About Indra

Indra is one of the main global consulting and technology companies, the top IT firm in Spain, and the technology partner for the core operations of its clients businesses worldwide. It offers a comprehensive range of proprietary solutions and cutting-edge services with a high added value in technology, which adds to a unique culture that is reliable, flexible and adaptable to its clients’ needs. Indra is a world leader in the development of end-to-end technology solutions in fields such as Defense & Security, Transport & Traffic, Energy & Industry, Telecommunications & Media, Financial Services, Electoral Processes, and Public Administrations & Healthcare. Through its Minsait unit, it addresses the challenges of digital transformation. In 2016 Indra posted revenues of €2,709m and had a workforce of 34,000 professionals, a local presence in 46 countries, and sales operations in more than 140 countries. Following its acquisition of Tecnocom, Indra's combined revenues amounted to more than €3,200m in 2016 with a team of nearly 40,000 professionals.