Two years after they unveiled their Rotorsim joint venture, European helicopter manufacturer AgustaWestland and Canadian simulator specialist CAE have announced plans to build their first training centre.
The centre will open in 2005 at AgustaWestland's plant in Sesto Calende, Italy, initially equipped with a CAE-built full mission simulator that is convertible between the civil A109 Power and military A109 Light Utility Helicopter (LUH).
The simulator will be equipped with a CAE Medallion S high-performance visual system and have roll-on/roll-off cabs for the two versions.
The second training device planned for the four-bay centre is likely to be a simulator that is convertible between the civil and military versions of the Bell/Agusta Aerospace (BAAC) AB139 helicopter now under development, says Andy Morris, executive vice president of marketing and strategy for CAE's military division.
Joint
This could be followed by a simulator for AgustaWestland's A119 Koala.
Rotorsim was announced in July 2001 as a 50:50 joint venture between the helicopter and simulator manufacturers.
It has taken a while to get the venture of the ground, as AgustaWestland and CAE looked for a business opportunity.
"Originally it was South Africa, then the Swedes, now we will launch when the Italian government acquires aircraft," says Morris.
"A major purchase of A109 LUHs is planned for Italy's military and paramilitary forces, he says.
Morris says Rotorsim will also be responsible for integrating, assembling and delivering simulators for the NH90 if a CAE-led consortium is selected by manufacturer NH Industries to produce training devices for all the customer nations.
"It is not just a training relationship, it is a full-up company," he says.
Rutan shoots for the stars
Aviation pioneer Dr Burt Rutan is giving a talk today [June 18] on the private manned space programme, in celebration of the centenary of flight.
Rutan is best known for his advanced composite aircraft designs and non-stop circumnavigation of the world.
The talk will last an hour from 11am to 12noon and will take place at the Northrop Grumman pavilion (A428-431) located opposite chalet B186.
Source: Flight Daily News
