A three-dimensional (3-D) "spatially representative environment" has been introduced by Thomson Training & Simulation (TTS) for its flight management systems trainer (FMST). The system was initially developed for Continental Airlines Boeing 737-500 and 757-200 training.
The FMST is the only such device to use the same software as that of the "full-flight" FMS, claims the Crawley, UK-based company. Product group manager Jeremy Standen says FlightSafety/Boeing and Honeywell have adopted the FMST for development and test work.
FMS software is re-hosted on a TTS-designed personal computer co-processor card to which a flightplan can be uploaded from the full-flight simulator control station and used directly, unlike existing "reverse engineered" systems. "The update speed is identical to the aircraft-it's the closest thing to real simulation," adds Standen.
The FMST now extends to Airbus aircraft following the delivery of two devices to British Midland (BM) in April, ahead of the airline receiving a TTS full-flight simulator for its new A321s. According to Standen, BM used the FMST to verify its A321 operations manual and "-actually found errors" in the document which they were able to correct before releasing it.
Meanwhile, TTS hopes to use the concept across more of its product range and says that versions for regional jets could follow, although the company will "-await the market to justify paying for the data". It is also offering a portable version originally developed for its sales force.
Source: Flight International
