FRASCA International, Inc. Urbana, IL will be displaying two helicopter flight simulators at Heli-Expo (March 3-5, Orlando – booth #5031) this year. Both simulators are newly developed and feature enhanced training features and technology.
FRASCA’s new TruFlite™ R44 FTD (Flight Training Device) is a high fidelity simulator for the Robinson R44 helicopter. “Last year during the HAI convention we heard a number of customers mention that the fidelity of existing light helicopter simulators was inadequate and limited transfer of learning,” stated John Frasca, President of FRASCA International. “We listened and determined that a high fidelity device with FTD Level 5 approval was needed. Our engineers were able to incorporate the fidelity and quality of our Full Flight Simulators into an entry level FTD.”
The cockpit of FRASCA’s TruFlite™ R44 is a replica of the aircraft and includes panels, controls and instrumentation. Control pressures are realistically simulated by FRASCA’s TruFeel™ control loading system. The TruFlite™ R44 includes FRASCA’s TruVision™ visual system providing highly realistic visual training environments. It can also to be converted into a S300 by removing the T style cyclic and adding two S300 style cyclic. “With this incredibly accurate R44 FTD, we have elevated the level of simulation available for this class of aircraft which allows more training to be performed in the simulator.” The R44 FTD is designed for use by helicopter flight schools, commercial operators, and parapublic organizations. Future plans for the TruFlite™ product line are to add an R66 configuration and add Electronic Flight Instrumentation as an option.
FRASCA’s new CPT (Cockpit Procedures Trainer) provides a cost effective simulated cockpit environment for pilot training and can be configured for many aircraft types with the ability to incorporate one or more aircraft systems. The TruFlite™ CPT on display at HAI represents a Sikorsky S92 and includes all aircraft systems and avionics. It utilizes touch-screen monitors which are spatially oriented to represent the aircrafts main instrument panel, center console and overhead panels. FRASCA’s design includes multi-touch capability allowing two pilots to activate multiple switches at the same time. A real FMS key pad is provide to allow for full tactile simulation of the FMS system which is a benefit when entering FMS data.
“We developed the TruFlite™ CPT in response to our customers need to perform procedures training without incurring the cost of a FTD or FFS. It’s the perfect device for an operations base or to supplement an overworked simulator or FTD in a training center. We were able to exploit our FTD and FFS technology into the TruFlite™ CPT providing high fidelity simulation by reusing our existing software,” stated John Frasca.
