Thales to supply 8 Full Flight Simulators to Airbus Helicopters to train Bundeswehr’s H145M pilots

    Thales has signed a historic contract with Airbus Helicopters to support the German Armed Forces, the Bundeswehr, with 8 Full Flight Simulators (FFS) Reality H®, to train H145M helicopter pilots in skills including preparation for missions. The high-performance Reality H® simulator delivers the highest level of realism and flexibility to the pilots. It is equipped with Thales’s flagship level-D helicopter FFS solution, with 14 devices currently in operation around the world. The contract includes an initial 3 years of full support, with a dedicated team working on site at the Bückeburg International Helicopter Training Center (IHTC), the largest helicopter training center in Europe. This order follows the contract between Airbus Helicopters and the German Armed Forces for the delivery of up to 82 multi-role H145M helicopters. That contract is the largest order ever placed for this helicopter. Thales will deliver 8 Reality H® Full Flight Simulators to Airbus Helicopters for training German Bundeswehr and NATO pilots on the Airbus multi-role H145M helicopters as part of  the LKH (Leichter Kampfhubschrauber) programme. The Reality H® architecture is designed to the highest-level D standards from Aviation Authorities. It provides an immersive training environment, with a wide range of operational scenarios, stunning visual scenes and state-of-the-art AI-controlled Computer-Generated-Forces (CGF) SETHI (Simulateur d’Environnement Tactique Hétérogène Intéractif), which is also being added to the Bundeswehr’s NH90 MR1 FFS, located at Bückeburg International Helicopter Training Centre (IHTC), to allow pilots to train in conditions as close as possible to real operations. To support the Bundeswher’s pilot training programmes, these simulators will include advanced briefing and debriefing capabilities. Finally, the Bundeswehr can look forward to a smooth program execution and timely delivery of the H145M thanks to Thales’ experience in working with Airbus Helicopters Simpacks (also called Data Package), most recently integrated in the world’s first H160 FFS, as well as in the H145 FFS both of which are in full operation as level D devices. Leveraging on its extensive expertise in delivering training solutions for military platform solutions, Thales addresses the Bundeswehr’s requirement for a seamless transition from legacy EC135 FFS simulators to Reality H®. This new contract reinforces Thales’s dedication commitment to supporting the Bundeswehr and the German Aerospace industry, and further consolidates its leadership in the international training and simulation market. It also strengthens Thales’ trusted relationship with Airbus Helicopters, established through multiple partnerships such as Helisim, and building upon a wide range of program collaborations from avionics, radars, HMDs, armament, auto-protection equipment, to training and simulation. “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”. Yannick Assouad, Executive-Vice President, Avionics, Thales For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]