HTS – Helicopter training and safety system provide live helicopter training by offering high – value embedded pilot training with maximized safety features. The enhanced debriefing capabilities facilitate optimum utilization of flight hours and other valuable resources. HTS provides high fidelity simulation for helicopter weapons and tactical flight training in a hostile environment that includes live and virtual EW threats. HTS utilizes enhanced live helicopter training is with virtual EW threats and simulated armaments that enable real time hit miss assessments of both live and virtual targets.
The airborne system is available in two configurations, both are now off-the-shelf products:
THRUST – airborne pod designed for attack helicopters – specifically the Apache AH-64 which is already fit for the training system. THURST is an embedded Tactical Helicopter Rehearsal Autonomous Safety and Training system build for attack helicopters. The system is fit today within a hellfire enclosure. It is “plug and play” to any Apache helicopter and can be easily integrated to any hellfire carrier. In addition, the system can be fitted to other missile enclosures according to the requirements. THRUST can train with Combat Training Centers (CTC) and allow helicopters to shoot at ground forces such as tanks and be shot by SAM. Both helicopter and ground forces will receive an audio and visual hit / miss. Helicopters can train against virtual Surface Air Missiles (SAM).
Internal RWR – The RWR training kit is a standalone kit that can be easily mounted on every helicopter to allow helicopter crews to train in a battlefield environment without any requirement for additional forces. The system is independent and does not require any helicopter’s assets other than mounting space. The system simulates anti-aircraft systems engaging the helicopter with real life behavior and a generic RWR display. The system allows the pilots to perform escape maneuvers as in real life and scores the game results accordingly. The threat scenario is preplanned on the ground and is loaded to the system via the mission planning station.
Performance
EW – virtual EW threats are injected to the helicopter allowing effective training from take-off, in a hostile unexpected environment.The threats can be presented in audio and video on the real RWR of the helicopter or on a tablet. The system provides high fidelity simulation for helicopter weapon and tactical flight training in a hostile environment that includes live and virtual EW threats.
Targets – the helicopters can train against live targets that can range from a “pop up” target, through a vehicle to a real SAM. Hit / miss assessment will be generated in real time based on the weapon algorithms. “What if” scenarios can be performed during the debriefing. Another option is to train against virtual SAM which can also fire towards the helicopter. Hit / miss assessments will take into account maneuvers as well as chaff/flare if released.
Safety – the system provides enhanced safety capabilities including, midair, ground collision and obstacle avoidance. It also acts as a “watch dog” on airspace and platform restrictions. The ground collision warnings are based on a detailed DTED 2 ground database.
Debriefing – The system allows enhanced debriefing and enables reconstruction of all flight data and synchronization of audio and video data. The system allows common debriefing with the IAF Ehud ACMI system. Debriefing is available in 2D and 3D.