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Aircrew Synthetic Training Aids (ASTA)
The Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft is the world's most advanced swing-role weapon system. To exploit the aircraft’s full combat potential, its flight and ground crews use a range of training systems to enable them to maintain complete combat readiness. These training systems not only include the latest in simulation systems but also feature high-resolution virtual displays, modern multimedia advanced learning systems, the use of Synthetic Environments (SE), combat training debriefing systems and a fully integrated infrastructure which provides networked training. The core training system for flight crew is provided by the Aircrew Synthetic Training Aids (ASTA) Programme.
The Integrated Logistic Support Procurement Contract No.7 is the “Umbrella Contract” for the Aircrew Synthetic Training Aids (ASTA), supplemented by additional agreements introducing the systems and future capabilities in steps. It was signed on 27 April 2001 and covered Design, Development and Production of a total of 18 Full Mission Simulators (FMS), nine Cockpit Trainer/Interactive Pilot Stations – Enhanced (CT/IPS-E) and associated ancillary devices.
The first stage was Supplement No. 1 that provided authority to proceed with six Full Mission Simulators (FMS), five (CT/IPS-E) and related ancillary devices at four Main Operating Bases (MOBs) in four Nations. Supplement No. 2 contracted the industrial support to the devices delivered under Supplement No. 1 until mid of 2009. The in service devices are running at a operational availability of approx 98%.
A significant further step was the signature of the Supplement 5 contract end 2007 and effective 31 January 2008. This agreement cleared the way for delivery fifteen systems, eight Full Mission Simulators and seven Enhanced Cockpit Trainer/Interactive Pilot Stations so ten ASTA Main Operating Bases will be in service in 2011.
ASTA is providing two types of Simulators to the customer:
- The CT/IPS-E (Cockpit trainer) is used for procedural, emergency and preparational training for the Full Mission simulator (FMS).
- The Full Mission Simulator (FMS) is the most capable of the ASTA training devices within a full immersive 13 channel 360° dome with additional 6 target projectors. The cockpit is equipped with a motion queuing system. The FMS has full Flight Gear support (incl. NBC).
The target of ASTA is to provide 30% off-take of Flight hours to the customer within the whole training syllabus, including Complex and advanced tactical missions allowing full pilot immersion within the simulation sortie. The pilots decision making and situational awareness will be trained in depth up to combat ready status. this is achieved through a of a realistic one to one copy of the aircraft cockpit featuring a "as per real world" behaviour of the re-hosted aircraft systems (e.g. Sensors, Weapons, EW / DASS, MIDS, DVI, HMSS, NVED). The simulation is stimulated with a realistic and complex natural and tactical environment which is essential for meaningful tactical training. The high quality and quantity of tactical players, the close to real world environmental effects on EM propagation and the realistic threat emitters are allowing to achieve tactics evaluation, tactical development of the pilots and mission rehearsal training. The capability of networking devices (within a MOB or within a Wide Area Network) allow human intelligence within the training loop for cooperative and non-cooperative tactical training, including alternate aircraft simulations. The Mission planning for the simulator is carried out with the same tools as for real aircraft sorties within the Mission Support Subsystem (MSS). Detailed debriefing of simulator sorties will be provided within a debrief facility (DBF).
ASTA provides a high quality training resource to the existing Eurofighter partner nations. It also offers the opportunity to new Eurofighter Typhoon customers to establish an in country advanced training capability that will build on the experience of the current partners and, at the same time, devise a training solution that best suits local conditions. First export nation Austria has opted for ASTA and the system is up and running at their base in Zeltweg since 2007.
An important feature of the ASTA system is that it represents the latest standard and adaptations of the operational aircraft. ASTA is designed from the outset to accept operational capability improvements, as they become effective in the main fleet. This will ensure proper training and readiness for front-line crews.
Working directly with Eurofighter GmbH to manage the ASTA Programme is Eurofighter Simulation Systems GmbH (ESS), established by ARGE (CAE Elektronik GmbHand Rheinmetall Defence Electronics), Indra, , Galileo Avionica and Thales. This team subcontracted the supplier of the visual systems package and is partner with the Eurofighter Partner Companies (EPC) within an Integrated Project Team (IPT). This IPT is responsible for integrating Weapon System Software (WSS) and Simulator Specific Software (SSS) to achieve a fully integrated ASTA package.
The Aircrew Synthetic Training Aids (ASTA) are supplemented by Ground Training Aids (GTA) primarily used by ground personnel. They comprise a Desk Top Trainer (DTT), a Maintenance Simulator Trainer (MST) and a Crew Escape Safety System Trainer (CESST). The DTT and MST are multimedia training systems whilst the CESST is a highly accurate full-size replication of the aircraft cockpit and ejection seat system. Although GTA is aimed at ground personnel, pilots receive initial training using the DTT and CESST. The DTT and MST can be integrated over a Local Area Network (LAN) to enable ground crew to be trained individually or in groups. Instructors can deliver lessons or individual students can use the workstations to conduct self-paced lessons or undertake revision.
High Resolution images of the Eurofighter Typhoon can be downloaded from our web site. Hard Copy images are available on request.
www.eurofighter.com/medialibrary
For more information contact
Marco Valerio Bonelli
Head of PR & Communications
Eurofighter GmbH
+49 811 801 555 (Office)
+49 811 801557 (Fax)
+49 172 842 6017 (Mobile)
marco-valerio.bonelli@eurofighter.com
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