Farnborough 2008 Show News - July 16, 2008 - (Page 64)

FA R N B O R O U G H 2 0 0 8 ICAO Aims for New Simulator Classifications If you think you know what a Level D simulator is or does, think again, because an international group is hard at work trying to clarify how all sorts of simulators are classified on both sides of the Atlantic. Level D is now defined as the highest level of fidelity for a fullflight simulator, allowing zero flight time training. It is part of a group of A to D definitions used by the FAA in the U.S. and the JAA in Europe that include some differences that are confusing to regulators, simulator manufacturers and end users. But the disparities are about to be clarified, according to Stephane Clement, manager of training solutions for CAE. He is serving as co-chair of the technical sub-group of manufacturing industry, regulatory and airline specialists working on the issue. The FAA and the JAA have different arrangements in place now for classifying simulators at a time when the technology in use and training requirements are changing, another reason the scheme is being revised. So the Royal Aeronautical Society began an effort in November 2005 to come up with a revised classification scheme. An ad hoc international working group has been busy ever since working on the new scheme. The group will deliver a draft document for fixed-wing aircraft simulation to the ICAO later this year and the draft should be posted on the web by the end of the year. The ICAO should release a finished document in English in 2009 to be followed by versions translated into other languages. A document for helicopter simulators is also being worked on for later publication. Clement says the working group has not completed its recommendation yet, but it will probably propose that all simulators be classified as 1 through 7 Flight Simulator Training Devices (FSTDs), with 7 being the highest previous aviation background through a continuous training regime directly into an airline cockpit. The working group’s only goal is to harmonize the vocabulary and specifics of how simulators are The FAA now cites 7 different classes of FTDs, while the JAA cites just two. Therein lies one of the problems that the international working group is working to resolve. fidelity. The new scheme will also call for more accurate simulation of ATC interaction with pilots for the higher-level devices. The document will also spell out the training needs for various levels of pilot licenses and ratings, including the new multi-crew pilot license aimed at addressing the need to move candidates with no classified, including the group of equipment now called “flight training devices.” These are lower fidelity systems without motion bases. The FAA now cites 7 different classes of FTDs, while the JAA cites just two. Therein lies one of the problems that the international working group is working to resolve. —David Hughes Raytheon’s Patriot Sales Get Several Assists United Arab Emirates. “We are Sales of Raytheon’s Patriot air and working hard to put a program missile defense system are getting a together to provide a Patriot boost from at least three developdefense” in the UAE, Garrett says. ments, says Skip Garrett, company vp There’s a lot going on in the and deputy for Patriot programs. Patriot program for three basic reaOne is growth in the U.S. Army sons, he says. First, the global program, another is growth among tactical ballistic missile (TBM) the ten existing international custhreat is growing, and most air, tomers, and a third is increasing ground and naval forces can’t potential for sales to additional easily defeat the threat. U.S. allies. Second, other countries are takThe U.S. Army has decided to go ing a cue from the U.S., which with a Patriot fleet consisting only of says the latest Patriot technology Configuration-3 missiles, the latest is required. and most capable version. Raytheon’s Third, the U.S. Army’s decision contract to do the work gives the to add two Patriot battalions sends Army a hike in performance as well as a signal about the importance of simplified logistics and training. The Decision to go only with Configuration-3 missiles is boosting Patriot business. the system. service will also increase the number Garrett stresses that Patriot will handle not of Patriot battalions from 13 to 15, and Garrett Saudi Arabia in the Middle East. Greece and the Netherlands have completed only TBMs, but air-breathers as well—fixed wing expects this contract before the end of the year. Meanwhile, a number of the ten current Configuration-3 ground equipment upgrades; aircraft, helicopters, UAVs and cruise missiles. In addition, he says, Patriot has been contininternational Patriot customers are match- Raytheon has signed a contract with Taiwan for ing the U.S. decision to go to a “pure fleet” of similar work, and “we’re in discussion with a uously upgraded since it was first fielded. “This Configuration-3 systems. The ten current cus- number of other countries [in the list of ten] is not just the 1980s version of Patriot still around. It’s as modern as we can make it for tomers include the Netherlands, Germany, about following down that path,” Garrett says. In addition, Raytheon is talking with still today’s threats, and there’s still plenty of growth Spain and Greece in NATO; Japan, Taiwan and Korea in Asia; and Israel, Kuwait and other countries about Patriot. One is the potential in the system.” 64 July 16, 2008 www.aviationweek.com/shownews http://www.aviationweek.com/shownews

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Bombardier, Shenyang $5 Billion for Composites 787 and Seven V-22s for Export Sale? Saving Fuel at SFO Raytheon Roars Into UAVs Bell Eyes ARH-70A Costs All According to Plan We Fly the PC-12NG Russia’s T-50 PAK-FA Optimistic in Israel ICAO Sim Classifications Pratt to Power New Drone Russian Conglomerate

Farnborough 2008 Show News - July 16, 2008

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