The UK Ministry of Defence has signed a deal with Australian based company, Virtual Simulation Systems (VSS, established by the founder of the popular VBS series of software, David Lagettie) for the lease of a Complete Aircrew Training System (CATS) for up to 3 years. The system will be delivered to the Army Air Corps’ 7 (Trg) Regt AAC at the Famous WWII Airfield, Middle Wallop.

The CATS simulator will provide the AAC with the ability to teach their ab-initio Aircrewmen everything from basic circuit work and voice marshalling right up through formation flying with NVGs in an operational virtual environment. The CATS is a revolutionary new immersive simulator which combines all 3 basic crewman skill sets of rotor clearances, rescue hoist operations and external load operations into the one training device, in addition to a raft of advanced functions and capabilities. VSS will also be providing a simulated M134 minigun on a short-term trial basis for Virtual Door Gunnery.

Never before has a training simulator for Helicopter back-seat crewmen been able to simulate so many tasks. Among CATS unique features are a reconfigurable mock-up that can suit several different airframes, from Bell 412 to CH-47, a virtual hoist system, high-fidelity door gunnery (with VR or projection domes) and airborne sniping.

The MoD’s first CATS unit will be operational at Middle Wallop by Christmas this year.