Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Thales will provide eight of its Reality H full-flight simulators to train German army pilots for the Airbus H145M helicopter. The contract announced on Wednesday at Heli-Expo 2024 also includes three years of support at the Bückeburg International Helicopter Training Center and relates to the contract the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2023-12-14/airbus-bags-biggest-h145m-helicopter-order">Bundeswehr signed in December</a> with Airbus Helicopters for up to 82 of the twin-engine model (62 firm orders and 20 options).
The level-D-qualified Reality H simulators will be used to help military pilots plan missions, as well as train them to fly the H145Ms. According to Thales, the technology provides an immersive training environment, with a wide range of operational scenarios, and vivid visual scenes.
These full-flight simulators use artificial intelligence-controlled Computer-Generated-Forces SETHI platform, which will also now be added to the simulators used for training on the Bundeswehr’s NH90 helicopters. The technology has been developed to allow pilots to train in conditions as close as possible to real operations. The H145M training program will also be available to pilots from other NATO member states under the terms of the German Leichter Kampfhubschrauber light combat helicopter program.
Thales has previously supplied Reality H full-flight simulators for legacy EC135 helicopters. It has extensive experience collaborating with the manufacturer through the Airbus Helicopters Simpacks program, under which data was integrated with H160 and H145 simulators.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

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German army and NATO pilots will train for missions in the H145M helicopter using Thales' Reality H Level D full-flight simulators.

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