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Technology update
Simulating Hawk flight
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BAE Systems' new synthetic training facility.
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BAE Systems has opened a new synthetic training facility for fast jet training, which will reduce the pressure on the RAF's Hawk trainer fleet. Each trainee will spend some 60 hours in the facility at RAF Valley in Wales. BAE Systems designed, built, and owns the building and equipment and employs simulator instructors and support staff.
The facility has a number of training devices, including two networked full-dome simulators with multi-channel, high-resolution displays. To increase realism, two target projectors are capable of independently displaying targets and "friendly" aircraft throughout the full field of view. Any training exercises taught on the Hawk can be reproduced and replayed in the facility, ranging from basic disciplines such as stalling, circuit training, and aerobatics, to formation ground attack and air-to-air combat maneuvering.
The facility's mapped database includes the UK, with various ground "targets," including a high-definition reproduction of the Pembrey weapons range in South Wales. BAE's Warton Aerodrome is also included on the database. According to the company, the real-world database is a forerunner to simulators proposed for future front-line aircraft such as the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Future Offensive Aircraft System.
Stuart Birch
Aerospace Engineering May 2000
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