With over 75 years of experience in the development and delivery of training infrastructure, and as the only end-to-end helicopter manufacturer in the UK, Leonardo combines its successful background in training with in-house solutions catered to the customer. This unreproducible experience and knowledge confirms Leonardo’s position as the chosen training provider for multiple military and civil platforms.

Now, Leonardo extends these capabilities and services to AW149 – the latest-generation multi-mission platform.

Leonardo equips users with the enhanced knowledge and readiness required for AW149 operational service. To achieve this, a wide range of flexible training courses, learning modules and teaching-aid technologies has been designed to deliver effective and realistic training to the end user. Some of the scalable training solutions offered include:

• On-aircraft training
• High-fidelity simulation
• A full suite of courseware
• Delivery material
• Desktop emulation

These areas encompass the needs of the aircrew, rear crew, maintainers and ground staff. These comprehensive solutions ensure that various customer teams working on AW149 have advanced system knowledge, awareness and the whole crew interaction necessary to prepare for the modern battlefield.

To sustain this high level of situational realism, Leonardo offers customers a range of blended services and devices that draw upon both enhanced technology and tactile experience. Networkable training allows door gunners and winch personnel to train in augmented reality whilst aircrew simultaneously fly the same mission. Aircrew and maintenance personnel will also be able to practise procedures and emergency drills in a low-cost, readily available environment using Commercial Off-The-Shelf components, and complete DSAT- (Defence Systems Approach to Training) compliant courses utilising E-Motion Simulation.

Charlene Hennells, Helicopter Instructor at the Leonardo Helicopters UK Training Academy, explains the value of services available at Yeovil: “As the AW149 Original Equipment Manufacturer, Leonardo is best placed to ensure that the training content, delivery and devices are fit for purpose, and are fully representative of the aircraft – as designed, maintained and operated.

“Outside of virtual training environments, customers will also have access to ground and flight training provided by approved ground instructors and QHIs, lending the hands-on expertise and field knowledge that Leonardo has been providing for decades.

“This unique amalgamation of training capability can be delivered as a complete service, or as a combined approach based on customer needs, and with customer-provided instructors in mind.”