SEA KING SIMULATOR

The Sea King simulator is operated by Thales UK - a global technology leader for defence, security, aerospace and transport markets.

Thales UK’s synthetic training systems and services prepare individuals and teams for today’s most demanding challenges.

As well as providing training on the Sea King, Thales also trains aircrew on other simulation platforms such as Typhoon, Tornado, Tucano, Tristar and VC10.

The simulator at SARF Headquarters provides training for:

• Ab initio pilots and Rear crew on 203 (R) Squadron Operational Conversion Unit.
• Front line operational SAR pilots undergoing twice yearly refresher training.
• Conversion Courses.
• Continuation training for Belgian, German and Norwegian Forces.

It is capable of providing a broad spectrum of training, ranging from night vision activities through to oil rig deck landings. A recent million pound upgrade provides some of the most realistic visuals of any civil or military synthetic trainer in the world.

The platform is staffed by five Thales engineers, five helicopter and console instructors and an administration officer. Most are ex military personnel.

The dynamic simulator is a six axis all motion vehicle providing very realistic audio and visual feedback to the crew. It is fully instrumented and an exact replica of the real aircraft cockpit.

Another procedural simulator supports radar operations.

Both simulators can be linked for joint crew activities.

The simulators are available for training five days a week, all year round.