Zen Technologies, Rockwell Collins Develop Next-Gen Flight Simulator for Indian Market

April 11, 2015

Ryan Gehm

Zen Technologies and Rockwell Collins recently unveiled a next-generation rotary wing simulator to serve the “burgeoning need” of the military flight simulation market in India. The companies had previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding to combine their strengths in simulation and training to offer advanced and high-fidelity aviation solutions. With the rotary wing platform launch, both companies plan to become key partners to the Indian armed forces. The configurable Rotary Wing Simulator is housed in an ergonomically designed cockpit and addresses both the flight and mission aspects of rotary wing aircraft. Realistic training scenarios are provided using geo-specific cultured terrains, operations flight profiles, and avionics that can be used to train both new and experienced pilots before missions. The training continuum is customizable for all types of military platforms.

The jointly developed simulator was revealed within four months of signing the MOU, noted Colin Mahoney, Senior Vice President, International & Service Solutions for Rockwell Collins. “This is just the first step in our collaboration,” he said. “We see tremendous opportunity to provide indigenous, affordable, and highly effective simulation and training solutions to India's defence forces through our alliance with Zen.”

“Over the next few years, the Indian defence forces will be strengthening their aircraft portfolio, both fixed and rotary wing. Moreover, there are a number of existing simulators which may need some mid-life upgrades both in terms of technology and aircraft concurrency,” said Ashok Atluri, Managing Director, Zen Technologies. “Therefore, we see a very large opportunity for full mission simulators, flight training devices, and part task trainers, amongst others...Our alliance with Rockwell Collins marks the first time that a global simulator [OEM] has teamed with an Indian simulator manufacturing company to cater to the Indian defence market.”