Bluedrop Training & Simulation Inc. Bluedrop Training & Simulation
is a
training organization that specializes in VR/MR simulation training for helicopter rear crew members.
“With our state-of-the-art VR/MR rear crew mission trainer (RCMT) and its hoist mission training system (HMTS), Bluedrop is in effect transforming rear crew training,” said Jean-Claude Siew, Bluedrop’s EVP of Technology and Simulation.
Bluedrop does this by creating rear crew training enclosures that basically mimic the shape, layout and control surfaces of
a standard helicopter. This use of haptic (touch-based) interactive training in tandem with VR/MR imagery displayed in the user’s immersive headsets provides a training scenario that feels as real as it looks and sounds.
“The dynamic response of the hoist cable, for example, is second to none and is so realistic that trainees feel completely immersed in the training scenarios,” Siew said. “The quality of the visual system and real-time response can provide training scenarios anywhere in the world and on any type of terrain and in any environmental conditions.
“At the same time, Bluedrop’s system provides a training environment that provides real-time feedback for both the trainee and the trainer. This capability is made possible by the capture of relevant performance data during the training process, which makes it easy for both to see how well the training session went and what skills remain to be mastered.
“This type of training improves proficiency and saves blade hours, provides safe emergency
procedures training in
difficult situations and environments, and provides confidence that the helicopter hoist operators are ready and have the skills for any situation.”
Entrol’s hoist operator mixed- reality station. Photo: Entrol
Entrol
Entrol builds a full range of simulators for fixed-wing and rotorcraft training, the latter in support of pilots and rear-crew equipment operators.
“We work with mixed-reality (MR) technology for mission training,” said Nacho Navacerrada, Entrol’s sales director. The reason? “When training with MR goggles, you can look down and better perceive the distance between the helicopter and the terrain,” he replied. “This is great when loading the Bambi bucket, transporting cargo with a long cable, or carrying out a SAR mission.”
At present, Entrol prefers to have students use its MR goggles without chroma key image replacements that block out the
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wearer’s field of vision, so that they can use them in tandem with LED screens and video projection systems. “In this way, the trainers can use the LED/projectors for IFR, MCC, and procedures, which in multi-engine helicopters involves managing cockpit and systems training,” Navacerrada said.
As far as Entrol is concerned, MR flight simulations are a complement to actual flight training, not a replacement. “Synthetic training allows you to perform emergencies you cannot do on a helicopter,” Navacerrada said. “Nothing can replicate 100% the feeling of the actual flight, but the point of the simulators is to complement that and practice emergency situations and missions in a safe and pedagogical environment. They’re also an excellent tool for experienced pilots to transfer knowledge to new ones, especially for mission situations such as firefighting and SAR, which cannot be recreated in real life.”
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