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The New Zealand Defence Force has powered on a new C-130J Hercules simulator installed at Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Auckland.
The Perseus simulator, composed of 58 crates weighing 49 tonnes, arrived on base in August last year aboard two C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft flights.
Now fully constructed and beginning full-motion and systems testing, the simulator is designed to replicate the C-130J cockpit and flight environment with high realism.
It will allow crews to rehearse a wide range of scenarios including emergency procedures to poor weather conditions, all within a controlled, safe environment. Once certified, No. 40 Squadron crews will be able to conduct simulator training instead of travelling to Australia or the United States.
“There’s still a bit of work and testing ahead of us but we’re tracking towards a mid-year handover from Lockheed Martin to the New Zealand Defence Force. Every week we tick off another important piece of the set-up,” according to C‑130J Synthetic Training Centre manager Flight Sergeant Tony Strugnell.
“Being able to train here at home will save time and resources, and reduce the need to fly aircraft purely for training outcomes. The efficiencies will be significant once we’re up and running.”
The visual database is based on one already used in other RNZAF aircraft simulators and has been upgraded specifically for Hercules operations.
That includes adding Antarctic airfields and tactical training airstrips and drop zones in New Zealand, according to Squadron Leader Mel Fieldes from the Future Air Mobility Capability project team.
“We’ve been upgrading the database so we can conduct a range of training scenarios such as short field, grass strip and high-density altitude work,” Squadron Leader Fieldes said.
“The database also has in-built infrared signatures so we can conduct effective training on Night Vision Goggles.
“There are even full sound effects for different types of weather, such as hail and thunderstorms.”
In addition, air loadmasters will be able to conduct weight‑and‑balance calculations the same as in the actual aircraft, and the simulator includes a Virtual Cargo Compartment and Virtual Aircraft Representation System which allows them to rehearse checklist actions both inside and outside the aircraft. Maintainers will also be able to use the system for engine-running training and fault replication.
