The Spanish Minister of Defence visits Indra’s new Chinook CH-47F simulator, Europe’s first for the new version of this helicopter.
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Press Release, Madrid, 08 April 2025: The Spanish Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, and the Secretary of State for Defence, Amparo Valcarce, accompanied by military authorities and the Executive Chairman of Indra Group, Ángel Escribano, have visited the Helicopter Simulation Centre (CESIHEL) of the Army Aviation Academy (ACAVIET), where they visited the Chinook CH-47F helicopter simulator developed by Indra, the first one manufactured in Europe for this version of the aircraft. The visit took place as part of the delivery of the last unit of the Chinook CH-47F, the modernised version of this helicopter, at the Colmenar Viejo base of the FAMET.
The Army Aviation Academy (ACAVIET) Helicopter Simulation Center (CESIHEL), located at the Colmenar Viejo base, is now training the pilots of Transport Helicopter Battalion V (BHELTRA V) with the Chinook CH-47F helicopter simulator developed by Indra, the first one manufactured in Europe for this version of the aircraft. This full mission simulator (FMS) rounds off the integrated training system to prepare the BHELTRA V personnel, which, together with the flight training device (FTD) and the computer-based trainer (CBT) previously delivered by the company, covers all of the phases of the personnel training on the platform. The advantages of the synthetic training include savings of up to 40% of the actual flight hours required to ensure the preparation, instruction and advanced tactical coaching of the crews.
Helicopters are increasingly complex and advanced platforms, which means that pilots require several years of training to acquire the level necessary to conduct a real operation. In this regard, the simulators play a key role in providing the Spanish Armed Forces with the operability they require, as the number of helicopters that can be used during any given mission is determined by the number of available pilots with the required level of training. In turn, this training increases flight safety and reduces operating and maintenance costs, in terms of upkeep, fuel consumption, material wear and tear and ammunition use.
To develop the simulator, Indra followed the design strategy used in other systems delivered to the Army, using the same avionics equipment as that carried by the aircraft. The above guarantees absolute fidelity during the training and ensures that the future evolutions of the simulators are in keeping with those of the aircraft themselves. Indra has also employed a HLA standard-based networked simulation architecture, permitting joint tactical training for a mission via several simulators, in such a way that pilots located at different bases flying with other platforms (Tiger, Cougar, EC135 and NH90) can share the scenario in which the joint training is to be conducted.
The system also features a 4LED technology-based projection system that introduces a fourth infra-red light channel to enable the pilots to train for their flights using their own night-vision goggles (NVG), providing improved visual quality. The realism is complemented by the high-definition modelling of terrains, cities and settings, allowing the pilots to familiarise themselves with the environment they will carry out their mission in before they even reach their destination.
“The modernisation of the Simulation System of the Chinook helicopter constitutes a further step in the work that the Army and Indra have performed for decades to turn the CESIHEL into one of the most advanced simulation centres in Europe. Spain has opted for joint tactical training consisting of the pilots not only preparing to fly their aircraft, but also completing their missions with the utmost efficiency, coordinating with the rest of the deployed force”, explained José María Tapia, Head of Simulation Programs at Indra.
The Chinook is one of the most powerful transport helicopters in the world, with a 10-ton loading capacity and it can transport dozens of soldiers. This exceptional performance has led numerous countries to invest in its modernisation with the aim of extending its service life beyond 2040, given that it’s a key element during material and personnel transport, resupplies, rescues and deployments.
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