MILITARY AVIATION TACTICAL SIMULATIONS

The Future of Tactical Military Aviation Training is here

The tactical military aviation training (TAK-LET-SIM) project marks a pivotal milestone in the advancement of military flight simulation technology. Developed for the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia, the project aims to revolutionize tactical training through state-of-the-art flight simulators.

As part of this groundbreaking project, three advanced simulators were created:

  • A VR simulator for the Pilatus PC-9 aircraft.
  • An XR simulator for the Pilatus PC-9 aircraft, combining physical elements with virtual immersion.
  • A helicopter VR simulator for the AS532 Cougar, tailored for tactical and mission-specific training.

These simulators offer an unparalleled training experience, allowing pilots to operate under diverse tactical and weather conditions. Furthermore, the systems are designed to work seamlessly together, enabling coordinated exercises such as formation flying, joint tactical missions, and collaborative operational planning.

By combining cutting-edge technology with immersive design, TAK-LET-SIM is a true game-changer for military training, delivering unmatched realism and effectiveness in preparing pilots for real-world missions.

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Pilatus PC-9 VR Simulator

The Pilatus PC-9 VR simulator represents a groundbreaking step in military pilot training, offering an immersive experience that closely replicates real-world flying conditions. By utilizing state-of-the-art Virtual Reality technology, this simulator places pilots directly into a meticulously recreated cockpit environment, allowing them to feel as though they are in the actual aircraft.

Designed to train pilots in both basic and advanced flight maneuvers, the VR simulator enables practice in navigation, emergency procedures, and tactical scenarios. From low-altitude flights to visual navigation and precise targeting, the system covers a wide range of operational needs.

The VR setup’s key advantage lies in its complete immersion, which enhances focus and realism without requiring a physical cockpit. The system integrates seamlessly with other simulators, enabling multi-simulator coordination for formation flying, joint tactical missions, and operational planning.

Equipped with advanced functionalities such as a fully simulated Head-Up Display (HUD) and operational instruments like accelerometers, altimeters, and airspeed indicators, the Pilatus PC-9 VR simulator provides an unparalleled training experience. It prepares pilots for the complexities of real missions while minimizing risks and operational costs.

pilatus pc-9 XR simulator (mixed reality)

The Mixed Reality (XR) simulator for the Pilatus PC-9 is a breakthrough in aviation training technology, merging physical cockpit components with immersive virtual environments. This innovative setup enables pilots to interact with real controls—such as the flight stick, throttle levers, and instrument panels—while being fully immersed in a high-fidelity, visually realistic simulation.

By combining the tangible experience of operating a physical cockpit with the flexibility of virtual training, the XR simulator offers unparalleled versatility. Pilots can practice a wide range of scenarios, including mission-specific procedures, formation flying, and tactical maneuvers, all within a controlled environment. The system replicates the cockpit layout and functionality of the actual Pilatus PC-9 aircraft, allowing pilots to feel “at home” in the simulator, a sentiment often echoed by those who use it.

This hybrid training approach is particularly effective for developing advanced skills, such as coordinating operations with other aircraft, executing joint tactical missions, and preparing for real-world conditions. The ability to integrate physical and virtual elements ensures a seamless transition between simulated and real flight experiences, significantly enhancing pilot readiness and operational effectiveness.

Furthermore, the XR simulator works harmoniously with the other TAK-LET-SIM systems, supporting coordinated training sessions that simulate multi-aircraft missions, tactical formations, and collaborative operational planning. By delivering realism and interactivity, this simulator sets a new standard for pilot training.

AS532 Cougar simulator VR

The AS532 Cougar simulator is specifically tailored to meet the complex demands of helicopter operations, combining mission-specific training capabilities with tactical readiness. Designed for the AS532 AL Cougar, this advanced simulator faithfully replicates the cockpit environment and operational systems, delivering a training experience that mirrors real-world conditions.

Pilots and crew are immersed in a realistic environment that allows them to practice critical procedures such as navigation, formation flying, and mission execution. The simulator also supports tactical operations, including troop transport, search and rescue (SAR), and other mission-critical scenarios. Its precision-engineered controls and high-fidelity visuals provide an unmatched level of immersion and accuracy, enabling users to perform tasks with the same precision as they would in the actual aircraft.

One of the simulator’s key strengths is its adaptability to a wide range of tactical and environmental conditions. Pilots can train in diverse weather scenarios and under challenging operational parameters, ensuring they are prepared for every mission.

Moreover, the Cougar simulator integrates seamlessly with the other TAK-LET-SIM systems, enabling joint tactical training exercises. Pilots can engage in collaborative missions with other simulators, such as the PC-9 VR and XR systems, allowing for synchronized multi-aircraft operations, tactical planning, and joint mission execution.

The AS532 Cougar simulator delivers a comprehensive and mission-focused training solution, enhancing the skills and confidence of pilots and crew, while ensuring operational excellence in real-world deployments.

Common Features of the TAK-LET-SIM Simulators

The TAK-LET-SIM project has been designed with a unified vision to create highly immersive and versatile simulators. While tailored to specific aircraft, all three simulators share the following groundbreaking features:

  • Collaborative Training Capabilities: The simulators are interconnected, enabling synchronized operations for formation flying, joint tactical missions, and complex operational planning. This functionality enhances teamwork and coordination, critical for real-world missions.
  • Unparalleled Realism: Each simulator replicates real-world scenarios with incredible fidelity, including diverse tactical conditions, weather challenges, and operational environments. Pilots experience an authentic replication of actual flight conditions.
  • Exact Cockpit Replication: The simulators are engineered as 1:1 replicas of their real-world counterparts, offering pilots a familiar environment. This design ensures a seamless transition from simulator training to real-life missions.
  • Enhanced Tactical Awareness: By providing cutting-edge features, such as mission-specific configurations, live feedback, and real-time scenario adaptability, the simulators deliver a transformative learning experience.

These shared features are underpinned by cutting-edge technology, delivering an unmatched training experience. The TAK-LET-SIM simulators redefine realism and operational efficiency, equipping pilots to perform at their best in even the most demanding mission scenarios.

Immersive Vision for Enhanced Training

In the tactical military aviation training project, both Varjo XR-4 (Mixed Reality) and Varjo VR-3 (Virtual Reality) headsets, developed by Varjo, were utilized to provide a fully immersive experience tailored to each simulator’s needs. The XR-4 headsets bridged the gap between virtual and physical environments, enabling seamless interaction with real-world controls while still engaging with the simulator’s advanced visual systems. Meanwhile, the VR-3 headsets transported users into a meticulously recreated virtual cockpit, offering unparalleled focus on operational precision and tactical maneuvers.

By employing these cutting-edge technologies, TAK-LET-SIM ensures pilots experience the most realistic and effective training environments, empowering them to transition from simulation to real-world scenarios with confidence and precision. The combination of VR and XR not only enhances individual training but also redefines collaborative and tactical mission execution.

A Realistic Simulation of Tactical Terrain

The TAK-LET-SIM project goes beyond traditional flight simulation by incorporating a highly detailed and realistic simulation environment of Slovenia. Using advanced GIS (Geographic Information System) data, the simulation environment replicates the country’s diverse terrain, from mountainous regions to lowland valleys, with exceptional precision.

This immersive environment was crafted through high-resolution ortho-photo imaging, accurate digital elevation models (DEM), and extensive OpenStreetMap (OSM) overlays. Key features include recognizable landmarks, authentic urban layouts, and even dynamically rendered water surfaces, enabling pilots to train in visual navigation, low-altitude maneuvers, and terrain-specific tactical scenarios.

The terrain’s integration into X-Plane 12, a cutting-edge simulation software developed by Laminar Research, ensures not only visual fidelity but also realistic physics and flight dynamics. This precise replication provides military pilots with the tools to develop and refine their skills in an environment that mirrors real-world conditions, enhancing both operational readiness and mission success.

Ceremonial Handover of Advanced Flight Simulators

On January 17, 2025, a significant milestone in military aviation training was reached with the official handover of state-of-the-art simulators to the Slovenian Armed Forces. This special event, held at the Cerklje ob Krki Airbase, marked the culmination of an ambitious project aimed at transforming tactical training with cutting-edge simulation technology.

The ceremonial event featured speeches from key contributors and leaders, including:

  • Colonel Janez Gaube, Commander of the Air Force Command.
  • Lieutenant Colonel Gregor Virant, a critical collaborator in the development and testing of the simulators.
  • Sašo Knez, CEO of AFormX, the company behind the innovative project.
  • Damir Črnčec, PhD, State Secretary at the Ministry of Defence, who underscored the importance of advanced simulation technology for the future of defense.

Guests had the opportunity to experience the simulators firsthand and witness their potential to redefine military training through collaborative missions, formation flying, and complex tactical scenarios.

The event symbolizes a leap forward for the Slovenian Armed Forces, equipping them with the tools to train under diverse tactical and environmental conditions, ensuring pilots are ready for real-world challenges.