This marks the third NH90 Full Mission Simulator (FMS) delivered by Indra to the Spanish Armed Forces, following two previous simulators already in service at the Helicopter Simulation Center (CESIHEL) at the Agoncillo base in La Rioja. Like its predecessors, the new simulator meets the highest standards of realism and sophistication, ensuring seamless pilot training.
By using real avionics equipment from the NH90 helicopter, the simulator provides an authentic cockpit experience that allows pilots to train with mission helmets and night vision systems. This feature ensures that pilots become fully familiar with the aircraft’s navigation and mission equipment, facilitating a smooth transition to actual flight operations.
The system incorporates an improved visual database, enabling pilots to train for a variety of critical missions. These include maritime search and rescue, natural disaster response, and tactical operations in both domestic and international environments. It also allows practice in take-offs and landings at operational bases under realistic conditions.
The new simulator will undergo evaluation under the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations to confirm its compliance with FFS Level D standards—the highest level of fidelity for flight simulation. This ensures that pilots experience a training environment nearly identical to real-world operations.
Indra’s NH90 simulator is designed to interoperate with other training systems, allowing joint exercises between Cuatro Vientos and Agoncillo through HLA architecture connectivity. This feature creates a virtual manoeuvring field, where highly complex missions can be rehearsed and repeated for maximum coordination and precision.
Pilots will benefit from risk-free training that enables them to practice emergency procedures, such as engine failures and rotor malfunctions, as well as combat zone operations. Simulators have become an essential tool for modern armed forces, improving preparedness while reducing reliance on live aircraft training.
The simulator’s high fidelity allows for a 40% reduction in actual flight training hours, accelerating pilot certification while lowering operational costs and aircraft wear. It also contributes to sustainability efforts, cutting CO2 emissions and reducing maintenance work by over 33%.
Indra has supplied over 200 simulators to more than 50 customers across 23 countries, reinforcing its position as a global leader in helicopter simulation technology. The company continues to advance training solutions for highly complex platforms such as the NH90, used by a dozen military forces worldwide.
