Simulation OEM Loft Dynamics, has announced the release of the world’s first Airbus H145 Multi-Pilot VR Simulator and at Farnborough has signed an LOI with Babcock France, that country’s largest HEMS operator, to become one of the first adopters of the technology that will, for the first time, allow multi crew training with a Virtual Reality (VR) simulator. Furthermore, the technology is applied to Loft Dynamics H145 platform. The system combines a six-degrees-of-freedom full-motion platform, a virtual, full-scale cockpit replica and a 360-degree panoramic field of view to create a highly realistic training experience.
“The aviation industry faces a growing mismatch: demand for highly trained crews is rising, but access to advanced helicopter simulation remains limited,” said Sebastien Borel, CEO of Loft Dynamics. “The H145 supports a large global community flying some of aviation’s most demanding missions, yet operators have never had a way to train entire crews together in virtual reality. Our H145 Multi-Pilot VR Simulator changes that by making realistic, aircraft-specific multi-crew training accessible enough to become a regular part of how pilots and crews build proficiency. Babcock France’s early commitment carries real weight. It shows that immersive VR is moving beyond an emerging training option and becoming infrastructure that major operators can build into their long-term H145 training strategies.”
Developed in close collaboration with Airbus Helicopters, It is built using flight dynamics, systems data and helicopter software provided directly by Airbus Helicopters, and was tested and validated throughout development by Airbus pilots. The simulator replicates the aircraft’s aerodynamics and performance characteristics, allowing operators to train using the same procedures they use in real world flight operations.
“The H145 multi-pilot VR simulator is a game-changer for operational safety,” added Romain Trapp, Executive Vice President Customer Support and Services at Airbus Helicopters. “By bringing advanced, accessible training directly to the doorstep of major operators like Babcock, it allows crews to train together frequently and with total precision. We are thrilled to see our partners adopting this immersive technology to enhance crew coordination where it matters most.”
Babcock France plans to use the simulator across its H145 training program, with a focus on mission rehearsal and specialised HEMS and search-and-rescue operations. The company also intends to make simulator capacity available to operators and pilots across France and neighboring countries, helping address the growing shortage of H145 simulator access in the region.
“Our mission is to ensure our crews are fully prepared for the complex and critical operations they perform every day,” said Pierre Basquin, Chief Executive Aviation and CEO of Babcock France. “Loft Dynamics’ H145 Multi-Pilot VR Simulator will significantly enhance our training capabilities by enabling more frequent, realistic and collaborative training for pilots and technical crew members. It will strengthen operational readiness, support the highest standards of safety and performance, and expand access to advanced H145 training for operators across France and the region.”
Image: Loft Dynamics