On 11 January, the cornerstone for the new C–17 Air Crew Training System (Simulator) building of the Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC) was ceremoniously laid at Pápa Air Base. In this facility, the offices and workshops ensuring the operation of the C-17 simulator, as well as classrooms and briefing rooms for aircrew training, will find their place.
Gregory Clark, representing the NATO Support and Procurement Agency Airlift Management Programme, and Imre Etl, representing the contractor STRABAG symbolically broke ground at the site. The central element of the new, approximately 1438-square-metre building is the 14-metre-high simulator bay, connected to a single-story building.
The new building will occupy a former fighter aircraft standing area. In addition to the construction of the precast reinforced concrete structure building for the simulator technology, the contractor’s team will be responsible for comprehensive mechanical, electrical, and construction works, as well as the construction of roads, parking lots, sidewalks, and landscaping around the facility. A high-capacity solar panel system will be installed on the roof of the training unit, supporting the environmentally friendly operation of the building in conjunction with the heat pump heating-cooling system.
Electric vehicle charging stations will be placed in the surrounding parking lot, enabling the charging of vehicles used by SAC. The design of the building commenced in 2022, with construction expected to conclude in March 2025, followed by the installation of the C–17 simulator equipment.
Training in the new facility is expected to begin in September 2025.
The C–17 Aircrew Training System (ATS) Simulator is a sophisticated and comprehensive training platform designed to enhance the proficiency of aircrews operating the Boeing C–17 Globemaster III, a large military transport aircraft. The simulator serves as an integral component of the broader training curriculum, providing a realistic and immersive environment for aircrew members to hone their skills in various operational scenarios.
Training within the C–17 ATS Simulator encompasses a spectrum of mission profiles, including takeoffs, landings, in-flight manoeuvres, and emergency procedures. The simulator is instrumental in fostering crew coordination, decision-making capabilities, and the mastery of critical tasks, thereby ensuring that aircrews are well-prepared for the complexities and challenges inherent in real-world operational missions.
Furthermore, the C–17 ATS Simulator enables aircrews to practice and refine their skills in a risk-free virtual environment, mitigating potential hazards associated with live training exercises. This not only contributes to enhanced safety but also facilitates a cost-effective and resource-efficient approach to training.
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Sources: Hungarian Conservative/honvedelem.hu
