Ukrainian Air Force has recently demonstrated the first full-fledged F-16 simulator in Ukraine. It should be noted that it was received from the Czech Republic by one of the tactical aviation brigades as well as specialists are already preparing the main module for operation. The hydraulics and cockpit will be installed later. It is also noted that there are prospects for further batches of such simulators for Ukrainian pilots.
On Monday, May 20, Ukrainian Air Force released more footage of new simulator, and experts shared their impressions of the equipment. It is obviously that it will help Ukrainian pilots to better destroy targets on the ground and in the air with future F-16 aircraft. Ukrainian Air Force notes that pilots were already practicing combat missions on this simulator.
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At the same time, the head of the simulator maintenance team, Dmytro emphasizes the need for such modern equipment. "I have been working with Su and MiG flight simulators for more than 20 years, and all these years it was not that simple," he says, referring to the critical situation with the supply of new equipment. Although Ukrainian specialists managed to preserve the equipment, but each piece of equipment has its own lifespan. "The vast majority of our flight simulators have long since reached the end of their useful life," Dmitry notes.
According to him, Ukrainian Air Force is analyzing the possibilities for efficient and cost-effective solutions. One of the options is to switch to modern simulators that use virtual or fixed reality. This allows the pilot to train in more realistic conditions.
Dmytro says that he was the first to test the new simulator's cockpit, having operated many Soviet versions before that. "Realistic sensations, g-force, a huge selection of maps, modes, scenarios, the ability to practice the use of various weapons, simulate actions in emergency situations... This is really a completely different level of technology," he notes.
The expert also emphasizes that it will be much easier for them to deal with the maintenance of such simulators compared to older models. "I remember well the simulators which computer component took up several dozen cabinets 15 meters long, and what difficulties we had when something went wrong with such a simulator. Or simulators with a cable plan that weight of one and a half tons, which is loaded into the ZIL truck," says Dmytro.
He mentions the increasing load on the training base, but at the same time notes that the pilots' lives of Ukrainian Air Force depend on more hours of flying on simulators.
Earlier Defense Express reported that one third of russia's combat-ready Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 bombers had been gathered at Olenya air base.
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