Modernization Program Complete for French Air Force

At the end of 2020, SIMAERO delivered a major modernization upgrade project for the Boeing C135-FR flight simulator operated by the Strategic Air Forces (FAS) of the French Air Force.

This significant operation ensures the sustainability of the simulator with the aim of continued and improved training the crews of the tanker planes based in Istres, in southeastern France, and working on nuclear deterrence and air operations.

The simulator received a collimated visual system with 180-by-40-degree field of view, a new electronic interface and an instructor station adapted to this machine. The mobilization of SIMAERO teams and partners despite the Covid-19 pandemic made it possible to minimize its impact and ensure on-time delivery of the project, without negative consequences on the operational use of the simulator.

"This project was a very high technical challenge on a simulator which is now 50 years old and was essential to ensure the best quality of training," indicates Cyril FABRE, Managing Director of SIMAERO Defense & Government Services.

Partner of Sabena Technics since 2008, SIMAERO ensures the maintenance in operational conditions and the evolutions of the simulator. Previously SIMAERO performed the upgrades to the aircraft standard including a change of computer (rehosting) in 2016 with the rewriting of the simulation program allowing the integration of new avionics (TCAS, Weather Radar, FMS, Fuel Management Panel, GPS).

These successful integrations allow the FAS to train on a simulator configured to be identical to the aircraft and fully upgradeable.

What simulators have been involved in past NASA space programs? Find out by reading  A Brief History of Past NASA Space Program Simulators.