NEW SYSTEM BOOSTS RSAF PILOT TRAINING

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has launched a locally-developed training system that will greatly enhance how fighter pilots hone their skills.

Jointly conceived by the RSAF, Defence Science & Technology Agency (DSTA) and ST Electronics, the new Air Mission Trainer (AMT) is one of the RSAF's most advanced training simulators.

Second Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen commissioned the AMT at the Flight Simulator Centre (FSC) in Paya Lebar Air Base on 21 Aug.

Dr Ng said the AMT was part of the Ministry of Defence's ongoing efforts to stretch the defence dollar, and at the same time, train the pilots in a realistic and effective manner.

The first of its kind in the region, the AMT is an integrated network of different combat simulators that lets pilots and air controllers train, function and fight as a team.

It also allows multiple pilots to operate in the same synthetic world, either as a single force against computer-generated enemies or against one another. Past simulators could handle only one pilot at a time.

It includes realistic models of different cockpits; a station for planning and executing missions; and a console that controls the way computer-generated forces act in a virtual battle, whether as friends or foes.

Impressed with its close attention to detail, Major (MAJ) Lee Chih Fei noted how well the multi-platform AMT complements real flight training.

"The instructor can add more adversaries, change the weather, replicate day or night, even invent aircraft emergencies," said the FSC's Chief Flight Instructor.

Furthermore, as the AMT allows team-level training, RSAF pilots can also focus on solving tactical issues during simulated emergencies.

The process of defining, designing and producing the AMT took about six years in all, including regular checks to validate its components.

RSAF pilots officially began training with the AMT in March this year, and the feedback has been positive.

Said MAJ Lee: "We have been getting good responses, and the pilots are generally enthusiastic about using the AMT."