The first 2 simulators for training FA-50 pilots already operate at the 23rd Tactical Aviation Base in Minsk Mazowiecki. 4 akin devices will be sent to Poland. This will enable training of flying and ground personnel to operate Korean machinery to be conducted in Poland. It is crucial that the FA-50 will be included in combat work by next year.
The head of the MON visited the FA-50 Simulator Training Centre in the 23rd Tactical Aviation Base in Minsk Mazowiecki today. The latest asset of the unit is 2 Korean device simulators, equipped with 23 BLT. “These simulators let us to become independent of training in Korea. Next year, specified training will take place primarily in Minsk Mazowiecki – said Deputy Prime Minister. The Minister besides reported that FA-50 aircraft will be on work in the next year. We're prepping pilots for duty. It is simply a multi-month process, but next year will be a breakthrough for the FA-50 entry into combat readiness," he noted. He besides pointed out that these machines are akin in operation to F-16, which importantly facilitates training. – This is simply a coherent, compatible system, thanks to which instructors and pilots can smoothly decision from 1 plan to another – he assessed.
Such plans for Korean aircraft are possible by launching pilot training in Poland, the first specified course started in July, and the installation of the first 2 pilot simulators. Finally, six specified devices will be sent to Poland: 3 full mission simulators (Full Mission Simulator, FMS) and 3 alleged Operational Flight Trainer (OFT). The first set of FMS and OFT – the 1 already operating in the Minsk base – is designed for training FA-50 device pilots in the GF version, i.e. those already delivered to Poland. 2 further sets, 1 will be installed in Minsk Mazowiecki, the another in 21st Tactical Aviation Base in Swidwin, will be utilized to learn how to operate the PL version aircraft. The Polish Army ordered 36 specified machines from a Korean manufacturerand their deliveries are due to end in 2028.
Support for air training
– The modern simulator is an absolutely crucial device, essential for training both flight crew and method personnel, says Colonel Marcin Boruta, press spokesperson for the 23rd Tactical Aviation Base. “We can arrange for them various emergency situations that may happen in the air so that the teacher can measure how the pilot manages in unforeseen situations,” the officer adds. The device besides allows you to freely set flight parameters including time of day, atmospheric conditions, cloud ceiling or visibility.
There are 2 types of simulators in the FA-50 Simulator Center close Minsk Mazowiecki. The fundamental difference between them is how much they reflect the flight process. – The Full Mission Simulator full reflects the conditions in the cockpit. It is utilized by pilots who are advanced on FA-50 flights. This trainer enables simultaneous training of respective pilots in real time – explains Colonel Boruta. This allows pilots to get together in the group and carry out more extended missions. FA-50 instructors besides practice on the simulator, who thus "refresh" their habits while flying in hard weather conditions.
On the another hand, Operational Flight Trainer is little complicated and serves beginners pilots who must have time to control from old analog to digital. Therefore, the OFT price is 40% lower than the FMS model.
Until recently, all pilots, instructors or method personnel serving the FA-50 had to have 2 weeks of training all six months in Korea. – Our technicians and engineers besides usage this simulator due to the fact that they request to learn how to read information provided by onboard systems, which cannot be defined in another ways. This is absolutely essential to guarantee that pilots have the highest level of method safety. said Colonel Boruta.
