Westland helicopters

In order to deliver a bespoke Training Service for the British Army's new Attack Helicopter, the Apache AH Mk1, Westland formed a joint venture company with The Boeing Company - Aviation Training International Ltd (ATIL). Viewpoint worked in partnership with Westland on a crucial aspect of the project from mid 1998.

Through a detailed analysis, Westland had arrived at a solution specific to the Ministry of Defence's requirement for the training programme. This solution required a multi-function workstation capable of integrating the training equipment.

Viewpoint worked closely with Westland for well over a year to develop a solution to meet the brief, and the two companies are now working on a similar solution for other Westland clients. The resultant training facility is the only one of its kind, and unusual in the integration and interface of building, layout, classroom concept and equipment.

Flat-screen technology, with each desk comprising three monitors, has to be housed within the desk for security purposes; hydraulics are incorporated to raise the flat screens to operator height. The image on the monitors represent the view of the pilot from the assumed cockpit position, where the one cursor moves across all three screens. The access to the technology has to be controlled by the training instructor, and connected to a plasma screen at the front of the classroom where the images would be magnified for all to see.