Apache Tactical Trainer Capability Demonstrator

Applied Virtual Simulation built a mixed-reality Apache AH-64 D/E tactical trainer on the Qubic System QS-220 3DOF platform, first shown at the 2023 Avalon AirShow.

Customer profile: Applied Virtual Simulation is Australia’s leading defense simulation technology provider. The company focuses on the development of highly detailed simulation-based training systems for a wide range of applications, including army school needs. AVS is an expert in the design, delivery, integration and maintenance of innovative simulation-based training systems for individual and collective training. Their aim is to deliver safe, efficient and high-fidelity immersive experiences.

Apache AH-64 D/E sim powered by Applied Virtual Simulation is another training device from the AVS team that, like their previous project Protected Mobility Tactical Trainer (PMTT), has one main goal: to offer a more affordable tactical-training solution that will allow trainees to network multiple AH-64 simulators and enable tactical scenario-based training. Apache Tactical Trainer Capability Demonstrator was designed to fit in between the training requirements of a full-fidelity pilot trainer sim and a low-fidelity generic helicopter sim.

The AVS team worked closely with Dutch company MultiSim during this project to achieve the goal of creating a full mixed reality (MR) Apache simulator using the Varjo XR-3 as the head-mounted display. The medium-fidelity cockpit from AVS suits MR, with all the switches, screens and multi-purpose displays (MPD) fully working in MultiSim’s D-Sim AH-64 simulation model.

To perfectly replicate the training scenarios in an Apache flight simulator, the entire cockpit and MultiSim software was integrated with Qubic System’s 3DOF QS-220 motion platform. A set of actuators with very high speed, super low latency time and high vibration frequency allowed for increased immersion, which directly translated into training fidelity.

A prototype of the AH-64 motion simulator was presented for the first time at the 2023 Avalon AirShow in Australia. A wide range of users, pilots, pilot training instructors had the opportunity to try out the cockpit and receive their first training on it.