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Indra Deploys NH90 Simulator for Spanish Air and Space Force

Our Bureau - : Mar 12, 2025 - : 8:08 pm

Indra has introduced an advanced NH90 helicopter simulator at Cuatro Vientos Air and Space Force base, enhancing pilot training with a high level of realism and interoperability with other simulators. This system allows for joint training exercises and the preparation...

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The new simulator is the third Full Mission Simulator (FMS) developed by Indra for the Spanish Armed Forces. It follows the same configuration as the two existing NH90 simulators used by the Army at the Helicopter Simulation Centre (CESIHEL) in La Rioja. These earlier simulators have been updated with the latest technology.

Designed to replicate the NH90’s cockpit accurately, the simulator uses avionics equipment to familiarise pilots with navigation and mission systems. It supports training with mission helmets and night vision devices, offering a high degree of realism. This approach ensures that the simulator can evolve alongside future upgrades to the aircraft.

An improved visual system enhances scenario replication, while the database includes additional environments, allowing Air and Space Force pilots to train for maritime rescues, natural disaster response, and landings at bases and operational zones, including international mission locations.

The simulator will be evaluated under European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations to confirm compliance with Full Flight Simulator (FFS) level D standards, the highest level of accuracy and realism as per European CS-FSTD(H) specifications. The two existing NH90 simulators in La Rioja already meet these criteria.

José María Tapia, Indra’s Head of Simulation Programmes, stated: “The simulator provides great capacity to interoperate with other simulators, as it can connect through the HLA architecture standard to facilitate joint training sessions with other bases and, in particular, the two NH90 simulators at Agoncillo. This is equivalent to having a real “virtual maneuvering field” in which highly complex operations can be prepared and repeated as many times as necessary until the desired degree of coordination and accuracy is achieved”.

The system enables pilots to practise high-risk manoeuvres, handle emergency scenarios such as engine or tail rotor failures, and train for operations in conflict zones. Such simulators have become essential for modern military training, reducing the required flight hours in real aircraft by up to 40% and accelerating pilot preparation.

Indra has delivered over 200 simulators to more than 50 clients across 23 countries. It has developed training systems for multiple helicopter platforms and has supplied NH90 simulators to several armed forces worldwide. The company states that its Full Mission Simulator helps lower operational costs, cuts maintenance work by over 33%, and reduces CO₂ emissions by limiting the need for live training flights.

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