SOURCE: AFI
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The Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to procure approximately 7,050 hours of simulator training annually for the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-III and ALH-WSI (Weapon System Integrated) skid versions. This ambitious initiative, structured on a “pay-as-you-use” basis, aims to enhance the operational readiness of Indian Army Aviation, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) pilots. The RFI, which includes a commitment from the ICG, seeks vendors capable of delivering a comprehensive package encompassing Full Flight Simulator (FFS) training, maintenance support, and instructor services under a Build, Operate, Train, and Maintain (BOTM) model.
The ALH Mk-III and ALH-WSI, indigenously designed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), are versatile platforms deployed across India’s armed forces for roles ranging from search and rescue to anti-submarine warfare and armed reconnaissance. The RFI outlines a simulator training program designed to replicate real-world flying conditions with near-realistic fidelity. The FFS must simulate all helicopter systems—both on the ground and in flight—enabling crews to practice normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures as outlined in the Flight Manual. Additionally, it must cover scenarios not explicitly detailed in manuals, such as brownout (dust obscuring vision), snowout, and vortex ring state, ensuring aviators are prepared for unpredictable challenges.
The training will cater to both novice aviators and seasoned aviation instructors, fostering a self-sustaining pipeline of expertise. A unique feature of the RFI is the provision for serving instructors from Army Aviation, the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and ICG to train and certify pilots on the simulator for specific exercises or roles as needed. This collaborative approach leverages in-house military experience while integrating advanced simulation technology.
The FFS systems are expected to mirror the ALH Mk-III and ALH-WSI’s operational envelope with precision. This includes day and night flying (with Night Vision Goggle compatibility) across diverse environments—over land, sea, and ships—reflecting the helicopters’ multi-domain deployment. The simulator must replicate system operations to the extent that flight crews can manage them independently, without instructor intervention, once activated. This hands-on realism is critical for mastering complex procedures and building muscle memory.
For the ALH-WSI, the armed variant, the simulator must accurately model weapon systems, including target acquisition and firing of all current and future munitions. It will also simulate the dispensing of chaff and flares, complete with appropriate Electronic Warfare (EW) system indications, symbology, and Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM). These features ensure pilots can train for combat scenarios, from evading missile threats to engaging hostile targets, in a controlled yet lifelike setting.
The RFI goes beyond training hours, embedding a robust support framework. The contract will include all maintenance support, underpinned by Performance-Based Logistics (PBL), to ensure simulator availability and uptime. The BOTM model—Build, Operate, Train, and Maintain—requires vendors to construct the simulator infrastructure, operate it, train aircrew and maintenance personnel, and maintain the systems throughout the contract term. This turnkey approach minimizes operational burdens on the MoD while guaranteeing a fully functional training ecosystem.
The annual commitment of 7,050 hours reflects the scale of the requirement, with the ICG’s participation signaling a multi-service investment in enhancing rotary-wing proficiency. The “pay-as-you-use” structure offers flexibility, allowing the MoD to scale usage based on operational needs while optimizing costs.
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