The TH-73A PTT is a self-paced, low-cost training solution that aims to better equip student pilots with the basics of helicopter aviation.
The system is set to replace the 36-year-old TH-57B/TH-57C Sea Ranger fleet and serve as a complement for more costly training environments, like high-end Level Six and Seven simulators and in-flight sorties.
Specifications of the TH-73A PTT are a first-of-its-kind in the flight simulator industry, offering mixed reality, dual pilot/co-pilot operation and multi-ship formation flight in a physically compact configuration.
Charged with constructing simulator hardware and flight, engine and systems model performance, FRASCA International Inc. structured the blueprint for the system’s dual-seat and compact design for Booz Allen.
“FRASCA is working to install eight new TH-73A Flight Training Devices (FTDs) and modifying the 10 existing TH-57B/C models to better reflect the Navy’s TH-73A aircraft,” said Randy Gawenda, business development manager at FRASCA.
“FRASCA’s mission here is to build a training ecosystem that will guide students from familiarization to being proficient and ready to take on more advanced training scenarios.”
Aechelon Mixed Reality
“Aechelon’s mixed reality seamlessly blends tactile components of the cockpit, like the knobs, pedals and other individuals in the cockpit, within a high-fidelity virtual world, which supports the same extreme 3D high-density databases in use on the highest-end simulators,” said Javier Castellar, Chief Strategy Officer at Aechelon Technology Inc.
“Most notably, because of the support of fully simulated Night Vision Goggles (NVG) on a mixed reality environment combined with the stereo camera processing and merging between real-world and virtual in day and night, students can more effectively train muscle memory, so it becomes second nature when the time comes to fly.”
According to project leaders, harnessing modern technology to create the TH-73A PTT will directly result in a more mission-ready warfighter able to quickly transition to their operational rotary-wing/tilt-wing platforms after graduating Training Wing Five’s course of instruction.
“Because the TH-73A PTT was built to have a smaller footprint than traditional Flight Training Devices, it’s more cost-effective to manufacture,” said Gawenda. “A smaller system also allows more devices to be operated at once and exponentially more students to gain the experience they need to become fully operational pilots as soon as possible.”
In addition to modernizing training resources, the teamwork involved in designing the TH-73A PTT is paving a new standard for flight training simulation.
“Even though the simulator’s virtual components were formed around the TH-73A, the general framework can be repurposed to create other simulators for other airframes and any advanced sensor suite configurations,” said Castellar. “Everyone on this program has a hand in pioneering a new era in mixed reality simulators, and it’s absolutely monumental.”
The first units of the TH-73A PTT and DAT fleet are currently being delivered to NAS Whiting, with the complete shipment set to be fulfilled in 2023.
Frasca’s Expertise Brings Navy TH-73A Training Technology to Market Earlier Than Expected
Frasca, a FlightSafety International company, delivered groundbreaking technology to the U.S. Navy nearly three years ahead of expectations, producing a more efficient and cost-effective training system for the U.S. Navy’s next generation rotary wing training program. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aviators are now better prepared to begin the flight portion of their TH-73A training following their experience in Frasca developed ground-based flight training devices.
Following a contract award from Booz Allen Hamilton, Frasca developed a Desktop Avionics Trainer (DAT) and a mixed-reality Part Task Trainer (PTT) that capitalized on a common software package to provide consistent training for pilots as they progress through the TH-73A pilot curriculum. The combination of fidelity and technology results in a comprehensive training ecosystem that trains and equips student pilots for more advanced training scenarios.
The DAT is based on proven software and hardware that allows students to train on avionics that replicate TH-73A systems in fidelity and functionality.
In addition, Frasca developed a first-in-class flight PTT that allows for dual pilot operation and multi-ship training in a compact configuration using mixed-reality technology. The trainer blends actual aircraft control surfaces and hardware with high-fidelity virtual imagery to include emulated night vision goggle (NVG) environment. The advanced technology and efficient footprint of the PTT optimizes available space and maximizes student throughput to better meet the demands of the operational fleet.
TH-73 simulator
“Frasca worked jointly with the Navy on several of the features of the PTT and worked closely with Aechelon, creating an exceptional success story,” said John Frasca, President. “Developing this technology and completing all seven PTTs within 12 months, underscores Frasca’s commitment to meeting the need for quick delivery to the warfighter fleet.”
All seven new PTTs and 15 DATs are installed and operating at Naval Air Station Whiting Field.
Finally, Frasca worked with FSI Defense, a FlightSafety International company, to install eight new Frasca manufactured TH-73A Flight Training Devices (FTDs) and upgrade 10 TH-57B/C model FTDs to complete the next generation training ecosystem. The high-fidelity simulators replicate the motion and vibrations that students will experience in actual flight, enabling them to practice basic flight maneuvers, instrument and NVG training, formation flying, emergency procedures, and other scenario-based training prior to going to the aircraft.
The combination of DAT, PTT, and high-fidelity flight training devices enable students to reach higher levels of proficiency in fewer actual flight hours, accelerating training while maintaining the high standards of Naval flight training.
TH-73A at NAS Whiting Field
NAS Whiting Field See also |
TH-73A Thrasher in
US Navy Frasca International 
Helicopters Flight School - Training Military 
