The Chinook Mk6 Synthetic Training System Facility (Chinook STSF), based at RAF Odiham in Hampshire, provides the Royal Air Force with leading simulator technology for pilots and crews training to operate Chinook Mk6 aircraft. It provides whole-crew training and allows crews to experience operational scenarios in a state-of-the-art, purpose-built environment, consisting of two Flight Deck simulators, a Rear Crew Device and a suite of Computer Based Training equipment.
The facility, designed, built and managed by Lockheed Martin and its partners, opened in November 2018. It can deliver around 4,000 simulator hours each year and ensures that crews are at a permanent state of readiness to deploy. Using the latest virtual reality technologies and simulators, crews experience a wide range of real-life scenarios ranging from sorties in urban locations to embarked maritime operations, with the classroom facilities providing the perfect environment to instruct in the emergency and mission capabilities of the Mk6 aircraft, such as relocating troops and equipment around the battlefield or evacuating citizens from dangerous conditions.
An integrated team consisting of Lockheed Martin and Inzpire personnel deliver a support package including maintenance and instruction at the RAF Odiham training facility.
Along with these synthetic training devices, training solutions are relied upon across the UK’s armed forces: the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) as part of the Ascent joint venture, the Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (UK CATT) for the British Army, Merlin Mk2 Training Facility for the Royal Navy and for the UK’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter for Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force.
