Rheinmetall has successfully conducted factory acceptance of the cargo hold crew training simulator for the Bundeswehr’s A400M military transport aircraft. One of the most advanced systems of its kind, the Cargo Hold Trainer Enhanced (CHT-E) is specifically designed for training loadmasters and ground personnel. By mid 2015, it should be installed at the 62nd Air Transport Squadron base in Wunstorf.
The CHT-E is a life-size replica of the A400M cargo hold, featuring the operator interfaces, control stations and other equipment, all true to the original. It also includes an instructor operating station, which can be used for controlling and evaluating exercises. This makes the system suitable for initial and advanced training as well as refresher courses and operational drills. It can also be used for safely practising difficult manoeuvres such as airdrop procedures.
The principal purpose of the CHT-E is to enable realistic training of cargo hold crews and ground personnel without having to use the original equipment. This includes mission-specific reconfiguration of the cargo hold, cargo preparation, loading and unloading operations as well as standard and emergency operating procedures both in flight and on the ground.
Rheinmetall is not only supplying the Bundeswehr: The first CHT-E has been in operation at the Airbus Military International Training Centre (ITC) in Seville, Spain since 12 September 2013. This system is also configured in the highest fidelity level (CHT-E Device 4).
Along with the CHT-E, Rheinmetall also supplies A400M training equipment known as the LMWST. The first LMWST to be delivered has been in operation at the ITC in Seville since November 2012, and the second at the French A400M National Training Centre in Orléans since September 2013. Another LMWST has been in operation since summer 2014 at the Royal Air Force National Training Centre in Brize Norton. Moreover, the Royal Air Force is due to receive a CHT-E in 2016.
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| The configuration earmarked for the Bundeswehr is called the CHT-E Device 4, and represents the highest expansion stage of the system. The CHT-E is a subproject of the SimA400M programme. This currently encompasses three CHT-E systems and three Load Master Working Station Trainers (LMWST). Procurement of additional simulators is planned. (Photo: Rheinmetall) |
The principal purpose of the CHT-E is to enable realistic training of cargo hold crews and ground personnel without having to use the original equipment. This includes mission-specific reconfiguration of the cargo hold, cargo preparation, loading and unloading operations as well as standard and emergency operating procedures both in flight and on the ground.
Rheinmetall is not only supplying the Bundeswehr: The first CHT-E has been in operation at the Airbus Military International Training Centre (ITC) in Seville, Spain since 12 September 2013. This system is also configured in the highest fidelity level (CHT-E Device 4).
Along with the CHT-E, Rheinmetall also supplies A400M training equipment known as the LMWST. The first LMWST to be delivered has been in operation at the ITC in Seville since November 2012, and the second at the French A400M National Training Centre in Orléans since September 2013. Another LMWST has been in operation since summer 2014 at the Royal Air Force National Training Centre in Brize Norton. Moreover, the Royal Air Force is due to receive a CHT-E in 2016.