Full Motion Simulator Facility Inaugurated in Agra | 13 Nov 2024

Why in News? 

Recently, the Indian Air Force (IAF) C-295 Full Motion Simulator (FMS) was inaugurated in Air Force Station Agra, Uttar Pradesh. It will allow a significant proportion of pilot training to be undertaken in the simulator, thereby saving precious flying hours on the aircraft.

Key Points

• The simulator offers pilots near-realistic training, replicating missions such as tactical airlift, para-dropping, para-trooping, medical evacuation, and disaster relief. 
  • It also simulates critical scenarios, enhancing pilots' readiness for real-world operations and improving their ability to make rapid, high-stakes decisions, which boosts the overall safety of military flights. 
• The introduction of the C-295 aircraft into the IAF strengthens the country’s aerospace industry, as it marks the beginning of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" in private-sector transport aircraft production. 
• C-295 Aircraft:  
  • It is a transport aircraft of 5-10 tonne capacity with contemporary technology. 
  • Robust and reliable, it is a versatile and efficient tactical transport aircraft which can perform a number of different missions. 
  • Features: 
    • The aircraft, with a flight endurance of up to 11 hours, can carry out multi-role operations under all weather conditions. 
    • It can routinely operate day as well as night combat missions from desert to maritime environments. 
    • It has a rear ramp door for quick reaction and para dropping of troops and cargo. Short take-off/land from semi-prepared surfaces is another of its features. 
  • Replacement: 
    • It will replace the Indian Air Force’s ageing fleet of Avro-748 planes. 
      • The Avro-748 planes are a British-origin twin-engine turboprop, military transport and freighter with a 6-tonne freight capacity.