Written by Peter Johnson, Director Aerospace NZ
The New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) P-8A Poseidon aircraft project marks a new era in New Zealand’s airborne surveillance and response capabilities.
The aircraft support the country’s peace and security operations, maritime surveillance, resource protection, and humanitarian and disaster responses, both domestically and abroad.
Replicating Nova Systems’ success qualifying the RAAF P-8A Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTDs) at RAAF Edinburgh, Nova Systems NZ has won a contract with the New Zealand Ministry of Defence (NZ MoD) to qualify the RNZAF’s state-of-the-art flight simulation suite for front and rear crew training. The work is to qualify and ensure that the devices comply with the NZ Defence Aviation Rule 119.10 and can be utilised for training in a newly constructed facility at RNZAF Base Ōhakea.
Image Source: NZDF, Te Ope Kātua o Aotearoa
An FSTD creates a realistic and immersive environment that mimics the experience of flying and operating the real aircraft, achieved by replicating the performance, handling qualities, and systems as closely as possible. The FSTD is treated in the same way as an actual aircraft to make the whole experience as real as possible; crews wear flying clothing, life support equipment and step through flight authorisation and ‘aircraft acceptance’ procedures as they would for the actual aircraft.
However, the illusion of realism can be easily broken. Noticeably incorrect vibrations, audio and visual cues and system functionality, as well as incorrect flight models can all reduce the training benefit from using an FSTD. Likewise, any real-world inputs from the local environment or infrastructure, such as noise, vibration or even smells, that affect the building that the FSTD is installed in, can degrade or eliminate training value. Any deficiencies between the FSTD and the real aircraft could result in incorrect skills being learned within the FSTD which is categorised as ‘negative training.’ There is a risk that these incorrect skills are then relied upon when operating the real aircraft.
Therefore, it is necessary to understand any deficiencies of an FSTD, the corresponding risk introduced by that deficiency and to tailor the training accordingly. To understand any deficiency, each FSTD requires an individual initial qualification to:
Compare the FSTD with that of the real-world aircraft, identifying any discrepancies and determining their effect on training.
Ensure the FSTD adheres to the relevant regulations.
Produce a Master Qualification Test Guide, which sets the baseline for recurrent evaluations to be compared against.
Image Source: NZDF, Te Ope Kātua o Aotearoa
During each FSTD’s recurrent, annual evaluation, the device is assessed to ensure it continues to accurately replicate the behaviour of the real aircraft and is still safe and compliant with regulations. It is also important to keep the FSTD at the same standard as the actual aircraft and that modifications and upgrades are mirrored accordingly. Following upgrades to the FSTD, it would then undergo a Special Evaluation to ensure any modifications are correctly represented.
Nova Systems has extensive experience with the RAAF P-8A FSTD programme. This experience allowed Nova Systems to come prepared with the knowledge of the deficiencies identified on previous RAAF P-8A FSTD software baselines, and the subsequent mitigations developed. Nova Systems will therefore be able to focus attention on these areas, leading to efficient testing, reporting and ultimately device readiness for RNZAF training activities.
Nova Systems can also deliver bespoke training packages on evaluation of FSTDs to customers in New Zealand. Their independence from both aircraft and FSTD OEMs allows the delivery of impartial knowledge and practical skills required to either lead a flight simulator evaluation team, or to function effectively as an evaluation team member.
Having had personnel embedded as part of the ASMP Integrated Project Team throughout the introduction into service of the NZ P-8A capability, the team has previously assisted in the development of documentation to support the issuance of a Military Type Certificate, Capability Management and ILS planning, and P-8A Trials and Development, working alongside No 5 Squadron within the RNZAF.
We’re proud to provide specialist support to the NZDF and the Ministry across several key strategic projects including the P-8As. Our team includes specialists in Test & Evaluation, system safety, flight test and space launch support. We’re backed by our global workforce of more than 1600 people, bringing a vast breadth and depth of experience to support our NZ clients.
Nova Systems NZ’s involvement with the ASMP Integrated Project Team was recognised in the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence to Industry for Nova’s work on the project.
“The high calibre of skill and technical knowledge brought by Nova Systems enabled the project to efficiently and effectively pass through the new airworthiness requirements rapidly, ensuring this critical capability was introduced into service without a capability gap,” P-8A Integrated Project Team leader, Rob Whight said.
As a Trans-Tasman company, Nova Systems can leverage support and provide efficiencies when engaging with Test & Evaluation activities between Australia and NZ. Our contract award for delivery of P-8A FSTD qualification leverages our nearly four years of pedigree supporting the P-8A in NZ along with our prior experience with the RAAF P-8A FSTD. This win will allow Nova Systems to establish its simulator support credentials in NZ, forging a path to secure future opportunities with new and existing simulation devices.
Originally appeared in Line of Defence – New Zealand’s Defence and National Security Magazine, December 2024