Another strategic project that ends dependence on foreign sources in airspace management is coming to fruition. Developed in collaboration with TÜBİTAK BİLGEM and DHMİ, and powered by HAVELSAN's technological infrastructure, Türkiye's first National Air Traffic Control Simulator (atcTRsim) is opening its doors at Esenboğa Airport. The system achieves a first in Türkiye with its 360-degree visual capability and "rear projection" technology.
Air traffic controller training constitutes the most critical link in flight safety. This process, which has generally been carried out using foreign-made systems until now, atcTRsim The project is becoming nationalized. The system, commissioned at the Esenboğa Airport Training and Simulator Facilities, combines the software expertise of TÜBİTAK BİLGEM engineers, the simulation experience of HAVELSAN, and the operational knowledge of DHMİ (General Directorate of State Airports Authority) into a single system.
A First in Türkiye: 360-Degree Viewing and Rear Projection
atcTRsim involves advanced engineering not only in software but also in hardware. Developed within the scope of the project... Airfield Control Simulator, implemented for the first time in Türkiye “"rear-projection 360-degree visual system"” It is equipped with this technology. This technology allows controller candidates in the tower to see the runway and its surroundings in real-time, without any blind spots.
The simulator complex consists of two main components:
- Airfield Control Simulator: This unit provides a 360-degree tower environment simulation, simultaneously 8 hypothetical pilot positions With its (pseudo-pilot) capability, it simulates heavy air traffic with realistic scenarios.
- Approach and Path Control Radar Simulator: In this section, where air traffic is managed, 8 controller operating positions (Planning and Implementation) and again 8 fictional pilots It has this capacity. This allows large training groups to work synchronously at the same time.
Flexible and Expandable “Native” Architecture
The biggest disadvantage of imported simulators, "the cost and difficulty of updates," is becoming a thing of the past with atcTRsim. The system is developed entirely with domestic resources and... expandable structure It is being designed.
- New Airports Are Being Added Instantly: 3D models of newly constructed airports or runway modifications at existing airports are rapidly integrated into the system by Turkish engineers.
- Airspace Modifications: Changes to airspace routes or new flight corridors can be uploaded to the simulator without the need for external services.
A Comprehensive Solution from Training to Planning
atcTRsim plays an active role not only in basic air traffic controller training but also in advanced training and airspace restructuring studies. DHMI personnel test potential crisis scenarios and new airspace designs on this simulator before moving to actual operations.
This collaboration between TÜBİTAK, DHMİ, and HAVELSAN is recorded as one of the most concrete steps towards Türkiye becoming a self-sufficient country in aviation training technologies.
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