Background

The Parachute Flight Simulator (PFS) was designed and put into service on February 2014, by the Special Operations Tactical Support Centre (SOTSC), Commando Training Institute (CTI). It integrates a series of mechanical, electronic and virtual reality systems to offer the user a simulated environment of parachuting. It can simulate a myriad of scenarios for Static-line and Freefall Live Descent training, and be customised for individual or team mission profiles. The system allows trainees to experience simulated parachute descent and canopy control prior to actual live tasks, reducing uncertainty and increasing the confidence of trainees.

Since the implementation of the PFS, the SOTSC has incorporated the use of the PFS into the syllabus of the Basic Airborne Course and Military Freefall Courses. The Singapore Armed Forces Red Lions Parachute Display Team also utilises the PFS to simulate the various drop zones to practice and rehearse prior to the actual live descents at many public events such as the Army Open House and the National Day Parades. The PFS greatly increases the situational awareness of new display jumpers and also boosts their confidence. 

Features

Simulation of Environmental Conditions. The PFS is able to simulate environmental conditions such as direction and strength of wind, day and night conditions, various drop zones, altitude, and parachute emergency scenarios for Static-line and Freefall descents. The Basic Airborne or Military Freefall Course trainees can view these simulations in the form of realistic video graphics through a head-mounted display unit and execute the drills accordingly.

Real-Time Trainee Feedback. The PFS comprises a series of pulleys and sensor systems. Using the PFS, trainees can practice controlling the canopy during the simulated descent by pulling on the parachute straps attached to the pulleys, which will simulate a reaction mirroring that of a live descent. The sensors are attached to the toggles – control lines of a parachute system – and the trainee's limbs, with two sensors on each arm and leg. Any adjustments to the trainee's body posture during a descent are fed back to the system. The sensors also track the direction of the trainee's parachute approach. All the data captured are then used for post-action review. 

Team Jumps. The SOTSC has a total of six PFS, which can be interlinked to allow the trainees to observe and react to each other's actions as part of their training for team jumps. 

Parachute Emergency Scenarios. Trainees are able to practice different parachute emergency drills using the PFS after attending theory lessons and lectures, and undergoing drills on emergency procedures. The PFS prepares trainees to identify and respond to different parachute emergency scenarios by simulating various scenarios they may encounter when airborne. 

Feedback Function. The PFS has the ability to record each simulated jump, and the video recording is then used for a debrief session, which enhances learning through visual feedback. The trainees are able to view the playback of their simulated jumps and observe their actions from various views, such as the First Person Point of View (POV), Third Person POV, Plan view from above and POV from the ground. With the aid of the video playback system, our instructors can debrief and correct the trainees' mistakes more effectively.