Rega, the Swiss SAR and EMS provider, for the supply of a state-of-the-art advanced simulator to meet the training requirements for Rega’s new fleet of Da Vinci and GrandNew light twin helicopters. The simulator, designed and produced by AgustaWestland in Sesto Calende in Italy, will become operational in 2012 and is planned to be located adjacent to Zurich Airport in Switzerland. John Ponsonby, Senior Vice President Training, AgustaWestland said after the signing, “This contract for an advanced simulator will help Rega not only maximize the operational capabilities of its helicopters but also contribute to its ongoing commitment to safety and excellence. We have had a long and successful partnership with Rega and we are delighted to see that partnership continuing and growing with this contract.”

AgustaWestland will provide Rega with a Level 3 Flight Training Device / Level B Full Flight Simulator featuring a GrandNew light twin helicopter with IFR cockpit to offer VFR/IFR single and dual pilot flight and mission specific training. The simulator will help familiarise pilots with the latest technology found in the GrandNew cockpit, which features Flight-Logic Synthetic Vision EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument System) with a FMS (Flight Management System), HTAWS (Helicopter Terrain Awareness Warning System), HITS (Highway In The Sky) and embedded flight recording functions. Under the contract AgustaWestland will also provide technical support and assistance in maintaining the device.

Acknowledged as one of the most experienced air-rescue organisations in the world, Rega has experienced a quantum leap forward in mission effectiveness and responsiveness following the introduction into service of the new Da Vinci helicopter, which succeeded its fleet of A109K2 aircraft. Rega has already taken delivery of ten out of eleven helicopters, with the last aircraft planned to be a GrandNew helicopter featuring Rega-dedicated mission kits, which will add to the ten Da Vinci single pilot cockpit-equipped aircraft. The Da Vinci, a highly customised variant of the GrandNew was specifically developed to meet Rega’s requirements and will enable the operator to meet its mountain rescue requirements well into the 21st century. AgustaWestland is a provider of professional training services and devices to a wide range of commercial, military and industrial customers around the world. Operators are assured of receiving highly effective training solutions, designed to meet their requirements, to achieve high levels of individual, team and collective performance and to enable customers to fully exploit AgustaWestland’s high capability aircraft by using integrated learning environments. AgustaWestland is committed to offering the best training services as essential enablers in the delivery of mission capability to operators.