Bell signs contract to build flight training devices for the Czech Republic

Bell Textron signed a contract with the US Government to build the AH-1Z Flight Training Device for the Czech Republic’s new helicopter fleet. The Flight Training Device (FTD) will be used for simulation and training of prospective pilots of the combined AH-1Z and UH-1Y fleet.

Mike Deslatte, Bell H-1 vice president and programme director, said: “The Flight Training Device will provide Czech operators with the perfect tools for familiarising themselves with their new H-1 helicopters.”

FlightSafety International and Czech company VR Group will act as key subcontractors. FlightSafety will provide hardware and software products for simulation training, including the visual display system and control loading system.

The company’s senior vice president of Simulation Systems, Michael Vercio, said: “The Czech Flight Training Device gives us another opportunity to provide a world-class training solution to a new set of pilots.” 

VR Group will provide some of the moving models for the visual database system for the Czech H-1 FTD. It will also handle maintenance and support for the device after delivery.

Production for the Czech Republic’s new H-1 helicopter fleet is proceeding on schedule, with Bell’s Amarillo Assembly Center recently receiving the first UH-1Y cabin for the Czech fleet. Bell expects production and delivery of the new AH-1Z and UH-1Y aircraft to be complete by 2023.