BİTES mission simulators: firing training to GÖKBEY
Quick answer: BİTES mission simulators are systems that combine software and hardware for training needs ranging from weapon systems to helicopter flight. The official project list of BİTES, a subsidiary of Turkish defense electronics manufacturer ASELSAN, includes a firing training simulator for the Coast Guard Academy, a MANPAD training simulator and a flight simulator for the GÖKBEY general-purpose helicopter for ASELSAN, and an STA gunner simulator for armored vehicle producer FNSS. The company’s simulation experience goes back to the helicopter simulation program (HELSIM) that formed its founding contract in 2005.
What is a mission simulator?
Mission simulators allow personnel to work through mission scenarios without expending live ammunition or fuel, or wearing down the platform. According to the official BİTES page, the company’s simulator architecture contains the following software layers:
- Scenario generation and control software
- Tactical environment software
- Image generator software with terrain and three-dimensional models
- Aerodynamic, physical and mathematical modeling
- Ballistic modeling
Official project list
| Project | Customer | Field |
|---|---|---|
| Firing Training Simulator | Coast Guard Academy | Weapon firing training |
| MANPAD Training Simulator | ASELSAN | Shoulder-launched air defense training |
| STA Gunner Simulator | FNSS | Armored vehicle weapon system gunnery |
| GÖKBEY Flight Simulator | ASELSAN | Mixed reality flight training |
| Radio Operation Training VR | ASELSAN | Virtual reality equipment training |
| MİLGEM 6-12 SGTES | ASELSAN | Ship crew training system |
The table was compiled from the “Projects” sections of the company’s official product pages; contract dates and values have not been disclosed.
From firing training to the gunner simulator
The firing training simulator produced for the Coast Guard Academy runs weapon handling training in maritime environment scenarios using a wide curved screen and tracking cameras. The MANPAD training simulator developed for ASELSAN provides gunner training for shoulder-launched air defense systems without expending live ammunition. The STA gunner simulator built for FNSS is aimed at turret and gunner training for armored vehicle weapon systems. The purpose in all three projects is the same: repeated training without consuming costly ammunition or platform hours. On the embedded simulation side, the company built the crew training system for the ALTAY main battle tank, Turkey’s domestically developed tank, together with simulators for the SARP and KMC remote controlled weapon stations, on top of the real systems.
The GÖKBEY flight simulator and mixed reality
One of the projects that stands out on the official list is the flight simulator built for ASELSAN for GÖKBEY, the general-purpose helicopter developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ). The company lists this work under the heading “Mixed Reality Simulation and Training Systems”; configurations combining a virtual reality headset, a motion platform and real flight controls are offered in this category. The mixed reality approach aims to provide repeated training at lower cost than full-cabin simulators; no performance comparison has been officially published.
UAV flight simulators
The 2026 Product Catalog of Turkey’s Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) also lists unmanned aerial vehicle flight simulators among BİTES products. There is no separate product page under this heading on the company’s current website; which UAV platform the simulator was developed for has not been officially disclosed. The company’s official site states that on the avionics side it develops ground control station software for unmanned systems.
Measuring training: debrief systems
To measure simulator training, the company develops digital assessment systems. The official list includes data recording, post-mission evaluation (debrief) and training management information system (EYBS) work on the HSEM and SİPER projects for HAVELSAN. Training solutions on the maintenance side are described in the virtual maintenance file, and the entire portfolio including embedded simulations in the product guide; training material for air defense programs such as the SİPER long-range air defense system and the HİSAR-O medium-altitude air defense system was also produced within this scope. For the field side of large-scale soldier training, the company separately presents scenarios integrated with ATOK.
Frequently asked questions
Which simulators does BİTES produce?
The official list includes firing training, MANPAD, STA gunner, GÖKBEY flight and radio operation VR simulators, along with the MİLGEM training system.
Who uses the GÖKBEY simulator?
The project was carried out for ASELSAN; the end user and deployment location have not been officially disclosed.
Does BİTES build UAV simulators?
UAV flight simulators are listed in the SSB 2026 catalog; the platform and customer have not been officially disclosed.
What modeling is used in the simulators?
According to the official page, aerodynamic, physical-mathematical and ballistic modeling together with terrain and 3D models.
How far back does the company’s simulation record go?
The founding contract was the HELSIM I Program-II helicopter simulation work of 2005; that is more than 20 years of experience.
Sources and verification note
- https://bites.com.tr/tr/products — Mission Simulators, Mixed Reality and Digital Assessment product pages and project lists (Accessed: August 12, 2026)
- https://bites.com.tr/tr/about — HELSIM founding contract and corporate history (Accessed: August 12, 2026)
- SSB 2026 Product Catalog — entries for UAV flight simulators and firing training simulators
- https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/idef-2025/bites-robot-kopeklerle-urettigi-cozumlerle-idef-2025te/3639769 — the company’s fair presentations (Accessed: August 12, 2026)
Simulator quantities, contract values and delivery dates have not been disclosed and are therefore not included in this file.
