ATAKSİM vs HELSİM: HAVELSAN’s Helicopter Simulators
What is the difference between ATAKSİM and HELSİM? Both are HAVELSAN helicopter simulators, but they were built for different platforms. ATAKSİM is the full-mission simulator for the T129 ATAK attack helicopter; HELSİM is the project covering simulators for the general-purpose helicopters in the Land Forces inventory (AS532 Cougar, S-70 Black Hawk). This article compares the two in an official frame.
For simulator classes, see our articles on the FFS vs FTD difference and the Kahramankazan simulator facility.
ATAKSİM: the T129 ATAK full-mission simulator
ATAKSİM was developed for the adaptation, refresher, combat-preparation, maintenance and experience training of T129 ATAK pilots and technicians. Around 80% locally produced, the simulator can reproduce every movement the ATAK can make in reality through its 6-axis motion system; this is why training here can count as actual flight hours. ATAKSİM has been in use by the Land Aviation Command since 2019.
HELSİM: general-purpose helicopter simulators
The HELSİM-II project, signed in 2009, covers simulators for the AS532 Cougar general-purpose helicopters in the Turkish Armed Forces inventory; the first products were delivered in 2014. The AS532 Cougar simulator was produced for the same purposes as the S-70 helicopter simulator and meets the JAR-FSTD H Level-D standard. The simulator includes various meteorological scenarios and 450 emergency/malfunction scenarios.
Integrated joint training
The ATAK simulators developed by HAVELSAN can operate integrated with the S-70 Black Hawk and AS532 Cougar simulators delivered to the Land Forces under the HELSİM project. This integration lets pilots of different platforms train together in shared scenarios.
ATAKSİM and HELSİM compared
| Criterion | ATAKSİM | HELSİM |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | T129 ATAK (attack) | AS532 Cougar, S-70 (general-purpose) |
| Scope | Full-mission simulator | Simulator project (multi-platform) |
| Motion system | 6-axis | Level-D (full fidelity) |
| Use | Land Aviation, since 2019 | First delivery 2014 |
| Highlight | ~80% local, counts as flight hours | 450 emergency/malfunction scenarios |
Frequently asked questions
Are ATAKSİM and HELSİM the same thing?
No; ATAKSİM is the simulator for the T129 ATAK attack helicopter, while HELSİM is the project covering simulators for general-purpose helicopters (Cougar, S-70).
Does training on ATAKSİM count as real flight?
Thanks to its 6-axis motion system, training on ATAKSİM can count as actual flight hours.
Can the simulators be used together?
Yes; the ATAK simulators can conduct integrated joint training with the Cougar and Black Hawk simulators under HELSİM.
Sources
- HAVELSAN, training and simulation products — havelsan.com
- Anadolu Agency — aa.com.tr
