Flight Simulation News

Featured Flight Simulation of the Month:
The spirit of Falcon 4.0 back to life!

Horizon Simulation is delighted to announce that it is to be the UK distribution partner for Falcon 4 – the flight simulation franchise that sold more than 900,000 units for the PC and which returns in an unprecedented fashion…

Just over five years ago, a military flight simulation took the PC games industry by storm. Falcon 4.0 was a game like no other and led to a following like no other. Years of development produced an F-16 simulator with legendary features such as a truly dynamic campaign engine, unrivalled depth of avionics and remarkable levels of artificial intelligence.

This summer, Lead Pursuit LLC, in association Graphsim Entertainment Inc., brings the spirit of Falcon 4.0 back to life with a totally updated simulator for 2005. Falcon 4.0: Allied Force pushes the boundaries once again for today’s demanding gaming enthusiast.

Features include:

• Revamped graphics engine
• Reworked multiplayer engine
• Highly advanced artificial intelligence
• Reworked dynamic campaign engine
• Brand new theater of operations
• New high resolution models and cockpits
• Highly detailed terrain and airbases
• Intuitive User Interface

Minimum Specifications:

• Windows® 98/ME/2000/XP
• Processor: Pentium® IV 2.4 GHz or AMD Athlon® 1.8 GHz
• Hard Disk Space: 1.5GB (+500MB for Windows swap file)
• Video/Graphics Card: 64 MB (3D Accelerated and DirectX® compatible)
• Sound Card: DirectX® Version 9.0b (or higher) compatible
• Monitor: 1024 x 768 resolution colour monitor
• Internet Connection: 56 Kbps (for multiplayer options)
• Other: 4x CD ROM Drive, Windows compatible mouse, keyboard and joystick

Recommended Specifications:

• Windows® XP Pro
• Processor: Pentium® IV 1.5 GHz or AMD Athlon® 1.2 GHz
• Hard Disk Space: 1.5GB (+500MB for Windows swap file)
• Video/Graphics Card: 128 MB (3D Accelerated and DirectX® compatible)
• Sound Card: DirectX® Version 9.0b (or higher) compatible
• Monitor: 1024 x 768 resolution colour monitor
• Internet Connection: ADSL/Broadband (for multiplayer options)
• Other: 4x CD ROM Drive, Windows compatible mouse, keyboard and joystick

Full details of the Horizon range can be accessed at www.horizonsimulation.com

About Lead Pursuit
Lead Pursuit LLC is a software development company specialising in top-class military combat simulators for the personal home computer. The company is based in Texas with developers spread all over the world. Each has a detailed understanding of military flight simulation and is committed to products which push realism, depth and fidelity to new standards. Lead Pursuit is passionate about military simulators and sets its standards to those of the most demanding, intelligent games enthusiast. More details about Lead Pursuit and its products can be found at www.lead-pursuit.com.

About Horizon Simulation
Horizon Simulation is a pioneering software specialist that leads the world in the development of highly detailed and accurate virtual models of the real world for use in training and gaming flight simulators.

A British company, based in London, Horizon works with the best international data suppliers to create highly innovative and immersive scenery upgrades for the world’s most advanced flight simulations. Horizon’s products give simulator pilots the same views from their virtual cockpit that real aviators enjoy in flight, providing fascinating landscapes for the casual user and a large amount of training value to private and professional pilots around the globe.

Horizon’s operations in the professional simulation industry for both civilian and defense clients assures that its consumer products are always at the forefront of the development of virtual modeling. Insight from these professional liaisons is used to conceive new software upgrades for consumer simulators, which are tested and used by some of the world’s most revered flying establishments.

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eDimensional redefines value for gamers and simmers
with the The "Headbanger" Headset Voice Buddy
Interactive Voice Control Version 3

Forget about all the annoying keyboard commands needed to play today’s complex PC games and simulations. Just say it and now your computer does it! What's more, your PC actually talks back to you with positive command feedback, in-game training and tips, plus much more.

Ready-to-Run With Over 60 Built-in Game Editions
The most impressive about VB3 is the fact that it comes already loaded with thousands of voice commands for 5 dozen games. This is a radical departure from where Voice Buddy started when you had to buy the core engine and then separately purchase each individual game edition. Now that they are all included free, we can imagine that Voice Buddy is about a $600 value. Not bad for the $49.95 that you pay for the software only version. Voice Buddy comes pre-loaded with all commands for over 60 games.

VB3 includes all your favorite flightsims such as FS2004, FS2002, LOMAC, the entire IL-2 series and Combat Flight Simulator 3 and 2.
There are many special features for Flight Simulator, IL-2 and LOMAC.

FREE! Voice command edition updates for life.
Voice Buddy registered users get free downloads of new game edition voice command sets as we publish them for tomorrow's exciting new games. No setup required. Voice Buddy puts thousands of intuitive commands instantly at your command.

NEW! Do-It-Yourself tools.
Only Voice Buddy 3.0 gives you a new, easy-to-use, full-featured set of do-it-yourself tools. Now it is easier than ever before to customize the existing voice command sets. Best of all, you can create entire voice command sets from scratch. It's fast, easy, and fun to Voice Buddy Enhance virtually any game you choose.

NEW! Share voice command sets with your friends.
Now you can share your original or customized voice command sets with your team-mates and squadron buddies around the corner or across the globe. Perfect for multiplayer squad-based action.

The world's first truly interactive voice recognition companion.
Voice Buddy consists of a core voice recognition engine coupled with separate editions that provide thousands of specific keyboard commands and interactive training for a very large range of games and simulations. With dozens of new editions in development, check back often to find more of your favorites.

Executes commands at the speed of sound.
Through “bleeding edge” voice recognition, speech synthesis, plus sophisticated computer command and control technology, Voice Buddy recognizes your voice commands and executes them instantly with absolute precision - all while providing you with vocal confirmation that the command has been executed. With Voice Buddy, you no longer need to type keyboard commands since every keyboard hotkey command in every game edition can be controlled more efficiently by a voice command. Keep your hands on the controls where they should be! Plus, Voice Buddy executes actions in real-time at microsecond computer speeds much faster than a human can type. Now you'll never have to stop the game and hunt through the manual or search for that multi-key-combo. Just say it and it is done.

Voice Buddy offers much more than just voice recognition.
The Voice Buddy Interactive Trainer (VBIT) is your virtual drill instructor, instant level teleporter, game mod installer, built in strategy guide and much more. When you issue the appropriate voice commands, you invoke the VBIT and Voice Buddy talks you through the desired action or gives you a short briefing on the game. Learn the secrets, get the scoop on single and multiplayer game-winning tactics, teleport instantly to any game level, and install game mods in the blink of an eye without ever touching the keyboard. VBIT varies with the game and teaches you about weapons, vehicles, tactics, game maneuvers, winning strategies, and much more.

Ready-to-go the minute you install it.
No complicated set-up. No tedious hours of training and editing voice commands are required. Voice Buddy is ready-to-go. Just kick the tires, light the fires and go!

The Audio FX allows you to turn on an amazing force feedback system that synchronizes the vibration effects with the sound. The eDimensional Audio FX headset has built-in noise cancellation that blocks unwanted ambient noise and prevents it from interfering with your voice commands. It has a high-quality, voice recognition certified microphone and a fully adjustable microphone boom. The boom is a perfect place to put the TrackIR3 Pro tracking dot.

Audio FX creates a unique force feedback envelope that is synchronized to the sound action of your game, music, DVD, or whatever sound comes though the headphones. It also has flashing lights on the headphones that scale to the sound intensity and vibration effects.

The overall feel of the Audio FX is surprisingly comfortable considering that it is larger than the Plantronics Audio 90. The Audio FX looks and feels more like an actual pilot headset. The ergonomic design, combined with the large padded headband and excellent balance make it very comfortable to wear for long flights. The soundproof padding on the headphones effectively blocks out all ambient noise. This immerses you into an audio envelope that is impressive to say the very least. It's hard to describe in so many words. You just have to try it and see for yourself.

For further information please visit: http://www.edimensional.com

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AIRBUS A380: “Fly the world largest airliner” by abacus

This summer every one was talking about Airbus and especially about the largest aircraft the A380 it would finally be its first flight and would be presented at the Bourget air show. This was the time for some some payware software developers to bring the same aircraft for the virtual world. Don’t ask me how they find out the necessary parameters to develop the aircrafts flight dynamic but let’s us discover what this box would be “Fly the world largest airliner” by abacus.

• The aircraft performance can be read during your flight as well as the position furthermore you can consult your route legs and the progress of your flight.
• RTE pressing this and you can have the view of your route
• LEGS his similar as the RTE
• PROG gives the parameters of your flight such as distance estimated times
• EXEC this will engage the autopilot
• HOLD sets the horizontal hold of the aircraft
• VHOLD sets the vertical hold of the aircraft.
• RST will reset your FMC.
  

Before taking the flight lets us going over to check the outside view of the aircraft but here again it his disappointed to discover that the final touch his really missing. Not too many details and the moving parts are likely more like the defaults aircraft from MSF 2004. Doors and cargo are opening, slats and flaps and spoilers are operating too. Seems that the tyres need some air!! And those doors are not fully opened.

From the overhead panel you can activated the doors and stairs, all doors are opened as well as cargo doors the fuel truck , catering truck and the luggage’s carts are positioned at the aircrafts. The simmer who possess active camera can trough this have a walk to interior view of the cabin.

Before taking the A380 for the flight you will have to change the quantity of fuel as the tanks are set them at 80 percent each and the Max.take off weight is not exceeded and you will have fuel enough for a very long flight and if you are intended to make one not mentioned in the default flight you first will have to made a flight plan trough the menus Flight and sub menus Flight planner and save it so that you can load it trough the FMC.

Taxi the A380 must be done carefully as most of the taxiways at less knowing international airports are too large for this type of aircraft we believe that in the reality they will have the same problem and only a few international airports are or will be ready to accept the A380.

The rolling for the take off is progressing smoothly and rotate between 140/150 k and you can easily perform you climb on manual up to 8000/10000 feet by engaging your autopilot the aircraft his following very well his route according the flight plan as well as the selected altitude.

But since you have no info about the TOD you better calculate on time your descent and during this phase the vertical speed must not be set to high as your speed will increase rapidly a 1400 feet/min vertical speed will more less maintain your speed specially under the level of 10.000 feet and keeping in mind that the approach final speed will not exceed 160 k with full flaps.

We had during our test flight more the feeling to fly the default MSF heavy aircraft (B777/ B747 ) than an airbus A380 however for those who wants to fly without having studying an operation manual it may be an enjoyment

As written in their manual we must keep in mind that the information is not as precise real world operations. Aircrafts manufacturers and airlines, for obvious reasons are reluctant to release detailed aircrafts specifications therefore Abacus generalized the information they possess to realise this software.

For some it will enjoy it as announced by Abacus for others would like more some hardcore simulations they will probably prefer the A380 from Wilco Fleet which his more detailed replica of the aircraft and more detailed panel.

Ludo Haesaerts - FSCB /LH-FVO
http://www.fscb.be

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AEROSOFT PA-18: Piper Super Cub

My expectations were high when the Aerosoft Piper Super Cub was released. I had been searching for a decent Super Cub for Flight Simulator, because I have very good memories of this aircraft especially as towing aircraft for gliders. Until that moment every specimen for FS proved to be a disappointment, most probably due to my real life experience on the Super Cub. The testing of this Cub by Aerosoft proved to be a real pleasure; and throughout the test my admiration grew as to the degree of realism reached in this product.

Payment can be done with your credit card. After receiving the confirmation by email, you can download the file. After starting the installer, the installation runs automatically. Needless to say that you need an internet connection to install the aircraft. After the installation you will find the aircraft in the aircraft library under PIPER; there 2 options are available: the J3 and the newly installed Super Cub. Five different versions are installed: An amphibian, on floaters, on skis, on normal gear and one on the oversized Tundra wheels. A 35 page manual is included in the installation. It is advisable to read this manual carefully; it will increase your enjoyment while flying this aircraft.

Outside view:
The outside views are acceptable without highlights. Especially the textures could have been better. On the other hand the animations both inside and outside are impeccable. The reproduction of the tail-wheel with its two side springs is particularly successful. And for those who don’t like the tinted windows or the large visible propeller replacement BMPs have been included. The installation puts these BMPs in the folder: Fs9/Aerosoft/SuperCub. A very clear read-me file provides the necessary explanation. The flaps are adjustable in two positions, the suspension of the gear is realistic and the doors open in the typical Piper fashion. Even the sliding window on the left-hand side is present.

Flight characteristics:
The most realistic features of this Super Cub are without doubt the flight characteristics. These designers obviously knew the Super Cub very well and they obviously knew how it flies and how it reacts to the rudder deflections. At the run-up with 1200 RPM you will notice the temperature rise and when performing a magneto-check you even get a realistic and acceptable drop of 50 RPM. The response to a flap setting change is exactly as it should be. Indeed a Super Cub reacts first to the increase in lift, by raising its nose on the horizon. Only then it reacts to the increase in drag. This effect is reproduced very well and this gives you the real “Cub-feeling”. The execution of a three point landing will necessitate some training; it remains a tail-wheel aircraft with the typical properties. Keep the approach speed on 60 KIAS, reduce to 50 KIAS and when approaching ground start the flair out and raise the nose progressively. If the landing speed is somewhat high this Cub seems to refuse to land due to the ground effect, exactly as it would do in real life.

Panel:
There is a saying that there as many different panels as there are Pipers built. In this Piper the bitmaps are made photorealistic and the gauges are fitted very nicely. Less successful in my view is the integration of the various click spots on the right-hand bottom of the panel. These are rather inconveniently placed in the panel which is otherwise of a higher quality. Via these click spots the different sub-panels can be activated. Monitor the fuel supply via the left-hand and the right-hand sub-panel and switch to the fuller tank every 30 minutes. Note that the Fuel Selector switch is only available from the Virtual Cockpit. Every instrument can be clicked; it will then be enlarged on the screen.

Conclusion:
When buying a commercial software product one expects the necessary support. Aerosoft does exactly that. Via their online forum most problems can easily be solved. This software package performs flawless and is kind to the frame rates. My judgment may be influenced by my love for the Super Cub, but in my view this aircraft is worth every eurocent. It proves it does not always have to be a liner with complex FMC to enjoy the virtual flying. To quote the title page of the manual: ‘it is fun to fly low and slow’ Highly recommended.

Ludo Haesaerts - FSCB /LH-FVO
http://www.fscb.be

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IVAO Releases Update “IvAp 1.1” and MTL

The International Virtual Aviation Organization, IVAO, has released an update to their pilot client IvAp 1.1 and to their MTL aircraft libraries. These updates include improvements to the Follow Me Car, Inspection Car, and to correct some of the MTL aircraft.cfg and aircraft models. In addition enhancements were made to IvAp to support future additions to the pilot client software.

Likewise, to support further developments of the MTL aircraft for member Virtual Airlines, IVAO is sponsoring a virtual meeting with all VA CEO’s or their representatives on September 03, 2005 at 1900Z to discuss future MTL releases aimed specifically at the VA’s. For more information concerning this meeting, please contact Alexander Lutz at [email protected]

For more information and to download the update for IvAp, please go here

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Aerosoft Online has just released Monaco 2005

A project that does not boost a long and exhaustive list of features. Basically it only has one feature, its gorgeous looks and the coverage of a entire country with almost every building in 3D (okay, it IS a very small country). But if you like your scenery dense and detailed you will love this one. If you like helicopters or seaplanes, you just found a new destination. If you have ever been to Monaco you will surely feel right at home in this rather unique scenery project (how about a country that is nearly as HIGH as it is WIDE?). There have been a lot of shots floating around the net the last few weeks and what Aerosoft shows on the product page seems to confirm the impression that was created. Could this be the successor to their Manhattan scenery?

It is rare that an add-on for FS2004 adds a whole country (not COVER a whole country but actually ADDING the country to the FS2004 GOTO airport list) but we managed with this amazing product. Monaco, the second smallest country on the globe is done in amazing detail. And indeed, Monaco is smaller then some airports and it does not have an airport, but is has a very nice heliport that is one of the busiest of the all the heliports. Every hour several choppers fly to and from Nice airport to pick up the few people who can afford a house in the nicer parts of the city.

Aerosoft Monaco 2005, follows in the footsteps of Manhattan, the best selling product in our online shop. Clearly for a niche market, as there is no way to even land a Super Cub in Monaco (okay, if you’ve got floats), but if you like your choppers you will find this a very exiting scenery. With the manual and the included charts you are able to fly the complex route to Nice Airport, and we’ll even provide a nice repaint of the Robinson in the colors of the exclusive Aeroclub de Monaco. Or you could take the short trip between the heliport (in stunning detail) and the Lady Moura, one of the top ten biggest private ships ever built, which also has a large helideck. The night effects are also stunning, and because Monaco is perched on the cliffs of the Med and the lights and streets go up the mountains, the first time you fly a night approach to LNMC heliport is a very strange feeling, but a stunning sight for sure.

For further information about the product, please visit: http://aerosoft-shop.com/product_info.php?products_id=102

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FS Addon Manager: The real timesaver with your flight simulator 2004 addons!

FS Addon Manager is a great new Software for managing addons to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. You may easily import your existing Aircraft, Panels, Sounds and Sceneries. You may assign panels and sounds to aircraft as you whish. FS-AOM is a real timesaver when it comes to install new aircraft and sceneries directly from distribution ZIP files you may have downloaded. With the unique ZIP Browser you can look into the ZIP file, display the included pictures as well as the contained aircraft variants and read the docs, all before you actually install it. With the new Option Installer, within seconds you add textures (liveries, repaints), models, sounds etc. to your aircraft directly from the downloaded ZIPs. You may even add or remove aircraft variants as you whish. Thanks to the built-in ZIP routines no separate software such as WinZIP is required! The comprehensive Hangar management allows you to manage and configure your addons off your live FS2004 installation. Completing your collection with pictures is a snap: FS-AOM can take screenshots directly from your FS-2004 window, you may paste them from then clipboard or insert them from a file using the built-in Picture Browser! Ordering your aircraft collection has never been as easy: create as many categories as you whish and drag'n drop your planes to as many categories as you want. You'll be amazed!

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Battle of Britain II Limited Edition

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Wilco Fleet : A400M, The New Generation Airlifter !

The A400M was designed according to the joint prerequisites from the seven countries participating in the project (Germany, Belgium, Spain, France, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom and Turkey). The aircraft will cover different tactical transport, logistical, humanitarian and peace-keeping needs. A400M offers to the air transport world a modern, multi-role airlifter which will replace the ageing fleets of C-130 Hercules and C-160 Transall in service with the air forces around the world.

This new aircraft guarantees far superior performance and characteristics as compared to competitors : double load capacity, greater cruising speed and range, optimum capabilities for low-altitude flights.

Equipped with four high speed turboprop engines, it will feature a cargo capacity of 37 tons over 3,550 nm at a maximum cruise speed of mach 0.72. Its design will enable it to operate in areas with deficient infrastructure and on short/unpaved runways. It will also be able to refuel and be refueled in flight. So far, 180 A400M have already been ordered.

GENERAL FEATURES

• Highly detailed replica of the Airbus A400M
• GMax exterior/interior models
• Complete and detailed 2D cockpit
• 3D Interactive Virtual Cockpit, fully clickable
• Outstanding 3D Cabin, fully textured
• NEW : Detailed interior : cargo/transporter for humanitarian/medical operations
• Wingview
• Different liveries : Unicef, refuelling, Red Cross, camouflage, Coast Guard,…
• Frame-rate friendly with different aircraft variants included (with/without interior, cockpit and virtual cabin) for various computer performances
• Easy-to-use Paint Kit to create your own airlines

Some features may not be correctly rendered. Wilco Fleet : A400M has been developed within the limits of confidentiality.

For further information, please visit: http://www.wilcopub.com

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X-Plane® "Isère" scenery available

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PILOT'S - SR71 Stealth Released For FS2004

• It was world record holder in speed (mach 3.31).
• It operated in altitudes which weren't even believed by air traffic controllers guiding the aircraft.
• Pilot: Radar, Good Day, Airforce Blackbird, request FL 600
• Controller (with a chuckle): Sir, if you can reach, you are cleared FL 600
• Pilot: US Air Force Blackbird, leaving FL 800, decending Level 600
• It set the altitude record in horizontal flight when it flew at 85069ft in July 1976.
• It is powered by two Pratt&Whittney J-58 turbojet engines. In fact, the aircraft was designed and built "around" them.
• Although it flew three times the speed of sound, jet engines can only operate by taking in air, which is subsonic.
  The spikes at the front of the engine are designed to slow down the air.
• Its fuel is JP-7, which is low volatile Jet Propellant Type 7, to allow the SR71 to fly in the heat generated by its speed.
  This fuel is ignited by reaction with triethyl borane, which on the other hand is so volatile, that it will ignite spontaneously in plain air!

You see, the SR71 is an aircraft with attitude! And you can operate it now within your FS2004 environment!

Main features:

• Fully working Afterburners with modelled FX file for exact looks
• The aircraft leaks on the ground ... check at screenshots! Again we have designed a special FX file to get that to work.
  Watch the puddle grow beneath the aircraft!
• Moving Spikes according to speed. Engine Spikes move in when speed increases ...
• Animated exhaust
• Animated pilots
• Animated cockpitdoors
• Animated realistic drag-chute for brakeing
• functional 2D panel (enhanced for Online Flying and fully mouse usable!)
• functional animated VC
• prepared for future feature upgrades (such as, but not limited to inflight refueling, fuel dump, etc)
• realistic startup sounds
• sounds differ inside - outside the aircraft
• comes in several liveries - register your serial number and get even more liveries!
• designed to fly at mach 3.3 and FL 850

For further information, please visit: http://secure.simmarket.com

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Helicopteros del Sureste orders cueSim Flight Training Device (FTD)


cueSim has announced that Helicopteros del Sureste (HSE) has ordered a cueSim BELL 412 Helicopter Flight Training Device (FTD). The order, which includes a comprehensive spares and support package, will help to place HSE in a leading position for the provision of helicopter flight training in Spain.

The order for the BELL 412 follows the recent UK CAA qualification of the Bond Air Services EC 135 FTD, which was also supplied by cueSim. cueSim's extensive use of Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) technology and modular software design means that there will be a high degree of commonality between the EC 135 and BELL 412 training devices, despite the different aircraft internal layouts. This also means that this same approach can be used to allow cueSim to readily provide FTDs for other, different helicopter types.

cueSim's commercial director, Paul Read, said, "This is an important order for cueSim, it builds on the success of the Bond EC135 FTD, and firmly establishes us as the leading supplier of high-fidelity, cost-effective, helicopter training devices. HSE are an important helicopter operator in the region and we very much see this as the start of a long-term relationship."

cueSim was formed in 2002 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of QinetiQ, Europe's largest science and technology organisation. It serves civil and military customers worldwide, providing a range of high quality, affordable, advanced simulation products and services.

For further information, please visit: http://www.qinetiq.com

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Finnair Places Order for Embraer Simulator

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CAE awarded contracts for Austria’s Eurofighter simulator

Montreal, September 19, 2005 – (NYSE: CGT; TSX: CAE) – CAE has been awarded contracts by Eurofighter Simulation Systems valued at more than C$10 million to provide a visual system, synthetic environment software, and support services to Austria’s Eurofighter full-mission simulator.

CAE will provide a 13-channel CAE Medallion-S™ visual system for Austria’s Eurofighter full-mission simulator. In addition, CAE will deliver the Eurofighter-specific synthetic environment using the CAE STRIVE™ simulation development framework.

The CAE Medallion-S visual system is being used on all Eurofighter Aircrew Synthetic Training Aids requiring a visual solution, including full-mission simulators and cockpit trainer/interactive pilot stations. CAE is currently delivering visual systems for Eurofighter training devices being stationed at training bases for the four original Eurofighter partner nations: the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

“The visual system requirements for the Eurofighter program have clearly established CAE’s Medallion-S image generator as the choice for high-performance fighter jet training applications,” said Donald W. Campbell, CAE’s Group President, Military Simulation and Training. “We continue to make significant investments in our visual system capabilities to help ensure the mission readiness of aircrews flying the latest generation combat aircraft.”

Eurofighter Simulation Systems will deliver the Eurofighter full-mission simulator equipped with CAE’s Medallion-S visual system to the Austrian Air Force in early 2007. CAE is a leading provider of simulation and modelling technologies as well as integrated training services for commercial and business aviation, and defence customers worldwide. The company has annual revenues of approximately C$1 billion, with operations and training facilities in 17 countries on five continents.

For further information, please contact: http://www.cae.com

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CAE wins orders worth C$58 million for full-flight simulators and training devices

Montreal, September 21, 2005 – (NYSE: CGT; TSX: CAE) – CAE has been awarded contracts for four new full-flight simulators and other training devices by several airlines around the world. At list prices (and including some buyer-furnished equipment), the total value of the contracts is approximately C$58 million.

Longstanding CAE customer Japan Airlines International has ordered three CAE-built Boeing 737 NG full-flight simulators, which are scheduled to be delivered to the carrier’s training centre at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport progressively over a 12-month period, beginning in spring of 2007. These simulators will include electric motion system technology.

Finnish national carrier Finnair has purchased a CAE-built EMBRAER 170 full-flight simulator and an accompanying CAE Simfinity™ EMBRAER 170 flight management systems trainer. The simulator is slated for installation in Finnair’s training centre in Helsinki, Finland, in summer of 2006.

All four of the simulators are Level D -- the highest level performance rating for flight training equipment given by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration – and will be equipped with the CAE Tropos™ visual system, which uses satellite imagery as well as sophisticated weather and lighting effects to provide realistic training scenarios for pilots.

Air New Zealand has also purchased a CAE Simfinity Boeing 777 integrated procedures trainer.

“In this competitive market, we are proud to continue building on our relationships with such longstanding customers such as Japan Airlines International, Finnair and Air New Zealand,” said Marc Parent, CAE’s Group President, Simulation Products. “These orders say a great deal about the quality of CAE’s equipment and the company’s ability to offer a wide range of solutions.”

For further information, please contact: http://www.cae.com

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2007 Introduction by HELISIM of a New Full Flight Level D Simulator
for the Eurocopter EC 225 and EC 725 Helicopters

In keeping with its development plan, HELISIM will offer customers a new Full Flight Level D simulator for the Eurocopter EC 225 and EC 725 helicopters in 2007.This is a key step for HELISIM, which had finalized Phase 1 of the plan following the qualification of its 4th simulator (EC 155) in June 2004. Thanks to the new simulator, HELISIM will be able to kick off Phase 2, in line with the commercial strategy adopted by Eurocopter with regard to the development of products and services for the customers.

Picture provided and copyrighted by Eric RAZ - Eurocopter

Since 2002, HELISIM has successively been awarded Level D qualifications for the Super Puma MK1, Super Puma MKII, Dauphin N 2 and EC 155 helicopters from the Eurocopter stable.

ch full flight simulator has a common 6-axis motion base, and a high resolution collimated display with a field of view of 200° x 60°. The database, which is especially designed for helicopter flight, is able to generate all types of weather conditions and special effects, and is supported by a worldwide database of the airports and navigation aids.

Special attention has been paid to realism for providing outstanding quality in the training sequences. In addition, both cabins and visual systems are NVG-compatible systems, and real 3rd generation goggles are used for training.

In 2004, HELISIM provided 7,000 hours' simulation training to close to 700 pilots.Currently, more than 100 customers are undergoing training at HELISIM, where increasingly stringent requirements are being applied for training and flight safety. The company's customer portfolio includes most of the offshore customers, along with private, VIP, and government operators, and military customers from many armies, air forces and navies.

HELISIM, which is a subsidiary of EUROCOPTER, THALES SERVICES and DCI (Defense Conseil International), is the world leader of FFS Level D training for Eurocopter helicopters.HELISIM is located close to Marignane Airport, just beside EUROCOPTER's main facilities.

For more information, please contact:
HELISIM
Charles LEBOT: Tel: (33) 4 42 77 39 02 - e-mail: [email protected]

EUROCOPTER
Jean-Louis Espes: Tel: (33) 4 42 85 95 55 - e-mail: [email protected]

Website: http://www.eurocopter.com

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The Civil Aviation Administration of China
certifies the Mechtronix Systems full flight simulator to the highest standards

Ascent® FFS XTM Meets CAAC Level D Standards for FFS,
Operated by One of the World's Largest Pilot Training Organizations,
The Civil Aviation Flight University of China

MONTREAL, 6 Sept. 2005 - On August 14th 2005, the Ascent® FFS XTM Boeing 737-800 Full Flight Simulator received Level D certification by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), conforming to the requirements of GB/T 15025-94 flight simulator standards of the People's Republic of China. This announcement was made following a speech by the Honourable Jean-C. Lapierre, Minister of Transport, to launch the Canada-China Aviation Symposium in Beijing on September 1, 2005.

Ascent Flight Trainer - Picture provided and copyrighted by MECHTRONIX

This is the first Mechtronix Ascent® FFS XTM to receive CAAC approval and meet the highest level of fidelity for Full Flight Simulators. The Ascent® FFS XTM is installed at one of the world's largest pilot training organizations, the Flight Simulator Training Center of Civil Aviation Flight University of China (CAFUC) in Guanghan, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.

In compliance with the respective regulations of China and Canada, it can be noted that the FFS was certified Level D earlier this year by Transport Canada as well. Furthermore, this device was also manufactured to Level D standards as defined in the FAA AC-120-40C.

"This achievement further confirms that Mechtronix Systems is offering the highest quality flight simulation devices and is delivering the most advanced flight training technology available," said Executive Vice President Li Shuwen of CAFUC. "We will work with Mechtronix in order to continue providing the best flight training solutions for our pilots."

"Mechtronix is excited to have obtained CAAC certification for a device designed and manufactured in compliance with the standards of civil aviation in China," said Xavier Hervé, President of Mechtronix Systems. "This certification is a great accomplishment for us. We look forward to continue working with CAFUC and the growing number of airlines of China."

About Mechtronix Systems Inc. (MSI)
Born out of the micro-processor revolution in the early 80s, MSI is a privately held company headquartered in Montreal, Canada, one of North America's aerospace clusters. Over the last 15 years, MSI has developed the resources and the capabilities to be able to design intelligent machines, such as flight simulators. Relying on its unique and economically advantageous design fabrication process, MSI is one of the world's fastest growing providers of flight training equipment and the only manufacturer which actively services the entire aviation industry, including the commercial and general aviation markets. Its worldwide customers include Alitalia, Japan Airlines, Copa Airlines, CAFUC of China and Northwest Airlines. MSI's newest addition to the Ascent® Series is the FFS XTM Full Flight Simulator, including the Zero and Non-Zero Flight time configurations.

For more information, please contact:
Xavier Hervé - President, Mechtronix Systems Inc.
[email protected]
Website: http://www.mechtronix.ca

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The Civil Aviation Flight University of China signs contract
for additional flight simulation equipment during
the 2005 Mission Québec to China

Québec Premier Jean Charest Joins Mechtronix and CAFUC at the Beijing Air Show for Contract Signing

BEIJING- Sept. 23, 2005 – Mechtronix Systems, a fast growing provider of flight training equipment worldwide, today announced that it has signed a contract for the order of three Ascent® Cessna 172 Skyhawk (C172) Flight Training Devices (FTDs) to the Civil Aviation Flight University of China CAFUC). The C172 FTDs will be used for entrylevel pilot training and installed at the various Training Centers of CAFUC in the People’s Republic of China.

“We greatly appreciate Mechtronix’s donation to CAFUC and look forward to deploying the new simulator in our expanding flight training program,” said Buke Chen, Vice-President of CAFUC. “We are very pleased with Mechtronix’s commitment to providing the highest quality service and technology in flight simulation.”

“We greatly value our growing bond of trust that we have forged with CAFUC,” said Xavier Hervé, President of Mechtronix Systems. “We consider the donation a great investment in the future of flight education and civil aviation in China and we are honored to have Québec Premier Jean Charest present at the signing of our latest contract with CAFUC.”

About Mechtronix Systems Inc. (MSI)
Born out of the micro-processor revolution in the early 80s, MSI is a privately held company headquartered in Montreal, Canada, one of North America’s aerospace clusters. Over the last 15 years, MSI has acquired the resources and the capabilities to be able to design intelligent machines, such as flight simulators. Relying on its unique and economically advantageous design fabrication process, MSI is one of the world's fastest growing providers of flight training equipment and the only manufacturer which actively services the entire aviation industry, including both commercial and general aviation markets. Its worldwide customers include Alitalia, CAFUC, Copa Airlines, Japan Airlines and Northwest Airlines. MSI’s newest addition to the Ascent® Series is the FFS XTM full flight simulator, including the Zero and Non-Zero Flight time configurations.

For more information, please contact:
Xavier Hervé - President, Mechtronix Systems Inc.
[email protected]
Website: http://www.mechtronix.ca

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