Qatari Amiri Air Force opens AW139 helicopter simulation ctr

DOHA, Nov 5 (KUNA) -- The Qatar's Amiri Air Force launched Sunday a sophisticated AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters simulating center.
In a press statement, the Qatari Defense Ministry stated that the center was inaugurated at Al-Udeid airbase in a ceremony also attended by the visiting Turkish Defense Minister Nurettin Canikli.
The 3D simulators, developed by the Turkey's state-controlled military industries company Havelsan, would be used to train pilots and crew members on flying the multi-task helicopters at different weather conditions.
The cost-effective technology would also save the Qatari Air Force about 3,800 hours of training and help enhance the efficiency of its pilots.
The AgustaWestland AW139 is a 15-seat medium-sized twin-engined helicopter developed and produced principally by AgustaWestland. It is marketed at several different roles, including VIP/corporate transport, offshore transport, firefighting, law enforcement, search and rescue, emergency medical service, disaster relief, and maritime patrol. (end) nnd.ibi