High G-force training system on way for fighter pilots

LONDON, March 15 (UPI) -- Thales and Austria-headquartered AMST are collaborating to develop a high G-force training service for fast-jet pilots.

The development work, taking place at a Royal Air Force installation in Britain, is to improve pilot skills safety in performing high G-force advanced maneuvers with rapid, multi-axis motions -- actions that expose pilots to new combinations of high acceleration and rotational motion.

Thales is the prime contractor under the $63.1 million award from Britain's Ministry of Defense and will conduct the design, build and operation of the training service, which is set to open in 2018.

AMST will provide the design, technical and engineering capability for a human training centrifuge, which allows pilots to build and maintain their ability to withstand high G-force in a safe environment.

"The relationship between Thales and AMST is built on our complimentary capabilities and we are delighted that this has been recognized by the UK MoD in the award of this contract," said Peter Hitchcock, Thales vice president in charge of avionics activities.