28 Mar 25. Next-Gen Flight Simulator for Tactical sUAS Released. PDW has launched a flight simulator aiming to set a new standard for tactical sUAS operator training, enabling the rehearsal of realistic mission scenarios in diverse environments. Performance Drone Works (PDW) has released the PDW SIM, a state-of-the-art flight simulator, setting a new standard for tactical drone training. Designed to enhance training and mission readiness for sUAS operators, PDW SIM enables operators to train and rehearse hyper-realistic mission scenarios in diverse environments, weather conditions, unforeseen obstacles, and operational challenges, ensuring they are fully equipped for the most demanding missions. PDW SIM combines dynamic 3D maps built from real-world geospatial data with synthetic elements, physics-accurate flight dynamics, and customizable environments, allowing warfighters and public safety professionals to train anywhere, anytime—without airspace restrictions or logistical constraints. With PDW SIM, operators can rehearse missions while encountering operational challenges such as signal loss, interference, and battery limitations, reinforcing critical decision-making under pressure. Traditional live-flight training is costly, resource-intensive, and often constrained by airspace and environmental limitations. PDW SIM offers a scalable, cost-effective alternative, reducing training time by an average of 50% and costs by 88% all while improving readiness for live operations. With on demand access, operators have flexible access to training, ensuring operators stay sharp and ready for any challenge.
PDW SIM key features:
* Realistic Flight Dynamics: Precision-tuned physics model mirrors real-world aircraft-specific performance for authentic flight control.
* Mission Rehearsal Capabilities: Train and practice in realistic environments, from restricted airspaces to complex operational terrains.
* Augmented Reality Training: Blend synthetic elements with real-world data for enhanced situational awareness.
* Adaptable Training Environments: Customize scenarios to match operational needs, from urban landscapes to remote locations.
* Operational Challenge Simulations: Train for real-world challenges such as signal interference and battery performance limits.
* Seamless Software & Hardware Integration: PDW SIM will interface with ATAK and other mission-critical platforms, enabling collaborative planning and execution.
Ryan Gury, co-founder and CEO of PDW, commented, “Small robotics now dominate the modern battlefield, and tactical maneuver units must be prepared to deploy and operate them with precision. PDW SIM provides an unparalleled training environment that allows tactical drone operators to rehearse missions in realistic conditions, ensuring they are fully equipped for complex operational challenges.
“By integrating real-world geospatial data, enabling augmented reality training, and seamless compatibility with mission-critical tools like ATAK, PDW SIM bridges the gap between virtual training environment and reality, giving warfighters a decisive advantage.”
(Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
03 Apr 25. Affinity Flying Training Services (Affinity), a leading UK aircraft supply and servicing provider, today announced that it has facilitated 80,000 flying hours, playing a key role in supporting future generations of pilots. This achievement reflects the business’ continued commitment to supporting the RAF and UK Ministry of Defence (MoD)’s pilot training pipeline, helping shape the future of military aviation by preparing the next generation of pilots for the frontline. The success comes off the back of a promising start to the year, which has seen the business consistently deliver airworthy aircraft across its three bases in RAF Valley, RAF Cranwell and RAF Barkston Heath – spanning across the UK. Central to this accomplishment is Affinity’s Operations team which each day plays an integral role in ensuring the seamless execution of each flight, as well as the wider Affinity team which coordinates engineers across each location to make aircraft available to propel prospective pilots through to the next stages of their training pipeline. At its core, Affinity is a dependable partner in aviation, able to consistently deliver mission-critical precision and reliability. Reaching this milestone is a testament to the excellence of Affinity’s engineering team, which earlier in the year announced that it is now Part-145 CAA approved. This, alongside its 2022 UK CAA Part CAMO Certification, reinforces business’ safety-first approach to deliver to its customers in defence and aerospace. Affinity maintains a close partnership with Ascent and the RAF, servicing the fixed-wing planes for the initial stages of the MoD’s Military Flying Training System (MFTS). Having delivered 80,000 flying training hours since 2017, the business continues to focus on improvement via innovation, pioneering new technologies to maximise training data to increase efficiency. In this way, Affinity is positioned at the forefront of UK aviation engineering services.
Commenting on the business’ recent success, Affinity’s Managing Director, Iain Chalmers stated: “Reaching this milestone is a remarkable achievement that underscores our commitment to excellence and safety in aviation. We focus on hiring the right people at Affinity and I am proud of the hard work and dedication of our entire team. As we look ahead to the future, we are excited to continue innovating and pushing the boundaries of aviation, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the industry”.
01 Apr 25. US Navy intends to select T-45C Goshawk replacement by January 2027. The US Navy (USN) hopes to release a request for proposals (RFP) to replace the Boeing/BAE Systems T-45C Goshawk by December 2025, with a contract award planned for January 2027, according to a request for information (RFI) released on 31 March. The new RFI replaces one released in September 2023. It includes a section detailing live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) training, and strikes a requirement to operate on aircraft carriers. LVC training ranges from networking simulators such that crew members at separate locations can ‘fly’ together, to adding computer-simulated enemy aircraft into actual flights. LVC training allows crew members to practice dangerous or aircraft-stressing manoeuvres in a simulator rather than a real aircraft. It can also help crew practice against threats that are difficult to simulate, such as large-scale air battles or threats from foreign air-defence systems. Training programmes worldwide incorporate LVC elements. Aircraft will also not be required to operate from aircraft carriers, according to the RFI. Aircraft carrier operations currently mark a significant milestone in navy pilot training.
“Due to advancements in operational platform landing modes and in ground-based simulation, the UJTS [Undergraduate Jet Training System] air vehicle will only be required to conduct Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) to wave off,” the RFI stated. (Source: Janes)