330-PSA-75-61 (USN 710881):  Navy Gets First Helicopter Simulator.  The Navy has accepted delivery of its first helicopter flight and weapons system simulator – a training device that duplicates, while on the ground, the full performance range of the all-weather HSS-2 Sikorsky helicopter.  The HSS-2 is equipped with the AN/AQS-10 sonar and is designed as an advanced system for anti-submarine warfare.  It is scheduled to become operational this year.  The helicopter weapons system trainer, the first ever to be produced, was designed and built by Melpar, Inc., Falls Church, Virginia, veteran builder of flight simulators, under contract to U.S. Naval Training Device Center, an activity of the Office of Naval Research. The HSS-2, which can be operated during daylight, night or instrument flight conditions, is capable of carrying out such ASW tasks as detection, tracking and destruction of enemy submarines as well as sea rescue services and visual reconnaissance.  A high degree of skill is required of the crew, (pilot, co-pilot and two sonarmen), to execute these missions.   The simulator will be used to train crews for all phases of tactical missions, including communications, navigation, ASW research procedures, target tracking, detection and classification, and the delivery of weapons.  The cockpit, sonar, and flight control equipment in the trailer duplicate exactly the actual helicopter.  The simulator is housed in two mobile, air-conditioned trailers.  One unit, 40 feet long, houses the trainee’s compartment and the two instructor’s stations.  The other is a 32-foot equipment trailer containing power supply and computer equipment and facilities for trainer repair and maintenance.   Photograph released April 17, 1961.  (9/15/15).
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