HATSOFF is a joint venture between Indian aerospace manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. and simulation company CAE. The India Defence website reports the HATSOFF facility opened in 2010, with a goal of being fully operational by the end of that year and training around 400 helicopter pilots annually.
HATSOFF trains helicopter pilots using computer simulations in a re-creation of a helicopter cockpit. CAE varies the cockpit configurations to meet the training needs of the individual pilot. In 2010 HATSOFF provided training in Bell 412 and Eurocopter Dauphin helicopters, in both civil and military versions.
Computer simulations provide helicopter pilots with training exercises ranging from helicopter taxi through cruising to landing, according to CAE. For military purposes HATSOFF training includes mission rescues, emergency medical service operations and hovering in congested areas.
