The IFTS, located at the Italian Air Force base in Decimomannu (Cagliari, Italy), is the result of a strategic partnership between Leonardo and the Italian Air Force, aimed at the establishment of an advanced flight training centre for military pilots from the world's air forces. Within it, an international team of instructor pilots and technical personnel operates, training students on phase 4 "Lead-In to Fighter Training - LIFT", the most advanced part of the training syllabus, preparing the way for subsequent deployment on fighter aircraft.
The International Flight Training School headquarters in Decimomannu
During their visit to the campus, Klaus and Surry were given the opportunity to experience the principal technologies that make the IFTS's activities possible. Guided step-by-step by instructors and specialised personnel, they tested first-hand the different types of simulators. In Decimomannu, indeed, ground and in-flight training are closely combined: the real and the virtual come together in a unique simulation environment with a shared training scenario. It is a tactical type of training that involves trainees on the ground and pilots in the air, with the supervision of an instructor who defines the degree of complexity by integrating disruptive elements.
Training in Live, Virtual and Constructive environment
After experiencing the simulators first-hand, the two content creators attended various briefings, during which instructors provided the students with the necessary guidelines and information in view of an upcoming flight exercise. During the test, carried out on board the M-346 aircraft, student was engaged in an air refueling mission, an operation that involves transferring fuel from one aircraft, called an “air tanker”, to another while both are in flight.