Telangana approves indigenous flight simulators, to end dependence on US, Europe imports

Hyderabad: The State government is working towards spearheading the development of next-generation Full Motion Flight Simulators. The simulators will be made available for all kinds of aircraft, including passenger aircraft, fighter aircraft and helicopters.

In a public note, the government said that the flight simulators through T-Works will be a landmark milestone for its role in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, with its production of drones, missiles, fighter jet components and other advanced systems.

Does India employ flight simulators?

India currently imports all the Level-D Full Flight Simulators for the passenger aircraft.

Until recently, the armed forces had to rely on costly imports from the United States and Europe for pilot training simulators. This dependence is set to end, as India not only moves towards self-reliance but also prepares to emerge as an exporter of cutting-edge simulation technology, the government said.

What is the role of flight simulators in training pilots?

Flight simulators are vital for pilot training, creating a fully immersive environment that replicates the experience of flying a real aircraft.

From take-offs and landings to inverted manoeuvres and high-risk aerial tactics, trainees can master every aspect of aviation within a controlled environment. Equipped with advanced electronic and automated systems identical to those in modern jets, the simulators use expansive semi-circular screens to project dynamic visuals, giving pilots an authentic sense of flight.

Which company will take up production of flight simulators and what is the investment?

Axial Aero Private Limited, an IDEX winner and incubated at T-Works, is ready to begin commercial production.

The company received a Minimum Purchase Quantity to deliver five flight simulators within the next three years. While imported simulators currently cost around Rs 50 crore each, Axial Aero will provide them at a far more competitive price of Rs 25–30 crore, without compromising on sophistication or performance.

Minister Duddilla Sridhar waves green flag for homegrown simulators

During a recent visit to T-Works, Telangana IT and Industries Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu reviewed the project and applauded the engineers for their innovation. He urged them to fast-track production and ensure Hyderabad establishes itself as a global leader in advanced defence technologies

A defining feature of these simulators is their superiority over imported models, the press note said. The simulators being developed by Axial Aero have a Stewart platform that can rotate 360 degrees.

Existing Stewarts systems allow only a 30-degree tilt from the base, whereas Axial Aero’s design incorporates a 360-degree unlimited motion platform, enabling full-motion simulation.

This breakthrough allows pilots to practice the complete range of manoeuvres required in flight, offering a far more realistic and effective training experience.