Slovenian company develops new aerial firefighting simulator

The aviation technology and precision mechanics company AFormX has developed a new aerial firefighting simulator for the air tractor aircraft.

The device can be used to train pilots in Slovenia and other countries, with the company focusing on the Adriatic region, CE Report quotes The Slovenia Times.

The simulator can help train pilots in countries where the air tractor aircraft are used, AFormX director Sašo Knez said. Slovenia purchased this type of aircraft in the wake of the 2022 devastating wildfire in the Kras region in a bid to strengthen its firefighting capacity.

AFormX has its own flight school.

"Our simulators are actually used in practice, which means that users return to us for improvements and new features."

At the beginning of this year it was announced that the Slovenian Armed Forces (SAF) obtained cutting-edge virtual and mixed reality simulators developed by the Defence Ministry and AFormX.

The ministry now wishes to build on the tactical flight simulator in another project, which is currently in the works, Knez told the Slovenian Press Agency (STA).

Focusing on Adriatic region

Regarding its latest simulator, AFormX sees the Adriatic region as a huge opportunity. New generations wanting to train as aerial firefighting pilots are coming and there is a great demand for them.

The Trbovlje company can address that directly with its new simulator.

"It is extremely realistic and training on it reduces risks faced when putting out fires at low altitudes in difficult conditions, especially when surrounded by smoke."

AFormX operations are based on two pillars - simulator development and the production of critical composite aircraft structures, also known as airframes.

The latter refers to primary load-bearing parts of aircraft that are constructed from carbon and glass fibres, Knez said.

AFormX operates mainly on the European market, but when it comes to airframes, its customers are mostly based in Slovenia. One of them is US-owned aircraft developer Pipistrel.

However, they are making forays into foreign markets in this segment as well, Knez said, adding that this year they had made a breakthrough in France.

"This is important because the French aviation industry is highly developed."

Dual-use products

Commenting on the EU's current defence spending wave and push for dual-use technologies, the AFormX director noted that their products can be used for civilian and military purposes.

The company currently employs some 20 people and is very proud of its talent recruiting policy and internal training schemes.

A couple of months ago, they took part in SIDEC, Slovenia's first international defence industry fair, where they showcased their tactical flight simulator.

"Visitors to the fair were able to enjoy a simulation experience, a device normally used by SAF pilots on AS532 Cougar helicopters. We're very proud that the simulator was occupied throughout the fair."

Visitors loved the experience, Knez said but added in jest that they also "destroyed" quite a few virtual helicopters.

Photo: Daniel Novakovič/STA