The Ukrainian Air Force has taken a significant step forward by deploying a full-fledged F-16 simulator, a gift from the Czech Republic.

The new simulator will serve as a critical tool in preparing Ukrainian pilots for combat operations, both on the ground and in the air, the future introduction of F-16 aircraft into their fleet.

The first full-fledged F-16 simulator in Ukraine arrived at one of the tactical aviation brigades, and specialists have already begun the task of assembling and preparing the main module for operation.

This preparation includes the installation of the hydraulics and cockpit, with further batches of such simulators anticipated for Ukrainian pilots.

On Monday, May 20, the Ukrainian Air Force released additional footage of the new simulator.

Experts and pilots alike shared their impressions of the equipment, it will significantly improve their ability to effectively engage and destroy targets.

There is clear optimism that the simulator will aid Ukrainian pilots in bettering their combat mission performance with future F-16 aircraft.

The head of the simulator maintenance team, Dmytro, with over two decades of experience with Su and MiG flight simulators, highlighted the state-of-the-art nature of the F-16 simulator.

He noted, “Realistic sensations, g-force, a huge selection of maps, modes, scenarios, the ability to practice the use of various weapons, simulate actions in emergency situations… This is really a completely different level of technology.”

Dmytro also remarked on the ease of maintaining modern simulators compared to their older counterparts, recalling the cumbersome computer components and cable plans of the Soviet era.

“I remember well the simulators which computer component took up several dozen cabinets 15 meters long, and what difficulties we had when something went wrong with such a simulator. Or simulators with a cable plan that weight of one and a half tons, which is loaded into the ZIL truck,” says Dmytro.

The introduction of the F-16 simulator is seen as a transition to more advanced and cost-effective training solutions, such as virtual or fixed reality systems that offer pilots more realistic conditions.

The Ukrainian Air Force is actively analyzing such possibilities to ensure that pilots are equipped with the best possible training tools.

The Air Force points out that “F-16s will soon be in service with our brigades, so there is no other way out but to switch to new simulators.

“Of course, ‘one simulator is not a warrior in the field,’ and this is just the beginning. In the near future, all tactical aviation brigades will be equipped with such platforms,” the Armed Forces of Ukraine said.

Relevant articles:
– ​Ukrainian Military Shares Impressions of F-16 Simulator Handed Over by Czechia, Defense Express
– “There is a real feeling of real flight”: the Air Force told about practicing combat missions on the F-16 simulator, Українські національні новини