Elite Simulation Solutions partnered with Flight1 Aviation Technologies to introduce the Elite RC-1V (Victor), a new VFR ab initio flight training device specifically designed to meet the needs of middle and high school technical and magnet programs, Civil Air Patrol organizations, and flight schools and training academies that offer primary flight training.
The RC-1 Victor, introduced April 13 at the Sun ‘n Fun International Fly-In and Expo, is based on Microsoft’s ESP software. It incorporates Flight1’s high-fidelity aero model, a high-resolution instrument panel on a 22-inch widescreen liquid crystal display, an intuitive “touch screen” instructor/operator station, and a fully enclosed cabin with Elite’s avionics and flight controls. Three high-definition, 52-inch LCDs will immerse students in the world of VFR flight.
“From startup to shutdown, from navigating taxiway signage to pilotage, the RC-1V is an incredible learning system,” said John Dixon, Elite’s CEO. “Combining Flight 1’s Microsoft ESP capability with Elite trainer technology delivers a new generation of tools embedded with legacy trainers being proven by thousands of pilots and soon-to-be pilots.”
“Elite Simulation Solutions is one of most experienced and respected simulation providers in the professional training industry,” said Jim Rhoads, vice president of Flight1 Aviation Technologies. “Our combined strengths and experience will provide potential customers with an extremely high-fidelity solution that is both flexible and affordable.”
To provide customers with greater flexibility, the RC-1 Victor is also available with an FAA-certified RC-1 advanced aviation training device (AATD) IFR add-on package. Future plans include lesson scenarios, adventure flying, and multi-pilot interaction, Dixon said. “This new product is another in our expanding line, demonstrating our commitment to providing advanced, service-enabled solutions to our customers.”
Elite also announced four new Garmin 430 and 530 Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) options for AATDs. They are available in two configurations, employing either the actual Garmin GNS 430 or 530 WAAS GPS or the virtual GNS 430 or 530 WAAS GPS by Elite/Reality XP. Dixon said the company is offering the hardware and virtual GPS options so that customers can choose the solution that best fits their specific needs. “The virtual GPS gives the same fidelity and functionality as the real ones except the control modules are manufactured by Elite and are separate from the display. But since the virtual GPS units are less than one-third the cost of the real unit, it has tremendous value when budgets are an issue,” he said.
